Nyankpala, Ghana — August 1, 2024: In a move set to bolster agricultural innovation and food security in Northern Ghana, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Egusi Project, under the FSNET-Africa initiative, has deepened its collaboration with the CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI). On Friday, August 2, 2024, key members of the project team met with research scientists at CSIR-SARI to discuss the project’s progress and outline plans for its next phase, which will require more extensive cooperation between the two institutions.
The day began with a courtesy visit to Dr. Francis Kusi, Director of CSIR-SARI, who warmly welcomed the team. Dr. Kusi acknowledged the significant strides made by the Egusi Project and reiterated CSIR-SARI’s commitment to supporting the initiative. “This project aligns with our mandate to provide sustainable agricultural solutions that can improve the livelihoods of our farmers. We are committed to seeing this collaboration yield impactful outcomes for the communities we serve,” Dr. Kusi remarked.
Following the visit, a detailed debriefing session was held, led by Dr. Abena Boakye, Principal Investigator of the Egusi Project. The seminar brought together ten researchers from CSIR-SARI, along with several auxiliary staff members. The discussion focused on the achievements of the project so far, particularly the Technology Transfer activities in the Chereponi District, where the local community has been trained in preparing enhanced recipes for Egusi-based dishes such as soups and stews. The project has also introduced new products derived from Egusi, aimed at improving both nutrition and economic opportunities in the region.
Dr. Theophilus Tengey, Head of Cowpea Breeding at CSIR-SARI, who was present at the seminar, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration. “This partnership is a testament to the potential of combining research with community engagement. The work being done with Egusi not only diversifies the dietary options for our communities but also provides a model for how agricultural innovation can be practically applied to meet local needs. We are excited to see how this collaboration will further enhance our efforts, particularly in the area of cowpea breeding, where similar community-centered approaches can be implemented,” Dr. Tengey said.
The Egusi Project has already made notable impacts in the Chereponi District, where a high-level stakeholder debriefing was recently held. This event provided a platform for local leaders and stakeholders to engage with the project team, discuss the outcomes, and explore ways to maximize the benefits of the project’s findings and innovations.
Looking ahead, the next phase of the Egusi Project will focus on scaling up these activities, with a stronger emphasis on collaboration with CSIR-SARI. The goal is to ensure that the research and innovations developed through the project can be widely adopted, leading to lasting improvements in food security and economic resilience in the region.
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