Fenitra Randrianarimanana | Ethnobotany Award | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Fenitra Randrianarimanana | Ethnobotany Award | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Fenitra Randrianarimanana, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Madagascar

Ms. Fenitra Randrianarimanana is a passionate botanist from Madagascar, specializing in plant systematics and sustainable management. With a BSc in Plant Biology and Ecology, followed by an MSc focusing on the classification of grasses, she embarked on a journey to understand the intricate relationships between plants and their environments. Fluent in French and English, she actively contributes to botanical research as a Junior Botanist at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Madagascar. Her dedication extends to training in ethnobotany, systematic plant collection, and DNA extraction, fostering both academic excellence and practical conservation efforts. 🌿🔬

 

Publication Profile

Orcid

Education

Fenitra Randrianarimanana’s academic journey is deeply rooted in her passion for botany and ecological sustainability. Beginning with a Bachelor’s degree in Plant Biology and Ecology from the University of Antananarivo, Madagascar, she cultivated her interest in understanding plant life and ecosystems. Her quest for knowledge led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Systematics and Sustainable Management of Plant Diversity, further honing her skills in botanical research. With a keen focus on grasses, her MSc dissertation, under the guidance of esteemed mentors, explored farmers’ perceptions of Poaceae crop weeds in the highlands of Madagascar, earning her First Class Honors. Currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Antananarivo, her research aims to enhance smallholder food production resilience through grass classification and molecular identification, underscoring her commitment to sustainable agriculture and conservation. 🌱🎓

 

Employment

Fenitra Randrianarimanana’s role encompasses conducting checklists and taxonomic studies focused on grasses and grass weeds. Her fieldwork spans across multiple protected areas, including Itremo New Protected Area, Ambohidray New Protected Area, and Ankaratra Manjakatompo Protected Area. Employed by both Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Madagascar and the University of Antananarivo, she combines her expertise in botany with a dedication to conservation. Through meticulous research and exploration, she contributes to the understanding and preservation of Madagascar’s unique flora, embodying a commitment to environmental stewardship. 🌿🔍

Teaching Experience

Fenitra Randrianarimanana dedicated her time to environmental education as a volunteer for elementary schools through the “Association Ank’izy.” She passionately shared her knowledge of environmental conservation, instilling a sense of stewardship in young minds. Additionally, she actively participated in environmental protection initiatives with “Namako ny Tany,” contributing to local efforts to preserve Madagascar’s natural heritage. In 2018, she furthered her impact by organizing and participating as a volunteer in Earth Hour activities in Madagascar, advocating for sustainable practices and raising awareness about the importance of protecting the planet. 🌍📚

Research Focus

Fenitra Randrianarimanana’s research focuses on the local perceptions surrounding the benefits and negative impacts of weedy grasses in central Madagascar, with a particular emphasis on the genus Digitaria. Through her work, she delves into the intricate relationship between communities and these grass species, shedding light on how they are perceived and utilized in local contexts. Her investigations contribute to understanding the complex dynamics of human-plant interactions and their implications for both conservation and agriculture in Madagascar. With her dedication to botanical research, she strives to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and community perspectives, fostering a deeper appreciation for the ecological intricacies of grassland ecosystems. 🌾🔬

Publication Top Notes

Local perceptions of the benefits versus negative impacts of weedy grasses in central Madagascar, with a focus on the genus <i>Digitaria</i>

Evolutionary history, traits, and weediness in<i>Digitaria</i>(Poaceae: Panicoideae)