Project Summary
Countries: Nigeria
Delivery Partner: University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (UAES) Umuagwo
Project Partners: Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB) Nigeria , Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) – Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv) – Nigeria, Sheda Science and Technology Complex Abuja, Nigerian Women Agro Allied Farmers Association (NIWAAFA) – Nigeria
Principal Investigator: Dr. Francis Ugochukwu Madu, University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (UAES) Umuagwo
Challenge
This project aims to enhance pollinator (bees, moths, butterflies, wasps, and hoverflies) biodiversity within smallholder farming systems to improve agricultural productivity, climate resilience, and ecosystem sustainability. By integrating agroecological practices (use of bee pastures, set aside hedgerows and nesting sites, grow a variety of crops, including annuals and perennials, and plant flowering plants at different times of the year, using integrated pest management, minimize tillage to avoid disturbing underground insect nests), pollinator-friendly habitat restoration, and precision pollination technologies, the project will support pollinator populations critical for food security.
The research will assess the impact of biodiversity-enhancing interventions, develop climate resilient pollination strategies, and engage local communities in conservation efforts. Deliverables include scientific assessments of pollinator diversity, AI-driven monitoring tools (crop monitoring drones, wireless sensor networks, Internet of Things), eDNA assessments, farmer training programs, and policy recommendations for biodiversity-friendly agriculture.
The outcomes will contribute to poverty reduction by increasing crop yields and farmer incomes, support climate adaptation through resilient ecosystems, and promote biodiversity conservation by restoring pollinator habitats.
More on the project will be added soon.
In the meantime, explore our Projects page to discover the diverse portfolio of initiatives GCBC is supporting around the world, and see where our research is making an impact.
