The Institute of Agricultural Research and Development (IARD) of the University of Port Harcourt was one of the academic units approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) of Nigeria for the University at its inception in 1975. However, the IARD was only to be established in 1982; seven years after the NUC approval. The process of making the new IARD commenced in 2010. Presently, programmes and activities of the Institute have been reviewed in line with current scientific, economic and social realities in the Niger Delta and global best practices. As a result, the ongoing research of the IARD centers around the new vision, mission and core values targeted at rebranding the Institute as the preferred agricultural research, training and development institute in the Niger Delta region and beyond. S/N
Programme
Research Focus
1
Value addition and quality assurance
Investigation on qualitative enhancement of agricultural products to export standard
2
Climate change and food security
Research on climate change and its impacts on agriculture, food and nutrition security
3
Food safety and biosecurity
Studies on contamination of feed and food produce and their health implications in Niger Delta
4
Integrated pest management
Biorational control of pests of indigenous, animals, crops and stored farm produce
5
Agroresource and biodiversity
Studies on smallholder crop and livestock farming systems, agroforestry, wildlife, and hatchery propagation of two fish species (Lutjanus goreensis and Gymnarchus niloticus)of commercial value
6
Farmer-First Outreach
Promoting farmer-centered interventions for effective extension and outreach from research
7
Sustainable Energy and Resource Efficiency Technologies
Effective utilization of green energy and development of technologies for resource use efficiency