Dr Mobolade Akinbuluma, a distinguished academic and researcher, whose work is transforming agriculture in Nigeria and beyond, currently a senior lecturer at the University of Ibadan, has again, won the Ekhagastiftelsen grant for the second time since its inception in 1999.
In 2021, he became the first Nigerian researcher to receive this yearly grant.
His journey in academia began when he earned his Ph.D in 2017 from the Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
His research focus is on sustainable solutions to agricultural challenges, particularly finding environmentally friendly ways to manage insect pests that threaten crops. His research emphasizes the use of non-chemical methods to control invasive insects, ensuring both food security and environmental sustainability.
One of his most notable achievements is his successful proposals with the prestigious Ekhagastiftelsen Grant, which he has now won twice. Funded by the grant, his project addressed the management of the invasive fall armyworm (which according to Akinbuluma, is called a ‘monster’), a major insect pest of maize in the tropics which is native to the Americas.
He led a series of field trials, testing different farming methods, such as varying tillage practices and cropping systems, on farmers’ fields across Nigeria’s agroecological zones. This research provided practical solutions for farmers while contributing to global knowledge on sustainable pest management.
In 2024, Akinbuluma was again awarded the Ekhagastiftelsen grant to tackle a greater challenge of understanding how abiotic stressors – drought, a growing concern in Africa, impact the complex relationships among crops, insect pests, and their natural enemies.
His hypothesis is based on the fact that, although drought could increase in frequency and intensity due to climate change, its impact on the plant-herbivore-natural enemy interaction is lacking. His study thus aims to provide critical information and pattern possible future research directions in the interaction.
This project involves partnerships with scientists at the International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology, Kenya and the University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Overall, the study may offer new insights into how biological pest control can be adapted to changing climate conditions, ensuring its effectiveness for African farmers in the future.
Akinbuluma’s contributions extend beyond the Ekhagastiftelsen grant. Aside from being a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Amsterdam’s Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics in the Netherlands, he is an alumnus of the Cambridge-Africa Alborada Research Fund, having served as a co-principal Investigator on a project that strengthened ties between African and UK researchers.
Additionally, he received an individual fellowship grant from the International Foundation for Science (IFS) in Sweden. Through this grant, he conducts research on the semiochemical-based management of the fall armyworm in Nigeria, developing innovative pest control methods that harness natural plant chemicals to protect crops.
Akinbuluma is deeply committed to teaching and community development, mentoring students and sensitizing farmers. His work exemplifies how dedication, innovation and global collaboration can address some of the most pressing challenges in agriculture today.
In his remark, he extended his heartfelt gratitude to the scientific advisory council of the prestigious Swedish grant for this singular opportunity to continue advancing research. Furthermore, he expressed profound appreciation to the University of Ibadan for providing a platform that fosters impactful research.
“To my collaborators within and beyond Nigeria, your partnership has been invaluable, and to my students/supervisees, thank you for the privilege to mentor and grow with you in our research odyssey. Most importantly, I am profoundly grateful to my entire family for their unwavering support and inspiration, which continually motivate me to strive for excellence.
“What a privilege to make a meaningful research impact! I am committed to utilizing the available resources to conduct innovative research that can provide practical solutions and recommendations to boost food security in Africa and contribute to global food production,” Akinbuluma said.
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