DAR ES SALAAM: THE University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) is exploring solutions to address critical agri-food challenges, including climate change, food security and sustainability, in the coming decade.
UDSM aims to capitalise on the recognition of Dr Innocensia John as one of the 2024 Top Agri-Food Pioneers (TAP) by the prestigious World Food Prize Foundation, to address those challenges.
Dr John, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Economics and Agribusiness, said the sector faced a number of challenges in the coming decade primarily climate change and environmental degradation.
“Unpredictable weather patterns, rising temperatures, and diminishing natural resources are major threats to the agri-food sector,” Dr John told Daily News after arriving from US where she attended the World Food Prize Foundation’s celebrations.
She said there is a need for innovations in climate smart agriculture, such as drought-resistant crops, precision farming, and sustainable land use practices.
“To address these issues, the sector needs scalable solutions that increase productivity while maintaining nutritional quality,” she said adding that crises like pandemics or conflicts further threaten the stability of food supply chains.
Additionally, she pointed out that policy and investment gaps contribute to the challenges facing the agrifood sector in the country. “Without supportive policies and sufficient investment, implementing sustainable innovations will be difficult,” she said.
However, she stressed that innovation and sustainability must go hand in hand to drive the sector forward, noting that sustainable practices provide a foundation for innovations to thrive, ensuring they are socially equitable and environmentally viable.
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She also said that data-driven solutions have great potential, noting that leveraging big data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) can optimise resource use while monitoring environmental impacts.
Furthermore, the is a need for combining traditional agricultural practices with modern science to ensure that innovations respect cultural and ecological contexts.
The announcement of Dr John’s inclusion in the inaugural TAP cohort, which honours 38 global innovators for their contributions to agriculture and food security, highlights her work in sustainable agriculture, youth empowerment, and promoting indigenous crops.
She views her inclusion in the TAP list as a major milestone, recognising her as one of Africa’s leading advocates for agricultural development and food security.
