On Tuesday, 12th March 2019, Makerere University College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) hosted the thematic workshop session on Food Security and Climate Science as part of the three day Mak-North Carolina State (NC State) University summit. Key presentations were made by Dr. Steven A. Lommel, Associate Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), NC State and José Cisneros, Director, CALS International Programs; Assistant Professor of Practice, Horticulture International & Entrepreneurship.
Dr. Lommel addressed the global challenges facing food and agriculture systems and noted that the main aim for this collaboration is to set possible solutions to end food challenges in the world. He stated that the collaboration will include exchange of staff and students. NC State CALS has 12 Departments, 291 Faculty members (Tenure-Track), 72 Faculty members (Non-Tenure-Track), over 3,500 students and over 31,000 alumni.
The workshop session hosted in the School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences (SFEGS) Conference room was attended by the Principal CAES – Prof. Bernard Bashaasha, who revealed to the guests that CAES was one of the most diverse colleges with three schools. Present during the session were the Dean SFEGS – Prof. Fred Babweteera, Dean School of Agricultural Sciences – Prof. Johnny Mugisha and Acting Dean School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering – Dr. Abel Atukwase among other staff.
Prof. Bashaasha added that the college has some supporting centres and these include;
i) Makerere University Centre for Climate Change Research and Innovation (MUCCRI)
ii) Centre of Excellence in Waste management
iii) Makerere University National Biodiversity Data Bank
iv) Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK) the leading research Centre in East Africa located on 600 acres of land in Kabanyolo, among others.
Documentaries showcasing the different actives that take place in both Universities were watched and the two sides agreed to come up with specific areas of collaboration.
Article by Rachael Kanyi, Volunteer, Mak Public Relations Office