There are calls for more collaborative leadership efforts to tackle climate change and other environmental challenges head-on, other than only employing technical expertise.

The extreme weather situations experienced in recent times are adversely impacting human existence and threatening general life on earth.

It has now become more than crucial for an attitudinal change for a collective action as experts suggest a climate leadership agenda to change the status quo.

“First I could walk under the sun without feeling too hot, but now it’s unbearable walking under the scorching sun,” said Adiza Yakubu Mohammed, a postgraduate student.

She is one of the many individuals globally feeling the pinch of a changing weather but yet to grasp the concept of climate change.

Globally, reports suggested that less than 40% of the adult human population are aware of climate change, pushing a need for more sensitisation.

Climate action has now become more than a mere talk but one that exceeds technical knowledge and expertise attention.

Africa, despite contributing less to activities that bring about climate change, is rather heavily impacted by the effects.

Founder of Protect Ozone Livelihood initiative in Nigeria, Olalekan Ayodele Sipasi is advocating adoption of environmentally sustainable practices.

“It’s appropriate and requires a sense of urgency for everyone to start emancipation around climate change. We need to revisit our practices. Do we segregate our trash? And how to compound waste to compost to be used as fertilizers. We also must protect our trees by not felling them,” he said.

For Professor Kerry Priest of Kansas State University, leadership is crucial in every society that wants to create a change.

“No single person can effect change alone. We don’t only need technical expertise but skills to mobilize and motivate people to create change. We need innovation, science, technology to create the change. We need a shifted mindset and employ new practices to create those changes,” she said.

Agric Connect in collaboration with Kansas State University in the US is changing the narrative as they seek to introduce a network of leaders championing climate action.

These are young leaders poised to transform their societies through environmentally friendly approaches and innovative strategies to safeguard the environment and restore its natural beauty.

Under a five-day intensive workshop, the participants were exposed to the nitty-gritty of climate change and the appropriate leadership skills to tackle the menace.

Co-founder of Agric Connect, Shaibu Fuseini, is optimistic of the prospects of the workshop as he cites a positive outlook for climate action.

“We chose people from diverse backgrounds for this workshop. They will someday become leaders and the grooming for climate action starts now. But not necessarily waiting until they become leaders,” he said.

Participants like Hajia were elated for being exposed to the integral discourse for environmental change and climate action.

“Through awareness creation, I have noticed that we can mitigate climate change and adapt to the new environment without causing more harm. I have been groomed with the skillset to be a leader in the fight for a better climate,” she said.

She is ready to diversify her programme of study, Mathematics, and adopt means in the field to proffer solutions to the climate challenge.