The chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Maitama branch, Engr Thomas Ocheme Itodo, has emphasised the crucial role engineers play in addressing pressing global issues such as sustainability, food security, and climate change.
Itodo spoke yesterday in Abuja during the 10th Engr. O. T. Otis Anyaeji Distinguished Annual Lecture organised by the Maitama branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), which was themed “Technology and Sustainability: Navigating Food Security and Climate Change.”
In his opening address, the chairman described this year’s theme as a “call to action” and challenged participants to leverage engineering and technological advancements to foster a more resilient and sustainable future.
He stated that as the world evolves at an unprecedented pace, engineers bear the responsibility of developing innovative solutions, underscoring the pivotal contributions of the engineering profession toward solving these critical issues.
According to him, the annual lecture, originally slated for last year, was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.
“While the delay may have been unexpected, it has only heightened our anticipation and strengthened our resolve to make this edition even more impactful,” Itodo said, expressing gratitude for the patience and unwavering support of attendees in ensuring the continued significance of the event.
The guest lecturer for the occasion, Lady Josephine Nwaeze, managing director of News Engineering Nigeria Limited, delved into the central theme and highlighted the integral role of fertile soils in sustaining agricultural productivity and food security.
She noted that healthy plants grow on healthy soils that are less affected by pests and diseases, emphasizing the need for sustainable soil management practices.
Nwaeze also spotlighted irrigation technologies as critical for improving crop productivity, revealing that approximately 70 percent of the global freshwater supply is used for agriculture.
She pointed out the challenges many farmers face in accessing water due to both physical and economic scarcity.
“Low-cost and affordable drills, renewable energy-powered pumps, and technologies for improved water efficiency can potentially make water more available for food production,” she said.
In her discussion on adopting renewable energy in agriculture, Nwaeze highlighted the benefits of solar and wind power in reducing agricultural operations’ carbon footprint. She also examined how bioenergy production from agricultural waste fosters a circular economy by converting organic waste into energy and nutrient-rich fertilizers.
Nwaeze proposed several strategic measures for improving agricultural sustainability, including government incentives for adopting sustainable practices and community education programs to promote technological adoption among farmers.
She concluded with a stern reminder of the urgency surrounding issues of food security and climate change, noting that the global population could exceed 10 billion by 2050, drastically increasing food demand.
“The issues of food security and climate change are urgent. The world’s population is expected to exceed 10 billion by 2050, increasing the demand for food. Key technologies need to be adopted.
“Precision Agriculture: Using data and smart tools to improve farming and increase crop yields. Vertical Farming: A sustainable method that uses less land and water and allows for year-round crop production.
“Blockchain Technology: Makes the food supply chain more transparent, helping consumers know where their food comes from. An example is the CBN Anchor Borrowers Scheme: a Nigerian initiative that connects farmers with investors and provides necessary resources.
“Everyone needs to work together: engineers, government leaders, and local communities. Supportive policies and investment in research and development are essential. Engineers have an important role in building sustainable food systems,” she said.
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