Natural Sciences
5 PhD Scholarships at Mak in Collaboration with UiB
Published
3 years agoon
Call for Applications for 5 PhD Scholarships Tenable at Makerere University in collaboration with University of Bergen (UiB)-Norway under Norhed II Project ‘Mathematics for Sustainable Development-2021-2026’
The Norhed II supported project 2021-2026, is announcing a total of five scholarships for PhD students to conduct their studies at Makerere University. Three of the five scholarships will be offered in the area of Applied Mathematics and two in Mathematics Education. The training of the five PhD students will take place at Makerere University with possible short supervision visits to the University of Bergen or University of Dar es salaam depending on the supervision needs for a particular PhD student. We invite interested candidates to apply for the said PhD scholarships. The PhD training is expected to commence in October 2021 and will be supported for a period of four years on full-time basis. Applicants who are already admitted at Makerere University and still in their first year of PhD studies in the project’s areas of focus will also be considered. The training is preferably by coursework and dissertation on the existing PhD curricula in Mathematics and Mathematics Education at Makerere University. Some Makerere, Regional, Norwegian and University of Dar es Salaam staff will be involved in the teaching and supervision of the PhD students.
Eligibility for the THREE students for Applied Mathematics Area
The applicant must
- Be holding at least a Master’s degree in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics (or equivalent);
- Be a Ugandan citizen, preferably not above 45 years at the time of the closing date of receiving the applications.
- Be able to stay in Norway or University of Dar es salaam for a period of at most three months a year for supervision when need arises;
- Demonstrate the ability to think creatively and work independently and also be able to work in a team of researchers from Uganda, Tanzania and Norway.
- Take on a PhD research project in any of the three areas; Data Science, Computational Mathematics or Mathematical applications in medicine. For details of some of the possible PhD research areas of focus for this project, contact the project Coordinator/PI- Assoc. Prof John Mango Magero (jmango1966[at]gmail.com) at the Department of Mathematics, Makerere University.
Eligibility for the TWO students for Mathematics Education Area
The applicant must
- Be holding at least a Master’s degree in Mathematics Education (or equivalent);
- Be a Ugandan citizen, preferably not above 45 years at the time of the closing date of receiving the applications
- Be able to stay in Norway or University of Dar es salaam for a period of at most three months a year for supervision when need arises;
- Demonstrate the ability to think creatively and work independently and also be able to work in a team of researchers from Uganda, Tanzania and Norway.
- Take on a PhD research project in Mathematics Education for secondary level. The topic could be within e-learning, problem-based learning, gifted education, classroom dialogue, assessment, and other related areas. For details, contact the project Coordinator/PI-Assoc. Prof John Mango Magero (jmango1966@gmail.com) at the Department of Mathematics, Makerere University or Dr. Mayende Godfrey and Dr Batiibwe Marjorie of the college of Education and External Studies.
Interested applicants should submit the following sets of documents:
- An application letter for scholarship for PhD studentship;
- A current CV (maximum five pages), which includes a detailed description of previous education at university level (all courses and grades) and a description of current research interests in line with the stated project areas of focus;
- A copy of the Current Identity Card, National Identity Card or passport;
- Three recent passport photos;
- A certified copy of the applicant’s Master’s degree/diploma;
- A softcopy of the applicant’s Master’s thesis;
- A research concept note of maximum 5 pages (guidelines given below);
- At least two recommendation letters from your academic referees. The referee letters to be sent together with the application
The Concept Note must include:
- A description of the applicant’s research interests in Applied Mathematics or Mathematics Education;
- A description of the applicant’s background in this area/these areas;
- A discussion on the applicant’s motivation for conducting PhD studies;
- A discussion on what outputs the applicant expects to realize through the PhD studies.
Selection
The applications shall be vetted by a panel comprising of some academic staff (including head) from the Department of Mathematics, Makerere University, Collaborators from College of Education and External Studies (CEES),Collaborators from Norway, PIs of the project at Makerere, Dar es Salaam and University of Bergen. A representative from Uganda Mathematical Society might be part of the panel.Evidence of already having a teaching position at University will be an added advantage.
Application procedure:
- Electronic submission of application for scholarship with supporting documents should be sent to the PI of the project at Makerere, Prof J M Mango on email jmango1966[at]gmail.com
-Copy, Overall Coordinator of Norhed II projects at Mak 2021-2026; Email: mbuyinza[at]mak.ac.ug;
-Copy, PI University of Bergen-Norway, Guttorm.Alendal[at]uib.no
-Copy, Head, Department of Mathematics, Makerere University, hod.math[at]mak.ac.ug
- No hardcopies of the application documents will be required given the prevailing covid-19 situation.
- Application submission deadline is Monday 20th September 2021and interviews (where applicable) will be conducted at an appropriate date. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
Admission for PhD at Makerere University:
The admission for PhD in Mathematics or Mathematics Education is independent of the scholarship award and hence follows the existing admission processes/regulations to the mandated units/programmes at Makerere University. Successful candidates for the scholarship, if they do not have admission to Makerere already, they are encouraged to follow Makerere University PhD application procedure and secure admission to Makerere University before commencement of the PhD training in October 2021.
For further information, contact:
Prof. John Mango Magero
PI/Coordinator-Norhed II Project, Mathematics for Sustainable Development
Department of Mathematics,
Email:jmango1966[at]gmail.com; mango.john[at]mak.ac.ug;
Mobile: +256772649455
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Natural Sciences
CARTA Fellow Anywar Appointed Member of BMC Editorial Board
Published
4 months agoon
July 5, 2024Godwin Anywar, cohort 6, Makerere University, was appointed a Member of the editorial board of BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies on June 18, 2024. The appointment is on a rolling basis, renewable after every two years.
He also attended the Science Diplomacy Course in Trieste, Italy, from June 17 to 21, 2024, under the auspices of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Washington, DC, USA, and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), Trieste, Italy.
Source: CARTA Newsletter Issue 78
Natural Sciences
Mak Researchers develop Innovative Integrated Wetlands-bivalve system to Mitigate Effects of Pollution in Aquaculture farms in the Lake Victoria Basin
Published
4 months agoon
July 2, 2024By
Mak EditorBy Hasifa Kabejja & Dr. Robinson Odong
Overview
The fisheries sub-sector in Uganda is crucial, supporting over 5 million livelihoods and providing essential protein for up to 17 million people, with an average consumption of 10 kg per capita. Uganda’s population is projected to double in the next 27 years, prompting the National Development Plan III to aim for a significant increase in fish production, with aquaculture expected to contribute 1 million MT by 2030. The Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2022 emphasizes adherence to National Environmental Management principles to achieve sustainable production systems.
However, as aquaculture grows, the sector faces environmental challenges due to increased intensive production and on-farm waste, including nutrients from feed, uneaten feed, poor quality feeds, pseudofeces, escaped farmed fish, and residual chemicals. These pollutants pose risks such as habitat quality deterioration, biodiversity loss, eutrophication of waterways, and the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens.
Mitigating the effects of environmental pollution from aquaculture
Through a Project titled: Mitigating the Effects of Environmental Pollution from aquaculture on freshwater resources in Lake Victoria Basin (MEEP), researchers from Makerere University in collaboration with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) set out to assess the effects of aquaculture facilities and practices on Lake Victoria, its catchment rivers and wetlands. The team led by Dr Ronald Semyalo from the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences (ZEFS) at Makerere University subsequently examined the effectiveness of innovative technologies, such as integrated wetland-bivalve systems, in mitigating these impacts. They also reviewed the application of national environment and aquaculture regulations in controlling environmental pollution. The study surveyed fish farms in three districts of Buikwe, Jinja, and Mukono within the Victoria Water Management Zone. Other project team members were: Dr Jerome Lugumira from NEMA, Dr Robinson Odong and Mr. Drake Ssempijja from ZEFS, Makerere University, and Ms. Ritah Namisango, Senior Public Relations Officer at Makerere. The Project was supported by the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (MakRIF).
During their engagement with different stakeholders in the fishing industry including the fish farmers from Jinja, Buikwe and Mukono, as well as experts from the Directorate of Water Resources at the Ministry of Water and Environment, NEMA, and the Directorate of Aquaculture Development at MAAF, the research team established that only 138 out of 380 registered fish farms were active, with 45.6% of the farms in Jinja, 35.5% in Mukono; and 18.8% in Buikwe. Overall, over 60% of the farms were inactive posing serious environmental threats.
Dissemination of the research findings
On 26th June 2024, the project team held a workshop at Colline Hotel Mukono to disseminate the research finding to stakeholders who included fish farmers from Buikwe, Jinja and Mukono, District Fisheries Officers, as well as representatives from NEMA and MAAIF. In the presentations, the team highlighted the environmental impacts of aquaculture practices and the possibility of innovatively using nature-based, environmentally friendly innovations as a mitigation measure. The presentations covered farm characteristics, water and feed management practices, water quality assessments and waste management methods. The participants engaged in discussion on the implications of the results and shared their experiences and challenges in managing aquaculture operations.
Key findings as disseminated by the PI
Out of the 380 farms, 119 were assessed. Below are the key findings;
- Environmental Impact Assessment: It was established that 81% of the farmers had not conducted Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and Environmental audits. This, the researchers noted was one of the major causes of abandoned farms.
- Farm Characteristics: The majority of farms used earthen ponds (66.9%) and were semi-intensive (63.6%), relying on manufactured feed and pond fertilization. Intensive farms (30.5%) exclusively used manufactured feeds, while extensive farms (4.2%) relied solely on pond fertilization.
- Fish Species: Nile tilapia was the top choice (96.1%) for monoculture farms, while tilapia and catfish were preferred for polyculture systems (46.9%). Intensive farms predominantly farmed Nile tilapia.
- Demographics: Most respondents were male (90.7%), with a median age of 35 years. The largest age group was 31 to 59 years (43.2%).
- Fish diseases: The research revealed a number of diseases affecting aquaculture including: lesions/wounds on the belly and cysts on the scales, skin lesions and cysts on the belly, popping eyes and white substance on fins, open skin wounds, open wounds on the head, skin lesions – greyish, swollen eyes, whitish and black patches on the skin on the pelvic fin, wounds on the head.
- Water Use: Fish farms primarily relied on spring water and lake water. Other sources, such as streams, wells, and rivers, were also utilized. In most cases, the water source was shared with the community. Only a small percentage of respondents acknowledged any known disease outbreaks on their farms. There was a strong association between the district in which the farm was located and the water source used. Majority of those using lake water were in Jinja District, while most of those using spring water were in Mukono District. Additionally, there was a significant association between the fish species cultured and the water source used.
- Feed Management: A significant proportion of the farms heavily relied on factory-made feeds. These feeds were often used in combination with farm feed materials, such as maize bran, potato vines, yam leaves, and kitchen waste. A smaller number of farmers exclusively relied on farm-made feeds, while an even smaller percentage solely relied on pond fertilization. Manufactured feeds were used in various forms: powder and floating pellets, powder, crumble, and floating pellets, powder only, floating pellets only, and sinking pellets. The most prevalent method of feed delivery was feeding by response, while some farms also practiced feeding by ration.
- Waste Management: The findings indicated a concerning lack of treatment for aquaculture effluent, with majority of respondents (69%) releasing it directly into natural streams or wetlands. This highlights the need for improved environmental management practices. Common waste sources included faecal matter and dead fish. Most farms incinerated or buried solid waste.
- Water Quality: Measurements at the representative visited farms showed compliance with FAO optimal conditions for fish farms. The physicochemical parameters of the farms visited were in line with FAO optimal conditions for fish farms.
- Prevailing Regulatory System: A comprehensive gap analysis was conducted to supplement the findings from the survey. It aimed to identify weaknesses and areas for improvement in current policies and regulations governing aquaculture. It also evaluated the effectiveness of existing measures in addressing environmental pollution, waste management, and sustainable water use. This exercise provided a foundation for developing more robust and effective regulatory frameworks that support sustainable aquaculture practices, protect water resources, and enhance the overall environmental health of the Lake Victoria basin.
Project output
***Innovative Integrated wetlands-bivalves system was developed to mitigate the impact of pollution emanating from aquaculture on the environment
Effluent from poor aquaculture practices may contain uneaten feed residues and associated components, such as suspended solids, nutrient nitrogen and phosphorus and organic materials. If discharged without any form of treatment, such effluent contributes to excessive nutrient enrichment of water bodies, a phenomenon referred to as eutrophication. Eutrophic waters have diminished ecological value, for example are low in oxygen level and can lead to fish kills. Wetland plants, such as duckweeds can aid in cleansing of aquaculture effluent of excess pollutants, through various mechanisms. For example, the plant roots adsorb suspended solids, besides offering conducive attachment surfaces for beneficial microorganisms which perform various nutrient recycling roles. The plants also uptake excess nutrients, hence reducing their levels in water. Bivalves (Molluscs) are filter feeders, hence uptake and cleanse water of detrital or solid materials, hence augmenting the roles of the plants. The integration of wetlands-bivalves system offer synergistic roles in aquaculture effluent treatment. The plants and bivalves used in the treatment can in turn be removed and used for other beneficial purposes.
Presentation on policy gaps
During the dissemination workshop, Dr Jerome Lugumira, the Natural Resources Manager, Soils and Land Use at NEMA sensitized participants on the National Environment Act, 2019 with special emphasis on policy regulations for the aquaculture sector. He emphasized the need to acquire an EIA certificate before engaging in aquaculture. Highlighting the gaps in policy, Dr Lugumira noted that Schedule 4 of the National Environment Act, 2019 does not sufficiently guide the Fisheries sector; while the Physical Planning Act, 2010 is biased towards physical development planning, and the Water Act, 1997 provides for a waste discharge permit but no consideration of the extent of wastes discharged from fish farms of varying size and intensity is provided.
He further noted that the National Environment (Wetlands, Riverbanks and Lakeshores Management) Regulations, 2000 do not guide on areas where aquaculture best fits, indicating that the application of the 25% wetland area beyond which one needs approval is vague.
Additionally, he explained that the National Environment (Waste Management) Regulations, 2020 refer to fish waste generally and not whether it means waste from fish or all waste from fish farms, such as off-cuts, unwanted materials, and that the National Environment (Standards for Discharge of Effluent into Water or Land) Regulations, 2020 consider effluent discharge and not that released in-situ and that disposed directly into water via cages and into soil via land-based systems.
Dr Lugumira called for the review of the National Environment (Wetlands, Riverbanks and Lakeshores Management) Regulations, 2000, by requiring the mandated Lead Agency (WMD) to issue approvals for access to wetlands, and appending guidance on wetlands and lake areas where aquaculture is suitable. He suggested that submissions seeking approval from NEMA should have all required approvals from MAAIF, WMD and DLGs. “The assessment process should be supported by a technical officer skilled in fisheries sciences and not generalists,” he noted.
Overview on the state of capture fisheries and aquaculture in Uganda
Sharing an overview on the state of capture fisheries and aquaculture in Uganda, Mr. Geoffrey Dheyongera, Principal Fisheries Officer at MAAIF, noted that the global decline/stagnation in capture fisheries stocks had increased demand for fish, calling for a boost in fish production through stock enhancement in water bodies and promotion of aquaculture. “There is need for huge investment in aquaculture. The Aquaculture Policy targets 1 million MT from aquaculture through establishment of aquaparks with intensive management activities.”
Key concerns raised by the farmers
During the focused group discussions, participants highlighted a number of factors undermining the growth of the aquaculture sector. These include;
- Ignorance about the laws/policy guidelines
- Low skills and lack of exposure in aquaculture management
- Low numbers of technical staff to guide the farmers
- Inexperienced technical staff
- Cheating by fish seed producers
- Expensive and poor quality feeds
- Fluctuating prices of fish
- Competition with capture fisheries/negative attitude towards farmed fish
- Increased degradation of the environment which affects water quality
- High interest rates on loans
- Farmers fear for exorbitant taxes
Proposals for improvement
- Government should recruit technical staff to assist farmers
- Thorough training of extension staff
- Encourage value addition to farmed fish
- Integrate climate smart interventions in aquaculture
- Policies regulating the sector should be popularized
- Undertake periodical review of the existing policies
- Encourage multi-stakeholder involvement in the implementation of policies
- Invest in research responsive to fish and aquaculture sector needs
- Monitor quality of fish feeds to satisfy farmers’ needs and environmental safety
- Private hatchery operators must be supported by the responsible sector agencies to ensure quality seed. Likewise, fish seed must come from certified hatcheries.
- Inspection of farms should be strengthened
- Train farmers on proper aquaculture management practices
- Farmers should work in groups to reduce production costs, negotiate better prices for their products, access credit facilities and maximize profits
Remarks by the Guest of Honour, Mukono District CAO, and the Principal, CoNAS
In his remarks, the Guest of Honour, also Assistant Commissioner Aquaculture Management at MAAIF, Mr. Alio Andrew, guided the farmers on proper aquaculture practices, and encouraged Ugandans to invest in the fish sector. “The demand for fish has increased. Aquaculture remains a viable option,” he noted. He also raised the need to support private hatchery operators to produce quality seed, emphasizing that fish seed should only be bought from certified hatcheries. He highlighted the significance of biosecurity in aquaculture, and the need to collect appropriate data on the sector.
The CAO Mukono District called for intensified training of farmers in aquaculture management practices. She advised the farmers to work in groups if they are to make reasonable profits.
The Principal, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, acknowledged the involvement of the community in research, and appreciated the fish farmers for actively participating in the project activities. He expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda for the continued support towards research at Makerere University. Besides other initiatives geared towards improving research at Makerere, the Government is supporting over 700 research projects at Makerere through the Research and Innovations Fund. He also appreciated MAAIF and NEMA for the technical guidance extended towards the project.
Natural Sciences
Call For Applications For Masters Scholarship Under The Biosorption For Sustainable Small-Scale Gold Mining In Uganda (BioGold) Project
Published
5 months agoon
June 5, 2024BioGold Project is a three-year collaborative project among five academic institutions including, Kyambogo University, Makerere University, Gulu University, University of Pretoria and University of Continuing Education, Krems, Austria funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation under the APPEAR Partnership. The project will combine principles of biosorption and chemical remediation to treat contaminated wastewater, tailings, rehabilitate contaminated soils so as to protect vulnerable ecosystems surrounding artisanal gold mining (ASGM) areas in Uganda. This study will design biochar composites from locally available biomass to enhance mercury removal from wastewater and tailings as well as rehabilitate mercury-contaminated soils making them fit for agriculture. The project envisages to train and build capacity of young researchers in Uganda. As such the project has been allocated an MSc. position under Component II, to support to full-time student to undertake studies in Austria. The successful MSc candidate is expected to undertake research on characterizing, optimizing biochar and modify the biochar to improve the sorption capacities.
The project consortium is now inviting qualified and interested persons to apply for nomination for the award of the scholarship. The project has strong preference for female candidates, therefore strongly encouraged to apply.
Eligibility criteria
In addition to APPEAR requirements https://appear.at/en/implementation/embedded-scholarship-application, the applicants should:
- Not be older than 30 years (women not older than 35)
- Demonstrate interest and capability to work in the priority themes
- Present a concept note to provide understanding of the subject
- Have a minimum of second- upper class bachelor’s degree in any of the following programmes: BSc in Chemistry, BSc in Environmental Science, & BSc in Environmental Engineering
Benefits
The successful applicants will receive a full scholarship (up to 24 months) which includes;
- Return air ticket and visa costs to Austria
- Monthly stipend of €1000 while in Austria to cater for personal welfare, accommodation and local movement
- Research related expenses.
Application process
- A complete application form
- A one-page motivation letter
- Curriculum vitae (maximum 2 pages)
- A completed Master Scholarship Application Form for Embedded APPEAR Projects
- Copies of Academic documents
- Photocopy of the passport and/or ID
- Recommendation letters from two academic referees.
- All applications must be sent electronically to Dr. Mary Kaggwa (marykaggwa@kyu.ac.ug) and copied to Dr. Peter Akoll (peter.akoll@mak.ac.ug) and Dr. Denis Nono (d.nono@gu.ac.ug) not later than 5.00pm East African Time on 20th June 2024.
Members of staff with former students interested in biochar technology and its use in heavy metal removal are requested to share the advert with them.
Full Advert and Application form may be accessed below.
Note: Only successful applicants will be contacted.
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