Prof. Hako Touko | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Professor | The Faculty of Agronomy and agricultural Sciences of the University of Dschang | Cameroon

Prof. Hako Touko is a highly respected academic and researcher in the fields of animal breeding, genetics and production systems. His scholarly journey reflects a strong commitment to the development of sustainable livestock production and the preservation of indigenous genetic resources. Over the course of his career, he has held significant academic and leadership positions, including professorship at the University of Dschang and deanship at the Catholic University Institute of Buea. In addition to his academic responsibilities, he has contributed to regional and continental initiatives, serving as a consultant for the African Union and collaborating with leading international organizations. His work integrates scientific innovation with practical solutions aimed at food security, poverty alleviation and climate resilience in resource-constrained contexts. Prof. Hako Touko’s impact extends beyond Cameroon, as his contributions to phenotyping, genetic coding, and climate-smart breeding programs provide a model for livestock development across Africa. By bridging research, innovation and policy, he continues to shape the future of animal agriculture while fostering partnerships that strengthen local farming systems. His dedication to advancing both knowledge and practice demonstrates his role as a transformative leader in agricultural sciences and livestock research.

Publication Profile

Scopus | Orcid

Education

Prof. Hako Touko’s academic foundation is marked by a comprehensive progression through zoology, parasitology, genetics and animal production systems. His early training in zoology provided a strong grounding in biological sciences, fostering his interest in the complexity of animal life and the importance of biodiversity. He expanded this foundation by studying parasitology and immunology, where he gained expertise in understanding disease interactions and animal health—an area critical for improving productivity and resilience in livestock populations. Building upon this specialization, he pursued advanced studies in animal genetics and production systems, which equipped him with both theoretical and practical tools to enhance livestock breeding programs. His culminating achievement was a doctoral degree in animal breeding and production systems, where he explored the intersection of genetic diversity, productivity and sustainability in livestock. This multidimensional academic path has given him the rare capacity to approach livestock development holistically, combining knowledge of animal health, genetics and production with a focus on resilience and adaptation. His academic training has thus prepared him to lead groundbreaking research while addressing the interconnected challenges of food security, climate change and rural livelihoods in Africa.

Professional Experience

Prof. Hako Touko’s professional journey reflects a blend of teaching, research, leadership, and consultancy that underscores his influence in agricultural sciences. He has contributed significantly to higher education as a professor at the University of Dschang, where he mentors students, leads research projects and develops programs to address emerging challenges in livestock systems. Beyond academia, he served as Dean of the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the Catholic University Institute of Buea, where his leadership helped shape academic programs and research priorities that align with the needs of communities and industries. His expertise was recognized at a continental level when he was invited to serve as a consultant for the African Union, providing technical insights on animal breeding and production systems that inform policy and practice across member states. His collaborations with global institutions such as the International Livestock Research Institute and the International Foundation for Sciences have further expanded his impact, creating opportunities for resource mobilization and innovation in livestock breeding. Through his career, Prof. Hako Touko has consistently demonstrated the ability to balance scientific rigor with practical outcomes, ensuring that research translates into tangible benefits for society.

Research Interest

Prof. Hako Touko’s research interests lie at the crossroads of animal breeding, genetics and sustainable production systems, with a special focus on indigenous livestock breeds. He is deeply invested in phenotyping and genetic characterization, aiming to unlock the hidden potential of local animal populations that have historically been undervalued. His interest in developing genetic information coding systems for livestock is rooted in the need for accurate data that supports informed breeding decisions, policy formulation and resource allocation. He is also engaged in designing climate-smart breeding programs that integrate resilience, productivity and adaptability, ensuring that local farming communities can withstand environmental changes and disease pressures. His research is inherently interdisciplinary, drawing from genetics, immunology, animal health and agricultural systems to create innovative solutions. By targeting poultry, pigs and cattle, his work addresses both household-level food security and national agricultural priorities. Additionally, he is committed to preserving cultural heritage embedded in indigenous breeds, recognizing their social, economic and ecological importance. His research interest extends beyond technical innovations, as he emphasizes participatory approaches that involve local farmers, policymakers and institutions in the co-creation of sustainable livestock development strategies.

Research Skills

Prof. Hako Touko possesses a diverse range of research skills that enable him to effectively bridge theory and practice in animal sciences. He is highly skilled in phenotyping, genetic characterization and data coding, which allow him to systematically document the genetic and phenotypic diversity of indigenous livestock breeds. His ability to design and implement innovative breeding programs demonstrates his expertise in applying scientific findings to practical agricultural contexts. He has developed competencies in vaccine development and immunological studies, enhancing his ability to integrate animal health considerations into breeding strategies. Beyond laboratory and field research, he excels in project management and collaborative research, having successfully partnered with international organizations and managed multi-stakeholder initiatives. His analytical skills are complemented by his ability to translate complex scientific information into accessible formats for farmers, policymakers and community stakeholders. He is also proficient in designing participatory research frameworks that ensure local communities benefit directly from innovations. These skills make him not only a capable researcher but also an effective change agent in agricultural development. His methodological versatility positions him to tackle contemporary challenges such as climate change, food insecurity and the preservation of biodiversity.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Prof. Hako Touko has received recognition for his academic excellence, research contributions and leadership in agricultural development. His appointment as a consultant for the African Union stands as a testament to his expertise and the trust placed in him at a continental level to shape policies in animal breeding and production. His leadership roles, including his tenure as Dean of the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, highlight the esteem in which he is held by academic peers and institutional stakeholders. His collaborative work with prestigious organizations such as the International Livestock Research Institute and the International Foundation for Sciences further reflects his reputation as an influential scholar and innovator. Membership in professional associations such as the World Poultry Science Association, the Association for the Development of Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Resources and the Cameroon Forum for Biological Sciences also underscores his integration into the global scientific community. These affiliations not only acknowledge his professional standing but also provide platforms for advancing his research agenda. Collectively, these honors demonstrate his contributions to advancing livestock research, building networks and influencing agricultural practice and policy in Cameroon and beyond.

Author Metrics

• Total Citations: 63

• Citing Documents: 61

• Total Publications: 7

• h-index: 4

Publications Top Notes

1. Effect of genetic type and sex on reproductive, growth, survival performance and thermal tolerance index of the local chicken (Gallus gallus) of the Western Highlands of Cameroon
Citations: 8 | Year: 2013

2. Genetic Diversity of the Cameroon Indigenous Chicken Ecotypes
Citations: 26 | Year: 2014

3. Molecular typing of the major histocompatibility complex B microsatellite haplotypes in Cameroon chicken
Citations: 19 | Year: 2015

4. Heritability Estimate for Antibody Response to Vaccination and Survival to a Newcastle Disease Infection of Native chicken in a Low-Input Production System
Citations: 7 | Year: 2021

5. The “Naked neck” gene and the adaptability of the native chicken to heat stress on station in Cameroon
Citations: 4 | Year: 2023

Conclusion

Prof. Hako Touko represents a model of academic leadership, scientific innovation and societal engagement in agricultural sciences. His work embodies a holistic approach to livestock development that recognizes the interconnectedness of genetics, health, environment and livelihoods. Through his research, he has revitalized indigenous livestock breeds, developed innovative genetic coding systems and advanced climate-smart breeding programs that contribute directly to food security and resilience. His academic and professional trajectory demonstrates not only scholarly excellence but also a deep commitment to addressing the real-world challenges faced by farmers and rural communities. By bridging the gap between science and practice, he ensures that knowledge generated in academic settings translates into tangible benefits for society. His collaborations with international institutions, professional memberships, and recognition at both national and continental levels further highlight his role as a global contributor to livestock development. Prof. Hako Touko’s career thus stands as a testament to the power of research and innovation in shaping sustainable futures. His continued dedication promises to leave an enduring legacy for agricultural development, food security and the preservation of biodiversity in Africa and beyond.