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A virtual conference yesterday marked the official launch of the book “Baobab and Marula – New Solutions to Global Warming and Food Security”, bringing together scholars, writers, environmental experts and policymakers from across the world. The publication, which draws contributions from 35 African and international authors, explores the cultural, nutritional and economic significance of baobab and marula trees while reflecting on their place in tackling global challenges such as climate change, food insecurity and the preservation of indigenous knowledge.
The event opened with remarks from communication specialist Busola Dakolo, who emphasised the deep cultural symbolism of trees in Africa. “When you talk about trees we are talking about culture, heritage and community,” she said. “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.”
Delivering the keynote address, Finnish science journalist and writer Risto Isomäki argued that Africa’s indigenous trees could play a decisive role in shaping a greener future beyond the continent. He noted that the domestication and cultivation of baobab and marula could provide large amounts of nutritious food while contributing to the fight against climate change. “Africa is extremely rich in biodiversity but has not always received the attention it deserves,” he said. “Food based on baobab and marula has numerous important health benefits, and scaling their cultivation could help prevent serious global climate threats.”
Editors and contributors to the book also highlighted the trees’ diverse uses and legacy. Professor Arinola Adefila of Buckinghamshire New University described the baobab as a place of learning and inspiration, noting its role in medicine, nutrition and energy. Professor Ahmad Cheikhyoussef from the University of Namibia underlined their nutritional power, pointing out that baobab fruit contains more vitamin C than oranges and more calcium than milk, while marula complements this with fibre, protein and essential oils. Professor Joyce Lepetu of the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources stressed the resilience of the species, observing that they thrive in varied environments, while Ghanaian researcher Professor Kenneth Fafa Egbadzor pointed to the challenges of low regeneration and the need for domestication and conservation.
In a panel session, speakers discussed barriers to scaling baobab and marula products into global markets. Dr Sarah Venter of the Baobab Foundation highlighted the importance of creating consistent demand, warning that quality and sustainability must be guaranteed. Nigerian entrepreneur Ife Adeleke emphasised the role of education and farmer training to ensure consistency across products, while Ayu Pratiwi of the University of Turku noted that unstable production costs and lack of certification make it difficult to expand into export markets. Other panellists, including Olayemi Aganga of Moungo Craft MBC Africa and Dr Kebadire Khola Mogotsi of Enviro Fuels Global, called for stronger product development, innovation and the integration of indigenous knowledge into modern value chains.
During the question-and-answer session, participants raised the issue of government support. Responding to a question on how baobab and marula could be incorporated into forestry and environmental strategies, Professor Adefila urged greater investment from policymakers. “We need to be proud of these resources and integrate them back into classrooms so that they are relevant to how we teach young people,” she said. “Government investment is needed not only in strategy but also in the narrative that connects our history with the present. We need technologies and engineers to work on the processing and scaling.”
The launch of “Baobab and Marula” was widely seen as a milestone in advancing the discourse on Africa’s indigenous resources. By combining scientific research with cultural reflection, the book underscores how traditional knowledge and modern innovation can converge to shape sustainable futures both within the continent and beyond.
