Projects | Olakunle Joshua | SUNY ESF

Modeling Diameter Distribution

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Crabon Farming Certification System

Fri, 26 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

C-Farms project is focused on enabling Carbon Farming through an improved knowledge system supporting the development of a regulatory framework for certification of Carbon removals (or Carbon non-emissions) based on a robust and transparent carbon accounting scheme in connection with the national GHG inventory.

LIFE C-FARMS project focus is linked to enabling Carbon Farming practises through an improved knowledge system supporting the development of a regulatory framework for certification of carbon removals based on a transparent and scientifically sturdy Carbon accounting scheme in connection with the national GHG inventory.

Agriculture and land management: Agriculture and land planning, are key sectors to meet the carbon neutrality, the long term goal of the Paris Agreement. To satisfy this requires, the development of Nature based Solutions to reduce and remove CO2 emissions is essential.

The Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP – COM/2020/98 final), as well as the Farm to Fork strategy (COM/2020/381 final) have indicated as a prerequisite for the activation of a regulatory framework that incentivises the certification system development and carbon farming practises.

In this context Lombardy Region can represent an interesting test for a pilot project of carbon farming certification. Lombardy ranks first in agricultural production in Italy, thanks too to the abundance of fertile soils and availability of irrigation water in the Po valley. Lombard agriculture is at the top of the Italian regions in the production of maize, rye, barley, wheat, rice and, especially thanks to in the meadows, forage for livestock.

Rural Development Programme initiatives

The Rural Development Programme initiatives to stimulate the reduction of emissions are a lot, both at farm level (e.g. “Regional action aimed at reducing emissions produced by agricultural activities”) and through the value chains (e.g. the “Venice Agreement for the development of the poplar supply chain”). In the EU, one of the main mechanisms to promote a more environmentally friendly agriculture was introduced by the CAP reform in 2003, through the so-called cross compliance

Wood industry

C-FARMs aims to involve the wood industry in the certification system with the aim to incentivize the use of local wood with the aim of creating an increment in demand that can stimulate the plantation of new areas, with an overall carbon and environmental benefit.

Forest Biometrics Mentorship Program

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The Mentorship Program on Forest Biometrics, organized by The Achiever’s Gathering (TAG NG) in collaboration with forestry networks, was designed to support young graduates of forestry in Africa who are eager to pursue careers in forest biometrics and related fields. Held on March 16–17, 2023, the program brought together global forestry experts and leaders to provide mentorship, career guidance, and technical insights tailored to the needs of African youths.

The program began with Dr. Sheng-I Yang, who gave an enlightening talk on what Forest Biometrics entails. His presentation provided participants with a strong foundation on the scope, relevance, and applications of biometrics in forestry research and management. This session was crucial for helping graduates understand how data-driven approaches can advance sustainable forest management.

Dr. Matt Russell, a well-known forest biometrics expert, followed with a practical session on Sampling Designs and Statistical Approaches in Forestry. His talk offered participants valuable insights into the methodologies used in forest inventories and research, equipping them with knowledge that is directly applicable to both academic and field-based forestry careers.

Dr. Bianca Eskelson contributed an engaging session on What Advisors are Looking for in Potential Graduate Students. She shared strategies for preparing strong applications, building academic relationships, and positioning oneself for graduate study opportunities abroad. This session was particularly impactful for participants aspiring to further their education and research in forest biometrics.

The program also emphasized the role of international collaboration and networking through the contributions of Johanna Klaper and Simon Hrbek, who spoke about the role of the International Forestry Students’ Association (IFSA) in supporting forestry students globally. They highlighted opportunities for African forestry graduates to engage with a wider network of peers, gain exposure, and build leadership skills within the global forestry community.

By connecting African youths with global mentors, the mentorship program successfully bridged knowledge gaps and inspired participants to pursue careers that combine technical expertise with leadership in forestry. This initiative reflects TAG NG’s commitment to empowering the next generation of African foresters with the guidance, skills, and networks they need to thrive in the evolving field of forest biometrics.

Application of GIS in Agriculture

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0000

The Application of GIS in Agriculture project, organized under The Achiever’s Gathering (TAG NG), was designed to empower young African youths with innovative knowledge and practical insights on the role of geospatial technologies in transforming agriculture. The program, held on September 15–16, 2022, brought together distinguished experts from across the globe to share their expertise on how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can drive agricultural advancement and economic development.

The keynote address was delivered by Professor Adeniyi OLAYANJU, Pioneer Vice Chancellor of Philomath University, Abuja, and former Vice Chancellor of Landmark University. His presentation, “Revolutionizing Agriculture in Africa, A Pathway to Economic Prosperity”, emphasized the central role of agriculture in Africa’s future and how technology-driven approaches can create sustainable solutions. His insights set the tone for the gathering, highlighting the urgency of adopting GIS for improved agricultural productivity.

The program also featured Dr. Qiusheng Wu, Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA. He presented on “Cropland Mapping with Google Earth Engine and geemap.” His session introduced participants to cutting-edge remote sensing tools and techniques that enable accurate cropland mapping, which is critical for food security, resource allocation, and agricultural planning. The practical demonstration with Google Earth Engine showcased how GIS can be made accessible to researchers and practitioners alike.

Adding another dimension to the discussions, Dr. Ahmed Harb Rabia, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Damanhour, Egypt, spoke on “Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Application in Precision Agriculture.” His session revealed how UAVs, commonly known as drones, are revolutionizing precision farming by enabling farmers to monitor crop health, optimize inputs, and increase yields while reducing costs. This presentation highlighted the intersection of GIS, remote sensing, and UAV technology in shaping the future of agriculture.

The event was facilitated by Femi Adekoya and Akansha Saklani, who guided the participants through two days of interactive discussions and knowledge sharing. By connecting global experts with African youths, this project not only enhanced technical capacity but also inspired participants to explore the transformative potential of GIS in solving local agricultural challenges.

Through this initiative, TAG NG reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young people with the tools and knowledge to innovate within their communities. The project underscored that the democratization of GIS technologies and their application in agriculture is key to unlocking Africa’s agricultural potential and ensuring long-term food security and economic growth.