The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) organised a One-Day Stakeholders Workshop dedicated to the development of the new Master’s Programme in Agroecology within the framework of the AGRECOFARM – AGRoECOlogical FARMing project.
The event was held at the Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE) lecture hall and brought together academic staff, students, agricultural extension officers, institutional representatives, and other key stakeholders involved in sustainable agriculture and food system transformation.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Prof. Adewale Dipeolu, FUNAAB Team Leader of the AGRECOFARM project, highlighted that the main objective of the project is to strengthen the skills and competences of academic staff, students, and agricultural extension personnel in partner countries. This will be achieved through the development of new curricula and training programmes that integrate theoretical knowledge with practical experience.
Prof. Dipeolu explained that AGRECOFARM aims to support the global transition towards sustainable food systems and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The project is developing tailored training curricula focused on agroecological practices, sustainable farming techniques, and natural resource management, while incorporating local knowledge and practical demonstrations to ensure that the training materials are relevant and applicable to local communities.
A key component of the initiative is the planned establishment of AGRECO Rural Labs, which will be equipped with basic facilities and tools to support the delivery of the MSc programme and promote research activities in agroecology.
The Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Olusola Kehinde, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, expressed the commitment of the University management to supporting the project. He also thanked the Erasmus+ Programme for recognising FUNAAB as a valuable partner, emphasising the University’s expertise, experience, and institutional capacity to ensure the successful implementation of the project.
The Director of CEADESE, Prof. Adeboye Fafiolu, also assured participants and project partners that the Centre would provide the necessary institutional support. He further noted that the MSc programme and the activities promoted through AGRECOFARM have the potential to attract students from Nigeria and beyond, strengthening FUNAAB’s role as a regional hub for agroecology education and sustainable agricultural innovation.
Through this workshop, FUNAAB reaffirmed its commitment to advancing agroecology education, stakeholder collaboration, and practice-based learning as essential tools for improving food production and promoting sustainable farming systems in West Africa.
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FUNAAB organised a One-Day Stakeholders Workshop on the development of the new MSc Programme in Agroecology within the AGRECOFARM project. The event highlighted the role of tailored curricula, practical training, local knowledge, sustainable farming techniques, and the future AGRECO Rural Labs in strengthening agroecology education and food system transformation in West Africa. Source: https://www.facebook.com/100064202701802/posts/980628910753857/?rdid=MdE08xOO94u9Lvgk#