Future Africa experience for early-career researcher from Nigeria

Dr Judith Falola-Olasunkanmi (FAR-LeaF II research fellow) is currently in Pretoria, South Africa, as an ARUA-Carnegie Early Career Research Fellow, hosted by the ARUA Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Food Systems at the University of Pretoria. The fellowship provides an opportunity to strengthen her research, collaborate with leading scholars, and advance sustainable food systems research in Africa.

Has your time here been a positive experience?

Yes, my time in Pretoria was a very positive and enriching experience. I have benefited from a stimulating academic environment, access to excellent research resources, and opportunities to interact with researchers from diverse disciplines and countries. Attending various seminars, workshops, and academic engagements has provided valuable opportunities to learn and unlearn. Many of the lectures and discussions have been thought-provoking, challenging me to view research questions from new perspectives and broadening my understanding of sustainable food systems.

The fellowship has also provided opportunities to present my own research and engage with scholars and some of the brightest minds working in food systems research. Receiving constructive criticism, encouragement, and valuable contributions from fellow researchers has strengthened my work and been instrumental in my professional growth. The experience has broadened my perspective, expanded my professional network, and reinforced my commitment to conducting impactful research that contributes to sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems in Africa.

The Future Africa campus provides an inspiring environment for interdisciplinary research and collaboration.

Did you have time (and the energy) to keep up with your FAR-LeaF research during this process?

Absolutely. In fact, this opportunity has been a significant advantage for my FAR-LeaF programme. Being in a focused academic environment has given me ample time to concentrate on my research activities, particularly the development of manuscript drafts and the planning of upcoming activities and milestones for the fellowship.

One of the greatest benefits has been the opportunity to interact more closely with my FAR-LeaF mentor, Dr Robert Mangani, a lecturer in the Plant and Soil Sciences department at the University of Pretoria. Our face-to-face engagements have strengthened our collaboration, improved communication, and enhanced his contribution to the success of my project. The experience has allowed me to make meaningful progress in ways that would have been difficult under my normal routine.

How is your FAR-LeaF research progressing?

My FAR-LeaF research is progressing well. The project focuses on climate variability and crop system resilience among smallholder farming systems in West Africa. During my fellowship period, I have been refining data analyses, strengthening the conceptual framework, and preparing research outputs for publication. The work continues to generate valuable insights into climate adaptation and sustainable agricultural practices.

How is your Future Africa experience while you are residing on campus?

My experience at Future Africa has been excellent. The campus provides a welcoming and intellectually stimulating environment that encourages collaboration and innovation. Living and working within this community has allowed me to engage with researchers from different disciplines and countries, creating valuable opportunities for learning and exchange. One memorable aspect of my stay has been experiencing the South African winter. The cold here is on a completely different level from what I am used to in my home country, but I am genuinely enjoying the experience and adapting well.

Dr Judith Falola-Olasunkanmi at a stakeholder engagement workshop program: "Evidence Gap Mapping on Transformative Foods for Sustainable Food Systems in Africa Worldwide Universities Network (WUN) seed- funded project," at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Centre office in Hatfield, Pretoria.

Have you had time to play the tourist for a bit? Where have you gone, and have you enjoyed it?

My schedule has been quite busy, so I have not had much opportunity to explore South Africa as a tourist. However, I was privileged to attend the Africa Cultural Day hosted by the University of Pretoria, which showcased the richness and diversity of African cultures through music, dance, food, fashion, and cultural exhibitions. It was a wonderful experience that celebrated Africa's heritage and provided an opportunity to connect with people from different backgrounds across the continent. I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the event.

How have your family and children coped with you being away?

Being away from my family is never easy, but we have adapted well. Regular communication has helped us stay connected, and their encouragement has been a great source of motivation throughout this journey. While I miss them dearly, knowing that this experience contributes to my professional growth and future opportunities for our family has made the separation more manageable.

I must also use this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to my husband for his love, understanding, and unwavering support. He has been an incredible helpmate throughout this period, taking on additional responsibilities and ensuring that our family continues to thrive while I pursue this opportunity. His encouragement has played a significant role in making this experience possible, and I am deeply grateful for his sacrifice. I am equally grateful to my children for being so strong, resilient, and supportive during my time away. Their understanding and encouragement have meant a great deal to me, and I appreciate them for allowing their mum to pursue her goals and continue growing professionally. They remain my greatest source of inspiration, motivation, and strength.

How long will you still be in South Africa, and what lies ahead of you upon your return to your country?

I still have several fellowship activities and research commitments to complete during the coming months. My immediate focus is on advancing my research, finalising manuscript preparations, strengthening collaborations, and making the most of the opportunities provided through both the FAR-LeaF and ARUA-Carnegie fellowship programmes. Thereafter, I will return to Nigeria to resume my academic responsibilities at Kwara State University, where I will continue my teaching, research, and student mentoring activities. I also look forward to applying the knowledge, skills, and professional networks gained through these fellowship experiences to support research on climate-smart agriculture, crop system resilience, and sustainable food systems in Africa.

Read also: Systems thinking for sustainable food futures: Reflections from the systems analysis course

Dr Judith Falola-Olasunkanmi in conversation with Heidi Sonnekus (FAR-LeaF Programme)