BY: Victor Siyanbola.

The Consortium Lead of Integrated and Circular Technologies for Sustainable City Region Food Systems, Professor Gertrud Buchenrieder, and participants of the 2nd General Assembly of the INCITIS-FOOD paid a courtesy visit to the University of Ibadan recently. The INCITIS-FOOD is a project aimed at improving food and nutrition security in African cities.

Receiving the members of this Consortium, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, brought to the fore the capability of the INCITIS-FOOD project to make an improvement in national food security a fruition.

In his speech, the Vice Chancellor asserted the fact that the current situation of the agricultural systems in Nigeria is plagued by challenges which preclude the country from producing sufficient food for her populace. He further declared that collaboration of INCITIS-FOOD with the first and best University will go a long way in integrating Agri-food technology, and Nigeria will be able to provide food items for her populace at cheap and affordable prices as well as export food items that can compete favourably in the international market.

Speaking on the vision of the project, Professor Gertrud Buchenrieder said the Consortium is funded by the European Union in order to make an inclusive food system. She said the project has the objective of providing healthy and nutritious food from fish protein, fruits, and vegetables as well as insects. She stated that the project seeks to empower communities by opening up opportunities for them in Agrifood Supply and value chains.

In the latter part of the project, funds will be made available for small-scale farmers.