SARChI Chair in Sustainable Preservation and Agroprocessing Research (SPAR)
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Prof Olaniyi Fawole
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fawole/
A message from the Research Chair
Welcome to the SARChI Chair in Sustainable Preservation and Agroprocessing Research (SPAR) at the University of Johannesburg. Our work addresses critical challenges in food security, postharvest losses, and sustainable agroprocessing across Africa and beyond. As part of the Postharvest and Agroprocessing Research Centre (PARC), SPAR focuses on transforming horticultural, indigenous, and medicinal (HIM) food crops into valuable and sustainable resources for local and global food systems.
Our mission is to lead cutting-edge research that enhances food preservation, develops innovative packaging solutions, and promotes agroprocessing technologies that align with the goals of the circular economy and sustainable development. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and strategic partnerships, SPAR is dedicated to producing impactful research, training future leaders in the field, and driving change in food systems for a more resilient and sustainable future.
Explore our research, collaborations, and ongoing projects, and join us in advancing sustainable food systems.
About Us
The SARChI Chair in Sustainable Preservation and Agroprocessing Research (SPAR) is a prestigious Tier 1 Chair funded by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), the National Research Foundation (NRF), and the University of Johannesburg (UJ). Hosted at the Postharvest and Agroprocessing Research Centre (PARC) in the Department of Botany and Plant Biotechnology, SPAR is a hub for excellence in research and innovation, driving sustainable solutions to reduce postharvest losses, add value to horticultural, indigenous, and medicinal (HIM) crops, and promote food security.
Our Vision
To become a global leader in postharvest and agroprocessing research, addressing the challenges of food loss, waste reduction, and sustainable food systems while fostering economic opportunities for farmers, processors, and communities.
Our Mandate
Research Focus
At SPAR, our research is centred around four thematic areas:
Publications and Knowledge Dissemination
SPAR is committed to producing high-impact publications in top-tier journals, contributing to the global knowledge base in postharvest and agroprocessing. Our research findings are also shared through conference presentations, policy briefs, and community engagement initiatives to ensure broad dissemination and practical application of our work.
Check out our publications.
Googlescholar: https://scholar.google.co.za/citations?hl=en&user=pPtv5wIAAAAJ&view_op=list_works
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Olaniyi-Fawole
Collaborations and Partnerships
SPAR thrives on collaboration, partnering with research institutions, industry stakeholders, and policymakers. These partnerships enable us to extend the impact of our work, drive innovation, and translate research findings into real-world applications. Notable collaborations include projects with local farming communities, agro-industrial enterprises, and global research organizations.
We invite you to collaborate, partner, or learn more about our work. Whether you are a researcher, farmer, entrepreneur, or policymaker, there is a place for you in our mission to advance food security, sustainability, and innovation.
Contact Us
Email: parc@uj.ac.za or mmuller@uj.ac.za
Phone: +27 011 559 7237 or Mildred’s number