A group of 35 first-year students and one teacher from the Tsuchiura Third Junior High School visited JIRCAS on September 24, 2019 to learn about the research activities at the actual sites and the local environment of research being conducted by JIRCAS.

JIRCAS researchers gave lectures and hands-on training on the relationships between agriculture and the local environment and culture. Specific examples such as the characteristics of various nutritious cowpea cultivars that Nigerians prefer, how to measure various characteristics of cowpea, how to make a pounded yam that local people feast, etc. were introduced providing an opportunity for the students to think about the world's food problems and environmental issues. Many students were surprised at how well the crops grew in the harsh environment of the Sahel region in Africa.