Why Njala Unviersity?
Technology deployed in LL
Aquaponics, Hydroponics, Insect Farming
Crops
Vegetables: Garden mix, Lettuce, Watermelon, Cucumber.
Fish: Clarias gariepinus ( African Catfish)
IInsects: Black Soldier Fly (BSF) & Cricket
Target stakeholders
Farmers (women in groups?) to produce for their own household and income generation. Youth (in groups) to produce for markets. Potential: can reach middle-class households as well with spaces to produce for own consumption.
Goal
The primary objective of the lab is to offer comprehensive training to individuals interested in adopting the INCiTiS innovation, leading to substantial positive effects on food and nutrition security (FNS) within the country. Additionally, the lab aims to showcase sustainable, cost-effective food production methods through circularity, even in limited spaces. Moreover, the lab will actively promote backyard farming practices in Sierra Leone.
Latest News
Developments at Njala University in Sierra Leone
Development activities at Salone Aquaponics in Sierra Leone are currently underway. The system features a design that supports multiple aquaponics setups while ensuring the judicious use of water resources. Further updates, including progress from other farms, are expected to be available in the coming days.
Njala University Living Lab Visiting Open Call Winner
Representatives from the Njala University Living Lab visited an Open Call beneficiary based in Sierra Leone. The visit took place at the GTI Moyamba site, where partners from the INCiTiS-FOOD consortium and the OPARD partner, from the SHReVeG consortium, exchanged knowledge and ideas. The visit provided an opportunity to observe activities on the ground and to strengthen links between the Living Lab and supported innovators within the INCiTiS-FOOD framework.
Progress at Njala University Living Lab
At the Njala University Living Lab in Sierra Leone, hydroponics is proving to be a valuable system for crop production. The team has reached the stage of staking ahead of flowering and fruit bearing. Alongside planting activities, the Living Lab is also engaging in a gender analysis session, ensuring that the roles and perspectives of different community members are taken into account.
Harvest at Njala University Living Lab
At the Njala University Living Lab, aquaponics and hydroponics are making growing vegetables easier. With recent harvests of paper and garden egg leaves (Solanum spp.), the team celebrates the results of their dedicated work.
BSF Fish Feed Research at Njala University Living Lab
At the Njala University (NUSL) Living Lab, research is ongoing into the use of black soldier fly (BSF) larvae as a sustainable component in fish feed. The study is being carried out by one MSc student and one Higher Diploma (HD) student, contributing to local capacity building in sustainable aquaculture practices.
Progress Across Systems at Njala University Living Lab
At Njala University (NUSL), the Living Lab is recording steady progress across multiple aspects of its aquaponics research. The peri-urban aquaponics system is proving to be feasible, and sustainable. The nutrient film (NFT) is showing promising results, with more updates expected soon.
Equally impressive is the performance of the growbed setup, referred to by the team as “growbed magic,” for its consistent and healthy plant growth. Alongside these developments, feed research is currently underway to optimise nutrition for fish in the system. Haematological analysis is also being conducted on experimental fish to support overall system health monitoring.
We are closely following the NUSL team for all the updates on all their innovative approaches.
Simple Innovation, Big Impact at Njala University Living Lab
At the Njala University Living Lab, a straightforward adjustment to the aquaculture system is making a notable difference. Continuous aeration has been introduced, and its effects are clearly visible.
This simple yet effective approach prevents flocculation, allowing solid waste to settle directly to the bottom and move efficiently into the digester. By enhancing water clarity and system flow, the innovation supports a cleaner, more productive aquaponic environment.
Sometimes, the most effective solutions are the simplest.
News from Njala University Living Lab
Njala University, Sierra Leone, shares two exciting developments. Firstly, vegetables grown by one of the onboarded actors are flourishing, demonstrating the value of knowledge sharing in sustainable agriculture.
Secondly, the university recently hosted a nationwide youth training programme, supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB). This initiative aligns with the INCiTiS-FOOD project’s commitment to empowering young individuals through knowledge exchange.
Njala University Living Lab Achieves Successful Fish Harvest
The Njala University Living Lab celebrated a successful fish harvest. The harvested fish was distributed to university authorities and representatives from the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI). Additionally, the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank has expressed its capacity to support farmers with loans for agricultural business, and efforts are underway to engage the bank’s manager in adopting the INCiTiS-FOOD innovation to further strengthen the agricultural sector.
Njala University Reports Major Milestone
After four months in the tank, the fish at Njala University have reached an impressive weight. This milestone marks significant progress as the research moves closer to the completion of Phase 1. The study’s promising results are laying a strong foundation for further exploration into sustainable aquaculture practices, showcasing Njala University’s commitment to advancing innovative fish farming techniques.
