As an ISPP Scholar, Kehinde 'Kenny' Adesina is appointed with the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Division of Natural Resources. His work is significant as he focuses on using his communication and multimedia skills to increase knowledge and understanding about sustainable agricultural practices. Kenny shared some thoughts with me about the ISP program, and his work so far.
Why did you apply for the Illini Science Policy Program?
I applied for the Illini Science Policy Program because of its direct alignment with my passion for creating multimedia content that educates and engages the public on policy matters and mirrors the program's emphasis on critical resource areas and policy decisions. With a background in communication and a keen interest in advancing the field through digital storytelling, my involvement in the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s (IDOA) Agroecology + Innovation Matter (AIM) Initiative helps me to actively contribute to addressing critical issues such as soil health, water quality, and climate change.
Tell us a bit about what you hope to accomplish as a result of being a 2024 Scholar.
As a 2024 Scholar, I hope to leverage the platform and resources provided to further amplify the narrative on sustainable agricultural practices through compelling digital storytelling. I aim to engage diverse audiences in conversations about climate change, soil health, and the importance of conservation, fostering a deeper understanding and enthusiasm for these crucial issues. Ultimately, I aspire to inspire positive action, encourage informed decision-making, and drive meaningful agroecology and policy change that benefits society and the environment.
Tell us a bit about what you are working on for your host agency.
My Host agency supervisor is the Manager of the IDOA’s Division of Natural Resources, Dr. Michael Woods. In my capacity as the Media Production Coordinator for the Illinois AIM Initiative, a 3-year program focused on enhancing soil health and water quality in Illinois communities under the direction of the IDOA, my responsibilities encompass multimedia outreach – overseeing the management of the AIM Initiative’s official social media accounts across various platforms, crafting and disseminating engaging newsletters to a subscriber base of over 2000, developing digital storytelling strategies, and working hand-in-hand with the Initiative’s Education and Outreach Coordinator to help teachers at all educational levels pique student interest in natural resource management as a way of life and/or career pathway.
Tell us a bit about what you are working with your Extension Mentor (or what you will be doing)?
My Extension Mentor is Dr. Shibu Kar. My extension project is to convene a conference titled "Weather-Resiliency and Best Conservation Practices to Achieve Non-Profit Ag NRLS Goals" scheduled for January 25-26, 2024. It aims to promote awareness of climate-smart agriculture practices in Illinois. This conference will highlight crucial conservation methods required to achieve NRLS goals from the non-point agricultural sector perspective.
What does being in public service mean to you?
Public service, for me, is about leveraging my expertise and passion to contribute to the well-being of society, inspire the next generation, and employ communication strategies to educate and engage the public about crucial policy issues. Specifically, being in public service now signifies a profound commitment to utilizing my skills and knowledge to serve the greater good and address critical societal needs. It involves actively engaging in initiatives and programs, such as the Illinois AIM Initiative, where I work to enhance soil health and water quality and address environmental concerns.
What makes the work you are doing as an ISPP Scholar meaningful to you?
As an ISPP Scholar, both my work at the host agency and my Extension mentor project hold profound personal significance to me.
At my host agency work, the AIM initiative is not just about spearheading conversation. It is about food security, conserving resources, and nurturing a healthier environment for the present and future. My role in multimedia outreach to dispel misinformation and engage the public in natural resource management reflects my commitment to ensuring a more informed and environmentally conscious society.
Regarding my extension project, the aim to promote climate-smart agriculture practices is deeply meaningful. This conference is about more than just spreading awareness. It is about actively advocating and educating on sustainable agricultural practices, a vital aspect in the fight against climate change, and ensuring a more resilient agricultural future for Illinois.
What is one thing that you have learned since becoming an ISPP Scholar that has made an impression on your transition from graduate student to career individual?
Since becoming an ISPP Scholar, one significant lesson that has left a lasting impression on my transition from a graduate student to a career individual is the inherent value and impact of practical, hands-on experience in shaping real-world policies and initiatives. This transition from theoretical understanding to practical application has indeed underscored the importance of multidisciplinary knowledge, effective communication, and stakeholder engagement in driving policy decisions and implementing initiatives for real societal impact. This shift in focus from theory to hands-on experience has been instrumental in shaping my approach as a career professional dedicated to effecting tangible change in agricultural communication and policy-making.
Why is/are the issue(s) important to the communities with which you are working?
The issues I'm addressing are profoundly significant on multiple fronts. Improving soil health and water quality and promoting climate-smart agricultural practices not only sustains the environment but also safeguards the economic stability of Illinois. The quality of food production, closely linked to soil and water conservation and climate-smart agricultural practices, directly impacts community health and well-being. Furthermore, these efforts play a pivotal role in mitigating the effects of climate change, fostering resilience, and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. Engaging stakeholders, especially the youth, and empowering educators with resources further solidifies the foundation for a community that values conservation and sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring a knowledgeable and committed approach toward these crucial issues.
Who is impacted by the issue(s) you are working on?
Farmers and landowners directly benefit from the initiatives aiming to enhance soil health water quality, and implement sustainable agricultural practices. Society as a whole is impacted as the promotion of climate-smart agriculture and conservation practices contributes to mitigating climate change, ensuring food security, and protecting natural resources. Additionally, educators and policymakers are influenced by the content and strategies that my team and I develop, which in turn shapes how they educate future generations and make informed policy decisions.
What is the most unexpected thing about this program so far?
The most unexpected aspect of the Illini Science Policy Program has been the extent of interdisciplinary collaboration and the diverse perspectives it has offered. Engaging with experts from various fields—ranging from agriculture and environmental science to communication and policy—has profoundly broadened my understanding. The program's emphasis on interdisciplinary cooperation has not only enriched my knowledge but has also broadened my horizons, enabling me to approach complex issues from multiple angles, ultimately contributing to more comprehensive and practical solutions.
If you could do one thing through this program and think “Wow, I did that,” what would you like it to be?
That would be spearheading a transformative shift in agricultural communication and policy. By creating multimedia content that inspires and educates the public, igniting an enthusiastic dialogue about conservation and agroecology across various educational levels, I aim to leave a lasting mark. Ultimately, witnessing the tangible impact of my efforts in fostering a well-informed and engaged society, especially among the next generation, and seeing a fundamental shift in attitudes towards sustainable agricultural practices and environmental stewardship would be the crowning achievement that would make me feel incredibly proud of what I've accomplished through this program.
More information about the Illini Science Policy Program is available on our website. Keep reading to learn more about Kenny's colleagues in the of 2024 ISPP Scholar Class.