A Professor of Geoinformatics, Momoh Lawal Rilwani has advocated the role of mapping and geoinformation in addressing the environmental challenges of agriculture and food security in the country.
Rilwani, who emphasised the need for environmental monitoring in order to generate up-to-date data and information about land and its resources, said geoinformatics can be used to address the challenges of environmental dis-harmonies caused by man’s uncaring attitude in the environment.
According to him, the process requires integrated mapping to serve as the pivot for articulating environmental management programmes and policies.
Delivering the 113th inaugural lecture of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma (AAU) with the topic: “Sensing and Synthesis for advancement: Exploit with Geoinformatics,” Rilwani said geoinformatics approach need to be entrenched in the entire food production process by adopting precision agriculture methods that ensure optimal productivity and environmental sustainability.
Lamenting Nigeria’s food security challenges, Rilwani said, one of the most threatened environment globally is the Niger Delta where oil exploration and exploitation have caused tremendous damages in the environment.
“However, bleak this situation may seem for the Niger Delta region, there are clearly alternatives that can be implemented to save it from future contamination.
“Satelite imagery combined with the use of Geographical Information System (GIS) and indeed geoinformatics can be put to work to quickly identify and track spilled oil.
“To hasten the clean-up of spills, regional clean-up sites along the problem areas could help contain spills more quickly,” Rilwani said.
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