Nigerian environmental scientist Muhammad Isa Abdurrahman has achieved international recognition for his influential review paper on stubble burning, published in the esteemed Elsevier journal, which ranks among the top three most cited publications in Environmental Advances.
In a statement Abdurrahman made available to The PUNCH, he said his paper, published in 2020, titled ‘Stubble Burning: Effects on Health & Environment, Regulations, and Management Practices’, has been cited over 200 times, demonstrating its significant impact on the scientific community and policymakers worldwide.
He noted that the study provides a comprehensive analysis of the devastating health and environmental consequences of crop residue burning, a widespread practice in many South Asian countries, including India.
“My work has played a pivotal role in shaping global policy and regulatory debates, with my research being referenced in the United Nations’ Sand and Sustainability report, the UK Government’s UK–India Free Trade Agreement strategy, and analyses from the Centre for Global Development,” he said.
He expressed his satisfaction with the paper’s impact, stating, “Knowing that it has shaped policy discussions and programme design is deeply rewarding.”
Abdurrahman, currently pursuing his PhD at the University of Georgia, emphasised that his review aimed to provide a roadmap for governments and environmental agencies to tackle the pressing issue of seasonal air pollution.
International experts have praised his paper for bridging the gap between scientific research and policymaking. It is a valuable resource for organisations such as the Energy and Resources Institute and the Indian Agricultural Research Institute.
The study’s findings and recommendations also hold significant relevance for Nigeria, where residue burning in agriculture and open-air waste fires persist as major environmental concerns. By adopting the strategies outlined in the paper, Nigerian regulators can transition from reactive enforcement to proactive residue management programmes, enhancing both environmental health and agricultural productivity.
Abdurrahman’s work has not only contributed to the scientific community but has also become a policy-shaping document, influencing global science and international environmental policy.
His paper’s ranking among the top three most cited papers in Environmental Advances solidifies his position as a leading Nigerian researcher making a profound impact on a global stage.
