The Federal University Oye Ekiti has been awarded a research grant to carry out a study entitled

“Participatory evaluation and promotion of improved pepper cultivars (Capsicum spp.) among small scale farmers”

The project which will be implemented in Ekiti State is funded by the Africa-Brazil Agricultural Innovation Market place Initiative supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Bank and the Brazilian government.

Members of the research team are: 1. Professor Akin Omotayo (Co-leader, Nigeria)

2. Dr. Ayodele Fajimi (Plant Pathologist UNAAB)

3. Mrs. Tope Ige (PhD. Student UNAAB)

4. Dr. K. Oluleye (Soil Scientist –FUOYE)

In collaboration with two Scientists from EMBRAPA Brazil

5. Dr. Mrs. Claudia Riberio (Co-Leader Brazil, Horticulture-EMBRAPA)

6. Dr. Francisco Basilio (Crop Breeder, EMBRAPA)

The project which will run for two years is valued at about $79, 500 United State Dollars has already taken off with the preparation of Nursery Chambers at Ikole Campus of the University.

Through the project, improved cultivars of pepper developed at EMBRAPA Brazil will be introduced to farmers in Ekiti state for evaluation and possible adoption.