Centre for Savannah Zone Studies
The Centre for Savannah Zone Studies is dedicated to promoting sustainable development in the savannah region of Nigeria through research, training and community engagement.
About the Centre
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 Mission: Advancing the understanding, conservation and sustainable management of the savannah through research, education and community engagement.
Our Vision: To be a leading African hub for research and innovation, improving livelihoods and conserving the savannah ecosystem for future generations.
Core Programs
Hydrology, Hydrogeology, and Geomorphology
Investigates surface and groundwater systems, soil-water interactions, and landform processes to guide water resource management and erosion control.
Savannah Ecology and Agroforestry
Studies the structure, function, and conservation of savannah ecosystems while promoting agroforestry practices that integrate trees, crops, and livestock.
Climatology and Meteorology
Focuses on weather analysis, climate modeling, and mitigation strategies to support adaptation in agriculture and rural livelihoods. .
Agriculture and Rural Development
Promotes sustainable crop and animal production systems, improved farm management, and rural development initiatives. .
Socioeconomics & Education
Analyzing social and economic factors affecting education, development, and wellbeing in savannah communities to inform sustainable policy interventions.
Agriculture & Food Security
Enhancing food production systems and promoting sustainable agricultural practices that strengthen food security and rural livelihoods.
Human and Animal Health
Addresses health challenges linked to environmental and climatic factors, emphasizing disease ecology, public health, and zoonotic diseases.
Research & Facilities
Botanical Garden
Dedicated area for research on indigenous savannah plants and biodiversity conservation.
Data & GIS Lab
Modern facility for ecological data collection, spatial analysis, and mapping studies.
Community Learning Centre
Outreach programs supporting local communities through training and education.
Recent Projects
Water Resource Management
Assessing water sustainability for agriculture and community use in Taraba’s savannah zones.
Status: Ongoing (2024 – Present)
Read MoreClimate Adaptation for Farmers
Empowering local farmers with training on climate-smart agriculture and adaptation methods.
Status: Ongoing (2023 – 2025)
Read MoreSavannah Restoration Project
Reforestation and ecosystem restoration efforts across degraded savannah areas.
Status: Completed (2022)
Read MoreIndigenous Knowledge Preservation
Collaborative documentation of traditional ecological practices among local communities.
Status: Ongoing (2021 – 2024)
Read MoreConference
International Conference 2025
Theme: Sustainable Development in the Savannah Zone: Innovations, Challenges, and Opportunities
Dates: 25th – 29th November 2025
Venue: Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria
Publications & Reports
2024 - Savannah Ecology Report
Findings on the biodiversity and ecological health of Nigeria’s savannah region.
2023 - Sustainable Agriculture
Techniques for boosting yield through eco-friendly practices.
2022 - Cultural Landscapes
Insights into human-environment relationships in the savannah zone.
Our Team
Prof. Adamu Bilkoya Tunwari
Director
Dr. Attah Daniel E.B.
Deputy Director
Dr. Phoebe A. O
Program Coodinator • Ecology & Agroforestry
Dr. I. O. Adepoju
Program Coordinator • Agriculture & Rural Development
Dr. Ignatius Auguum Audu
Program Coordinator • Socioeconomics
Dr. Waizah Yakub
Program Coordinator • Climatology & Meteorology
Dr. Benjamin Umaru
Program Coordinator • Hydrology, Hydrogeology & Geomorphology
Dr. Bilbomga Garleya
Program Program Coordinator • Human & Animal Health
Contact Us
Email: cszs@fuwukari.edu.ng