Scientifically Speaking Live: Grace Olajide. Seeds of Change: Climate-Smart Agribusiness and Resilience Pathways from Nigeria to Brazil
SS LIVE is our monthly Zoom-based webinar that explores the big, often under-discussed questions shaping science, technology, and global health. Each session brings together researchers, creatives, innovators, and cross-sector leaders for a focused conversation centered on real challenges and creative solutions.
About this session
Agribusiness today is more than an economic venture; it is a story of survival, creativity, and connection. As climate pressures intensify, communities across the Global South are redesigning the way food is grown, processed, and shared - revealing powerful new models of resilience that blend science, culture, and local knowledge.
About the speaker
Grace Olajide is a Sustainability and Climate Development Specialist whose work bridges environmental research, community development, and international collaboration. She holds an Advanced Studies Certificate in Energy and Climate from the European University Institute’s Florence School of Regulation in Italy, a Master’s in Sustainable Development Practice, and a Bachelor’s in Philosophy, where she graduated as the Best Student of her cohort; an early sign of her analytical depth and passion for environmental justice and human-nature relations.
Professionally, Grace has held roles with EnvironQuest Ltd., Jawura Environmental Services, Joatol Limited, and other sustainability-focused organisations, supporting environmental impact assessments, sustainability reporting, and stakeholder engagement. She has carried out several international and national projects, including Climate Change Shocks and Farmers’ Coping Strategies (Nigeria), Clean Cooking and Renewable Energy Transitions (South Africa), an E-Mobility Acceptability Study (Country Project-Lagos), and a Township Climate Adaptation Initiative strengthening farmers’ resilience and livelihoods. She also collaborated on the Peace and Partnership for Sustainable Development Project (Rwanda) and is currently engaged in collaborative work with the Technological Park of Santos (Brazil) on sustainability and community-driven adaptation initiatives.
Grace has presented at major international and national forums, including the WE4U International Conference (Italy), Sustainable Energy for All (Rome), the Florence School of Regulation (Florence), NES-Nigerian Environmental Conference, and SDSN Nigeria events. Her leadership has been recognised with awards including Top Young Energy Leader (Nigeria Tribune), Top African Performer-Open Africa Power (ENEL Foundation), and an Award of Excellence from the Florence School of Regulation.
Drawing on comparative adaptation insights from Brazil and Nigeria, Grace connects local realities with global sustainability frameworks, transforming climate knowledge into practical, inclusive, and equitable solutions for a more resilient world.