Launch of New Research Project in Nigeria and Tanzania

Melissa Hill - May 17, 2022

Research Supporting African MSMEs to Provide Safe and Nutritious Food (RSM2SNF) Launching

On May 19, 2022 the new Food Security Group (FSG) research project, Research Supporting African MSMEs to Provide Safe and Nutritious Food (RSM2SNF) will launch in Nigeria. Please join us virtually for this occasion from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm West Africa Standard Time (GMT+1). We look forward to an engaging experience for all launch attendees. The occasion will include opportunities for researchers to learn from stakeholders about key concerns and potentials in Nigerian value chains, including online and in-person facilitated break-out sessions. Survey data from stakeholders will be gathered at the launch itself, for live analysis and presentation at the end of the event.

RSM2SNF will study value chains of several products (fish and vegetables), first in Nigeria, and starting in 2023, in Tanzania. This research will fill important knowledge gaps on the structure and processes of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in African food system. This is a collaborative effort, with research activities in Nigeria undertaken in partnership with the University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University, Babcock University, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS). The RSM2SNF project includes an East African intervention that will be delivered in Tanzania by MSU and Tanzanian partners.

AGENDA
10:30–11:00 am	Arrival of participants and registration
11:00–12:00 pm	Welcome: ● General welcome and opening prayer - MC ● Welcome remarks from o Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation – Dr. Victor Ajieroh o Michigan State University (MSU) – Prof. Dave Tschirley o Various State Commissioners of Agriculture ● Welcome videos from partner institutions (NAERLS, UI, Babcock University and FUNAAB) ● Welcome remarks from o Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) – Dr. Debo Akande (DG) o Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) – Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda (DG) o Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) – Engr. Dr. Abdulrasid Yarima (President) o Vegetable traders’ association, Shasha Market Oyo State- Mr. Iliyasu (Chairman) ● Icebreaker (Mrs. Jennifer Iveren Abagyeh-Igbudu)
12:00–12:30 pm	Project overview: ● Presentation of RSM2SNF – Dr. Saweda Liverpool-Tasie (MSU) ● Introduction of research team – Prof. Obadina (FUNAAB) and Aisha Lawal Ibrahim (NAERLS)
12:30–1:00 pm	Inaugural events: ● Inauguration of the project’s National Advisory Committee (led by Dr. Ajiero of the Gates Foundation) ● Project launch group photos
1:00–1:30 pm	Survey of stakeholder perceptions: · Introduction by Dr. Ayala Wineman (MSU) · Survey of stakeholder perceptions
1:30–2:00 pm	Coffee/tea/snack break
2:00–2:45 pm	Facilitated session 1: How can the project meet stakeholder needs? ● Video on govt. and private sector take-up/use of research ● In person discussion groups o Farmers and Agribusiness Entrepreneurs – Mr.Adeniyi Ayodeji (AFEX) and Dr. Bolatito Shobo (Babcock University) o Government – Mr. Onesi Lawani (SMEDAN)/Prof. Obadina (FUNAAB) o Civil Society and Development Partners – Ms. Yewande Kazeem (WandieVille)/Prof. Sani (NAERLS) ● Online discussion groups o Group 1 – Dr. Toba Adeyeye (Agrosynergy Ltd.)(/Ms. Charuta Parkhi (MSU) o Group 2 – Dr. Ben Belton (MSU) /Dr.Osawe Wellington (National University of Ireland) o Group 3 – Prof. Bolorunduro (NAERLS) /Ms. Carolina Vargas (MSU)
2:45–3:00 pm	Group reflection and water break
3:00–3:45 pm	Facilitated session 2: What roles can different stakeholder groups play? ● Video on stakeholder innovation ● In person discussion groups o Farmers and Agribusiness Entrepreneurs – Dr. Lydia (GAT)/ Prof. Chris Daudu (NAERLS) o Government – Mr. Yakubu Gorah (Kaduna Min. of Env.) / Dr. Anthony Onoja (APRNet) o Civil Society and Development Partners – Prof. Ogunmoyela (CAFSANI)/Prof. Omonona (UI) ● Online discussion groups o Group 1 – Dr. Toba Adeyeye (Agrosynergy Ltd.)(/Ms. Charuta Parkhi (MSU) o Group 2 – Dr. Ben Belton (MSU) /Dr.Osawe Wellington (National University of Ireland) o Group 3 – Prof. Bolorunduro (NAERLS) /Ms. Carolina Vargas (MSU)
3:45–4:15 pm	Feedback from facilitated sessions
4:15–4:30 pm	Closing: ● Preliminary stakeholder perceptions survey results – Dr. Ayala Wineman (MSU) ● Vote of Thanks – Dr. Bukola Osuntade (Babcock University) ● Refreshments