University of Ibadan

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.

INCiTiS-FOOD celebrated World Environment Day in Africa. University of Ibadan (UI) hosted World Environment Day at the premises of the INCiTiS-FOOD Living Lab where people got a chance to experience the transformative effects of circular solutions. With the support of other organisations, the Living Lab was in the spotlight as an example of innovative community change. INCiTiS-FOOD aligns with this year’s themes for food security, sustainable environment, land reclamation, and drought adaptation as with our locally developed agri-tech innovations we aim to bring sustainable food solutions to urban and peri-urban areas. By further developing and co-creating innovative, circular farming approaches that protect our land, enhance food security, and ensure a nutritious future for all INCiTiS-FOOD tries to celebrate sustainability with each operating day.

The University of Ibadan Living Lab organized an onboarding program aimed at familiarising the public with the INCiTiS-FOOD urban food production innovation and welcoming new participants.

The event featured informative presentations and hands-on experiences covering:

– A presentation about the INCiTiS-FOOD project and the onboarding process.

– Presentations on the topic of insect production, highlighting its significance in sustainable food systems.

– The hydroponic unit to observe the growth of vegetables and tomatoes planted during the General Assembly in February 2024.

– Presentations on aquaponic and hydroponic units, emphasizing their role in urban food production.

Overall, the event served as an informative and interactive platform, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among participants and stakeholders.

It is very eventful at the University of Ibadan! As a part of the academic journey, Practical year students of the department are attending their training sessions. Also, a training session has been organized for Agriculture students at Immanuel College in Ibadan. Meanwhile, technical assistants are actively engaged in the Insectary, focusing and working on the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) pupae, with the aim to advance research and practical knowledge in insect farming.

The University of Ibadan Living Lab (UI LL) is going to pick the fruits – or rather vegetables – of their labour soon. Purely organic sweet peppers are fruiting at the UI. Without using pesticides or any fertilizer, peppers are currently being taken care of and soon enough, they will be shared with the community. 

Important guests visited the Living Lab at the University of Ibadan; namely, on December 20th, 2023, the University Administrative officers attended an Internal Coordination and Reporting Meeting. They were hosted at the Living Lab where they could see all the ongoing processes and progress already made.