OAUSTECH Public Lecture Highlights Need for Climate-Resilient Agriculture in Africa
Climate-resilient agriculture, sustained investment in research, and smart government policies have been identified as critical measures for tackling the growing challenges of food insecurity and climate change across Africa.
This was the focus of the 3rd Distinguished Public Lecture of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, held on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, where the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Ernest Bai Koroma University, Sierra Leone, Prof. Edwin Momoh, called on African governments to adopt and sustain smart-oriented policies to strengthen food systems and address climate and other security threats.
Speaking on the theme, “Climate Change and Food Security in Africa: Impact on Agriculture, Access and Adaptation,” the renowned crop scientist said human activities such as fossil fuel burning, deforestation, industrial emissions, and unsustainable farming practices are the major drivers of modern climate change.
He described climate change as the most significant global challenge of the 21st century, noting that although Africa contributes minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, the continent remains one of the most vulnerable to its devastating effects.
According to him, agriculture, which serves as the backbone of many African economies and the primary source of food and livelihoods for millions of people, is bearing the brunt of the crisis.
Prof. Momoh listed the consequences of climate change to include rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, flooding, erosion, desertification, and increasing instability of climate systems.
He, however, noted that the challenge also presents opportunities for innovation, economic diversification, and stronger regional collaboration.
The Sierra Leonean scholar recommended the adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA), Climate-Resilient Food Systems (CRFS), and the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus approach to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve food production.
He also advocated the development of drought-tolerant, heat-resistant, flood-tolerant, and short-duration crop varieties, high-precision ecosystem monitoring, agro-ecological and nature-based solutions, as well as expanding climate information services and financing smart technologies, including Artificial Intelligence.
“Moving forward requires unwavering government commitment and sustained investment in research, people, and institutions. By combining gender equity, social protection, market access, and ecological innovation, policymakers can reduce vulnerability and build food systems that can absorb, adapt, and transform in a warming climate,” he said.
Chairman of the occasion, HRM Prof. Oba Sunday Amuseghan, the Kalasuwe of Apoiland and Pro-Chancellor of the University of Fortune, Igbotako, described the lecture as timely and relevant to Africa’s quest for sustainable development and food security.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of OAUSTECH, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, urged governments, organisations, and individuals to intensify tree-planting campaigns, stressing that trees help absorb carbon emissions responsible for global warming while releasing oxygen essential for healthy living.
The event featured the presentation of an award to Prof. Momoh and attracted scholars, policymakers, traditional rulers, community leaders, religious leaders, agricultural practitioners, security chiefs, members of staff, students, and the general public.
Source: Directorate of Information, Protocol and Public Relations, OAUSTECH, Okitipupa.
