University of Ibadan hosted a workshop at its Living Lab within the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management. Titled “Urban Food Production: Lessons from the INCiTiS-FOOD Project,” the event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including university members, NGOs, students, farmers, aquaponics and hydroponics practitioners, insect production experts, SMEs, and entrepreneurs. The workshop provided a platform to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and showcase the Living Lab’s activities and their potential for real societal impact. Strengthening collaboration between research, innovation, and practice is key to building sustainable urban food systems, and this workshop was a step in that direction.

The University of Ibadan has launched “Innovation Hour”, a new programme on Diamond 101.1FM dedicated to showcasing research and innovation from the university community. In its first feature, the programme highlighted innovations from the EU-funded INCiTiS-FOOD project. Professor Simisola Akintola, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, discussed the importance of innovation and collaboration in addressing food security challenges and highlighted the relevance of INCiTiS-FOOD’s work in developing sustainable food system solutions.

A group of young agribusiness innovators from Asher Agribusiness Incubation recently visited the INCiTiS-FOOD Living Lab at the University of Ibadan. The group, which supports young people in turning agricultural innovations into viable businesses, explored the Living Lab’s activities and technologies. The visit offered an opportunity to exchange ideas and learn more about innovative approaches to sustainable food systems.

The INCiTiS-FOOD team from the University of Ibadan paid an unannounced visit to CiWACIWE, one of the project’s first Open Call winners, to see the progress of activities on the ground. The visit brought encouraging results, with both cucumber and okra plants already producing fruits. The progress observed during the visit reflects the practical implementation of the solutions supported through the INCiTiS-FOOD Open Call.

University of Ibadan hosted a workshop at its Living Lab within the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management. Titled “Urban Food Production: Lessons from the INCiTiS-FOOD Project,” the event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including university members, NGOs, students, farmers, aquaponics and hydroponics practitioners, insect production experts, SMEs, and entrepreneurs. The workshop provided a platform to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and showcase the Living Lab’s activities and their potential for real societal impact. Strengthening collaboration between research, innovation, and practice is key to building sustainable urban food systems, and this workshop was a step in that direction.

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.

The University of Ibadan Living Lab recently welcomed visitors from the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). During the visit, the ILRI team toured the Living Lab and explored technologies currently being implemented under the INCiTiS-FOOD project, with discussions centred on their application in sustainable and circular food systems. The Living Lab also hosted Dr Emmanuel Benjamin from the Aglobe Development Center for an inter-Living Lab exchange, creating space for dialogue with both the Living Lab team and the ILRI group. These interactions supported shared learning and strengthened collaboration across institutions working towards resilient food systems in Africa.

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.