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 University for Development Studies Living Lab has recently completed the staking of tomatoes as part of its ongoing cultivation activities. This important step supports healthy plant growth, improves air circulation, and facilitates easier harvesting. As the team continues to monitor the plants’ development, they now look forward to the next stage — when the tomatoes begin to fruit and ripen for harvest.
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 Bamenda University of Science and Technology Living Lab, mint plants are now being grown as part of ongoing activities. The plants were a gift from the University for Development Studies Living Lab in Ghana, received during a recent Living Lab exchange visit. This reflects how collaboration between Living Labs can lead to practical and meaningful outcomes.
The Bamenda University of Science and Technology Living Lab team is testing the cultivation of strawberries under three different growing media: sawdust, soil, and a mixture of sawdust and soil. This experiment is part of ongoing efforts to explore innovative approaches to crop production within the Living Lab.
The University for Development Studies Living Lab team is carrying out data collection activities. These efforts are providing valuable insights to support research and guide the development of sustainable food production systems.
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 University for Development Studies Living Lab, the team is engaging in discussions on the gender analysis matrix and Minimum Viable Products (MVPs). The conversations are helping to shape approaches that consider gender perspectives while advancing innovations within the Living Lab.
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.
