Grace Ebelebe

2024 | Agriculture

In honour of Lord Forres

“My engagement in sustainable practices is driven by a deep belief that we must preserve our natural resources for future generations and we must cherish nature.”

During my scholarship I hope to immerse myself in diverse agricultural systems and technologies, particularly those from leading agricultural countries like China, Netherlands, Japan.

This experience will enable me to bring back cutting-edge practices and technologies to Australia, enhancing our agricultural efficiency and sustainability.

I am keen to expand my professional network by collaborating with international experts and peers, fostering a global exchange of ideas and innovations that can drive progress in our industry.

I am pursuing a Certificate III in Agriculture at TAFE NSW, which I will complete this December. This certification has equipped me with a solid foundation in various aspects of agriculture, including livestock management, crop production, and sustainable farming practices. Completing this certification aligns perfectly with the objectives of the Global Footprints Scholarship, as it will complement my academic and practical knowledge with international exposure, making me well-prepared to implement advanced agricultural practices in Australia.

A Global Footprints Scholarship is your opportunity to do more of what you love. What have you done at work that you are proud of or passionate about?

One of my proudest achievements at work has been my involvement with Corethics, a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental sustainability. In collaboration with Corethics, I contributed to a project focused on recycling wastewater from the dyeing process in the textile industry. This initiative aimed to convert polluted water into clean, reusable water, significantly reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable water management practices. Corethics raised funds in Newcastle to support these transformative projects happening overseas and this charity also demonstrates the local community's commitment to global environmental issues.This project has showed several successful results and there have been significant improvements.

My role in this project has encouraged my passion for environmental stewardship and created an interest in creating sustainable solutions in agriculture through already available technology.

Additionally, I have worked with various livestocks, including cattle, fishes, sheep and several domestic animals. I worked with and have experience in crop management, Agribusiness, these has further deepened my understanding and enthusiasm for Agriculture. I have been involved in several practical projects such as implementing advanced livestock management techniques and experimenting with innovative crop production methods.

Each of these experiences has been essential in honing my skills and igniting my growing interest for agricultural innovation and sustainability.

A Global Footprints Scholarship is for you if you are passionate about creating a sustainable future. Describe something you have done at work or are working on, that helps the environment. Why is it important to you?

Creating a more sustainable world is a cause close to my heart. My efforts with Corethics have been a significant step towards making an impact and creating a sustainability future. This project is crucial as it addresses the pressing issue of water pollution and scarcity, it also demonstrates how industrial processes can be adapted to reduce environmental harm. It provides me with important experience and in-depth knowledge regarding innovation in sustainability and environmental.

I am currently expanding my knowledge of sustainable agricultural practices focusing on animal management and crop production. This learning process includes understanding the impacts of climate change on agriculture and exploring innovative solutions to mitigate these effects.

My engagement in sustainable practices is driven by a deep belief that we must preserve our natural resources for future generations and we must cherish nature.

I have been working on small projects that explore the use of organic fertilizers and sustainable pest management techniques, which are crucial for reducing the environmental footprint of agriculture. This project will not only help me gain deeper understaning. It might hopefully in the future help enhance the sustainability of agricultural practices and ensure the long-term viability of farming communities in Australia.

As a BBM Scholar you can choose to go anywhere in the world. Where will you travel with your Scholarship and why?

I hope to travel to China. China is a global leader in agricultural innovation. China's advancements in technology and sustainable practices are exemplary, and I am particularly fascinated by their application of precision agriculture, which utilises data and technology to optimize farming practices.

In addition to studying technological innovations, I would like to research the implementation of sponge cities and explore how this concept can be adapted to create sponge farms in Australia.

Given Australia's history with severe flooding, I believe that understanding how to enhance water management in agriculture is important. Learning from China's success in urban water management could provide valuable insights into developing sustainable agricultural practices that can withstand extreme weather conditions. This knowledge could significantly benefit Australian farmers, who are increasingly affected by climate change-induced flooding. The concept of sponge cities involves designing urban areas to absorb, store, and reuse rainwater, preventing flooding and efficiently managing water resources. Adapting this concept to agricultural settings, or "sponge farms," could revolutionize water management in farming. These farms would utilise similar principles to capture and store rainwater, reducing runoff and making water available during dry periods. This approach can enhance soil moisture, reduce irrigation needs, and improve resilience to climate variability. The benefits of sponge farms in Australia would be profound. By improving water management, farmers could mitigate the impacts of droughts and floods, leading to more stable and productive agricultural practices. This could also alleviate some of the mental stress and pressures faced by farmers, who are often stressed by unpredictable weather patterns and their effects on crops and livestock.

Sustainable water management practices could contribute to both environmental and social well-being in rural communities in Australia. Furthermore, my ongoing education has equipped me with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to fully benefit from this international experience.

I am eager to apply what I have learned in my studies to real-world scenarios in China, gaining practical insights and learning best practices that can be adapted and implemented back home in Australia. This combination of academic knowledge and international exposure will position me to contribute significantly to the advancement of sustainable agriculture in Australia.

“Grace demonstrates great passion for her profession and industry as well as sustainability. She is actively involved in projects addressing environmental issues like water pollution and her engagement with community projects shows clearly her desire to share her knowledge. She seeks to integrate international methodologies to enhance local practices with her interest in precision agriculture and sustainable water management in China, highlighting their innovative approach.”

– Global Footprints Assessor Panel.