College of Agriculture & Consumer Sciences

Institute of Agricultural Research

Overview

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The Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR) comprises the following three Agricultural Research Centres of the University of Ghana:

a) Livestock and Poultry Research Centre, Legon (LIPREC, Legon)

b) Soil and Irrigation Research Centre, Kpong (SIREC, Kpong)

c) Forest and Horticultural Crops Research Centre, Kade (FOHCREC, Kade)

The IAR consisting of the three Research Centres was reconstituted from the three Agricultural Research Stations (now Centres) and established in May, 2004. The Institute mainly conducts research but also contributes to the teaching and learning of pertinent areas of agricultural science at the University of Ghana. Additionally, the Institute develops agricultural technologies for the various agro-ecological zones of the country as well as trains farmers, extension agents and other stakeholders in the agricultural industry. Over the years, the Research Centres of the Institute have developed and disseminated some improved technologies to farmers nationwide for increased agricultural productivity, poverty reduction and attainment of food security in Ghana. Several agricultural professionals and students (both undergraduates and postgraduates) have also been trained for the improvement of the national agricultural sector.

The Institute is headed by a Director who is assisted by a Deputy Director, all located at the main campus, Legon. Each of the three Centres has a Head of Centre who reports directly to the Director.

Our vision is to develop the Centres into an internationally renowned Institution of excellence in basic and applied research for rapid sustainable Agricultural development in Ghana and Africa.

Our mission is to spearhead relevant national research and technology development and knowledge dissemination in agriculture.

Strategic Objective of IAR:

To provide a congenial research environment, accessible to all stakeholders in Ghana and in Africa through the following:

Facilitate research and development involving model research projects, demonstrating potential for improved technologies and development of research products into commercial products
Provide support for international research
Promote partnership between research and industry/private sector, resulting in rapid technology transfer and cost recovery possibilities
Promote the development of excellent laboratories for agricultural research
Encourage our young graduates to enter into the agricultural industry as a career
Promote and support strong Graduate Training.

Opportunity for IAR:

Following current government's emphasis on modernizing agriculture; The Research Centres can be resourced into Centres of scientific excellence to pioneer improvement in:

Key food crops
Industrial crops and
Management of livestock

Contact Addresses:

The Director

Institute of Agricultural Research

College of Agriculture & Consumer Sciences

University of Ghana

P. O. Box LG 68

Legon, Accra

Tel: 0244 57 32 94

Email: diar@ug.edu.gh

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