By Efosa Taiwo

At the 15th L’Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science program held in Cotonou on December 10, 2024, Mary Adefunke Idowu, a Nigerian agroclimatologist , was celebrated as one of the 30 outstanding female scientists in sub-Saharan Africa.

Her groundbreaking work focuses on sustainable agriculture and building resilience for farmers facing the dual challenges of urban expansion and climate change in Nigeria.

In this interview with Efosa Taiwo, Idowu shares her journey, motivation, and vision for tackling some of Nigeria’s most pressing agricultural and environmental issues.

“This Recognition is a Call to Action”

For Mary, this award is more than a personal achievement; it’s an opportunity to amplify her efforts.

“It’s a great opportunity to spread out my tentacles,” she says with excitement. “This recognition allows me to think of working more closely with farmers and stakeholders to address sustainable agricultural practices and ensure food security. Issues of resilience, adaptation and coping with the impact of extreme climate events, including floods and droughts have become a global challenge, especially in countries which largely depend on rainfed agricultural practices like ours. Now is the right time for us to address the causes, effects, and challenges that come with it through both smart agricultural practices and nature-based solutions.”

Idowu identifies greenhouse gas emissions and land use changes due to urbanisation and many unsustainable land management practices as significant contributors to climate change, affecting biodiversity and agricultural productivity. Her concern is personal. “I’m a small-scale farmer and a researcher, so I see firsthand the challenges farmers face. I want to work with them to find lasting solutions for this generation and the ones to come.”

A Childhood Spark Turned Lifelong Passion

Mary’s interest in environmental science and sustainable agriculture began early. Her undergraduate studies in Geography and Planning Science laid the foundation. “My research focused on the effect of climate variability on human decisions: travel, dress and work. During my master’s, my research was based on the historical trends and changes in extreme temperature events across the eco-climatic regions of Nigeria.” The study used the Regional Climate Model to assess and predict future extreme events scenarios, she recalls. Her publications in the International Journal of Global Warming (vol 26, number 2), Malaysian Journal of Tropical Geography (vol. 49, number 2), among many other publications are testimonials of her passion in the field.

Her focus on agriculture crystallized in 2016 after a personal experience with her father-in-law. “One day, his farmland was reclaimed for other uses. I realized then how urban expansion threatens food security. If farmers lose their lands, how do we ensure sustainability in agriculture? How do we feed future generations?”

Her small household farm became a testing ground for innovative agricultural practices, strengthening her resolve to explore solutions for Nigerian farmers.

Working with Farmers and Building Awareness

Idowu’s initiatives include collaborating with farmers and government bodies to enhance food security. With funding from UNESCO, she plans to engage with rural farmers directly.

“Farmers, especially in remote areas like my home town, Ado-Ekiti, where farmers lack adequate awareness about climate change and how to adapt to it. Many are illiterate or semi-illiterate. We need targeted education programs to help them manage water better, diversify crops, and adopt climate-resilient practices.”

She highlights practical solutions such as crop diversification and water management.

“Farmers can repurpose wastewater for irrigation and household use. It’s about maximizing resources while minimizing environmental damage.”

The Role of Renewable Energy in Agriculture

For Idowu, renewable energy is a critical tool for tackling climate challenges in agriculture. “I feel bad when I see people cutting down trees for land use. We need to explore alternative energy sources and implement policies that preserve our natural resources. I believe the government has a role to play by creating environmental policies to conserve these resources.”

Her involvement with environmental groups like the Plogging Club Nigeria reflects her hands-on approach. “We collect waste, convert it into usable products, and educate communities on reducing waste. It’s a small step, but every effort counts.”

Challenges of Urban Expansion and Climate Change

Urban expansion, Mary explains, is one of the biggest threats Nigerian farmers face. As cities grow, farmland shrinks. Combined with the impacts of climate change, farmers are left vulnerable.

“Farmers are already feeling the effects, yet awareness remains low. My research aims to contribute to existing knowledge on urban growth and climate change, while building resilience among farmers. Education is key. Without it, many farmers will remain unaware of practical ways to adapt to these changes.”

A Vision for the Future

Mary Idowu’s vision is clear: a future where sustainable agriculture and climate resilience go hand in hand. Through research, education, and collaboration, she hopes to empower farmers to secure their livelihoods and Nigeria’s food systems.

“I want the next generation to inherit an environment where agriculture thrives, not struggles. If we can address climate change, educate farmers, and implement sustainable practices, we can achieve this vision.”

Mary is currently pursuing a Ph.D degree in Geography at the University of Ilorin, and her research is focused on her passion; climate variability, farming activities and urban growth in Ekiti State. She is therefore able to consolidate our findings with a problem solving outlook, which will leverage the L’Oreal-UNESCO’s motive and initiative. Her story is a reminder that science, innovation, and passion can spark change—one farm, one community, and one country at a time.

Vanguard News