University of Ibadan (UI) Living Lab had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Olapade Olufemi Julius from Njala University Living Lab. During the visit, he explored some of the most exciting ongoing activities, especially the organic fertilizer trials and the innovative aquaponics unit. He also connected with members of the UI Living Lab team, exchanging insights and learning more about the processes driving their work. These kinds of exchanges are key to inspiring fresh ideas, fostering collaboration, and moving our Living Labs forward together.

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.

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.

At the Njala University Living Lab in Sierra Leone, hydroponics is proving to be a valuable system for crop production. The team has reached the stage of staking ahead of flowering and fruit bearing. Alongside planting activities, the Living Lab is also engaging in a gender analysis session, ensuring that the roles and perspectives of different community members are taken into account.

At the Njala University Living Lab, aquaponics and hydroponics are making growing vegetables easier. With recent harvests of paper and garden egg leaves (Solanum spp.), the team celebrates the results of their dedicated work.

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.

At Njala University (NUSL), the Living Lab is recording steady progress across multiple aspects of its aquaponics research. The peri-urban aquaponics system is proving to be feasible, and sustainable. The nutrient film (NFT) is showing promising results, with more updates expected soon.

Equally impressive is the performance of the growbed setup, referred to by the team as “growbed magic,” for its consistent and healthy plant growth. Alongside these developments, feed research is currently underway to optimise nutrition for fish in the system. Haematological analysis is also being conducted on experimental fish to support overall system health monitoring.

We are closely following the  NUSL team for all the updates on all their innovative approaches.

At the Njala University Living Lab, a straightforward adjustment to the aquaculture system is making a notable difference. Continuous aeration has been introduced, and its effects are clearly visible.

This simple yet effective approach prevents flocculation, allowing solid waste to settle directly to the bottom and move efficiently into the digester. By enhancing water clarity and system flow, the innovation supports a cleaner, more productive aquaponic environment.

Sometimes, the most effective solutions are the simplest.

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.