By Justus Adejumoh

Copyright independent

Environmental scholars and experts have called on Africa to lead in the crusade for cultivation of Baobab and Marula trees because of their role in addressing pressing global issues such as climate change, food security and indigenous knowledge.

The call was made on September 17, 2025 during the official launch of the highly anticipated book, “Baobab and Marula”, on webinar that brought together authors, scholars, environmental experts and thought leaders from across the world to discuss the deep cultural, nutritional, and economic significance of Baobab and Marula trees.

Communications specialist, Busola Dakolo, who hosted the event, underscored the cultural and economic significance of Africa’s trees, especially Baobab & Marula which are tagged as New Solutions to Global Warming and Food Security.

Dakolo, in her opening remarks, described the book as “a seed of knowledge and possibility” at a time when the world is grappling with climate change, food insecurity, and the urgent need to preserve indigenous wisdom.

According to her, “Trees in Africa signify things beyond nature. When you talk about trees we are talking about culture, heritage and community. Under the shade of a tree stories are told there, children learn, elders pass down wisdom also. Saying from Africa “wisdom is like baobab tree”. The book signifies collective wisdom.

“Thirty five (35) authors from across countries and disciplines came together to explore the possibilities of these two trees (Baobab and Marula) beyond the symbols of resilience and heritage that we know them for.

This book is a seed of knowledge, possibilities and it comes with full responsibilities. It has been planted by many hands and the timing is not right as it is now, we are faced with climate Change, food insecurities and indigenous knowledge.”

In his remarks, Professor Kenneth Fafa Egbador, Associate Professor of Plant Breeding, Ho Technical University, Ghana, harped on the need for Baobab domestication, cultivation and conservation, while noting that the real challenge of Baobab is not the death of individual trees but the low rate of new growth.

Panelists at the event highlighted ways to tackle the challenges the campaign drive Baobab and Marula is faced with and came up with solutions to scale up their potentials in Africa.

Dr Sarah Venter, Chair Baobab Foundation, stated that African Baobab has the mission to grow the Baobab market globally.

“Growing the market has multiple challenges and the most important thing is demand. You can produce incredible products, and if you don’t have a demand for it, you will never be able to sell it. So creating that demand and understanding what are the market requirements for the demand.

“The other thing is domestication. We can’t provide a fruit or crop we can’t guarantee is sustainable. And the other big challenge is the quality. Its consistent quality across all producers that the market can trust and how much it can supply,” Venter said.

On her part, Mrs. Ife Adeleke, an Educational Specialist Instructional Coach and CEO of Plush Organics, stressed the importance of enlightenment and education of the people, farmers, and ensuring availability of quality products of the fruits.

“Aside from the medicinal value and nutritional value we get from baobab, there is also the beauty aspect to it. It’s not just what the plant stands to give, it is how to ensure there is consistency in every single product. There is a need for education, learning, because we tend to trivialize things that grow indigenously and also put specialists in a place to ensure there is quality and consistency,” Adeleke said.

Other members of the panel included Ayu Pratiwi, Author, Senior Researcher at The Biodiversity and Economic Geography Units, University Of Turkey, Finland; Olayemi Aganga – Co- Founder Moungo Craft MBC Africa, Co- Regional Director, and Dr Kebadire Khola Mogotsi, Plant Eco Physiologist Director: R&D Enviro Fuels Global.

The launch of Baobab and Marula has set a remarkable milestone in advancing the discourse on indigenous African resources. From collective wisdom to scientific research, from nutrition to culture, the book stands as a testament to Africa’s heritage and its potential role in shaping a sustainable global future.