Jamila Omowunmi Mohammed Audu

Geographic Information System at IITA: Mapping the Path to a Sustainable Future The World Meteorological Day is celebrated every year to raise awareness about the importance of weather, climate, and water resources for our planet. This year's theme is “The Future of Weather, Climate, and Water Across Generations" which emphasizes the need to take a long-term approach to managing our planet's resources. As we celebrate this day, it is essential to recognize that weather, climate and water are interconnected and affect everything from food security to public health. Climate change is one of the most significant challenges facing our planet today, and it has a profound impact on agriculture. Climate change affects weather patterns, such as droughts, floods, and extreme weather events, which can adversely affect agriculture. In many parts of the world, agriculture is the primary source of livelihood, and any disruption in this sector can have severe consequences. A Natural phenomenon such as climate cannot be controlled, but at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture(IITA), one of the essential software tools for managing weather and climate resources is the Geographic Information System(GIS). GIS technology is used to analyze and manage geospatial data, including weather patterns, climate data, and predict future weather patterns. In an exclusive interview with radio IITA, Basil Akwarandu, Senior Research Supervisor at the Geographic Information System(GIS) unit, with almost 30 years of experience emphasized the role that GIS plays to eradicate poverty and increase sources of livelihood effectively, “You cannot just start growing crops in areas without having an idea of the atmosphere. By monitoring the climate with the GIS software, you will be able to know the areas some crops are very good to survive. For instance, planting grains like maize, guinea corn, and millet should be located at high temperature areas because they are sustainable to high temperature, which is why they thrive very well in the Northern part of Nigeria. Knowing the atmospheric temperature and humidity of areas, you will be able to avert crop failures”, he said. The GIS aids IITA to make informed decisions about crop management, irrigation, and other agricultural practices. It can also help in identifying areas that are at high risk of climate-related disasters and aid in disaster management and mitigation. It is essential to prioritize sustainable development to ensure that future generations inherit a healthy planet. In conclusion, World Meteorological Day is an excellent opportunity to reflect on the importance of weather, climate, and water resources for our planet. It is essential to recognize the impact of climate change on agriculture and prioritize the use of GIS technology to manage and analyze climate data. By working together, we can create a sustainable future for generations to come.