From Fingertip Soil to Feeding the World - Embracing Agriculture's True Potential

When I was a child, my father farmed the small land surrounding our home. As a child, I remember the dirt under my fingernails, reluctantly tending to the small patch of land surrounding our home. Although farming for us was a collective effort, it was an activity done with patience and hard work.

However, I remember dreading those days because the work seemed challenging for a young child like me. Now, with the wisdom of age, I remember many of my peers from years past who left for bustling cities like Lagos, Ibadan, and Kano in search of perceived greater opportunities. I also went to the United States of America to pursue a STEM degree because I wanted to be a medical doctor.

Now, I see the value and profound impact of owning and nurturing land. It's more than just soil under my fingernails and crops; it's about self-sustainability, empowerment, and possibly feeding the world. I imagine the autonomy and resilience communities could build if more of us cultivate our food.

My insight today is profound because I have come to appreciate the intrinsic value of farming agriculture and the importance of owning and nurturing land, offering immense power in producing one's food. Not only does it save money, but it also holds the potential to alleviate hunger in a world where many go to bed on an empty stomach.

Imagine a world where meals rich in color and nutrients from fruits and vegetables are the norm and easily accessible. Such a bounty could satisfy billions of people on Earth. Farm-fresh produce, just like the vibrant meal I prepared from my garden's harvest (video below), has the power to feed billions.

Now is the moment to instill this understanding in our younger generation. We must educate and motivate our students and children about the magic within the soil and the importance of supporting our local farmers. They also need to see the worth in every grain of rice, every tomato, and every ear of corn. This must not be taken for granted. It should be a lifestyle that promotes the health and economy of our communities. Our schools should encourage agriculture as a solution, not just through green school but as a curriculum with a noble pursuit and a means to bring change in food and sustainability. And with technology and STEM/STEAM education, our children would not have to dread as I and others did as a child.

Take a moment to watch this video. It showcases a meal I prepared using tomatoes, bell peppers, and more from my garden. It's not just a dish; it's a testament to what's possible when we embrace the land or buy from our local farmers.

It's high time we innovate and adapt, taking notes from our ancestral roots and current best practices in AgriTech to provide for our future. Let's make farming and agriculture appealing, accessible, and a priority. Together, let's create a world where our children don't have to pay substantial income to survive, and no one goes to bed hungry.

#itistimetoinnovate!

Authored by Dr. Ayo Olufade, Ph.D.

Think STEM Careers! You Have the Opportunity to Create the Future and the Privilege of Deciding What’s in It! ~ Dr. Ayo Olufade, PhD

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