Dr. Ismaila Aderolu
1. PlantDoctor: A Mobile-Based Intelligent Plant Disease Diagnostic System
2. Cockroach milk as a dairy source for ensuring food sustainability and healthy living.
Brief BiographyI
I am Dr. Ismaila Adeniran Aderolu, a passionate entomologist and educator hailing from the vibrant city of Abeokuta in Ogun State, Nigeria. I was born on June 13, 1974, in Lagos State. My journey in the world of insects and academia has been remarkable.
With a career spanning over two decades, I've been on an exhilarating quest marked by research breakthroughs, inspiring teaching, and impactful community service. My academic pursuit commenced with a Bachelor of Agriculture in Crop Production, a stepping stone that set me on this incredible path, at the University of Ilorin in 2001. Fueled by curiosity and ambition, I embarked on a Master's adventure in Agricultural Entomology at the University of Ibadan and graduated in 2006. This quest for knowledge reached its peak with the attainment of a PhD in Agricultural Entomology from the same prestigious institution in 2013. Throughout my academic career, I've been unwavering in my pursuit of excellence and the betterment of our community. My fascination with entomology has led me to explore diverse facets, including insect pest management, insect systematics, insect ecology, and the enchanting realm of biological control. In addition to these academic endeavors, I am deeply committed to advocating for sustainable agriculture, safeguarding the well-being of pollinators, and advancing global food security. My journey has been enriched by my engagement with esteemed institutions such as the University of Ibadan, Kwara State University (KWASU), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) and the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN). Presently, I am honored to serve as a Lecturer in the Department of Crop Protection at the University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria, where I've been dedicatedly shaping young minds, conducting groundbreaking research, and extending my knowledge to benefit the wider community since December 2023. In recognition of my steadfast dedication and expertise, I have been the fortunate recipient of numerous awards, including research grants and invitations to prestigious international conferences. My commitment to community service transcends the boundaries of academia, as I actively participate in pivotal roles within various community development initiatives. I take pride in being an active member of several professional organizations, including the Nigerian Society for Plant Protection, the Entomological Society of America, the Pacific Branch Entomology Society of America, and the Entomological Society of Nigeria, to name a few. My contributions to the entomological realm are meticulously documented through a trail of research publications and presentations at major conferences. My work is an exploration into the complex world of insect behavior, ecology, and innovative management strategies, all geared towards advancing agricultural practices, pest control methods and food security within Nigeria. As a devoted educator, researcher, and community leader, my journey is far from over. I remain firm in my mission to make substantial contributions to the entomological domain while continuing to actively engage in activities that uplift and transform our communities. My strong commitment to sustainable agriculture and the assurance of food security in Nigeria is emblematic of my profound dedication to the betterment of society.
Dr. Ismaila Aderolu
Seeds of Tomorrow: Shaping the Future of Agrifood Systems Through Technology and Innovation
Abstract:
The global agrifood system faces unprecedented challenges, demanding transformative solutions. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and biotechnology hold immense potential to revolutionize food production, processing, and distribution. This novel submission aligns with the "Harvesting Change" report, emphasizing the importance of anticipatory approaches to harness these innovations for a sustainable future. By engaging stakeholders at the regional level, we can navigate the potential pathways of agrifood system transformation and ensure equitable access to these advancements. This approach fosters global discussions and contributes to a full foresight of the future agrifood system.
Introduction:
The current global agrifood system is strained by population growth, climate change, and resource scarcity (Godfray et al., 2010). Traditional methods struggle to meet these demands, necessitating a paradigm shift towards innovative and sustainable solutions. Foresight, the systematic exploration of future possibilities (Gavard-Joyal, 2019), offers a valuable framework to navigate this transition. This novel submission responds to the call for submissions "From Foresight to Field" by exploring how regional stakeholder engagement can deepen our understanding of potential pathways for agrifood system transformation and contribute to the full foresight envisioned in the "Harvesting Change" report (FAO, 2021).
Background:
The "Harvesting Change" report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) presents a comprehensive analysis of emerging technologies and innovations with the potential to transform agrifood systems (FAO, 2021). It highlights key challenges such as food security, environmental degradation, and social equity concerns. However, the report also identifies promising opportunities, including precision agriculture, vertical farming, and innovative food processing techniques.
Emerging Technologies and Innovations:
The "Harvesting Change" report emphasizes the transformative potential of several key areas:
1. Artificial intelligence (AI) can revolutionize decision-making in agriculture by analyzing vast datasets to optimize resource use, predict crop yields, and manage pests and diseases (Liakos et al., 2018).
2. Biotechnology offers advancements in areas like gene editing and biofertilizers, potentially leading to more resilient crops, improved nutritional profiles, and reduced environmental impact (Van der Meer, 2019).
3. Sustainable practices such as circular economy approaches, conservation agriculture, and renewable energy integration are crucial for building environmentally sound and resource-efficient food systems (Reijnders and Circular Economy Platform for the Netherlands, 2015).
These innovations, along with others like automation and robotics, hold the promise of a more productive, sustainable, and equitable agrifood system.
Regional Perspectives and Stakeholder Engagement:
The implementation of these technologies will necessarily vary across regions. Factors like resource availability, infrastructure development, and socio-economic conditions will influence the adoption and adaptation of these innovations (Liao et al., 2021). Regional foresight exercises, involving stakeholders from government, research institutions, farmers, consumers, and the private sector, are crucial for identifying regionally specific challenges and opportunities (Dreborg, 2006). This collaborative approach fosters knowledge exchange, fosters innovation ecosystems, and ensures equitable access to the benefits of these advancements.
Anticipatory Approaches:
Anticipatory approaches, which involve proactively exploring and preparing for potential future scenarios, are essential for navigating the complex landscape of agrifood system transformation (Rip and Kemp, 1998). By engaging stakeholders in foresight exercises, we can identify potential risks and opportunities associated with emerging technologies, enabling proactive policy development and investment strategies. This approach fosters resilience and agility, allowing agrifood systems to adapt to unforeseen challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Pathways to Transformation:
Several potential pathways can guide the transformation of agrifood systems at the regional level:
1. Policy development that incentivizes sustainable practices, fosters innovation, and promotes equitable access to technology is crucial.
2. Investment strategies that prioritize research and development, infrastructure upgrades, and capacity building for farmers and other stakeholders can accelerate progress.
3. Educational initiatives are essential for equipping future generations with the knowledge and skills required to operate within a technology-driven agrifood system.
By implementing these pathways, regions can embark on a transformative journey towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
Conclusion:
Foresight offers a powerful tool for shaping the future of agrifood systems. By engaging stakeholders at the regional level, we can navigate the potential pathways of transformation and harness the power of emerging technologies. This collaborative approach, along with a commitment to anticipatory methods, fosters global discussions and paves the way for a future where agrifood systems are not only productive but also environmentally responsible and socially just. Realizing this vision requires a collective effort, and this submission serves as a call to action for stakeholders around the world to:
1. Champion regional foresight exercises: Engage in collaborative discussions to identify regionally specific challenges and opportunities for agrifood system transformation.
2. Embrace anticipatory approaches: Proactively explore potential future scenarios to prepare for both risks and opportunities associated with emerging technologies.
3. Invest in research and development: Allocate resources to support the development and adaptation of technologies for regional contexts.
4. Foster innovation ecosystems: Create environments that encourage collaboration between researchers, entrepreneurs, farmers, and other stakeholders.
5. Promote capacity building: Equip farmers and other actors within the agrifood system with the skills and knowledge to utilize new technologies effectively.
6. Prioritize equitable access: Ensure that the benefits of technological advancements are distributed fairly across all segments of society.
By collaborating across regions and fostering a culture of innovation, we can transform our agrifood systems into engines of sustainability, prosperity, and well-being for all.
References:
1. Dreborg, A. (2006). The future of foresight methodology. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 73(8), 937-962.
2. FAO. (2021). Harvesting change: Harnessing emerging technologies and innovations for agrifood system transformation.
3. Godfray, H. C. J., Beddington, J. R., Crute, I. R., Haddad, L., Lawrence, D., Muir, J. F., ...and Toulmin, C. (2010). Food security: The challenge of feeding 9 billion people. Science, 327(5967), 812-818.
4. Gavard-Joyal, M. (2019). Foresight methodologies: A critical review. Futures, 111, 70-80.
5. Liakos, G., Peregrine, D., Mavridis, P., and Papadopoullos, T. (2018). Machine learning in agriculture: A review. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 149, 99-118.
6. Liao, X., Wang, J., You, J., Yang, Z., and Cui, J. (2021). Emerging technologies for sustainable food systems: Transformative innovation or incremental change? Environmental Science and Policy, 120, 144-153.
7. Reijnders, L., and Circular Economy Platform for the Netherlands. (2015). Circular economy in the Netherlands: Dutch platform for circular economy. Platform CBE.
8. Rip, A., and Kemp, R. (1998). Technological change. In S. Rayner and M. Malone (Eds.), Human choice and climate change (Vol. 2, pp. 327-349). Battelle Press.
9. Van der Meer, I. M. (2019). Transgenic crops for industrial uses: Production and applications. Current Opinion in Biotechnology, 56, 19-26.