OAU Hosts USAID-Funded Horticulture Project

Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, has become the West Africa hub for the USAID-funded Feed the Horticulture Innovation Project. Recently, the university welcomed Dr. Naalamle Amissah and Dr. Freda Asem from the project's West Africa Hub for a monitoring and evaluation exercise.

Jul 9, 2024 - 18:43

OAU Hosts USAID-Funded Horticulture Project

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Nigeria, played host to Dr. Naalamle Amissah and Dr. Freda Asem, regional manager and coordinator of the West Africa Hub, for the Feed the Horticulture Innovation Project monitoring and evaluation exercise. This initiative, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and managed by the University of California (UC) Horticulture Innovation Lab in collaboration with Utah State University (USU), aims to empower youth in Nigeria through climate-smart approaches in horticulture.

The project, titled “Youths’ Participation in the Production of Indigenous Vegetables and Fruits (IVs&Fs),” spans 42 months and focuses on integrating innovative techniques into the value chain of local produce. It includes comprehensive training programs for secondary school students and out-of-school youth, emphasizing gender inclusivity. Notably, five students, including four from OAU, have received full scholarships for advanced degrees under this initiative.

During their visit, the project team met with OAU officials, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. (Mrs) Olubola Babalola, to discuss ongoing support and collaboration beyond project timelines. Drs. Amissah and Asem highlighted the importance of timely funding access to achieve project milestones, a sentiment backed by Prof. Babalola's assurance of institutional commitment to project success.

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The team also inspected key project facilities at OAU’s Teaching and Research Farm, including laboratories and a newly constructed screenhouse. Meetings with faculty and department heads further underscored the university's dedication to advancing agricultural research and development in West Africa.

This partnership, part of the U.S. Government’s global food security initiative, represents a significant step towards sustainable agricultural practices and youth empowerment in Nigeria. Stay updated on this transformative project through ongoing developments and collaborations.