The University for Development Studies (UDS) Living Lab carried out a harvest today, marking another milestone. The harvesters were very excited as they received the fresh produce as a gift, a gesture that added excitement and community spirit to the day’s activities.
Moments like these reflect the practical benefits and local engagement made possible through the INCiTiS-FOOD project.
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 University for Development Studies (UDS) Living Lab, experiments with amaranthus and mint are progressing well across different aquaponic setups. The plants are currently growing in nutrient film technique (NFT), media bed, and deep water culture (DWC) systems.
These trials aim to assess performance across multiple growing methods within the standard aquaponics unit, contributing to local knowledge on sustainable crop production in integrated systems.
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.
At the Egerton University Living Lab, a successful capsicum harvest recently brought the farm-to-fork concept to life. The vibrant peppers were harvested, shared, and enjoyed, demonstrating the practical benefits of sustainable urban food production.
The Kenyatta University Living Lab has recorded its largest black soldier fly larvae to date, marking a notable milestone. Recent photos and videos show impressive larvae growth, which can be attributed to a refined feeding strategy.
The University for Development Studies (UDS) Living Lab recently hosted a training session for staff from Hikma Farms, focusing on aquaponics technology. As part of the INCiTiS-FOOD project’s commitment to capacity building, the session introduced participants to key aspects of integrated fish and plant production systems.
Held on-site at the UDS Living Lab in Ghana, the training combined practical demonstrations with technical discussions on water quality management, fish health, and crop selection. This knowledge exchange reinforces the collaborative spirit of INCiTiS-FOOD and strengthens the link between research and practice.
The Kenyatta University Living Lab is expanding its outreach by setting up a Black Soldier Fly (BSF) cage in a nearby informal settlement known as Kiwanja – a Swahili term for an open space. This initiative aims to introduce sustainable waste management and protein production solutions to the local community, expanding the reach of the INCiTiS-FOOD project further.
The University for Development Studies Living Lab continues to serve as a valuable space for hands-on learning and innovation, with two recent highlights. Veterinary students from the faculty conducted hands-on training in fish handling, gaining valuable experience in aquaculture practices. At the same time, the aquaponics system is showing promising results, with a thriving maize plant as a clear sign of success. These activities demonstrate the Living Lab’s growing impact in advancing skills development and sustainable food solutions in line with INCiTiS-FOOD’s objectives.
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.
