Abideen Olasupo, the global director of the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative, (BBYDI) one of Africa’s leading global youth organizations that promotes sustainable development, has charged stakeholders, the government and its agencies, researchers, and farmers to collaborate, innovate, and take concrete steps to ensure a sustainable and resilient future.
Olasupo recently spoke on the crucial topic “Building a Resilient Plant Health System in a Changing Climate.” in Twitter spaces named #ClimateWednesday, a weekly youth voice on climate justice that seeks to build to build a climate-smart generation around Africa organized by the International Climate Change Development Africa.
#DYK Without plants, life would not be sustained on Earth.
Join @opegoogle Global Director, @BrainBuilders01 today on #ClimateWednesday via https://t.co/hx4B80bdXH at 6 PM WAT
Topic: "Building A Resilient Plant Health System in A Changing Climate"#PlantHealthDay pic.twitter.com/reqEKnM80A
— ICCDI AFRICA (@ClimateWed) May 10, 2023
Olasupo emphasized that “building a resilient plant health system is not just a choice but an imperative.
He also highlighted the profound impact of climate change on plant health such as the rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and the emergence of new pests and diseases. “These factors pose significant threats to global food security and necessitate the urgent need for a resilient plant health system,” Olasupo said.
“Integrated pest management approaches, climate-smart agriculture initiatives, and community-based plant health programs are models that empower farmers and protect crops from climate-related challenges.”
Addressing the challenges and opportunities in this field, Abideen emphasized the need for innovative funding mechanisms, the adoption of new technologies, and the consideration of socioeconomic and cultural factors in implementing resilient practices across diverse farming communities.
