Biography
I am a PhD student in the School of Earth and Environment at the University of Leeds, working with Dr. Stephen Whitfield, Dr. Steven Sait, Dr. Susannah Sallu, Dr. Jimmy Pittchar, investigating Agricultural Innovation and Bio-control in sub-Saharan Africa.
I completed my MSc in Food Security from the University of Warwick with Distinction.
I hold a B.Tech in Agricultural Extension and Communication from the Federal University of Technology Akure with a First-class Hons. I am a Co-founder at Food Trust Integrated Farms in Nigeria and previously worked as a visiting researcher at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT).
Qualifications
2018 – 2019: MSc in Food Security, University of Warwick.
2013 – 2018: B.Tech in Agricultural Extension, Federal University of Technology Akure.
2010 – 2012: National Diploma in Agricultural Technology, Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti.
Research Interests
I am keenly interested in Climate-Smart Agriculture and Technology, Extension and Advisory Services in Africa, Environmental Conservation and Policy, Food Security and Rural Development.
Project Title
Agricultural Innovation and Biocontrol in sub-Saharan Africa: The case of Push-pull Technology.
Supervisors
- Dr. Stephen Whitfield (University of Leeds)
- Dr. Steven Sait (University of Leeds)
- Dr. Susannah Sallu (University of Leeds)
- Dr. Jimmy Pittchar – International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE)
Funding
Panorama NERC DTP, 2021
Project outline
sub-Saharan Africa is faced with the challenge of feeding the ever-rising population, and at the same time confronted with climate change and crop pest invasion. The recent invasion of desert locust and fall armyworm (FAW) has threatened African food systems and livelihoods. Africa is now burdened by food insecurity coupled with COVID-19 setbacks. Therefore, we must ensure that agricultural innovation is well-placed to combat the numerous challenges and to ensure food security in the continent.
In response, my PhD research focuses on Agricultural Innovation and Bio-Control in sub-Saharan Africa. The PhD project aligns with the UKRI-funded Scaling up Biocontrol Innovations in Africa and in collaboration with ICIPE in Mbita, Kenya. Working with ICIPE and drawing on their network of demonstration sites, agricultural extension activities, and farmer field schools in Kenya. The research adopts an interdisciplinary approach (working across social and biological sciences) to exploring and understanding the impact of and the innovation process around nature-based biocontrol practices such as the Push-pull technology developed to manage Stemborer and Striga weed in East Africa.