International Lecture: Using Genetics to Meet the Food Demand of 2050

News Report

International Lecture: Using Genetics to Meet the Food Demand of 2050

Date: April 4, 2025
Venue: Aliyu Akwe Doma Indoor Theatre, Naraguta Campus, University of Jos

The TETFUND Centre of Excellence in Food Security (TCoEFS), University of Jos, in collaboration with the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jos, hosted a landmark international lecture on “Using Genetics to Meet the Food Demand of 2050.”

The keynote speaker, Dr. Bob Weaber, Professor of Animal Science and Extension Specialist at Kansas State University, delivered a thought-provoking lecture that examined the potential of genetics and genomic technologies in addressing global food security challenges. The lecture also featured Dr. Martin Sieber, President and CEO of the US Livestock Genetic Export (USLGE), a key partner institution.

The event attracted a wide range of participants, including university leadership, academics, researchers, postgraduate students, industry stakeholders, policymakers, and development partners.

Participation Overview

• Physical Attendance: 311 participants
• Virtual Attendance: 41 participants

This hybrid format enabled broad engagement, bringing together diverse stakeholders in food systems, animal breeding, and agricultural policy.

Lecture Highlights

Dr. Weaber stressed that with the world’s population projected to surpass 9.7 billion by 2050, achieving food security will require science-led approaches. He argued that animal genetics and genomic innovations must become central pillars in global strategies to ensure sustainable and resilient food systems.

Key themes from the lecture included:

• Genetic selection for livestock breeds adaptable to diverse and changing environments.
• Enhancing reproductive efficiency, feed conversion ratios, and disease resistance.
• Deploying strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emission intensity in livestock systems.
• Building climate-resilient, economically efficient livestock systems that balance productivity with sustainability.

According to Dr. Weaber, advancing breeding technologies and scaling their adoption in African livestock systems will be critical to safeguarding future food security. He described genetics as a “cornerstone for the sustainability of meat and dairy production in the coming decades.”

Policy and Research Recommendations

Dr. Weaber presented a practical roadmap for integrating genetics into African food and livestock systems. Recommendations included:

1. Developing national breeding schemes adapted to local ecosystems and farming realities.
2. Establishing comprehensive animal performance databases to inform decision-making.
3. Expanding crossbreeding and genomic selection programmes to improve resilience and productivity.
4. Training extension personnel and researchers in modern genetic tools and methodologies.
5. Building commercial-scale farms as anchors for research uptake, innovation diffusion, and farmer adoption.

These recommendations provide actionable strategies for governments, universities, and industry actors in designing and implementing policies that align with global sustainability goals.

Institutional Engagement

The lecture was attended by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, Deputy Vice-Chancellors (Academics and Administration), the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, as well as visiting lecturers and other dignitaries. Their presence underscored the University’s commitment to championing cutting-edge research, innovation, and capacity development.

Courtesy Visit to Plateau State Governor

As part of activities surrounding the lecture, the Director of TCoEFS, Prof. Dauda Bawa, led a delegation including Dr. Bob Weaber and Dr. Martin Sieber on a courtesy visit to the Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Mutfwang.

The visit emphasized the importance of building synergies between academia, government, and international partners in shaping agricultural innovation and policy. The Governor expressed appreciation for the initiative and reiterated Plateau State’s commitment to supporting programmes that enhance food security, improve farmer livelihoods, and strengthen resilience against climate change.

Significance of the Lecture

This international lecture forms part of TCoEFS’s broader mission to:

• Promote knowledge-sharing through global partnerships.
• Build capacity for research and innovation in food security.
• Provide evidence-based policy insights to support Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.
• Position the University of Jos as a hub for cutting-edge agricultural research and practice.

By convening international experts, national stakeholders, and policymakers, the Centre reaffirmed its role as a key driver of Nigeria’s response to food and nutrition security challenges.

Conclusion

The lecture on “Using Genetics to Meet the Food Demand of 2050” provided critical insights into the future of food systems and highlighted the transformative role of genetics in building sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agriculture.

The event not only strengthened the Centre’s academic and policy profile but also laid the foundation for deeper collaborations with global partners. Going forward, TCoEFS will continue to engage stakeholders in translating scientific research into tangible outcomes for farmers, communities, and the broader agricultural economy.

News & Events

Welcome to the News & Events hub of the TETFUND Centre of Excellence in Food Security (TCoEFS), University of Jos. This section features updates on our programmes, research activities, stakeholder engagements, and international collaborations.

UPCOMING EVENT

Three-Day Capacity-Building Training Workshop

Theme: Repositioning TCoEFS for Teaching, Research, Innovation Excellence, and Institutional Sustainability
Date: 22nd – 24th September 2025
Venue: Miango Rest Home, Jos, Plateau State

The Centre will host a three-day training workshop for staff and stakeholders aimed at strengthening institutional capacity, fostering innovation, and laying strategies for long-term sustainability.

Programme Focus:

• Foundations of Centre-Based Excellence.
• Academic–Industry Collaboration and Innovation Pathways.
• Practical Sessions on Sustainability and Implementation Planning.

Distinguished Speakers:

• Prof. Tanko Ishaya, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jos (Chief Host)
• Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (Trainer)
• Prof. Dauda Bawa, Director, TCoEFS (Host)

[Download Programme Schedule]

Recent News

Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) and GIZ Partner with TCoEFS on Agricultural Innovation

Date: April 28, 2025
Venue: TCoEFS, University of Jos

The Centre hosted a high-level delegation from Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) and the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) under the SIFTAS Project. Discussions focused on integrating climate-smart agriculture, strengthening institutional frameworks, and promoting innovative practices such as Farmer Field Business Schools, contract farming, and cooperative models.

Key partners included Dr. Bidemi Ajibola (SAA Nigeria), Mr. Patrick Akpu, Mr. Mwanlong Dashen (GIZ), and representatives of the Potato Multi-Actor Platform.

Highlights:

• Integration of potato agroforestry into academic training.
• Mainstreaming evidence-based policy frameworks.
• Building resilient agricultural value chains.

“This is not just a project. It is a paradigm shift toward building resilient and inclusive food systems.” – Prof. Dauda Bawa, Director, TCoEFS

[Read Full Report]

International Lecture: “Using Genetics to Meet the Food Demand of 2050”

Date: April 4, 2025
Venue: Aliyu Akwe Doma Indoor Theatre, Naraguta Campus, University of Jos

In collaboration with the Faculty of Agriculture, the Centre hosted an international lecture featuring Dr. Bob Weaber of Kansas State University, an authority in animal genetics, alongside Dr. Martin Sieber, President/CEO of US Livestock Genetic Export (USLGE).

Participation: 311 physical attendees, 41 virtual participants.

Key Themes:

• Genetic selection for climate adaptability.
• Enhancing reproductive efficiency and disease resistance.
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from livestock.
• Building climate-resilient and economically viable livestock systems.

Dr. Weaber presented a roadmap for Africa that emphasized national breeding schemes, genomic selection programmes, and building commercial-scale anchor farms.

As part of the event, the delegation led by Prof. Dauda Bawa paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, reinforcing government–academic partnerships in agricultural transformation.

[Read Full Report]

Featured Insights

The TETFUND Centre of Excellence in Food Security reaffirms its commitment to:

1. Building human capacity in food security through postgraduate training and workshops.
2. Supporting evidence-based policies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
3. Driving innovation and commercialization in agriculture.
4. Strengthening partnerships with national and international stakeholders.

Stay connected with us for upcoming events, research highlights, and collaboration opportunities.