EP 47 | Dr. Michelle Perro: GMOs & Biosecurity - Building Africa's Food Sovereignty

EP 47 | Dr. Michelle Perro: GMOs & Biosecurity - Building Africa's Food Sovereignty

This discourse was about GMOs, biosecurity, food sovereignty -lessons from Northern America to adapt for Africa food sovereignty, with the continent's food insecurity situation and weak regulation, and how unregulated/dangerous synthetic chemicals (pesticides/herbicides) and food manipulation procedures could have disastrous effects. The guest Dr. Michelle Perro, is a veteran pediatrician with over 40 years' experience in acute and integrative medicine, focusing on environmental health, pesticides, and GMO advocacy, and children wellness. She has extensively lectured on these both locally and globally. She authored the books "Making our Children Well" and "What's Making Our Children Sick?: How Industrial Food Is Causing an Epidemic of Chronic Illness, and What Parents (and Doctors) Can Do about It". Based in Northern California, she runs Down to Earth Pediatrics and serves as Executive Director of @gmoscience (https://gmoscience.org/) [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbG5Xc20zN0JMUkx5UVBsWU5oZy1VQXRpalFtZ3xBQ3Jtc0tuZzg4azFvMGRfaDNTRVNjZHhDaGxxcFoxQ1hvX01ER3VucU1zU255dXI0UDIwX2N0amZ4WEJ6M3AyMFIwOHhGUlIzM3c4cDl2NEd3bFBRRUNUM0tmR0stUGJDVXFMNk4yd0F0dnpDWXhnVktVa1E4dw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fgmoscience.org%2F%29&v=a1PGGsNKjKs], focusing on restoring children’s health through food and reducing toxic exposures. We discussed the current food issues in N/America (the United States in particular), increasing disorders/diseases correlated with GMOs and associated chemicals, and the biosecurity/regulation of the food system. It was discussed vis-a-vis Africa's prevailing realities and Dr. Perro's books/works and about Africa, to advise on actionable ways to strengthen Africa's food system for safer, healthier and rich foods. The conversation had special focus on children and African children in particular. 👶Fetuses and infants have developing immune system and dependent on their mothers -connected by placenta and breast-feeding. There’s been reports of pesticides found in breast milk and milk formulas 🧑‍🍼. The chemicals have also been reported to cross blood-brain barrier in developing fetuses. 🦠Gut microbiome play a huge role in the developing immune system of foetuses and infants. However, pesticides, for instance glyphosate, has been shown to have antibiotic effects. Thus, capable of eradicating good microbes in the gut and promoting harmful microbes, leading to microbial imbalance and toxic actions. 🚨Also, when genetically modified microbes (GMMs) are passed on to foetuses and infants from their mothers, horizontal gene transfer can occur between the introduced microbes that may carry resistant genes and and those in the little beings. ‼️This all could pose risk and possibly lead to immune dysregulation and resistance to medications. The presence of these xenobiotics have been correlated to rise in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic diseases, esp in children. 🧑‍🍼Children interact more with the environment, have broader surface area, and with increased temperature and attending perspiration promote increased absorption of sprayed pesticides accelerated by hot climate of the tropics, this make African and Nigerian children at particular risk. Dr Michelle talked about what found researching GMOs and pesticides in Nigeria -GMOs adopted and commercialized, flooding the market unlabeled without proper verification of safety based on long-term and balanced study of safety, toxic agrochemicals (toxic at low conc) still sold in the market despite being banned, and also the international great lobby and local actors shoving down these food instruments in Nigeria. The full conversation features many important topics: ✅ Broader definition of GMMs that’s often hidden and the potential risks ✅ Explanation on how modified microbes and pesticides could pose risks to children ✅ Alleged GMO Ginger and Nigeria export woe ✅ New threat -Glyphosate-Aluminium-Fluoride complex ✅ Pesticides & GMOs and Africa's food security #DrMichellePerro #GMOScience #TheLasgidiFarmerPodcast #AfricaGMOs #GutHealth #Transgene #Microbiome #InfantHealth #SoilHealth #FoodTechnology #GeneticEngineering #GeneticallyModifiedMicrobes #NigerianChildren #AfricanChildren #FoodSovereignty

EP 44 | Kenechukwu Anoliefo: African Fish Farming - Bridging the Tech Gap

In this eye-opening episode of The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast, we dive deep into one of the most promising yet underdeveloped sectors in African agriculture — fish farming (aquaculture). Despite Nigeria’s huge potential to become a major fish producer, the sector continues to struggle with low yields, high costs, disease outbreaks, and inefficient practices. A major reason? Extremely slow adoption of technology. Joined by Kenechukwu Anoliefo, CTO of aquaSense+, we explore the real reasons why technology is still missing in most fish farms across Nigeria and Africa. From daily operational challenges faced by small and medium-scale farmers to the practical innovations that can transform the industry, this conversation uncovers both the hard truths and the hopeful pathways forward. We discuss: * Why fish farmers are still heavily dependent on manual methods * The biggest barriers to technology adoption (beyond just cost) * What “farmer-friendly” technology should look like in rural Africa * Practical solutions that actually work on the ground * The role of policy, investors, and farmers themselves in scaling innovation * Honest lessons from building tech solutions for aquaculture Whether you’re a fish farmer, agribusiness professional, policymaker, investor, or someone passionate about African agriculture and food security, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable ideas. Guest: Kenechukwu Anoliefo – CTO, aquaSense+Listen now and share with every fish farmer and ag enthusiast you know! Follow The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast for more insightful conversations on African agriculture, agritech, and food systems. #FishFarming #Aquaculture #Agritech #NigerianAgriculture #AfricanAgriculture #FoodSecurity #AgriTechNigeria #Nigeria#1AgriculturePodcast #aquasense+ #KenechukwuAnoliefo

EP 46: Genetics & Technology for Better Fish Breeding in Nigeria - Insights from Nofima

Genetics and Technology for Better Fish Breeding in Nigeria – Insights from Nofima In this insightful episode, we sit down with two leading experts from Nofima, one of the world’s top aquaculture research institutes in Norway: * Dr. Anna Kristina Sonesson – Research Director in Genetics and Breeding * Marie Lillehammer – Senior Researcher specializing in breeding program optimization We explore how advanced genetics and breeding technologies can be practically applied to improve catfish farming in Nigeria. Topics include: * Why genetics is critical for successful fish farming * The hidden impact of inbreeding depression on African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) * Practical tools and methods small-to-medium hatcheries can use * How to balance local genetic diversity with improved strains * Capacity building and advice for young Nigerians in aquaculture Whether you’re a catfish farmer, hatchery owner, student, or aquaculture stakeholder, this episode offers valuable, actionable insights to help you produce stronger, healthier fish and improve your farm’s productivity. #CatfishFarming #AquacultureNigeria #FishBreeding #GeneticsinAquaculture #BetterCatfishBreedNG #CatfishInbreeding #CatfishHatchery #AgriculturePodcast #TheLasgidiFarmerPodcast #Nofima #AnnaSonesson #MarieLillehammer #Norway #Nigeria #ImproveFishBreed #AquacultureInnovation

EP 45 | Michael Akinsete: Farm-2-Table With Zero Spoilage - Building Resilient Cold Chains with Off-Grid Tech for Nigeria's Food Security.

In this powerful and insightful episode of The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast, we sat down with Michael Akinsete, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Ecotutu, a pioneering Nigerian cleantech company transforming cold chain infrastructure. Widely known as “The Food Systems Guy,” Michael brings deep expertise and passion as he discussed practical ways to tackle one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges -the massive post-harvest losses that occur due to weak cold-chain logistics. We dived deep into the staggering ₦3.5 to ₦5 trillion annual food waste crisis. The conversation examined how the lack of reliable cold chain infrastructure, erratic power supply, poor rural roads, high cost of conventional cold storage, and inefficient transportation systems cause large quantities of perishable produce -tomatoes, leafy vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, and root crops -to spoil before they reach the market. These losses lead to reduced incomes for smallholder farmers and aggregators, distress sales, higher food prices for consumers, increased malnutrition, and serious environmental consequences including wasted natural resources and higher greenhouse gas emissions. Michael explained how Ecotutu is changing the game with innovative solar-powered, off-grid cold storage solutions specifically designed for Nigeria’s challenging environment. He highlighted the company’s flexible “pay-as-you-chill” model, also known as Cooling as a Service, which makes cooling affordable and accessible. Instead of requiring heavy upfront capital, farmers and aggregators can pay only for the cooling space they actually use, making it much more practical for small and medium players in the value chain. The episode features inspiring real-life success stories from farmers and traders who have significantly reduced their losses, increased their income, and improved the quality of their produce thanks to Ecotutu’s solutions. Michael also discussed the versatility of the technology -the same solar-powered systems are being used to safely store vaccines, medicines, and other temperature-sensitive medical supplies in off-grid and rural communities where electricity is unreliable. Throughout the conversation, Michael spoke candidly about the real challenges of scaling clean technology in Nigeria, including financing difficulties, initial resistance from some farmers, supply chain issues, and the importance of community engagement to ensure long-term sustainability. He reflected on the lessons he has learned while building Ecotutu and the significance of being awarded the 2025 Nigerian Agripreneur of the Year by the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Lagos. He also shared his thoughts on what is needed to scale resilient cold chains across the country -stronger government policies, innovative financing mechanisms such as grants and blended finance, and closer collaboration between the public sector, private sector, and farmer groups. Michael closed with practical, actionable advice for smallholder farmers and aggregators on simple steps they can take to reduce losses, as well as valuable guidance for aspiring agritech entrepreneurs on how to develop sustainable, locally relevant solutions in Nigeria’s complex market. Whether you are a farmer, aggregator, policymaker, investor, researcher, or anyone interested in food security, sustainable agriculture, cleantech, and climate solutions, this episode offers rich insights and genuine inspiration. Guest: Michael Akinsete, Co-Founder & Chief Marketing Officer, Ecotutu | 2025 Nigerian Agripreneur of the Year Subscribe to The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast for more deep dives into agricultural innovation and food system transformation in Nigeria and beyond. #PostHarvestLoss #ColdChainNigeria #FoodSecurity #AgritechNigeria #SolarCooling #PostHarvestLosses #Ecotutu #NigeriaAgriculture #FoodWaste #ClimateSmartFarming #MichaelAkinsete #SustainableAgriculture #SocialEntrepreneurship #HealthcareLogistics  #LasgidiFarmerPodcast

EP 43 | Prof. Odebode: Empowering Nigerian Agriculture - Digital Extension, Technology Innovation, & Women Leadership

In this landmark inaugural episode of The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast, we are privileged to host Professor Stella Olusola Odebode, Professor of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development and current Head of Department at the University of Ibadan. With more than four decades of experience in teaching, research, and policy, Professor Odebode is a foremost authority on gender analysis in agriculture, women’s empowerment, rural livelihoods, and the integration of digital technologies in extension services. Her work has influenced generations of extension workers and shaped gender-responsive policies at the University of Ibadan and beyond. In this rich and insightful conversation, Professor Odebode reflects on her journey in the field and shares expert perspectives on some of the most pressing issues in Nigerian agriculture today. We explore: * What digital extension truly means in the Nigerian context and how mobile technologies, data analytics, and digital tools are transforming the delivery of agricultural advisory services. * The persistent challenges of connectivity, digital literacy, and access faced by smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth in rural communities. * The critical and often under-recognized role of women in Nigerian agriculture, including the major gender gaps that still exist in land access, credit, technology, and extension support. * Practical success stories from her extensive research on women cooperatives, sweet potato processing for income generation, home gardening, and other livelihood improvement initiatives. * How traditional extension methods can effectively combine with modern digital approaches to create more inclusive systems. * Her vision for the future of agricultural extension in Nigeria by 2035, and what universities and policymakers must do to prepare the next generation of extension professionals. * Valuable advice for students and young graduates aspiring to build careers in digital extension or gender-focused agricultural development. This episode goes beyond theory to offer real-world insights and actionable recommendations for making agricultural technology work for everyone, especially rural women who form the backbone of food production in Nigeria. Whether you are an extension worker, researcher, student, policymaker, or a farmer seeking better support systems, this conversation provides deep understanding and inspiration for building a stronger, more inclusive Nigerian agricultural sector. Guest: Professor Stella Olusola Odebode Professor of Agricultural Extension & Rural Development Head of Department, Agricultural Extension and Rural Development University of Ibadan This marks the official launch of our recurring podcast series, which will feature leading academics, researchers, and practitioners from the University of Ibadan and beyond. Follow The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast for more thought-provoking discussions on agricultural extension, innovation, gender, and rural development in Nigeria. #DigitalExtension #WomeninAgriculture #WomenFarmers #GenderInequality #RuralFarmers #SmallholderFarmers #WomenParticipation #DigitalAgriculture #FarmingPodcast #AgriculturePodcast #Top10FarmingPodcast #Top10AgriculturePodcast #Top100FarmingPodcast #NigerianPodcast #AfricanPodcast #AfricanAgriculture #AgriculturalTechnology #Agritech #AgriculturalExtension #RuralDevelopment #UniversityofIbadan #ProfessorStellaOdebode #StellaOdebode #TheLasgidiFarmerPodcast #AgInisghts #AgriculturalAdvisory #WomenEmpowerment #DigitalInfrastructure #FinancialInclusion #NigeriaForemostAgriculturePodcast #AfricaForemostAgriculturePodcast #NigerianAgriculturalStudents #NigerianStudents #ExtensionAgents #CommunicationforDevelopment #WomenParticipationinFarming