Njala University

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.

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.

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.

The Njala University Living Lab has officially onboarded the key actors during a successful inaugural meeting. Representatives from various sectors gathered to discuss strategic goals and establish a foundation for collaborative efforts moving forward. Their involvement is crucial to the Living Lab’s mission of driving innovation and sustainable practices, with this meeting serving as an important moment in aligning their contributions towards shared objectives.

The Njala University Living Lab has developed an innovative prototype that is planned to be showcased at four strategic locations across the country. This exciting roadshow aims to highlight cutting-edge solutions in sustainable agriculture and food production, bringing together local communities, researchers, and stakeholders to explore the impact of these developments. The prototype is part of ongoing efforts to foster knowledge exchange and explore practices that can boost agricultural innovation nationwide.

Today, the Njala University Living Lab harvested 1.3 kg of fresh okra. Demonstrating their commitment to enhancing both food systems and community well-being, the Living Lab team promptly distributed the harvest products to local residents. By sharing their produce, the Njala University Living Lab continues to make meaningful contributions to local food security and community development.

Students at the Njala University Living Lab have achieved a remarkable milestone – harvesting an impressive 7.3 kilograms of okra. This achievement highlights their dedication to contributing to the project’s success and enhancing food production in general.

Njala University Living Lab is preparing coconut coir as a root medium for aquaponics and hydroponics systems. Coconut coir, derived from the husk of coconuts, is proving to be an excellent alternative to traditional soil, offering enhanced water retention and nutrient distribution.

Aquaponics and hydroponics, techniques that cultivate plants without soil, are gaining popularity for their efficiency and reduced environmental impact. By integrating coconut coir as a root medium, Njala University Living Lab is not only advancing agricultural practices but also opening doors for local entrepreneurs to explore new markets and profit from sustainable farming practices.

Njala University (NUSL) Living Lab is dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture by growing okra in a Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) aquaponics system while optimising water and nutrient use. Simultaneously, NUSL’s fish feed research employs Black Soldier Fly larvae in a bulk tank to create an eco-friendly, cost-effective alternative to traditional fish feed. NUSL is doing a great job in enhancing food security and reducing environmental impact. The Living Lab also has conventional farming plots to compare and contrast the growing systems, creating research that is sound and concrete.

Today, a group of international visitors had the opportunity to explore the vibrant and innovative environment of Njala University Living Lab. The visitors were warmly welcomed and had an insightful tour of the facility. During their visit, the guests observed activities both inside and outside the Living Lab.

The Njala University Living Lab team is working on the DWC system for lettuce production. This cutting-edge hydroponic method shows LL’s commitment to working on sustainable agriculture and food security.

“Our lab is a hub for experimentation and partnership, where both national and international actors come together to push the boundaries of agricultural science,” Living Lab’s technician stated.

In one of the meetings with the visitors, the LL team discussed how they utilise advanced monitoring systems to track and optimise the DWC system’s performance. During the conversation, progress updates and future plans were discussed, highlighting the LL’s dedication to continuous improvement and impactful research.