20/10/2025
About the Centre for Savannah Zone Studies (CSZS)
The Centre for Savannah Zone Studies (CSZS) was established by the Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria, in 2020 as a multidisciplinary research, training, and outreach hub dedicated to addressing environmental, agricultural, and socio-economic challenges in the savannah regions of Nigeria and West Africa.
The savannah zone—a vast ecological region with rich biodiversity and agricultural potential—faces growing threats such as climate change, desertification, land degradation, water scarcity, and socio-economic inequality. Recognizing the need for science-driven solutions, CSZS was created to promote sustainable development, natural resource conservation, and community resilience through research, innovation, and partnerships.
Our Focus Areas
CSZS operates through six interdisciplinary programmes, each addressing critical components of the savannah ecosystem and development challenges:
1. Hydrology, Hydrogeology, and Geomorphology – Investigates surface and groundwater systems, soil-water interactions, and landform processes to guide water resource management and erosion control.
2. Savannah Ecology and Agroforestry – Studies the structure, function, and conservation of savannah ecosystems while promoting agroforestry practices that integrate trees, crops, and livestock.
3. Climatology and Meteorology – Focuses on weather analysis, climate modeling, and mitigation strategies to support adaptation in agriculture and rural livelihoods.
4. Agriculture and Rural Development – Promotes sustainable crop and animal production systems, improved farm management, and rural development initiatives.
5. Human and Animal Health – Addresses health challenges linked to environmental and climatic factors, emphasizing disease ecology, public health, and zoonotic diseases.
6. Socioeconomics – Examines socio-cultural and economic dimensions of development, livelihood strategies, poverty alleviation, and policy impacts in the savannah zone.
Our Goals
The Centre’s goals include:
Advancing interdisciplinary research on the savannah ecosystem.
Providing evidence-based solutions for environmental, agricultural, and social issues.
Building capacity through education, training, and outreach programs.
Fostering local and international partnerships for collaborative research.
Promoting sustainable development and improved livelihoods in savannah communities
Our Approach
CSZS employs a multidisciplinary and participatory approach, bringing together scientists, policymakers, farmers, and communities to co-develop practical solutions that balance ecosystem conservation with human development.
The Centre aligns its activities with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially:
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
SDG 13: Climate Action
SDG 15: Life on Land
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Organizational Structure and Leadership
The Centre for Savannah Zone Studies (CSZS) operates under the authority of the Federal University Wukari and is guided by an Executive Management Board chaired by the Vice-Chancellor.
Key Leadership Team:
Director: Professor Bilkoya Adamu Tunwari
Deputy Director: Dr. Emmanuel Atta Daniel
Programme Leaders:
Dr. Benjamin Umaru – Hydrology, Hydrogeology, and Geomorphology
Dr. (Mrs.) Phoebe Aji – Savannah Ecology and Agroforestry
Dr. Waizah Yakubu – Climatology and Meteorology
Dr. I. O. Adepoju – Agriculture and Rural Development
Dr. Garleya Birbonga – Human and Animal Health
Dr. Ignatius Anguum Audu – Socioeconomics
This leadership team brings together expertise from diverse disciplines to drive the Centre’s mission of sustainable research, innovation, and community impact across the Nigerian savannah
Our Commitment
The Centre is committed to advancing knowledge, empowering communities, and protecting the savannah ecosystem for future generations through inclusive, science-based, and sustainable interventions.
Contact Us
Centre for Savannah Zone Studies (CSZS)
Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria
University Website: https://fuwukari.edu.ng/centre-for-savannah-zone-studies/
Email: [[email protected]]
Phone: [+234-803-000-000]
Centre for Savannah Zone Studies - Federal University Wukari The Centre for Savannah Zone Studies is dedicated to promoting sustainable development in the savannah region of Nigeria through research, training and
18/10/2025