Two Trent mathematics professors are using their modelling skills to help the nation of Qatar improve food production in the face of climate change. Dr. Kenzu Abdella and Dr. Marco Pollanen are part of an international team of researchers who were recently awarded a grant of $1.03 million by the Qatar Foundation under the National Priorities Research Program. The team’s proposal, submitted by Qatar University, is entitled "Improving Food Security in Qatar: Assessing Alternative Cropping Systems Feasibility and Productivity in Variable Climates, Soils and Marketing Environments.”

“Qatar is a country which is rich in resources like oil and gas,” said Dr. Abdella, who is chair of Trent’s Department of Mathematics, “but they have a limited agricultural industry. They lack research on how they can optimize their agricultural activities, and on how future crop production will be affected by climate change.”

In addition to the Trent professors, the team includes researchers from Qatar and the University of Western Sydney. “Qatar has limited human resource capacity,” explained Professor Abdella, “so researchers from around the world collaborate with Qatar researchers to help address their national research priorities.”

It may seem unusual to have mathematicians involved in research which is focussed on agriculture and climate change. But Prof. Abdella points out that one of the main goals of the three-year project is to provide a simple decision-making tool to help Qataris manage their crop production. Developing that tool will involve a great deal of mathematics, which is where the expertise of Drs. Abdella and Pollanen is required. Prof. Abdella’s background is in mathematical modelling, particularly climate and atmospheric modelling. Professor Pollanen is an expert in the field of mathematical and computational finance. His contribution will focus on reducing long-term financial risk for crop producers.

According to Prof. Abdella, the participation of Trent mathematicians in this project is further evidence of Trent’s overall strength in research related to environmental science, particularly climate change. “Trent is developing a reputation for its expertise in climate and environmental research at the international level,” he said. “The involvement of Trent mathematics researchers will enhance this reputation.”

The Trent professors are delighted that they have an opportunity to put their modelling skills to practical use. “We will be using the mathematical models in an applied fashion which can be useful to address the national research priorities of a country in need. That’s very satisfying.”

Posted on Thursday, July 4, 2013.