From 1–2 July 2025, the Kenyatta University (KU) Living Lab held a training session for potential onboarders. The programme introduced participants to the Living Lab model and INCiTiS-FOOD’s circular approaches in agri-food systems.
Following the training, two groups and one individual were successfully onboarded. The event concluded with a certificate ceremony to recognise participants’ engagement and readiness to join the KU Living Lab community.
At the Njala University (NUSL) Living Lab, research is ongoing into the use of black soldier fly (BSF) larvae as a sustainable component in fish feed. The study is being carried out by one MSc student and one Higher Diploma (HD) student, contributing to local capacity building in sustainable aquaculture practices.
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.
At the Kenyatta University (KU) Living Lab, Amaranthus dubius planted on 15 May 2025 is showing healthy growth across both hydroponic and conventional soil-based media. So far, no major setbacks or infections have been reported.
This is an interesting trial that gives us a valuable insights into crop performance across different cultivation methods.
The Living Lab at Université des Sciences et Techniques de Masuku (USTM) was awarded the prize for best agricultural innovation during the Haut-Ogooué Agricultural Entrepreneurship Awards. Haut-Ogooué is the province where Franceville, home to the USTM Living Lab, is located.
During the award ceremony, team’s growing recognition for advancing sustainable agri-food solutions through the INCiTiS-FOOD project was highlighted.
At the Bamenda University of Science and Technology (BUST) Living Lab, Pisum sativum (pea plant) is currently being tested. The plants have begun fruiting, marking a positive step in evaluating their performance under local conditions.
This trial is part of the wider effort within the INCiTiS-FOOD project to explore diverse crops suited for sustainable, integrated food production.
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.
Development activities at Salone Aquaponics in Sierra Leone are currently underway. The system features a design that supports multiple aquaponics setups while ensuring the judicious use of water resources. Further updates, including progress from other farms, are expected to be available in the coming days.
Kenyatta University (KU) has established the concept of “grassroot champions,” where innovation actors take on the role of showcasing the adopted technologies within their networks and local neighborhoods. This approach supports peer-to-peer knowledge sharing and encourages wider adoption of innovative solutions at the community level.
INCiTiS-FOOD co‑cordinator Emmanuel Benjamin visited Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), a partner in the winning AQUA‑CITE consortium from the first INCiTiS-FOOD Open Call. During the visit, our co-coordinator and YABATECH representatives discussed Ethics and GDPR procedures. He also met with members who will be receiving their simplified aquaponics units. The exchange strengthened connections between INCiTiS-FOOD representatives and Open Call winners, supporting collaboration and knowledge sharing within the project.
Representatives from the Njala University Living Lab visited an Open Call beneficiary based in Sierra Leone. The visit took place at the GTI Moyamba site, where partners from the INCiTiS-FOOD consortium and the OPARD partner, from the SHReVeG consortium, exchanged knowledge and ideas. The visit provided an opportunity to observe activities on the ground and to strengthen links between the Living Lab and supported innovators within the INCiTiS-FOOD framework.
The Bamenda University of Science and Technology (BUST) Living Lab has recorded a successful harvest of strawberry fruits. This activity highlights that our Living Labs are testing diversified crops and supporting practical learning around sustainable food production. The experience contributes to shared knowledge on crop performance and management within the INCiTiS-FOOD Living Lab network.
The Kenyatta University and Egerton University teams represented the INCiTiS-FOOD project at the World Congress on Rural and Agricultural Finance, held in Mombasa, Kenya. The event brought together stakeholders from across the agricultural finance and rural development sectors to exchange knowledge and discuss approaches to strengthening food systems. Participation in the congress provided an opportunity to share perspectives from the INCiTiS-FOOD Living Labs and to engage with relevant stakeholders.
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.
Our partner Egerton University has been granted a national patent for a groundbreaking invention: Temperature-Adapted Fish Feed Compositions Based on Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Patent No. KE 1063). Developed by Dr. Benjamin Musyimi and his team together with the INCiTiS-FOOD Living Lab hosted by Prof. George Owuor, this innovation transforms organic by-products into sustainable fish feed adapted to different pond temperatures, leading to healthier fish, lower costs, and less environmental impact.
This milestone perfectly reflects the spirit of INCiTiS-FOOD – empowering local innovation through Europe–Africa collaboration to build circular, climate-resilient, and inclusive food systems. From insect-based feeds to aquaponics and hydroponics, our Living Labs, like Egerton’s in Nakuru, show how science and community can turn urban food challenges into green opportunities.
Congratulations to Egerton University and the INCiTiS-FOOD Nakuru Living Lab.
The Egerton University Living Lab shares that both spinach and tomato crops are developing well. The team is pleased with the healthy growth observed so far, which demonstrates how circular food production practices can lead to nutritious and high-quality produce.
