ABUJA: The University of Plymouth in the United Kingdom and the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) in Kaduna have announced a new partnership aimed at advancing research on Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) in Nigeria and Ghana. The collaboration was unveiled at the Soil Health for Productivity and Climate Resilience Workshop in Abuja, emphasizing the need for international cooperation in addressing global issues such as food security and climate change.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Professor William Blake, Director of the Sustainable Earth Institute at the University of Plymouth, highlighted the significance of cross-border partnerships in tackling critical challenges like sustainable land management and water resources. This new alliance aims to enhance agricultural productivity while addressing the impacts of climate change through CSA initiatives. The workshop addressed strategies to improve soil health and sustainable water management practices, ensuring agricultural sustainability at vario
us scales, from small farms to entire river basins.
Professor Kevin Jones, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Plymouth, reiterated the institution’s dedication to global challenges through practical research. He stressed the university’s focus on environmental sustainability and its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Jones pointed out the importance of scientific and technological advances in fostering sustainable agriculture, with Nigeria identified as a key partner in these efforts.
Dr. Omogbemi Yaya, Director of the Regional Centre for Integrated River Basin Management at NWRI, outlined the partnership’s support from the UNESCO-affiliated Regional Centre for Integrated Rural Business Management. The collaboration will concentrate on rural business management, capacity building, and sustainable development, leveraging the strengths of both institutions in water resources and academic research.
The partnership, funded with £30,000 un
der the Innovate UK Scoping Project for Climate-Smart Agriculture Partnerships: UK-Brazil-Africa, aims to yield innovative solutions with global applications. The NWRI, established in 1979, plays a crucial role in training personnel in the water resources sector, further solidifying its commitment to global collaborations and sustainable development initiatives.