By Grace Samuel
Prof. Oluyemisi Fawole, a distinguished scholar in the Department of Agronomy at the University of Ilorin, has delivered a compelling message on the importance of climate-smart agriculture during her paper presentation at the university’s inaugural lecture, titled “Intimate Strangers in Soil and Agricultural Sustainability.”
In her enlightening address, Prof. Fawole emphasized the urgent need to invest in climate-smart agriculture as a means to promote soil health and fertility.
She argued that adopting such sustainable practices is crucial in the face of the escalating global greenhouse gas emissions, both from natural and artificial sources.
Notably, human activities such as emissions from power plants, industries, automobiles, waste disposal, incineration, and the burning of fossil fuels contribute significantly to this environmental challenge.
Prof. Fawole underscored the importance of striking a balance between increased crop production and soil health, cautioning against the overreliance on inorganic fertilizers, which can lead to pollution and soil degradation over time.
“Governments must recognize both soil and people as natural resources to be protected, maintained, and enhanced,” she urged.
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The professor also advocated for afforestation in communities as a means to nurture a healthier soil ecosystem.
Additionally, she called for the establishment of world-class equipment and facilities for the study of soil microorganisms in Nigerian laboratories.
Prof. Fawole stressed the significance of promoting organic farming practices through eco-friendly soil amendments to enhance soil fertility and ultimately improve crop productivity.
“Soil health should be a priority, coupled with the responsible use of eco-friendly pesticides to protect crops without harming the soil,” she advised.
Furthermore, Prof. Fawole proposed the creation of a stock culture collection center and a database for indigenous soil microorganisms within the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Ilorin.
She also envisioned the university generating income through the production of organic fertilizers by composting waste materials.
Prof. Oluyemisi Fawole’s passionate call for sustainable agricultural practices that safeguard soil health and food security echoes loudly as a beacon of hope in a world grappling with the challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability.
