FUNAAB Scholars Strengthen Climate-Smart Aquaculture Collaboration at UNESP, Brazil

Researchers from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Nigeria, are deepening international collaboration in climate-smart aquaculture through a research and capacity-building visit to the Centre of Aquaculture at São Paulo State University (UNESP), Brazil.

The visit, involving Dr. Mathew Wheto, Dr. Ikililu Abdulraheem and Dr. Oluwaseun Ojelade, is being conducted under the UK–Brazil–Africa Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovation Programme. It is aimed at advancing scientific cooperation and knowledge exchange among leading institutions in Nigeria, Brazil and the United Kingdom.

During a guided tour of UNESP’s world-class aquaculture facilities, the FUNAAB scholars engaged with key research and production units, including fish reproduction, health and welfare laboratories, nutrition and feed development facilities, and limnology systems. The interactions offered practical insights into integrated aquaculture models that emphasise sustainability, animal welfare and enhanced productivity in the face of climate variability.

The exposure was particularly relevant to tropical aquaculture systems in Nigeria, where climate pressures continue to challenge food production and aquatic ecosystems. Lessons drawn from UNESP’s research approaches are expected to inform adaptive strategies for resilient and sustainable aquaculture development in Africa.

The engagement was part of a broader collaborative project coordinated through Harper Adams University, United Kingdom, titled “Building Collaborative Research Partnerships in Fish Breeding, Health and Welfare Management to Enhance Sustainability, Productivity and Resilience of Aquaculture Production in Nigeria.”

The visit underscored FUNAAB’s growing international profile and its commitment to global partnerships, applied research and capacity building aimed at advancing climate-smart aquaculture and strengthening sustainable food systems across regions.