In a world facing the daunting challenges of climate change, food insecurity, and sustainable development, Olufemi Samson Adesina emerges as a powerful voice in the fight for sustainable agriculture and food security. He has positioned himself at the forefront of agricultural innovation, technology, environment, and development.

Growing up in Nigeria, Olufemi witnessed firsthand farmers’ struggles—from erratic weather patterns to crop failures and limited access to agricultural technologies. He reflects, “I knew early on that I wanted to be part of the solution, empowering communities and driving meaningful change.” This ambition propelled him through an impressive academic journey, from earning a First Class Honours in Agricultural Extension and Communication Technology at the Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria, to completing a Master’s degree in Food Security with Distinction at the University of Warwick, UK. His thesis, which investigated the potential impacts of climate change on UK potato production, set the stage for a career dedicated to understanding the intersection of agriculture and climate resilience.

Olufemi’s professional experience is a rich blend of academic research and practical fieldwork, reflecting his deep understanding of the complexities of agricultural systems. He favours bottom-up approaches that recognise farmers as key stakeholders and knowledge brokers in the agricultural development landscape. His recent publication, “Bridging the gap in Agricultural Innovation Research: A Systematic Review of Push-pull Biocontrol Technology in sub-Saharan Africa,” exemplifies how his work advocates for inclusivity, farmer-centric, and locally adapted innovation.

“Innovation must go beyond simple adoption metrics,” Olufemi argues. “It needs to accommodate the on-farm realities that farmers face daily.” He collects rich, nuanced data from farmers, subject matter experts, and key stakeholders to drive informed development and policy decisions in favour of sustainable food systems and security.

Olufemi has collaborated with several international research and development organisations, including the CGIAR. His recent work at the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) contributed to the process of developing the 2024 UK Food Security Report (UKFSR). “Working alongside DEFRA’s Agri-food Science and Policy team, including leading food system experts, was fulfilling.”

Recognition has followed Olufemi’s dedication, and his proudest moment came in 2019, as he was selected as one of ten outstanding African youths for the World Hunger Fighters and World Food Prize Foundation (Borlaug-Adesina Fellowship) unveiled in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. In 2021, he was selected for the prestigious Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)—UKRI scholarship at the University of Leeds, where he is now completing his PhD.

Olufemi’s current research focuses on agricultural biocontrol innovation processes and drivers of change in sub-Saharan Africa. “Biocontrol has immense potential to reduce pesticide use and build resilience against pests and diseases,” he explains. “But the path to widespread adoption is complex. By understanding these dynamics, we can develop strategies to empower farmers and foster sustainable development.” Olufemi emphasises that farmers must be empowered to refine technologies and adapt them to their unique circumstances.

He recently presented part of his PhD research titled: “Farmers’ innovation–decision processes and adoption dynamics surrounding push-pull technology in western Kenya” at Tropentag 2024 in Vienna, Austria (September 11-13, 2024). This hybrid conference, hosted by the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), drew over 1,035 attendees. The organisers selected his poster as one of the top five at the event.

Beyond academia and research, Olufemi is an active advocate for sustainable agriculture. He has worked with leading agricultural communication platforms in Nigeria (e.g. Food Gist Hub). He co-founded FoodTrust Integrated Farm in Nigeria, which produces food and provides advisory services to smallholder farmers on sustainable practices. “The key to sustainable agricultural development in sub-Saharan Africa is to empower local communities and amplify their voices,” Olufemi emphasises. “By engaging directly with farmers and stakeholders, we can successfully uncover the drivers and barriers to development, ultimately informing policy and catalysing real, lasting transformation.”

As the world races to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, Olufemi’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder—with passion, purpose, and perseverance, we can cultivate a world where innovation and sustainability thrive together while striving to achieve a food-secure future globally.