Sierra Leone

Njala University

Technology

Aquaponics, Hydroponics, Insect Farming

Goal

The first goal of the lab is to provide adequate training to potential up-takers of the INCiTiS innovation with ripples and multiplier effects on food nutrition security (FNS) in the country. The lab will also demonstrate sustainable least-cost production of food through circularity on a small space. The lab will encourage backyard farming in Sierra Leone.

Why Njala Unviersity?

Njala University, located in the Moyamba district of the southern province in Sierra Leone, is the top university in the country. Within the university, the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management in the School of Natural Resources Management houses the Living Lab. Apart from constructing a secure lab for the INCiTiS project, the department possesses advanced facilities such as a modern RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture System), a fish feed mill, and sets of concrete tanks for fish breeding and production. With the support of the Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF), the department has established an integrated fish farm village that encompasses fish, vegetable, poultry, piggery, and insect production, serving both training and commercial purposes. The Njala University Living Lab, well-built and enclosed, has received backing from the university administration and is recognized as a center of excellence for aquaponics and hydroponics training in Sierra Leone.
devider

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

Length-weight determination of fish in the aquaponics tank at Njala Univeristy

At one of our Living Labs,  length-weight determination of fish in the aquaponics tank is used for the estimation of either allometric or isometric growth and condition factors. Living lab practitioners are able to study the physiology, morphology, and life cycles of the fish giving them stable and reliable information for farming. Bi-weekly tracking has revealed a consistent weight gain indicating steady progress. The feeding protocol in the aquaponics system was optimized to correspond to 5% of the fish’s body weight. This approach reduces the need for daily weight measurements, offering a practical solution for monitoring progress. These findings not only provide essential information regarding fish growth, and serve as indicators of the system’s overall health and sustainability.

Exciting Developments at Njala University

Exciting developments are underway at Njala University in Sierra Leone as rice husk carbonisation takes centre stage, showcasing the institution’s commitment to sustainable practices. Meanwhile, a remarkable 30.2kg of fish has been harvested from the Living Lab, with detailed information carefully documented. Notably, Aquaculture and Fisheries Management students used 15.2kg of freshly harvested fish for their practical processing sessions. This demonstrates an approach to learning and skill development within the university’s dynamic educational system.

Insect Farming at Njala University

At Njala University, the team is working on more sustainable agriculture while advancing the field of insect farming. The whole team is working hard and managing tasks together with other members of the department.

Students visited the Njala University Living Lab

Experts are transferring knowledge to younger generations at Njala University. Practical sessions in Plant Physiology for the students from the Department of Biological Sciences were held at the Living Lab (LL). Students were led through the LL where they learned all about the processes and operations from knowledgeable people in the field.

12-31-2023 at Njala University Living Lab

Exciting news from the Njala University Living Lab! The hydroponic tomatoes are gearing up for a fruitful season, showcasing the magic of a nutrient-rich blend. The combination of NPK enriched with micronutrients, coupled with diluted Black Soldier Fly (BSF) manure, is proving to be a winning formula for robust plant growth. Not only are the hydroponic tomatoes set to flourish, but the Jute (Olitorius corchorus) is also thriving, thanks to the nutrient-rich wastewater from the aquaponics system. This underscores the potential for maximizing benefits in a regular backyard garden using back-flushed aquaponics wastewater. The LL team plans to preserve the Jute seeds for mass cultivation, demonstrating the sustainability and resource efficiency of their innovative farming practices.

09-12-2023 at Njala University Living Lab

Celebrating a milestone at the Njala University Living Lab with the first harvest of gorgeous green peppers soon to be. These vegetables are high in demand for salads, jollof rice, and more. The journey from seed to plate from the LL is a prime example of community-led sustainable solutions.

28-11-2023 at Njala University Living Lab

The Njala University Living Lab hydroponics tomatoes are thriving with a simple fertilizer regime! It is soon time to string them up for optimal growth.

Meanwhile, in aquaponics, the LLs green peppers are promising a bountiful harvest, showing early signs of flowering! Stay tuned for more updates on the LLs innovative farming methods.

11-11-2023 at Njala University Living Lab

The team in Sierra Leone Living Lab has successfully harvested pupa and pre-pupa for their insect unit. Excitingly, the Njala University Living Lab now has a set of containers filled with pre-pupa available for sale to interested farmers in Sierra Leone.

06-11-2023 at at Njala University Living Lab

The Living Lab’s green or salad peppers are now on their way to the market, ready to add a burst of freshness to meals in local communities! Meanwhile, the tomatoes in hydroponics systems are flourishing, promising a delightful and sustainable harvest.

31-10-2023 at Njala University Living Lab

The insect unit at INCiTiS-FOOD’s NUSL is making steady progress and is set to be ready for action soon. One of the components of the Living Lab’s circular food solution approach os the rearing of insects.
More news
Shopping Basket