CSU vows continued commitment to mission of teaching, research Extension
ARDUPdates
A S S O C I AT I O N O F 1 8 9 0 R E S E A R C H D I R E C T O R S June 2025, Vol. 16, Issue 6
KSU & DSU help Nigeria use intercropping to increase yield Food insecurity remains a challenge in Sub-Saharan sustainable agriculture practices, Africa and a major contributor to protein-energy malnutrition adding value to perishable crops, due to the gradual stagnation of agricultural productivity in enhancing food availability recent years, due to a lack of resources. To address this issue, throughout the seasons and imscientists from Kentucky State University (KSU) and Delaproving nutrition knowledge ware State University (DSU), with funding from the Center of through nutrition education and Excellence for Global Food Security and Defense, conducted enhanced post-harvest managea pilot project in collaboration with scientists at the Universi- ment strategies to strengthen ty of Calabar in Nigeria. The project’s goals were to enhance food security in the region. crop production through mixed crop/intercropping farming, DSU and KSU scientists organize workshops to increase nutrition education, promote organized two workshops and post-harvest preservation technology among farmers, and training sessions for University of enhance research on food processing to improve value addi- Calabar scientists, students, Cotion. operative Extension personnel and The pilot project’s objectives included advancing
The three new food products developed as part of the collaborative. See Intercropping on Page 5
Message from the Chair | D R . W E S L E Y W H I T T A K E R Dear Friends and Colleagues, The 1890 Research Directors will remain actively engaged this summer by participating in the Southern Mini Land-Grant Conference and the BAA Summer Leadership Conference while continuing to advocate for our FY 2026 appropriations and plan for the 135th Anniversary of the Second Morrill Act of 1890. ARD, a regional research association, remains firmly dedicated to advancing our "innovative agenda"—one focused on delivering practical, research-driven solutions DR. W. WHITTAKER that improve quality of life throughout the 1890 region and beyond. Our continued investment of intellectual and financial resources will be closely aligned with Executive Orders and USDA strategic goals, ensuring a meaningful impact for the communities we serve. It is essential that ARD consistently centers our stakeholder’s voices and needs as we design, co-design and
implement impactful programs and initiatives. I am genuinely optimistic about the future of our nation's food and agricultural systems—and deeply confident in ARD's critical role in driving the transformational research and education that will shape a more sustainable future. At the upcoming Southern Mini Land-Grant Conference (June 9–12), hosted jointly by the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, ARD will participate in collaborative sessions focused on communications and marketing, faculty hiring and retention and artificial intelligence in agriculture and the environment. These sessions will continue strengthening our ongoing partnership with agInnovation South through coordinated activities and shared initiatives. A key feature of the joint meeting with agInnovation South will be the presentation of the "Collaborations that Work" study, jointly commissioned by both associations with financial support from the Southern Rural Development Center (SRDC). Dr. John Green, SRDC’s director, will present the study's findings, which center around four main objectives: See Whittaker Page 7
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