Communications specialist Busola Dakolo has used the launch of Baobab & Marula – New Solutions to Global Warming and Food Security to highlight the role of Africa’s indigenous trees in addressing climate change and food insecurity.
Speaking at the virtual event on September 17, Dakolo opened with reflections on the cultural symbolism of the baobab and marula trees. “Under the shade of a tree, stories are told, children learn, and elders pass down wisdom. This book is a seed of knowledge and possibility, planted at a time when we are confronted with climate change, food insecurity, and the urgency of indigenous wisdom. If the marula tree today can put school fees in a mother’s hand and food on the table, we can only imagine the possibilities that unfold when investment comes into place,” she said.
The launch brought together writers, scholars, environmental experts, and policymakers from across the globe in a dialogue on the nutritional, medicinal, and ecological value of indigenous African trees.
Finnish writer Risto Isomäki delivered the keynote address, stressing that Africa’s indigenous species could play “a decisive role in shaping a greener future.” Professor Arinola Adefila of Buckinghamshire New University described the baobab as “a place of learning and inspiration,” while Professor Ahmad Cheikhyoussef of the University of Namibia and Professor Joyce Lepetu of the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources underlined the broader ecological and community significance of the trees.
Dakolo framed the book as a response to urgent global and African challenges. “Creativity alone cannot take you far if you don’t put in the work,” she said, emphasising that the baobab and marula represent not just nutrition and livelihood but also heritage, wisdom, and resilience.
The book, published by Into Publishing in partnership with the Baorula Network, compiles perspectives from 35 contributors across academia and practice, presenting the baobab and marula as tools for sustainability and indigenous knowledge preservation.
