Over two days, the Université des Sciences et Techniques de Masuku (USTM) Living Lab successfully harvested vegetables. The produce was sold to local restaurants in Franceville and Libreville, generating income that will support students who participated in the project. The funds will help cover university registration fees for some of these students, reinforcing the Living Lab’s commitment to both education and community impact.

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.

Following the Roadshow event, the National Agency for the Promotion of Private Investments invited INCiTiS-FOOD partners from Université des Sciences et Techniques de Masuku to present the terms for the Open Call to farmers in Moanda. The discussion focused on eligibility criteria, providing clarity on participation opportunities. The town hall of Moanda, located 40 km from Franceville, hosted the meeting, fostering engagement with the local farming community.

A new study has been initiated at Gabon Living Lab to explore the growth of okra using various innovative substrates such as coffee parchment and even coconut husks. To follow the innovative system developed within INCiTiS-FOOD all are irrigated with fish water through a drip system. This research aims to determine which substrates best support okra cultivation. The findings will provide valuable insights into eco-friendly farming techniques and their potential to enhance crop productivity.

Around sixty children from Padre Vico primary school visited the Université des Sciences et Techniques de Masuku Living Lab. The visit aimed to foster agricultural interest and technological innovation among Gabon’s youth while emphasising the significance of experiential learning and engagement. It is very important for the future of agriculture to nurture agricultural awareness from a young age. Indeed, starting agricultural education early lays a foundation for sustainable development, ensuring a prosperous future for Gabon’s agricultural landscape.