Food Self-Sufficiency and Community Engagement Research Group (FS2CERG)

Food Self-Sufficiency and Community Engagement Research Group (FS2CERG)

Main research focus and other areas of research interest of the RG: The main research focus is to increase local production of staple food to meet the demand of local food consumption.

The other research interests are:

  • To convert agricultural wastes into resourceful farm inputs
  • To enlighten farmers on emerging sustainable farming practices

Title of the most recent research project: Judicious Phosphorus Management: Assessment of rice farmers’ knowledge and best practices

A maximum of seven other current or completed research projects: Not applicable

Name of the coordinator: Dr Uchechukwu Paschal CHUKWUDI

UNN email address of the RG: fs2cerg@unn.edu.ng

UNN email address of the coordinator: uchechukwu.chukwudi@unn.edu.ng

Current webpage of the RG: https://www.unn.edu.ng/food-self-suffic…ch-group-fs2cerg

Phone number of the RG: +2347039761027

Phone number of the coordinator: +2347039761027

Base faculty of the RG: Agriculture

Department of the coordinator: Crop Science

 

List and brief profiles of members (one paragraph per member) with UNN website url to their detailed CVs (hyperlinks are OK)

  • Dr Uchechukwu Paschal Chukwudi is a researcher and lecturer with the Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria. His research focus and interests are on mitigation of negative impact of climate change on staple crops. He works with rural farmers in tackling limitations to increase crop yield. His skills and expertise includes plant physiology, plant breeding, abiotic stress tolerance, crop improvement, plant nutrition, plant biotechnology, agronomy, horticulture, plant environmental stress physiology, plant genetics, statistical software, seed germination, seed science, seed technology, seed physiology, and seed production. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Uchechukwu-Chukwudi https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=mF5jhHwAAAAJ&view
  • Emmanuel Ikechukwu Eze is a researcher and lecturer in the Department of Crop Science and former Chief Technologist Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nigeria. His current research focus is on mushroom characterization and development of production protocol for medicinal plants in the derived Savanna zone. His research skills and expertise include plant pathology and genetics.https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Emmanuel-Eze-6 https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=iTXJ51sAAAAJ
  • Dr Chijioke C. Nwoga’s current research interest is to develop a prototype avian semen extender. He is an experienced animal scientist and aquaclturist. His skills and expertise include fish nutrition, fish breeding, fish feed formulation, fish diseases, fish physiology, aquatic science, fisheries biology, fish biology, aquaculture nutrition, marine ecology, fish genetics, fish biotechnology, fish pathology and fish reproduction.https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Chijioke-Nwoga https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=99u8kkMAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra
  • Dr Benedict Unagwu currently works at the Department of Soil Science, University of Nigeria. Benedict’s research is in the areas of Soil Science, Environmental Science and Agronomy. His current project is ‘An assessment of the potentials of organic amendments additions for soil productivity enhancement and erosion control’. His research skills and expertise are soil fertility, soil analysis, soil biology, sustainable agriculture, environmental science, plant nutrition, agronomy, soil chemistry, fertilizers, agroecology, environmental impact assessment, sustainability, soil carbon, climate change, conservation agriculture, soil acidification, and soil and water conservation. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Benedict-Unagwu https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=CR3fQDwAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao
  • Edwin Chukwuebuka Awaogu is a lecturer/ passionate researcher in the Department of Soil Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) with an MSc Degree in Soil Chemistry and Mineralogy, UNN and B.Agric (Soil Science, Calabar). His research interest focused on understanding the mineralogy and chemistry of both nutrient and contaminant elements in soils, with the aim of developing solutions to problems associated with agriculture and environment. He is interested in applying statistical modelling on nutrient dynamics. His research skills and expertise includes spatial variability of soil properties, soil microbiology, sustainable agriculture, environment, agronomy, soil chemistry and mineralogy.https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Chukwuebuka-Awaogu
  • Dr Chiebonam J. Amu currently works at the Department of Agricultural Extension, University of Nigeria. Chiebonam does research in sociology, qualitative social research, communication and media. Her research skills and expertise includes communication, print journalism, mass communication, communication theory, content analysis and new technology. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Chiebonam-Amu https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Hb4zHEIAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra
  • Rosemary Nnedinso Arua is a researcher and lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nigeria. She does research in agricultural economics and environmental sciences. Her research skills and expertise includes climate change and agriculture, agriculture, sustainability and environment https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rosemary-Arua

 

Members’ google scholar citation links

https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=mF5jhHwAAAAJ&view

https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=iTXJ51sAAAAJ

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=99u8kkMAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=CR3fQDwAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Hb4zHEIAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra

 

10 key publications of the RG from 2019 till date: Not applicable

Patents/exhibitions/shows/productions, etc. from 2019 till date: Not applicable

Bank account details of the RG: Not applicable

6. FoodTech Solutions Research Group

Name of Research Group: FoodTech Solutions Research Group

Main research focus and other areas of research interest of the RG: 

  • To provide solutions to food processing and safety related challenges through multidisplinary research.
  • To develop technolgies for upgrading local food processing technologies.
  • To devolop novel food products including functional foods/nutriceuticals from local plants.
  • To promote good manufacturing practices(GMP) among food processors
  • To promote food safety practices amount users.

Title of most recent research project

  • Processes  and systems  for combating post  harvest deterioration  of cassaava tubers

A maximum of seven (7) other current or completed research projects

  • Development of home-grown Artificial Intelligence (AI) aided production line for fermented cassava flour.
  • Scientific Investigation of tumor fighting potentials of cassava.
  • Assessment of cassava food losses along the cassava value chain.
  • Pilot project on food safety in Lagos, Ebonyi and Kano states.

 

Name of the Coordinator: Prof. Gabriel Ifeanyi Okafor

UNN email address of the coordinator: gabriel.okafor@unn.edu.ng

UNN webpage of the RG:

Phone number of the RG: 08023423908

Phone number of the coordinator: 08023423908

Base Faculty/Institute/Center of the RG: Faculty of Agriculture

Department of the Coordinator: Dept. of Food Science and Technology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu    State, Nigeria

Headshot of the coordinator

 

List and brief profiles of members

  • Gabriel I. Okafor: Gabriel I. Okafor is a professor of Food Processing Engineering and Head, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. He obtained his MSc. and PhD degrees in 1991 and 1994, respectively, from the  Odessa National Academy of Food Technologies (ONAFT), Odessa, Ukraine. He has two Russian patents on food processing apparatus and over 100 publications. He won the prestigious APV Seligman Fellowship Award in Food Engineering, by the Society of Chemical Industry, UK, which was consummated at University of Reading, UK, in 2004.
  • Lawrence U. S. Ezeanyika (Ph.D) is a Professor of Medical Biochemistry/Nutritional Toxicology at the Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with over 100 peer reviewed articles in reputable national and international journals and is very well cited.  He has successfully supervised 27 doctoral degree theses and about 70 Master of Science degree dissertations. He has a vast knowledge in university administration.
  • Fr. Engr. Dr. Edward Anoliefo holds a PhD in Electronics Engineering. Specializing in instrumentation and automation, he is the Director Centre for Lion Gadgets and Technologies, UNN. He holds a national patent and has developed a wide range of smart devices.
  • Dr. Cornelius O. A. Agbo is a Senior lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. He has a Ph.D in Mechanical Engineering with specialization in Design and Production. His research interests are in the area of machine components design, composite materials technology, automobile manufacturing, etc.
  • Christiana N. Ogbonna is an Associate Professor, in the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka  from October 2018 till date. She obtained her B.Sc. in Science Education (Biology) from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1988, M.Sc. in Biosystem Science (Molecular Biology) from the Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, University of Tsukuba, Japan in 2001 and a Ph.D in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from the Department of Biochemistry/Biotechnology,  Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ebonyi State University Abakaliki in 2010. Her work experience include  Senior Research Assistant at Gene Discovery Research Centre, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) Tsukuba, Japan (June, 2001 to July 2002), amongst others. Christiana Ogbonna’s research interests include biofuels (bioethanol and biodiesel oil) production from agricultural raw materials using both filamentous fungi, yeasts, and microalgae as well as production of enzymes and pigments by fungi and microalgae.
  • Amelia Ngozi Odo (Co-Ordinator) is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. She received her Ph.D. and Masters in Public Health Education, B.Sc in Health Education, and Diplomas in Public Health Nursing, Midwifery, and General Nursing. Dr. Amelia was a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Anthropology, Michigan State University-MSU (2019-2020). Her primary research interests are in sexual and reproductive health including maternal and child health, adolescent health, nutrition and public health, infectious diseases prevention and control, and gender issues. She has attended some national and international conferences/workshops and published some articles in reputable journals.
  • Jane Mbolle Chah is a Professor in the Department of Agricultural Extension, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She had her professional training at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where she obtained a Higher Diploma in Animal Health and Husbandry, Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Extension, Masters and Doctor of Philosophy Degrees in Agricultural Extension (Rural Sociology). Jane is a recipient of European Union (EU) funded Intra Africa Academic Exchange Programme. She is a fellow of Mujeres Por Africa Foundacion and has completed a certificate course on Building Community Resilience at the Coady Institute Canada. Her research interests include climate change, rural livelihoods, rural development, gender studies, agricultural innovation and poverty; evaluation of agricultural projects with particular interest in livestock extension. She is a member of the African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS), Agricultural Extension Society of Nigeria (AESON), International Society of Extension Education, Nagpur, India (INSEE), European Evaluation Society and Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering Society (APCBEES). She has also published over 50 papers in some books and journals.
  • (Mrs.) Ifeoma Felicia Chukwuma is a lecturer in the Medical and Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She obtained her BSc, MSc, and Ph.D. from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She has research interests in bioinformatics, molecular interactions of medicinal plants in degenerative and metabolic diseases, mechanisms of pharmacological action, functional foods, and anti-cancer therapy. She has published many articles in peer reviewed national and international conferences and attended several research conferences and workshops. As an erudite scholar, Dr. (Mrs.) Chukwuma is a member of various professional associations, including the Organization for Women in Sciences for the Developing World (OWSD), the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, among others.
  • Mumukom Maximus ANCHANG is a PhD student in Food Engineering and Processing at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Department of Food Science and Technology. Anchang is also the co-founder and director of research of the University of Nigeria Alt Protein Project. He holds an MSc. in Food Engineering and Processing from UNN and a B.Tech. in Food Science and Technology from the College of Technology, University of Bamenda. Anchang is a member of the Institute of Food Technology (IFT), the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIST), and an associate member of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society. His primary focus areas are food processing/storage, food product research and development, food process optimization and modelling, and, more recently, food systems and food systems transformation.

 

Members Google Scholar Citation links

Gabriel Ifeanyi Okafor – Google Scholar   

Cornelius Ogbodo Anayo Agbo – Google Scholar

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=nlyyPCkAAAAJ&hl=en

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=UcLVqXcAAAAJ&hl=en

ChristianaN.Ogbonna-GoogleScholar https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=QTnvZ5IAAAAJ&hl=en

 

Members Research gate links

 

Key publications of the RG from 2019 till date

  • Anchang, M.M. and Okafor, G.I. (2022) Some physical, functional and antinutrients of breakfast cereals from blends of guinea corn, pigeon pea and mango flour using mixture-process design. J Food Sci Technol. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-022-05407-2.
  • Fujita, M., Wander, K., Paredes Ruvalcaba, N., & Odo, A. N. (2022). Human milk lactoferrin variation in relation to maternal inflammation and iron deficiency in northern Kenya. American Journal of Human Biology, https://doi.org/10.1002/ajhb.23812
  • Edward, C. A., Chah, Jane M. and Oliver Abbah (2020). Consumers’ Perception of Dried Onion and Okra Using Load Adaptive Drying Technology in Nsukka Urban, Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Extension 24(3),125-137.
  • Owusu, R. Anugw, I.Q., Chah J. M. and Ernest Teye (2021). Consumers perception of rice safety in West Africa. Food Processing & Nutritional Science, 2 (1), 1-10.
  • Nkwocha, C. C., Chukwuma, I. F. and Umeakuana, C. D. (2019). Fatty Acid    Profile Of Some Selected Vegetable Consumed In Enugu State, Nigeria. American Journal of Food and Nutrition, 7 (4):130-135.
  • John, J.I., Uchendu, N.O., Chukwuma, I.F., Ogugofor, M.O.,  Ezeanyika, L.U.S. (2022). Chemotherapeutic Evaluation of Ethanol Extract of Chromolaena Odorata On Biochemical Aberrations Associated With Experimentally-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia In Male Rats. Biointerface Research In Applied Chemistry, 12 (6): 8426 – 8440 Https://Doi.Org/10.33263/Briac126.84268440.
  • Apeh, V.O., Asogwa, E., Chukwuma, I.F., Okonkwo, O.F.,   Nwora, F. And  Uke, R. (2022). Chemical Analysis and Insilico Anticancer and Anti‑Inflammatory Potentials of Bioactive Compounds from Moringa oleifera seed oil. Advances In Traditional Medicine. 22 (1): 59-74. Https://Doi.Org/10.1007/S13596-020-00521-Y
  • Agbo COA. Mechanization of wet-sieving processing of fermented cassava pulp for akpu food. Indian Journal of Engineering, 2021, 18(49), 164-171.
  • Agbo COA. Development of fermented cassava wet sieving equipment for rural settings. Indian Journal of Engineering, 2021, 18(49), 109-115.
  • Ogbonna, C. N. and Okoli, E. C. (2009). Evaluation of the potentials of some cassava varieties in Nigeria for bioethanol production. Bio-Research, 8(2): 674-678.

 

List of patents/exhibitions/shows/productions, etc from 2019 till date

  1. Development  and  performance evaluation  of fermented cassava extractor(patented)

Development  and Performance Evaluation of Smart Cassava Tuber Bioreactor    (patent already filed).