In a groundbreaking presentation at the University of Ibadan, Professor Ayoola Olusegun Akinwole, a distinguished expert in Aquaculture Engineering and Water Resources Management, proposed urban aquaculture as a transformative approach to addressing the pressing concerns of city-wide food production and resource utilization. This proposal was delivered during the 556th Inaugural Lecture of the University, representing the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources.

Professor Akinwole’s lecture, titled “Aquaculture Engineering: Reconciling the Balance in the Triad of Fish, Plants, and Man,” emphasized the critical need for innovative solutions in the face of rapidly increasing global food demands and shrinking arable land. He highlighted that with the global population surge, the current rate of food production is unsustainable, especially as the planet loses arable land at an alarming rate—a trend further exacerbated by climate change.

He proposed that the future of food production lies not on land but beneath the water. According to Professor Akinwole, aquaculture, or the farming of aquatic organisms such as fish, molluscs, crustaceans, and aquatic plants, presents a highly efficient method to meet the world’s food needs. He explained that aquaculture engineering, which involves applying engineering principles to design and construct systems for aquatic farming, is crucial to this effort.

In his address, Professor Akinwole urged government authorities at all levels to actively promote urban aquaculture as a strategy for ensuring food security, creating jobs, and generating income for Nigeria’s growing population. He also emphasized the importance of implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) across agriculture, aquaculture, and food production facilities to minimize environmental impact while optimizing farming operations and safeguarding the health of humans, animals, and plants.

Furthermore, the professor advised investors in recirculating aquaculture systems to seek scientific and technical guidance tailored to their specific needs. This, he noted, would prevent overcapitalization and avoid premature expansion of facilities, which could jeopardize profitability. He stressed that successful operation of such systems requires personnel with substantial experience, ideally averaging eight years in the field.

As the current Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the University of Ibadan, Professor Akinwole’s insights carry significant weight in the academic and policy-making communities. His advocacy for urban aquaculture represents a forward-thinking approach to tackling the dual challenges of feeding a growing population and managing the Earth’s dwindling natural resources.

Celebrating Innovation: Professor Ayoola Akinwole’s Advocacy for Urban Aquaculture as a Solution to Food Security Challenges

OptimisticScholar extends heartfelt congratulations to Professor Ayoola Olusegun Akinwole on this remarkable achievement. He advocates for the adoption of urban aquaculture as a crucial strategy to bolster food security and maximize resource utilization in urban areas. Professor Akinwole underscores the significance of this innovative approach in meeting the rising food demands, addressing the decreasing availability of arable land, and creating economic opportunities through job creation and income generation. Additionally, he urges the government to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) in agriculture and aquaculture to ensure sustainable operations with minimal environmental impact, highlighting the necessity of experienced professionals to oversee these systems for their successful implementation.

____
Credit: Content and images sourced from the University of Ibadan Directorate of Public Communication.