Centre for Climate-Smart Agriculture (CCSA) and IFPRI Visit Cosmopolitan University Demonstration Farm Ahead of New Faculty Launch
The Centre for Climate-Smart Agriculture (CCSA) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) are partnering with Cosmopolitan University to establish a Faculty of Climate-Smart Agriculture and Sustainability in Abuja. As part of preparations, CCSA CEO Dr. Rislan Kanya and IFPRI Country Director Dr. Oliver Kirui Kiptoo visited the university’s demonstration farm and a partner site in Gwagwalada to assess ongoing agricultural innovations. The new faculty aims to integrate practical, data-driven education with cutting-edge research to build climate-resilient food systems. It will serve as a national model for hands-on learning, agri-tech innovation, and sustainable development.
In a significant step towards advancing climate-resilient agricultural education in Nigeria, the Chief Executive Officer of CCSA Dr Rislan Kanya, accompanied by Dr. Oliver Kirui Kiptoo, Nigeria Country Director of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), paid a strategic visit to the Cosmopolitan University Demonstration Farm and a partner's farm in Gwagwalada.
The visit is part of ongoing preparations for the establishment of the Faculty of Climate-Smart Agriculture and Sustainability at Cosmopolitan University, Abuja. The delegation was warmly received by the extension services agent and leadership of the farm, who guided the visitors through ongoing agricultural experiments such as agroecology, technology trials, and sustainable land-use demonstrations at the farm.
Speaking during the visit, the CCSA CEO emphasised the importance of integrating practical, data-technology-driven agricultural education to build resilience in food systems across Sub-Saharan Africa. “The proposed faculty will serve as a national model for combining innovation, research, data-intensive process and hands-on learning to equip the next generation of agri-professionals,” he stated.
Dr. Kirui Kiptoo of IFPRI expressed strong support for the initiative, noting the alignment with IFPRI’s mission to support evidence-based agricultural policy and capacity building. “This initiative represents a critical step toward building local capacity for data-informed, climate-smart agriculture. IFPRI is proud to collaborate on such a timely and impactful effort,” he remarked.****oliver to review
The proposed faculty, which is being developed in collaboration with growers, government agencies, research institutions, among others, will focus on climate-resilient food systems, emerging agri-technologies, entrepreneurship and sustainability. It reflects Cosmopolitan University’s mission to offer applied, student-centred education that engages with industry and society to address pressing developmental challenges.
The demonstration farm at Gwagwalada will serve as a living laboratory for students, researchers and practitioners, offering a unique environment for experiential learning and innovation in sustainable agriculture.
Plans for the faculty are at an advanced stage, with a formal launch expected later this year