Olufemi Samson Adesina

Profile

I am a PhD student in the School of Earth and Environment at the University of Leeds, working with Professor Stephen Whitfield, Dr. Steven Sait, Dr. Susannah Sallu, and Dr. Jimmy Pittchar. 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 explore and understand the impact of the innovation process around nature-based biocontrol practices such as the Push-pull technology developed to manage Stemborer and Striga weed in East Africa.

I previously worked as a visiting researcher at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) in Colombia, where my research focused on enhancing food security through climate-smart agriculture and sustainable policy in Nigeria. My Career highlights a dedication to advancing sustainable agricultural practices and agricultural technologies that address food security challenges, particularly in Africa. I am experienced in conducting qualitative and quantitative research, generating meaningful insights to inform policy, programme and project development.

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.

Qualifications

• MSc in Food Security, University of Warwick
• B.Tech in Agricultural Extension, Federal University of Technology Akure
• National Diploma in Agricultural Technology, Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti

Research groups and institutes

• Sustainability Research Institute