TOYIN SAMUEL OLOWOGBON

University of Ilorin

Agricultural Economics | PhD

2014-10-06 - 2019-09-09

I earned my Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics, focusing my thesis on evaluating the impact of agricultural health training on farmers` well-being through randomized controlled trials (RCT). This research involved assessing how targeted training programs can enhance farmers` knowledge of health practices, leading to improved health outcomes and increased productivity in agricultural practices. By utilizing rigorous methodologies, I provided evidence-based recommendations for policy and practice that can support sustainable agricultural development and enhance the livelihoods of farming communities.

Institute of Food Security and Commercial Agriculture, FUOYE

Agricultural Development Economics |

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Migal Galilee Research Institute

Digital Agricultrure |

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University of Ilorin

Agricultural Economics | PhD

2014-10-29 - 2019-09-11

For my PhD program at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, I designed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to assess the impact of agricultural health training on farmers` well-being. The study revealed a significant relationship between sickness absence and labor productivity among crop farmers. Each additional day of sickness absence led to a 3% reduction in productivity (p<0.01). Before the intervention, farmers averaged 6.5 days of sickness absence per farming season. After receiving health training and follow-up text messages, sickness absence decreased by 1.9 days (a 29% reduction), demonstrating the intervention`s positive effect on farmers` health behaviors.

University of Ilorin

Agricultural Economics | MSc

2011-10-28 - 2013-10-23

During my Master’s program at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, I investigated the impact of sand mining on agricultural activities and its contribution to environmental degradation. My research revealed that sand excavation significantly disrupts farming livelihoods by reducing arable land, leading to decreased crop yields and long-term land infertility. The findings highlighted that continuous land excavation not only predisposes farming communities to economic losses but also accelerates soil erosion, water pollution, and habitat destruction, further exacerbating environmental degradation and threatening sustainable agricultural practices.

University of Ibadan

Teachers Education | Diploma

2010-01-23 - 2012-11-01

I completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching in Higher Education at the Department of Teacher Education, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. This program equipped me with advanced pedagogical skills tailored for higher education, focusing on effective teaching methods, curriculum development, and student engagement strategies. The training enhanced my ability to deliver impactful instruction, design learner-centered courses, and apply modern teaching techniques to foster critical thinking and knowledge retention in university-level students.

University of Ilorin

Agriculture | B. Agric

2003-02-19 - 2008-05-26

For my bachelor`s degree in agriculture, at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria; I conducted an economic analysis of a cassava intervention in Kwara State, Nigeria. My research assessed the impact of this initiative on participating farmers compared to non-participants. Surprisingly, the study found that farmers not involved in the intervention fared better economically. The cassava distributed through the initiative was meant for industrial purposes, but participants struggled due to poor market connectivity. As a result, these farmers were worse off, facing difficulties in selling their produce, which negatively affected their income and overall livelihoods.

Introduction to climate information services for Agriculture

RUFORUM, CGIAR, IRI, and AICCRA | Climate change information

2023-12-14

I earned a certification in "Introduction to Climate Information Services for Agriculture" through a collaborative program offered by RUFORUM, CGIAR, IRI, and AICCRA. This course provided me with a solid foundation in understanding the role of climate information services (CIS) in enhancing agricultural decision-making. I gained insights into how real-time climate data can support farmers in adapting to climate variability, improving productivity, and building resilience. The training also focused on integrating CIS into agricultural practices to ensure sustainable and climate-smart farming systems.

Climate Economics; Africa Training Workshop in Econometrics (ATWE-2023)

The Econometric Society | Climate Economics

2023-06-14

I participated in the Climate Economics: Africa Training Workshop in Econometrics (ATWE-2023) organized by the Econometric Society. The workshop provided advanced training in econometric techniques, specifically applied to climate economics. It focused on equipping participants with quantitative tools to analyze the economic impacts of climate change, assess policy interventions, and develop sustainable solutions for African economies. This training deepened my ability to apply econometric models to real-world climate-related issues, enhancing my research capabilities in addressing climate adaptation and mitigation strategies in agriculture and broader economic contexts.

Executive Training on Sustainable Investments in Agriculture

Columbia Centre for Sustainable Investments (CCSI), University of Columbia, | Sustainable Investments in Agriculture

2021-06-21

I completed an Executive Training on Sustainable Investments in Agriculture, which focused on promoting responsible and sustainable agricultural investments. The program provided insights into best practices for balancing economic growth with environmental and social sustainability. Key topics included investment strategies that support climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable land use, and inclusive value chains. This training enhanced my understanding of how to mobilize resources for agricultural projects that not only drive profitability but also contribute to long-term environmental conservation and social well-being, aligning with global sustainability goals.

Capacity Development Approach for Strengthening Interventions at Country Level

ITOCA, South Africa, and FAO, Rome | Capacity Development Approach for Strengthening Interventions at Country Level

2021-10-25

Green Talents

German Ministry of Education and Research |

October 9, 2021

Recognized for his contributions, Olowogbon was named among the 25 Global Young Scientists under the Green Talents Award by the German Ministry of Education and Research in 2021.

Anant Fellowship of Climate Action

Anant National University, India |

N/A

I am among the 23 Fellows of the Anant Fellowship of Climate Action conferred by Anant National University, India, as part of the 2022 cohort.

Allianz Climate Risk Global Award

Allianz Group, Munich, Germany |

October 10, 2023

One of the 12 selected in the Allianz Climate Risk Global Award 2023 by Allianz Group, Munich, Germany

Nigerian Young Academy

Member

- Present

I am currently a member of the Nigerian Young Academy

Institute Of Food Security and Commercial Agriculture, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria

Nigeria | Postdoctoral Research Fellow

2023-04-03 - Present

I coordinate the organization’s research initiatives, identifying critical gaps and advancing grant proposals to address these opportunities. I also assess the capacity needs of emerging researchers, developing tailored content and training programs to enhance their skills. My role ensures the alignment of research activities with the organization`s strategic goals and funding prospects.

Migal Galilee Research Institute and Tell Hai College

Israel | Postdoctoral Researcher

2024-07-01 - Present

I am currently working on a Global Digital Agriculture Project that explores the impacts and potential of FarmHive (farmhive.co), a social networking platform designed to connect farmers, agricultural advisors, extension agents, and researchers. The platform aims to enhance collaboration, knowledge sharing, and support within the agricultural community, ultimately improving farming practices and outcomes through digital engagement. My research focuses on assessing how FarmHive can empower these stakeholders, drive innovation, and create opportunities for sustainable agricultural development globally.

Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Empowerment

Nigeria | Agricultural Economist

2019-04-11 - Present

Olowogbon specializes in developing and testing development interventions, demonstrating a commitment to leveraging technology for sustainable agricultural practices. His recent endeavours have led him to delve into climate change research, concentrating on climate adaptation, resilience, and agricultural health. Employing experimental economics, specifically randomized evaluations, he designs and analyzes impact evaluations to inform effective strategies. Among Olowogbon’s notable achievements is developing the SOFADRICLIMATE App (www.sofadriclimate.com), a digital platform integrating climate information and weather index micro-insurance tailored to support smallholder farmers in Nigeria. This innovative tool empowers farmers to mitigate climate-related risks and enhance resilience in agricultural practices, showcasing Olowogbon’s commitment to addressing pressing agricultural challenges through technology and research-driven solutions. This won the SCALE Creative Adaptation Award (People’s Choice) by USAID & Mercy Corps in 2022.

Institute Of Food Security and Commercial Agriculture, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria

Nigeria | Postdoctoral Research Fellow

2023-03-23 - Present

Dr. Toyin Samuel Olowogbon serves as a Research Fellow at the Institute of Food Security and Commercial Agriculture, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria. In this role, he focuses on advancing research in sustainable agricultural practices, food security, and rural development. Dr. Olowogbon’s work includes leading studies on agricultural productivity, climate resilience, and the use of digital technologies to enhance farming outcomes. He collaborates with academic peers and industry stakeholders to generate evidence-based solutions that address the challenges facing food systems in Nigeria and beyond.

Migal Galilee Research Institute and Tel Hai College

Israel | Postdoctoral Researcher

2024-08-01 - Present

As a Postdoctoral Researcher in Digital Agriculture at the Migal Galilee Research Institute and Tel-Hai College, Israel, I am working on the development of FarmHive, a social networking platform designed to connect agricultural stakeholders. My role involves researching how digital technologies can enhance communication and collaboration among farmers, agricultural advisors, and other key players in the agriculture value chain. FarmHive aims to foster knowledge sharing, improve access to information including climate information and a general agricultural advisory, and promote data-driven farming practices. I contribute by analyzing user engagement, identifying potential challenges, and ensuring the platform meets the needs of diverse agricultural communities for improved productivity and sustainability.