Capacity Building in Data Analysis: 20 Young Researchers Trained on R Software in Brazzaville

Addressing a key need: mastering statistical analysis

The main objective of the training was to address a common challenge faced by PhD students in the region — the treatment and statistical analysis of their research data.
Over three days, participants were introduced to the R and RStudio environments, reviewed the basics of descriptive and inferential statistics, and practiced modeling using datasets from forest research projects.
The workshop combined theoretical input with hands-on exercises, fostering a practical, applied learning approach

An experienced teaching team

The training was led by a team of seasoned researchers actively involved in OFVi and R2FAC: Adeline Fayolle (CIRAD), Moses Liballah (University of Yaoundé I), Pierre Ploton (IRD), and Vivien Rossi (CIRAD).
Their complementary expertise helped ground the learning experience in the realities of Central African forest ecosystems.

Tangible benefits for the regional scientific community

Most participants, either OFVi scholarship holders or members of R2FAC institutions, praised the pedagogical clarity and relevance of the content, directly linked to their own research challenges.
For many, it was their first experience with R software—now recognized as an indispensable tool in the global scientific community.

Beyond strengthening participants’ technical skills, the workshop fostered collaboration and networking among young scientists from across the Congo Basin, promoting South–South scientific cooperation.
It represents an important milestone in OFVi’s capacity-building program, which aims to empower a new generation of tropical scientists capable of producing, analyzing, and valorizing their data with rigor and autonomy.

Feedback 

“Statistics make our results more reliable. For us young researchers, it’s a real confidence boost—our analyses are now more structured and credible. Learning R was a first for me, and it’s a real breakthrough. I now feel more comfortable handling data and presenting my results clearly and rigorously. I can’t wait to apply these new skills to my research projects!”

Grace Mercia BOBANGUI, PhD student, Marien Ngouabi University (Faculty of Science and Technology).
OFVi doctoral fellow – Research topic: Temporal and spatial variation of soil respiration in the peatlands of the Congo Basin.

“I now realize how essential R is in the research world. Statistics allow us to objectify our results according to international standards. This training marks a key step in my scientific journey.”
“What I particularly appreciated was the strong cohesion among PhD students from different countries—Gabon, Cameroon, DRC, and Congo. The atmosphere was both serious and warm, beyond the scientific knowledge shared. I was also impressed by the trainers’ high-level expertise and their ability to connect theory with real-world projects, drawing on published studies (see: Wiley Online Library).”
“The progression was well-structured: from fundamentals to advanced tools, up to modeling. We practiced techniques such as the Shapiro-Wilk test to assess data normality (e.g., rainfall, student weights), the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test to compare observed rainfall distributions with theoretical models, and linear modeling applied to tree data (diameter–height relationships). We also explored the concept of model error. It was fascinating!

Abel Bridet MOUYABI NTOYO, PhD student, One Forest Vision fellow, affiliated with the LGBE Laboratory.

Acknowledgments to partners

The One Forest Vision initiative warmly thanks all partners who made this training possible.
Special appreciation goes to the French Embassy in the Republic of Congo for its constant support to scientific development in Central Africa.

The One Forest Vision initiative warmly thanks all partners who made this training possible.
Special appreciation goes to the French Embassy in the Republic of Congo for its constant support to scientific development in Central Africa.

We also extend our thanks to:

• R2FAC, for its scientific and technical co-organization,
• CIRAD and IRD, for mobilizing their trainers and logistical support,
• Marien Ngouabi University, host of several participants,
• As well as to all participating institutions: University of Yaoundé I (Cameroon), University of Kinshasa (DRC), USTM (Gabon) and CIB-OlamAgri.

Finally, OFVi extends its heartfelt thanks to the twenty doctoral students and young professionals for their dedication, commitment, and enthusiasm throughout the workshop.