A US-based Nigerian scholar, Adeyinka Olusanya, has distinguished himself at the forefront of research, addressing the complex relationship between water, energy, and food production in drought-prone regions.
As a master’s student in Geography at Oklahoma State University, Adeyinka has been investigating the impact of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) on groundwater availability for agriculture and livestock production in the Southern Great Plains, USA. His research, which employs advanced geospatial analysis and remote sensing techniques, sheds light on the competition between oil and gas extraction and agricultural water use.
Fracking, a method used to extract oil and gas from deep underground, requires vast amounts of water, which can deplete groundwater resources critical for food production. Adeyinka’s research uses NASA’s Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite data to track groundwater storage changes in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas—three states heavily affected by both fracking and agricultural water demands, he hinted in an interview. Additionally, he uses crop water productivity models and water use efficiency metrics to estimate how much water crops require for optimal yield, allowing him to quantify the extent to which fracking competes with agricultural water needs.
“My goal is to provide data-driven insights that can help balance energy demands with sustainable water management,” Adeyinka said. “Both fracking and agriculture are vital to the economy, but ensuring long-term water security requires understanding their competing needs.”
Adeyinka’s passion for environmental sustainability extends beyond the U.S. Before pursuing graduate studies, he worked on a World Bank-funded watershed management project in Nigeria, where he contributed to strategies for improving water resource conservation. His work highlights the growing importance of integrated water management, particularly in regions where oil and gas development intersects with food security concerns.
His commitment to solving these global challenges will continue as he begins his PhD in Environmental Science this fall. His doctoral research will focus on exploring pathways to sustainable energy transition and water management practices, with the aim of developing strategies that can be applied in both developed and developing nations.
“In Nigeria, as in many parts of the world, there is a pressing need to manage water resources efficiently while meeting energy and food production demands,” Adeyinka noted. “By combining geospatial analysis, remote sensing, and policy research, I hope to contribute to solutions that ensure water security for future generations.”
With his expertise in water and energy management, Adeyinka is poised to make significant contributions to the global conversation on sustainability. His research not only advances scientific understanding but also offers practical insights for policymakers navigating the delicate balance between resource extraction and environmental conservation.
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