The Njala University Living Lab celebrated a successful fish harvest. The harvested fish was distributed to university authorities and representatives from the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI). Additionally, the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank has expressed its capacity to support farmers with loans for agricultural business, and efforts are underway to engage the bank’s manager in adopting the INCiTiS-FOOD innovation to further strengthen the agricultural sector.
In Tamale, Ghana, the University for Development Studies (UDS) Living Lab has made significant progress in sustainable farming. After approximately five months of cultivating catfish, the lab celebrated a successful harvest, marking a major milestone for the project. Additionally, the UDS Living Lab continues to produce fruiting vegetables without the use of nutrient supplements, further advancing its commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.
The University of Ibadan Living Lab recently hosted Life Builders, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to empowering future leaders. During the visit, INCiTiS-FOOD partners introduced the participants to the innovative concept of an integrated circular food system, featuring fish, plants, and insects.
This exciting collaboration marks the beginning of a partnership aimed at fostering sustainable food systems and developing future leaders. Together, the University of Ibadan Living Lab and Life Builders are sowing the seeds for a more sustainable and resilient future.
On 2 September 2024, Dr. Emmanuel Benjamin co-coordinator of INCiTiS-FOOD, led a panel on Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) at the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS Forum) in Kigali, Rwanda.
Dr. Benjamin highlighted the INCiTiS-FOOD project and the key drivers of innovation adoption in African food systems. The panel, featuring diverse stakeholders such as EU delegations from Africa, AGRA, CSOs, and Ministries, explored the future of African agriculture under the theme Innovate, Accelerate, and Scale: Delivering Food Systems Transformation in a Digital and Climate Era.
With over 350 speakers, 3,000 attendees, and representatives from more than 70 countries, the AFS Forum 2024 fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas and actions to enhance food security and sustainability across the continent.
Dr. Oyebola from the Univeristy of Ibadana represented the INCiTiS-FOOD project at the Nigeria International Agriculture Expo 2024, held from 27–29 August at the International Trade Fair Center in Abuja, Nigeria. The project was featured in a high-profile panel discussion, highlighting innovative approaches in sustainable agriculture and food security. The chair of the panel also made a special visit to the INCiTiS-FOOD booth, where attendees explored the project’s innovative contributions to African agriculture and where other representatives of the University of Ibadan Living Lab were.
This event marks another significant milestone in INCiTiS-FOOD’s mission to drive sustainable solutions for food production across the continent.
After four months in the tank, the fish at Njala University have reached an impressive weight. This milestone marks significant progress as the research moves closer to the completion of Phase 1. The study’s promising results are laying a strong foundation for further exploration into sustainable aquaculture practices, showcasing Njala University’s commitment to advancing innovative fish farming techniques.
The Njala University Living Lab has officially onboarded the key actors during a successful inaugural meeting. Representatives from various sectors gathered to discuss strategic goals and establish a foundation for collaborative efforts moving forward. Their involvement is crucial to the Living Lab’s mission of driving innovation and sustainable practices, with this meeting serving as an important moment in aligning their contributions towards shared objectives.
The University for Development Studies has successfully cultivated fruiting tomatoes and peppers. These vegetables are flourishing in the hydroponic section showcasing just how effective and sustainable soilless farming techniques can be. This story is another example of how circular food system approaches could help communities grow fresh produce even in challenging environments.
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.
The Njala University Living Lab has developed an innovative prototype that is planned to be showcased at four strategic locations across the country. This exciting roadshow aims to highlight cutting-edge solutions in sustainable agriculture and food production, bringing together local communities, researchers, and stakeholders to explore the impact of these developments. The prototype is part of ongoing efforts to foster knowledge exchange and explore practices that can boost agricultural innovation nationwide.
