Innovate UK Partners with FUNAAB to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) is set to collaborate with Innovate UK in a groundbreaking initiative to advance Climate-Smart Agriculture. The partnership, which includes stakeholders from the United Kingdom, Brazil, Nigeria, and Ghana, aims to enhance sustainable agricultural practices through research and technology transfer.

As part of this initiative, applications will open from March 3 to May 7, 2025, for a Climate-Smart Agriculture grant focused on crops and livestock. The funding comprises four distinct projects, each valued at £100,000, along with a £20,000 travel grant per project. This grant will facilitate a seven-month research visit for UK and Nigerian partners to Brazil, with key areas of focus including cassava products and processing, technology transfer, and applied and developmental research.

During the visit, the Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, led the Innovate UK delegation on a tour of the university’s research facilities. The delegation visited the Central Laboratory at the Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE), the Habanero and Bell Pepper Greenhouse, and the FUNAAB Alpha Chicken project. At the latter, the team engaged with Emeritus Prof. Olufunmilayo Adebambo, who showcased ongoing research efforts.

One of the highlighted research projects includes a grant-funded initiative led by the Roslin Institute’s Dr. Watson Kellie, in collaboration with Dr. Mathew Wheto of FUNAAB. The project, titled "Identifying Modifiers in FUNAAB Alpha Frizzle Feather Chicken," aims to explore genetic modifications in poultry breeds.

Additionally, another significant project under the UK Regulators Network (UKRN) focuses on the Genetic Characterisation of Muturu Cattle. Led by Dr. Oluyinka Opoola, with Dr. Mathew Wheto serving as the African partner, the research seeks to enhance cattle breeding and genetic studies to improve livestock productivity.

Representing Innovate UK during the visit were Dr. Joanna Scales, Knowledge Transfer Manager for UK and International AgriFood, along with Dr. Pedro Carvalho. Their participation underscores the commitment of Innovate UK to fostering international research collaborations aimed at advancing agricultural sustainability and innovation.