University of Ibadan

Today’s harvest of amaranth from the UILLs’ hydroponic unit highlights the productivity and freshness achievable through soilless cultivation. The leafy greens were harvested at optimal maturity, reflecting the effectiveness of the hydroponic system in supporting nutritious vegetable production.

On 13 March, the University of Ibadan Living Lab was invited by the Catfish Farmers Association (CAFFAN), Oyo State chapter, to present the INCiTiS-FOOD project to its members. Dr Oyebola, the Living Lab Lead, introduced the project’s objectives and the innovative solutions being developed for urban and peri-urban food systems. Following the presentation, CAFFAN representatives paid a visit to the Living Lab, where they were shown the systems in operation. The farmers expressed strong enthusiasm for the project, with many registering for upcoming training and expressing interest in becoming onboarded participants.

The first harvest of 2025 at the University of Ibadan Living Lab has yielded fresh tomatoes! The team continues to monitor plant growth and system performance to optimise future yields. Across the INCiTiS-FOOD Living Labs, partners are actively enhancing their production systems to recalibrate for observations made – and as a result, they are enjoying fresh, home-grown food!

The University of Ibadan Living Lab proudly reports another successful harvest from its aquaponic unit. This is another achievement that demonstrates the potential of integrated systems to enhance food production sustainably.

The University of Ibadan Living Lab has successfully completed its second monthly harvest of leafy garden egg plants. This achievement demonstrates the living lab’s ability to apply sustainable agricultural practices that lead to stable and high-quality yields.

The University of Ibadan Living Lab has achieved an important harvest from the aquaponic unit, successfully growing Solanum macrocarpon (efo igbagba) with stable and good yields. The harvest reflects the effectiveness of three different systems – The Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), Deep Water Culture (DWC), and Gravel Bed – in supporting plant growth. This progress shows that the solutions developed in the Living Labs of INCiTiS-FOOD provide good options for growing food.

This morning, data collection at the Uuniveristy of Ibadan Living Lab’s Aquaponic unit revealed promising progress in its operations. The unit is currently showcasing healthy fish and flourishing plant growth, demonstrating the effectiveness of aquaponic practices in sustainable agriculture. This initiative not only supports local food production but also serves as a vital learning resource for students and the community. Regular monitoring and data collection will continue to inform and enhance the unit’s performance.

The University of Ibadan Living Lab recently hosted Life Builders, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to empowering future leaders. During the visit, INCiTiS-FOOD partners introduced the participants to the innovative concept of an integrated circular food system, featuring fish, plants, and insects.

This exciting collaboration marks the beginning of a partnership aimed at fostering sustainable food systems and developing future leaders. Together, the University of Ibadan Living Lab and Life Builders are sowing the seeds for a more sustainable and resilient future.

Dr. Oyebola from the Univeristy of Ibadana represented the INCiTiS-FOOD project at the Nigeria International Agriculture Expo 2024, held from 27–29 August at the International Trade Fair Center in Abuja, Nigeria. The project was featured in a high-profile panel discussion, highlighting innovative approaches in sustainable agriculture and food security. The chair of the panel also made a special visit to the INCiTiS-FOOD booth, where attendees explored the project’s innovative contributions to African agriculture and where other representatives of the University of Ibadan Living Lab were.

This event marks another significant milestone in INCiTiS-FOOD’s mission to drive sustainable solutions for food production across the continent.

The University of Ibadan recently hosted a successful training session on June 28th and 29th, attracting a large number of participants. Attendees engaged in hands-on activities, constructing aquaponic and hydroponic units, and gaining practical experience. The University of Ibadan Living Lab has now established a true experimental setup with control tanks and aquaponics treatment tanks functioning as Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS). This initiative aims to improve the efficiency of aquaponics through insightful research. Currently, seedlings are in the nursery, and grow beds are being prepared with nutrient buildup at the Living Lab.