Some Final Thoughts on Nigeria

I've been sharing bits and pieces of the trip on the blog from journal entries. I have to admit, that while this trip was definitely outside my comfort zone, I have gained a new appreciation of what it means to live in this country, with all the blessings that we have and take for granted every day, and also gained an awe and respect for the people of Nigeria. Everywhere I went and everyone I met would say "You are welcome here." and meant it.

While I was in Nigeria, I had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Jess Lowenburg-Deboer. He's the professor here at Purdue that has been instrumental in the PICS project and the one I have to thank for this opportunity to spend a few weeks in Nigeria. He asked me if I'd figured out how I was going to tie the project back to Indiana agriculture. At the time, I was honest, and didn't have a clue how I was going to do that. Africa agriculture is different in every way- the soils are different, the methods are different, the crops are different, the way they are harvested and utilized is different (they use hand tools and ox vs our tractors and combines!). How in the world was I going to relate this problem of cowpea storage in Nigeria and the solution we have found to my producers in southern Indiana? It's not as if we have a large demand to store soybeans in airtight, triple plastic bags. While I was in Nigeria, I joked with my teammates that this could be marketed as "organic" cowpea storage. It wasn't until I got home that it dawned on me... that was it. It was organic cowpea storage...and that it's really quite simple.

Regardless of who you are or where you live, what we all need in life is food. We also want our food to be safe. Here in the U.S. we are wondering what the effects of a ppb of insecticide on an apple has on our health long term. In Nigeria, they are wondering if the cowpea they have purchased at the market is free from deadly doses of insecticide. Producers here in the U.S. are utilizing pesticides to more easily control insects, weeds, and diseases in their fields so that they can maximize their yields and make the most profit. Farmers in Nigeria want to make money on their crops too. The PICS bag allows them to that in a way that is safe for their consumers. The needs and wants and the expectations are all the same. It's simply the way they get there that is so different.

My teammate, Segun Ojekaiye, would always ask the group "Are you getting it?" as he gave his presentation. Well, Segun, I think I'm finally getting it!