Adekunle Stephen Toromade leading change in agricultural economics, climate resilience

Adekunle Stephen Toromade, an esteemed researcher with a PhD from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, stands at the forefront of Agricultural Economics, Food Security, and Climate Resilience. His extensive body of work, which spans several crucial aspects of Agricultural Economics and Environmental Sustainability, plays a pivotal role in shaping policies and practices not just in Nigeria but also in broader global contexts. Through a series of impactful studies, Toromade has provided deep insights into the socio-economic challenges and environmental issues facing Agricultural sectors in developing economies, particularly in Nigeria.

His 2018 publication in the International Journal of Research in Agricultural Sciences analyzed food security among maize-based farmers in Southwestern Nigeria, making a significant contribution to agricultural economics. The paper examines various factors impacting food security, including climatic variables, economic policies, market access, and the adoption of modern farming techniques. By providing a comprehensive analysis of these dynamics, Toromade’s research offers invaluable insights for enhancing maize production—a critical staple crop in Nigeria. The study’s implications are profound, offering guidance for crafting agricultural policies aimed at stabilizing food prices, reducing hunger, and increasing the resilience of local economies to shocks such as economic downturns and climate change.

In 2019, A.S. Toromade co-authored a groundbreaking study in the Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research, focusing on Occupational Hazards and Poverty among cassava processors in Oyo State, Nigeria. This research is critical because cassava is a staple food for over half a billion people in Africa and a primary source of income for many Nigerian farmers. The study highlighted the significant occupational hazards these workers face, such as physical injuries, exposure to toxic substances, and long-term health risks, alongside the economic challenges rooted in poverty. By meticulously mapping the poverty profile and identifying the specific occupational risks involved in cassava processing, Toromade’s work has provided a foundation for targeted interventions aimed at enhancing safety standards and improving economic conditions within this sector. His findings are crucial for policymakers and development agencies looking to implement strategies that enhance productivity, improve worker safety, and ensure economic upliftment in rural communities, thus contributing significantly to poverty alleviation and economic stability.

In his continued efforts, Toromade published groundbreaking research on technological innovations in food supply chain management in 2024, featured in the Finance & Accounting Research Journal. This study addresses the significant challenges of high post-harvest losses and inefficiencies in food distribution—a critical issue for Nigeria as it strives to modernize its agricultural sector. By advocating the integration of advanced technologies into the supply chain, Toromade proposes transformative solutions that can drastically improve the efficiency and sustainability of food distribution systems across Nigeria. These innovations are pivotal for reducing waste, enhancing farmer incomes through better market access, and ensuring food security, thereby supporting broader economic stability and growth.

Furthermore, his comparative analysis of urban farming practices in the USA and African cities, published in the International Journal of Advanced Economics, provides novel insights that are critical for Nigeria’s urban planning and policy-making. As urban populations swell, integrating sustainable urban agriculture can relieve pressure on rural food production, reduce urban food insecurity, and contribute to environmental sustainability. This research offers a template for Nigerian cities experiencing rapid urbanization, highlighting the benefits of urban farming in providing fresh produce, creating green jobs, and promoting sustainable urban living.
Additionally, Toromade’s 2024 review on the global impacts of climate change on food security, as featured in the

International Journal of Applied Research in Social Sciences, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change on agriculture. This research is of paramount importance to Nigeria, which is particularly vulnerable to climate-induced phenomena such as desertification, flooding, and droughts. Toromade calls for a cohesive global and local response that includes adopting climate-smart agricultural practices, better water resource management, and the development of crop varieties resistant to climate stresses.

Beyond these specific studies, Toromade’s research portfolio includes multidisciplinary publication on the critical role of supply chain risk management in the healthcare sector. Disruptions in this vital industry can severely impact patient care, healthcare system efficiency, and public health. The publication emphasizes the importance of supply chain risk management in addressing disruptions, building resilience, and ensuring effective healthcare services. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for a robust supply chain management system, as the unprecedented surge in demand for essential medical equipment, like PPE, left millions at risk. Toromade provide strategies and actionable tips for developing contingency plans, identifying and mitigating potential disruptions, and implementing best practices for healthcare supply chain risk management. Key areas include inventory management and stockpiling by maintaining safety stock levels and using advanced analytics for demand forecasting, risk assessment and identification by conducting thorough assessments to identify potential threats within the supply chain, supplier base diversification by engaging multiple suppliers to reduce dependency and enhance resilience by balancing global and local suppliers and Integration of Technology using innovative solutions like blockchain for improved transparency, security, and traceability. His work contributes significantly to effective supply chain risk management strategies, ensuring resilient and efficient healthcare services and his multidisciplinary approach highlights the interconnectedness of agricultural innovation and healthcare supply chain management, underscoring the need for comprehensive risk management across industries.

Toromade’s contributions to the field are not just theoretical; they have practical implications that extend into policy formulation and implementation. His research has influenced development strategies and policy frameworks aimed at enhancing food security, improving agricultural productivity, and fostering economic resilience among rural populations in Nigeria. Through seminars, workshops, and policy advisory roles, Toromade actively engages with stakeholders, including government officials, non-governmental organizations, and the farming community, to translate his research findings into actionable policies and practices.

Moreover, Toromade is a mentor and educator, who actively contributes to building the capacity of the next generation of agricultural economists and policy-makers. By teaching and supervising research projects at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, he ensures that young scholars are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the challenges facing agriculture and food security in Nigeria and beyond.

In summary, Adekunle Stephen Toromade’s scholarly work is a beacon of knowledge and innovation in the realms of agriculture, food security, and climate resilience. His research not only advances academic understanding but also serves as a crucial guide for practical actions and policy development aimed at improving the livelihoods of Nigerians and enhancing the sustainability of agricultural practices. As his research continues to influence and inspire, Toromade remains a cornerstone in the global dialogue on sustainable agriculture and development, ensuring that his contributions will resonate well into the future and continue to foster significant positive changes in the agricultural sector and beyond.