UDS Living Lab

The University for Development Studies Living Lab is very active with the recent harvesting of tomatoes. This marks another successful step in the Lab’s ongoing cultivation efforts, reflecting the team’s dedication to sustainable and productive urban farming.

The University for Development Studies Living Lab has recently completed the staking of tomatoes as part of its ongoing cultivation activities. This important step supports healthy plant growth, improves air circulation, and facilitates easier harvesting. As the team continues to monitor the plants’ development, they now look forward to the next stage — when the tomatoes begin to fruit and ripen for harvest.

The University for Development Studies Living Lab team is carrying out data collection activities. These efforts are providing valuable insights to support research and guide the development of sustainable food production systems.

At the University for Development Studies Living Lab, the team is engaging in discussions on the gender analysis matrix and Minimum Viable Products (MVPs). The conversations are helping to shape approaches that consider gender perspectives while advancing innovations within the Living Lab.

The University for Development Studies (UDS) Living Lab marked another successful harvest of Amaranthus dubius, this time in the company of young visitors. Children were welcomed to observe the activities and learn about the work of the Living Lab.

Their presence added a lively energy to the day, offering a glimpse into how sustainable food practices can inspire the next generation.

The University for Development Studies (UDS) Living Lab carried out a harvest today, marking another milestone. The harvesters were very excited as they received the fresh produce as a gift, a gesture that added excitement and community spirit to the day’s activities.

Moments like these reflect the practical benefits and local engagement made possible through the INCiTiS-FOOD project.

At the University for Development Studies (UDS) Living Lab, experiments with amaranthus and mint are progressing well across different aquaponic setups. The plants are currently growing in nutrient film technique (NFT), media bed, and deep water culture (DWC) systems.

These trials aim to assess performance across multiple growing methods within the standard aquaponics unit, contributing to local knowledge on sustainable crop production in integrated systems.

The University for Development Studies (UDS) Living Lab recently hosted a training session for staff from Hikma Farms, focusing on aquaponics technology. As part of the INCiTiS-FOOD project’s commitment to capacity building, the session introduced participants to key aspects of integrated fish and plant production systems.

Held on-site at the UDS Living Lab in Ghana, the training combined practical demonstrations with technical discussions on water quality management, fish health, and crop selection. This knowledge exchange reinforces the collaborative spirit of INCiTiS-FOOD and strengthens the link between research and practice.

The University for Development Studies Living Lab continues to serve as a valuable space for hands-on learning and innovation, with two recent highlights. Veterinary students from the faculty conducted hands-on training in fish handling, gaining valuable experience in aquaculture practices. At the same time, the aquaponics system is showing promising results, with a thriving maize plant as a clear sign of success. These activities demonstrate the Living Lab’s growing impact in advancing skills development and sustainable food solutions in line with INCiTiS-FOOD’s objectives.

University for Development Studies Living Lab recently welcomed visitors from the Centre for Opportunities and Rural Development, a Ghanaian NGO. The purpose of the visit was to gain insight into the sustainable technologies utilised at the Living Lab. This exchange highlights growing local interest in the circular solutions being developed through the INCiTiS-FOOD project.