Collaboration and co-creation for circular innovation
The Circular Field Lab in The Gambia is an Erasmus+ partnership between Africa Startup: MyFarm, Gaye Njorro Skills Academy, the University of The Gambia (UTG), and Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences.
Together, these partners have created a living laboratory where students, researchers, local entrepreneurs, and citizens work side by side on circular and biobased solutions. The Field Lab focuses on making better use of local crops through applied research and engineering, exploring new ways to develop sustainable materials, products, and processes. In doing so, it stimulates knowledge exchange, strengthens local capacity, and supports resilient economies and ecosystems in The Gambia.
The projects are diverse, ranging from the design of micro-gardening systems to the creation of a local food testing laboratory. They provide hands-on learning opportunities for Gambian and Dutch students from different academic backgrounds, while also offering practical solutions for local communities.
Award-winning research: medicinal potential of local plants
The project focuses on applied research into the medicinal properties of traditional Gambian plants. Students and staff from the Department of Biology and Medical Laboratory Research at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences and the School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences at the University of The Gambia are studying the antimicrobial and anti-cancer potential of crops that have long been used for their healing qualities.
One important finding concerns the peel of certain mango varieties, which has shown promising antimicrobial activity. This result gives scientific support to traditional knowledge and opens possibilities for drug development, an urgent need in light of growing antibiotic resistance.
The plants under study are locally available and economically viable, ensuring that their use does not compete with food supply or other vital resources. By turning agricultural by-products such as mango peel into valuable bioactive compounds, the project contributes to both global health innovation and local economic development in The Gambia.
Students in action
In May, Professor Manjang and students Abubacarr Darboe and Modou Lamin Touray from the University of The Gambia visited Rotterdam to work with Dutch students in the laboratory. This exchange reflects the Field Lab’s focus on mutual learning and capacity building.
So far, more than twenty Dutch students have taken part in the project under the supervision of Barbara Schrammeijer, Head of Research, together with lecturers Jan de Jong and Tariq Nahar.
What the jury said
“Wow, what a project. International, with a strong connection between education and research. Very well done, and the outcomes are promising. It is not finished yet, but you have shown where the strengths lie. The wonderful part is that other student groups will continue with your results, which makes this even more valuable. It is also great to see that all four of you have become enthusiastic about continuing with research. Congratulations on this achievement.” – Hanneke Reuling, member of the Executive Board, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
What’s next?
The Field Lab is only at the beginning. Upcoming initiatives include:
- Further research into medicinal plant compounds in both The Gambia and the Netherlands
- A joint hackathon in November on ecosystem restoration, with 13 visiting students and staff from the University of The Gambia
- The establishment of a local food and product testing laboratory in collaboration with the Chemistry departments of both universities, Gaye Njorro Skills Academy and the Gambian Food Safety Authority, offering local entrepreneurs accessible quality testing
The Circular Field Lab in The Gambia shows how international collaboration, applied research and education can contribute to sustainable development and innovation.
Contacts
- Eveline Bijleveld – Project leader Circular Field Lab The Gambia, Manager R&D e.bijleveld@hr.nl
- Annekéke van Kekem – Policy advisor internationalisation a.van.kekem@hr.nl