During a recent training session at Kenyatta University Living Lab many participants successfully agreed to onboard. The training included practical sessions on preparing pumice and transplanting spinach. The onboarding day ended with a closing ceremony where each participant received a certificate and a visit from the Dean of the School of Pure and Applied Sciences.
Kenyatta University (KU) participants are transforming farming by integrating Black Soldier Fly larvae as the primary protein source, leading to the production of useful end products: organic fertiliser and custom-formulated feed. Each component is a viable business line, demonstrating the ecosystem’s potential for profitability and sustainability. Some participants, inspired by the success stories and equipped with valuable training, shared their impressions:
“The training really helped me understand how to integrate Black Soldier Fly larvae into farming. It’s transformed my approach.”
Njala University (NUSL) Living Lab is dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture by growing okra in a Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) aquaponics system while optimising water and nutrient use. Simultaneously, NUSL’s fish feed research employs Black Soldier Fly larvae in a bulk tank to create an eco-friendly, cost-effective alternative to traditional fish feed. NUSL is doing a great job in enhancing food security and reducing environmental impact. The Living Lab also has conventional farming plots to compare and contrast the growing systems, creating research that is sound and concrete.
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 ongoing training program at Kenyatta University Living Lab (KU LL) has brought together a diverse group of participants eager to expand their knowledge and skills in modern agricultural techniques. The participants are being guided by a team of expert trainers. Together, they explored hydroponic systems, a soil-less farming method that promises increased yield and sustainability. The trainers provided detailed demonstrations, ensuring that each participant could engage directly with the equipment and plants.
Today, a group of international visitors had the opportunity to explore the vibrant and innovative environment of Njala University Living Lab. The visitors were warmly welcomed and had an insightful tour of the facility. During their visit, the guests observed activities both inside and outside the Living Lab.
The Njala University Living Lab team is working on the DWC system for lettuce production. This cutting-edge hydroponic method shows LL’s commitment to working on sustainable agriculture and food security.
“Our lab is a hub for experimentation and partnership, where both national and international actors come together to push the boundaries of agricultural science,” Living Lab’s technician stated.
In one of the meetings with the visitors, the LL team discussed how they utilise advanced monitoring systems to track and optimise the DWC system’s performance. During the conversation, progress updates and future plans were discussed, highlighting the LL’s dedication to continuous improvement and impactful research.
A recent experiment on cucumber has demonstrated that hydroponic systems can produce greater vegetable yield than traditional home gardening methods. The findings show that hydroponic systems can efficiently and sustainably maximise vegetable output. This breakthrough could play a crucial role in enhancing food security and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
Youth for Development team visited Kenyatta University Living Lab for the onboarding programme. This collaboration was marked by engaging discussions, inspiring workshops, and valuable networking opportunities. The enthusiasm and energy were particularly inspiring, adding a dynamic atmosphere to the event. This effort demonstrates a commitment to equipping future onboarders with essential skills and knowledge. As they move forward, teams aim to foster a supportive environment that nurtures leadership and promotes sustainable development within the community.
Visitors from the Fisheries Commission recently came to the University of Development Studies Living Lab (LL), where they were introduced to aquaponics. The aquaponic system is a sustainable farming technique that integrates aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics, creating a closed-loop system where plants and fish mutually benefit each other. Visitors had only positive impressions of the UDS Living Lab team and a method that enables the sustainable and efficient production of both fish and fresh vegetables.
Guests from Rollins College in the United States recently visited the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Ghana. Led by UDS faculty members, the tour through the Living Lab left them with positive impressions, as they discovered the sustainable agriculture techniques and collaborative efforts used at UDS. Throughout the day, they were inspired by the Living Lab’s initiatives, witnessing academic knowledge translated into tangible results. Within the Living Lab’s innovative ecosystem, new connections set the stage for future impactful change.
