PROFESSIONAL AWARDING INSTITUTES
INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (IARD)
About Us
The Institute of Agricultural Research and Development (IARD) of the University of Port Harcourt was one of the academic units approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) of Nigeria for the University at its inception in 1975. However, the IARD was only to be established in 1982; seven years after the NUC approval. The process of making the new IARD commenced in 2010. Presently, programmes and activities of the Institute have been reviewed in line with current scientific, economic and social realities in the Niger Delta and global best practices. As a result, the ongoing research of the IARD centers around the new vision, mission and core values targeted at rebranding the Institute as the preferred agricultural research, training and development institute in the Niger Delta region and beyond.
IARD Mandate
Tackle the problems of agriculture and rural development of the Niger Delta of Nigeria, so as to develop the agricultural potentials of the region.
Vision
To be the preferred agricultural institute where animal, crop, fisheries and forestry research, training, extension services and development are conducted in a sustainable manner based on global best practices.
Mission Statement
To develop and propagate improved relevant innovative agricultural, fisheries, forestry and environmental management technologies in synergy with indigenous practices in the Niger Delta, thereby contribute to attainment of the strategic national and international goals for poverty reduction, food security and sustainable environmental management.
Core Values
We ensure professionalism, integrity, excellence, and dedication in what we do.
Statement of Goal
Continuous reorganization and rebranding to, effectively, carry out institutional mandate in a world of globalization and changing climate.
Overall Research Goal
To mitigate the challenges of agriculture as they affect peasants and small-scale farmers in the Niger Delta region and beyond.
Medium-Term Objectives
- To enhance research capacity building for a more holistic institutional development.
- To develop strategies for proactive sourcing of research grants, scholarships and fellowships.
- To engage in and maintain collaboration and strategic partnership with public and private institutions with similar goal and vision.
- To initiate and sustain academic programmes (certificate; professional certificate; short courses).
Research
Generally, the Institute possesses research competence in fish farming, rice cultivation, propagation of indigenous food crops, vegetables and local spices, farming systems, agroforestry, non-timber products and wildlife interventions. Other areas are poultry and livestock production, exploitation of underutilized animal and plant species, agricultural pests and diseases control, food processing and preservation, extension and outreach programmes, and environmental management.
Research Programmes of the IARD
The seven research programmes of the Institute with their, respective, research focus are as listed below.
|
S/N |
Programme |
Research Focus |
|
1 |
Value addition and quality assurance |
Investigation on qualitative enhancement of agricultural products to export standard |
|
2 |
Climate change and food security |
Research on climate change and its impacts on agriculture, food and nutrition security |
|
3 |
Food safety and biosecurity |
Studies on contamination of feed and food produce and their health implications in Niger Delta |
|
4 |
Integrated pest management |
Biorational control of pests of indigenous, animals, crops and stored farm produce |
|
5 |
Agroresource and biodiversity |
Studies on smallholder crop and livestock farming systems, agroforestry, wildlife, and hatchery propagation of two fish species (Lutjanus goreensis and Gymnarchus niloticus)of commercial value |
|
6 |
Farmer-First Outreach |
Promoting farmer-centered interventions for effective extension and outreach from research |
|
7 |
Sustainable Energy and Resource Efficiency Technologies |
Effective utilization of green energy and development of technologies for resource use efficiency |
Academic Programmes
The Institute shall run one-year certificate courses, four-month intensive professional certificate programmes, and two to three weeks short courses in the various areas of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to meet the low, medium and top levels manpower needs of the Niger Delta region and beyond. Please, revisit our website shortly for details on the available courses and their entry requirements.
Target Audience
Young school leavers, smallholder farmers, rural and urban farmers, youths, women, retired civil and public servants, workers from government and nongovernmental agencies, and others who may have a desire to update their knowledge to improve.
IARD Partners and Collaborators
a) Current Partners and Collaborators
- Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA), ACP-EU Cotonou Agreement, The Netherlands.
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
- The African Network for Agriculture, Agroforestry and Natural Resources Education (ANAFE), Nairobi, Kenya.
- Rumu-Ihuodu Farmers Cooperative Society, Elibrada-Emohua, Rivers State, Nigeria.
- Food Development Centre (FDC), Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI), Canada.
- University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
- Regional Centre, Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Orissa, India.
b) Other Bodies Being Explored for Partnerships and Collaborations
- World Fish
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
- Bioversity International
- National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI)
- National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI)
- National Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR)
- Washington State University, USA
- Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, USA
- Galilee International Management Institute, Israel
- United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
- International Centre for Energy, Environment and Development (ICEED)
- Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI), Ilorin
- and others that may be identified on needs basis.
Contact Details:
Professor Anthony O. Onoja
Director, Institute of Agricultural Research and Development (IARD)
University of Port Harcourt, Choba
PMB 5323, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
NIGERIA.
Mobile: +234 (0)8065238655
Email: anthony.onojaThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Alternate Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Blogspot: http://iard-uniport.blogspot.com
Website: http://www.uniport.edu.ng
