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Agriculture & Environment

Mak Student’s Push-Pull App to Help Farmers Control Maize & Sorghum Pests

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By Jane Anyango

Makerere University student Paul Mugisha in collaboration with a team of scientists from the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Keele University and Leeds University has developed a mobile app to help maize and sorghum farmers to control pests without using pesticides.

Paul Mugisha is undertaking a Master of Science in Plant breeding and Seed systems at Makerere University’s Department of Agricultural Production, School of Agricultural Sciences under the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES). Mugisha is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Agape Innovations Ltd.

The purpose of this app is to enable a farmer to do push-pull on his garden without  interacting with an extension agent but purely using his mobile phone which does not only solve the problem of scarcity of extension workers, but also, prevents the spread of COVID-19.

The new app code-named, “the Push-Pull App”, was launched and made available  for use on Google play store on  9th August, 2021 by an international team of scientists to support farmers across Africa to use innovative, environmentally-friendly techniques for evading crop pests.

In a press release issued during the launch, scientists noted that African smallholder farmers face major challenges from insect pests such as fall armyworm, and weeds such as striga that can destroy their crops. Fall armyworm is a serious threat to food security and livelihoods and already affects at least 400,000 hectares, causing crop losses worth an estimated $3 billion a year.

In the release, the “Push-Pull technology” was described as a novel method of crop management and a solution which can massively reduce farmers’ losses from pests and increase their harvest sizes, whilst avoiding the need to use harmful and expensive chemical pesticides.

The media release in part states that the “Push-Pull technology” is a scientific method of planting crops like maize and sorghum, alongside particular species of forage grasses and legumes that repel pests and supress weeds.

“It was developed by scientists at ICIPE in Kenya and partners and is designed to protect the plants against devastating pests like the fall armyworm and the striga weed, with the companion plants also improving soil fertility. But a major challenge is how to communicate advice and information about this to millions of smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa, to get as many of them using the technique as possible.

Mugisha Paul
MSc. Plant Breeding and Seed systems
MARCCI/DAP/ SAS/ CAES/ MAK
Push-Pull App Designer

To help address this challenge, a new mobile phone app has been launched by Agape Innovations Ltd, in collaboration a team of scientists from the University of Leeds, University of Keele and ICIPE.

The app is part of a larger project called, “Scaling up Bio control Innovations in Africa”, funded by the Global Challenges Research Fund, which seeks to understand how biocontrol methods have been used across Africa and to encourage their uptake”, part of the media release states.

The Principal Investigator  (PI) Dr Steve Sait, from the University of Leeds’ School of Biology, said the Push-Pull method of pest control is decades old and is used successfully by thousands of smallholder farmers across Africa.

“We hope that this collaboration, and this new app, can help us extend knowledge of this technique to potentially millions of other farmers who could be benefitting from it. Compared to chemical pesticides, Push-Pull costs less money to the farmer, results in less damage to their crops, and it avoids harming other insect species that play valuable roles in the ecosystem.”

The PI said, research by the scientists behind the Push-Pull technique, including Keele’s Professor Toby Bruce, has proven that odours released by the companion plants can effectively repel fall armyworm and protect crops against the pest.

Early adopter farmers according to the scientists have had great success with this technique, reporting five times less fall armyworm damage and a doubling or even tripling of crop yield, showing the huge potential this has for farmers and crop-producing smallholders.In addition he said, It also reduces the environmental impact of farming by protecting against pests without using pesticides, as well as improving soil quality without inorganic fertilisers.

Dr. Steve Sait explained that the Push-Pull App has been developed by Agape innovations and is available on Android phones, designed to work on the basic smartphones that are being increasingly used by smallholder farmers in Africa.

The App he adds, gives farmers information they need to get started with Push-Pull farming, and is not only free but 100% available offline, meaning a lack of internet connection in rural regions will not affect its function.

“The ultimate goal is to provide a resource for farmers that is informed by science, protects their crops and improves their harvest, which they can access any time of day from anywhere in the world”.

Professor Toby Bruce from Keele University’s School of Life Sciences said the team was excited to see if this App can serve as a vehicle for taking practical information to the farmer.

“It is designed to share key details about how to get started with Push-Pull. We hope this will increase the number of farmers taking up this innovative approach that provides real benefits by improving crop protection and food security.”Prof. Toby Bruce said.

Makerere University student- the App designer Mr.Paul Mugisha, who is also CEO of Agape Innovations Ltd underscored the significance of ICT in addressing farmers’ challenges in critical challenging times involving natural calamities.

 “With the world going digital and uncertainties like Covid-19 amplifying the challenges of physical interactions, ICT is so vital in today and tomorrow’s agriculture. At Agape, we built the Push-Pull app as a global tool to equip a farmer with all that is needed for a successful push-pull garden.

 Embedded with audio, visual and graphical expressions we are certain that the Push-Pull app will be relevant to maize and sorghum farmers worldwide for both today and tomorrow in controlling FAW, Striga and Maize stalk borer”, Mr. Mugisha explained.

Mugisha said, in this Push and Pull technology, maize is intercropped with legumes, and forage grasses are planted around this intercrop as a border around the garden. The legume intercrop produces chemicals that repels the pests from the garden (push) while the forage grass in the boundary produces chemicals that attracting insect pests (pull). In addition, the chemicals released by the intercrop roots also cause abortive germination of the parasitic striga weed, providing effective control of this stubborn weed. The legume also fixes nitrogen into the soil thus boosting soil productivity..

More about the PUSH-PULL App

What is Push-Pull App?

PUSH-PULL app is a mobile application that serves as a guide to a farmer whose interest is to control pests in maize and sorghum (like fall army worm and maize stem borer) without using chemicals and also improve the soil conditions without using artificial fertilizers.

The PUSH-PULL app acts as an extension agent on a farmer’s mobile phone providing information about a farming method called push-pull that was developed by scientists at ICIPE, a method that uses natural means for pest control and soil improvement.

What problem is PUSH-PULL app trying to solve?

With PUSH-PULL app, a farmer can access information at anytime of the day be at 6 am on a Sunday morning or at Thursday mid-night, something that is not possible with an extension agent. With this app, a farmer can access information anywhere, whether in his car, in his garden or on his way to the shop. Information is conveniently available for the farmer. With this app, farmers all over the world can access the information on their phones. Whether in Cambodia, Ecuador or in Burkina faso, push-pull information is available

What makes PUSH-PULL app unique?

  • Push-Pull App can operate offline 100%. This means it is not limited by internet connectivity and access, which is a big issue in rural communities in developing countries. You therefore do not need internet to use this application
  • PUSH-PULL App is 100% free. Anyone can download it for free, access all the app’s section for free and use the information in the app for free.
  • Push-Pull App has visual and audio capabilities. it provides you with the options of either reading or listening to the information therein. The app also has elaborate graphics to help the farmer visualize the information
  • PUSH-PULL App is compatible with all android versions. This means that the app can operate on all phones with google play store. It can also work on computers as long as they have an app enabling system (bluestacks)
  • PUSH-PULL App occupies little space and is fast. The app is light and doesn’t occupy much space on the phone making it handy to download and use.
  • PUSH-PULL App is also considerate of the user’s privacy in that an option is provided where a farmers can open and use the app without providing his information (skip logging in)
  • PUSH-PULL App is also easy to navigate through, has simple and easily understandable language and provides additional features like YouTube links and google map links to help the farmer in getting help as far as push-pull technology uptake is concerned

Who can use the app?

Farmers of maize and sorghum, extension workers, agricultural researchers and anyone interested in push-pull technology

How can I find the app?

  • Open your phone
  • Look for an icon called google play store
  • Click on the icon and on the search option (the space at the top), type in PUSH-PULL app and click search or OK or Enter (depending on your phone)
  • Icons will appear. Click on the icon labelled PUSH-PULL app (with the plant logo)
  • Click on install and wait for the app to be installed (this takes a few seconds)
  • Click on open and the app will open.
  • You can start interacting with the app
  • If you want to watch a video on how to operate the push-pull app, you can go on you-tube and search for how to install and use the push-pull app. Once you search for that, a video will appear that will guide you through the whole process.

Designed by:

Mugisha Paul
MSc.Plant Breeding and Seed systems
MARCCI/DAP/ SAS/ CAES/ MAK

With support from:

ICIPE, Keele University, Leeds University.

For pictures please click on this link:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13SaawOuA8gi31ba2PmLDtij0LWmuKWhI?usp=sharing

Please see the embedded video below for guidance on how to use the Push-Pull App


How to use the Push-Pull App

Jane Anyango is the Principal Communication Officer, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)

Mark Wamai

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Agriculture & Environment

Makerere hosts International Conference on Food Systems Transformation for Climate Actions

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H.E. Muhammad Hassan Wazir (6th Left) and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (4th Left) pose for a group photo with participants at the ICTW-FSTCA 2025 Opening Ceremony on 28th October. Makerere University hosts the International Conference and Training Workshop on Food Systems Transformation for Climate Actions (ICTW-FSTCA 2025) under the COMSTECH Forum for Environment and Ecosystem Restoration (CFEER). Opening Ceremony, 28th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Betty Kyakuwa and Eve Nakyanzi

Makerere University will from 28th to 30th October 2025 host the International Conference and Training Workshop on Food Systems Transformation for Climate Actions (ICTW-FSTCA 2025) under the COMSTECH Forum for Environment and Ecosystem Restoration (CFEER). COMSTECH is the Standing Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation, one of four standing committees of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) dedicated to the promotion and cooperation of science and technology activities among the member states.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on 28th October, the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Uganda, H.E. Muhammad Hassan Wazir, commended Makerere University and COMSTECH for convening discussions on such a timely and relevant theme. Emphasising the urgency of collective action, he remarked, “Climate change is real. While the whole world has been feeling its impact for several years, we in Pakistan witnessed devastation. We recently experienced a large-scale cloud burst, severe flood, flash flooding and melting of the glaciers in the Himalayas.”

H.E. Muhammad Hassan Wazir (2nd Right) poses for a group photo at the Main Building Entrance with Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd Left), Dr. Julia Kigozi (Left) and another official. Makerere University hosts the International Conference and Training Workshop on Food Systems Transformation for Climate Actions (ICTW-FSTCA 2025) under the COMSTECH Forum for Environment and Ecosystem Restoration (CFEER). Opening Ceremony, 28th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
H.E. Muhammad Hassan Wazir (2nd Right) poses for a group photo at the Main Building Entrance with Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd Left), Dr. Julia Kigozi (Left) and another official.

H.E. Wazir noted that such experiences reveal the deep vulnerabilities of global food systems and the need for coordinated solutions. The High Commissioner also applauded Uganda’s progress in infrastructure and economic stability, describing it as an attractive environment for investment and collaboration. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to work closely with African countries—particularly Uganda—in areas such as agro-processing, water-saving irrigation technologies, and climate-resilient crops, as part of the “Look Africa Policy”, an initiative launched in 2018 to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Pakistan and the African continent.

In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, emphasized the importance of universities in addressing Africa’s pressing food security challenges amid high population growth and climate change. He highlighted Makerere’s century-long legacy of academic excellence, innovation, and contributions to regional development, including breakthroughs in medicine, agriculture, and technology. Prof. Nawangwe underscored the university’s commitment to research, innovation hubs, and youth entrepreneurship as key solutions for building resilient and sustainable food systems, and expressed hope that the knowledge shared at the workshop would benefit educators, students, and farmers alike.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe delivers his welcome address. Makerere University hosts the International Conference and Training Workshop on Food Systems Transformation for Climate Actions (ICTW-FSTCA 2025) under the COMSTECH Forum for Environment and Ecosystem Restoration (CFEER). Opening Ceremony, 28th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe delivers his welcome address.

In his keynote address, Dr. Logan Cochrane, Dean of the College of Public Policy at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) Qatar, outlined the pressing challenges and promising opportunities shaping global food systems today. He noted that climate change is creating new public health risks, such as malaria spreading to areas that had previously been unaffected, while also disrupting agricultural productivity. Equally concerning are shifts in global diets: more people are consuming processed, salty, and fatty foods, resulting in an unprecedented situation where, in 2025, as many children are overweight as are underweight—approximately 10% of the global population in each category. This dual challenge, he observed, underscores that food systems are not only insufficient but increasingly unhealthy. Dr. Cochrane also highlighted structural vulnerabilities, including overreliance on global food trade, limited irrigation, poor road networks, and inadequate access to markets, hospitals, and schools as factors that reduce the African continent’s efficiency and resilience.

Despite these challenges, Dr. Cochrane emphasized optimism and actionable opportunities. He shared that sustainable local production, especially of regionally relevant crops like Ethiopia’s taro and false banana, can improve nutrition and domestic food security. Strengthening regional trade networks, particularly through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, presents a US$50 billion opportunity for Africa to reduce dependence on imports.

Dr. Logan Cochrane delivers the keynote address. Makerere University hosts the International Conference and Training Workshop on Food Systems Transformation for Climate Actions (ICTW-FSTCA 2025) under the COMSTECH Forum for Environment and Ecosystem Restoration (CFEER). Opening Ceremony, 28th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Logan Cochrane delivers the keynote address.

He added that Governments can play a transformative role by enabling smallholders and the private sector through infrastructure improvements, policy support, and food reserve systems. Reducing food loss and waste, which can reach up to 50% from farm to kitchen, he noted, is another key area for efficiency gains. Furthermore, he said that social protection programs, early warning systems for pests and diseases, and school-based nutrition initiatives can safeguard vulnerable populations while supporting farmers’ livelihoods.

Finally, Dr. Cochrane highlighted the need to make agriculture “cool” for young people, by integrating technology, circular food systems, and innovative approaches to attract the next generation to agricultural careers. By leveraging these opportunities, he argued, food systems can become healthier, more resilient, and more sustainable for the future.

Mr. Alex Bambona. Makerere University hosts the International Conference and Training Workshop on Food Systems Transformation for Climate Actions (ICTW-FSTCA 2025) under the COMSTECH Forum for Environment and Ecosystem Restoration (CFEER). Opening Ceremony, 28th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Alex Bambona.

Mr. Alex Bambona who represented the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) highlighted Uganda’s commitment to the global food systems transformation agenda. He noted that in September 2021, Uganda joined international efforts to address food security and recognized several challenges in fully harnessing the country’s natural endowments. “Uganda is a beautiful country, gifted by nature, and has the potential to feed not only East Africa but much of the continent,” he said. However, he stressed that gaps remain, particularly in the application of science and technology to transform agriculture. Mr. Bambona also identified climate change as a significant challenge, acting as a negative driver that must be addressed for Uganda to realize its full potential in sustainable food production.

Ms. Angela Atukunda, representing the Secretary General of the Uganda National Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)/ Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), highlighted Uganda’s longstanding engagement with international cooperation through its membership in the OIC since 1974, which also brought the country into ICESCO. She explained that UNATCOM, as Uganda’s National Commission for UNESCO/ICESCO, plays a key role in promoting science, innovation, education reform, and cultural heritage preservation in collaboration with government ministries, academia, civil society, and international partners.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Left) presents a Makerere Coffee Table book to Ms. Angela Atukunda as H.E. Muhammad Hassan Wazir (Centre) witnesses. Makerere University hosts the International Conference and Training Workshop on Food Systems Transformation for Climate Actions (ICTW-FSTCA 2025) under the COMSTECH Forum for Environment and Ecosystem Restoration (CFEER). Opening Ceremony, 28th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Left) presents a Makerere Coffee Table book to Ms. Angela Atukunda as H.E. Muhammad Hassan Wazir (Centre) witnesses.

Ms. Atukunda emphasized that platforms provided by events such as ICTW-FSTCA 2025 are crucial for sharing knowledge, shaping policy, and building partnerships to address urgent climate action needs through food systems transformation. She noted that globally, food systems account for nearly one-third of greenhouse gas emissions, and without reform in production, processing, transport, and consumption, efforts to limit global warming will fall short.

She further noted that climate change is already threatening food security through unpredictable rainfall, soil degradation, droughts, floods, and pests—impacts that disproportionately affect smallholder farmers. She stressed the importance of climate justice and the development of homegrown solutions rooted in science, indigenous knowledge, innovation, and inclusive governance.

A video of H.E. Prof. Dr. Iqbal M. Choudhary delivering his address. Makerere University hosts the International Conference and Training Workshop on Food Systems Transformation for Climate Actions (ICTW-FSTCA 2025) under the COMSTECH Forum for Environment and Ecosystem Restoration (CFEER). Opening Ceremony, 28th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
A video of H.E. Prof. Dr. Iqbal M. Choudhary delivering his address.

The opening ceremony held in the Senior Common Room, Main Building was virtually addressed Coordinator Genera, OIC-COMSTEC-H.E. Prof. Dr. Iqbal M. Choudhary and the Advisor/Director, Science and Technology, ICESCO-Dr. Muhammad Sharif. ICTW-FSTCA 2025 will feature a number of discussion and working sessions on Day 1 and Day 2 and conclude on 30th October with a filed visit to the National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI) in Namulonge and the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK).

Dr. Muhammad Sharif addresses the conference virtually. Makerere University hosts the International Conference and Training Workshop on Food Systems Transformation for Climate Actions (ICTW-FSTCA 2025) under the COMSTECH Forum for Environment and Ecosystem Restoration (CFEER). Opening Ceremony, 28th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Muhammad Sharif addresses the conference virtually.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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RUFS Empowers Smallholder Farmers to Build Resilience against Floods & Droughts

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Prof. Frank Mugagga and the RUFS Project Team pose for a group photo with Kasese smallholder farmers. The Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) project led by Prof. Frank Mugagga, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences, CAES, Makerere University, Kampala and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme initiative titled “Strengthening Urban Food Systems Resilience to Flood and Drought Risks through New Strategic Partnerships: Consolidating Gains from the RUFS Project in Kasese Municipality and Mbale City, Uganda,” intensive two-day training workshop for smallholder farmers in Kasese Municipality 13th and 14th October 2025, East Africa.

Smallholder farmers across the globe are increasingly confronted with the dual challenges of water-related stresses, ranging from devastating floods to prolonged droughts. These cyclical extremes threaten livelihoods, food security, and sustainable agricultural productivity. To effectively address these challenges, it is essential to implement resilient, integrated strategies that recognize the complex and fluctuating nature of water availability.

Prof. Frank Mugagga. The Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) project led by Prof. Frank Mugagga, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences, CAES, Makerere University, Kampala and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme initiative titled “Strengthening Urban Food Systems Resilience to Flood and Drought Risks through New Strategic Partnerships: Consolidating Gains from the RUFS Project in Kasese Municipality and Mbale City, Uganda,” intensive two-day training workshop for smallholder farmers in Kasese Municipality 13th and 14th October 2025, East Africa.
Prof. Frank Mugagga.

The Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) project promotes innovative approaches that empower smallholder farmers to better manage water resources by capturing and storing excess water during periods of abundance, efficiently utilizing limited water supplies during dry spells, and building adaptive capacity to withstand and recover from extreme weather events. Through these solutions, RUFS helps create a foundation for sustainable farming that not only mitigates risks but also enhances productivity and long-term resilience in vulnerable agricultural communities.

Farmers use nutrient rich plants to produce pesticides. The Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) project led by Prof. Frank Mugagga, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences, CAES, Makerere University, Kampala and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme initiative titled “Strengthening Urban Food Systems Resilience to Flood and Drought Risks through New Strategic Partnerships: Consolidating Gains from the RUFS Project in Kasese Municipality and Mbale City, Uganda,” intensive two-day training workshop for smallholder farmers in Kasese Municipality 13th and 14th October 2025, East Africa.
Farmers use nutrient rich plants to produce pesticides.

Under the initiative titled “Strengthening Urban Food Systems Resilience to Flood and Drought Risks through New Strategic Partnerships: Consolidating Gains from the RUFS Project in Kasese Municipality and Mbale City, Uganda,” the team conducted an intensive two-day training workshop for smallholder farmers in Kasese Municipality. The workshop aimed to equip farmers with practical skills and knowledge, specifically in the production of organic pesticides and fertilizers, to enhance their adaptive capacity.

Mr. Henry Stanley Mbowa training farmers on pestcide production from animal urine. The Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) project led by Prof. Frank Mugagga, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences, CAES, Makerere University, Kampala and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme initiative titled “Strengthening Urban Food Systems Resilience to Flood and Drought Risks through New Strategic Partnerships: Consolidating Gains from the RUFS Project in Kasese Municipality and Mbale City, Uganda,” intensive two-day training workshop for smallholder farmers in Kasese Municipality 13th and 14th October 2025, East Africa.
Mr. Henry Stanley Mbowa training farmers on pestcide production from animal urine.

Conducted on 13th and 14th October 2025 at the residence of Bishop Stephen Nsibambi on Kilembe Road, Kasese Municipality, the training built upon insights and outcomes from the inception meeting of the RUFS Phase II held 18th–21st August 2025. The initiatives under Phase II of the RUFS Project aim to reduce damage from natural hazards, improve drainage and water storage, conserve soil moisture, decrease reliance on rainfall, and ultimately bolster resilience against water-related extremes.

Sprouting tomatoes. The Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) project led by Prof. Frank Mugagga, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences, CAES, Makerere University, Kampala and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme initiative titled “Strengthening Urban Food Systems Resilience to Flood and Drought Risks through New Strategic Partnerships: Consolidating Gains from the RUFS Project in Kasese Municipality and Mbale City, Uganda,” intensive two-day training workshop for smallholder farmers in Kasese Municipality 13th and 14th October 2025, East Africa.
Sprouting tomatoes.

The project is led by Prof. Frank Mugagga from the Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme.

Juma Wepukhulu presenting to farmers on sustainable agronomic practices based on his experience in Mbale. The Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) project led by Prof. Frank Mugagga, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences, CAES, Makerere University, Kampala and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme initiative titled “Strengthening Urban Food Systems Resilience to Flood and Drought Risks through New Strategic Partnerships: Consolidating Gains from the RUFS Project in Kasese Municipality and Mbale City, Uganda,” intensive two-day training workshop for smallholder farmers in Kasese Municipality 13th and 14th October 2025, East Africa.
Juma Wepukhulu presenting to farmers on sustainable agronomic practices based on his experience in Mbale.

Achievements Registered from the Workshop

The training enhanced the resilience of smallholder farmers by equipping them to better withstand natural hazards, with a special focus on reducing their vulnerability to floods and droughts. The two-day workshop concentrated on the production and use of pesticides and fertilizers derived from locally available, nutrient-rich plants such as Tithonia (Kimyula), Wandering Jew (Naanda), Amaranthus spp. (Ddodo), Black Jack (Sere), and Phytolacca (Luwoko). It also covered the use of ash, animal and human urine, as well as techniques for harvesting and purifying rainwater.

Prof. Frank Mugagga addressing farmers during the training. The Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) project led by Prof. Frank Mugagga, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences, CAES, Makerere University, Kampala and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme initiative titled “Strengthening Urban Food Systems Resilience to Flood and Drought Risks through New Strategic Partnerships: Consolidating Gains from the RUFS Project in Kasese Municipality and Mbale City, Uganda,” intensive two-day training workshop for smallholder farmers in Kasese Municipality 13th and 14th October 2025, East Africa.
Prof. Frank Mugagga addressing farmers during the training.

Specifically, smallholder farmers in Kasese Municipality gained practical skills in the production of natural, effective plant teas using decomposing and hairy plants combined with ash, an eco-friendly method to enrich soil sustainably. They were trained in rainwater harvesting through trench digging and other methods, as well as rainwater purification using charcoal. Additionally, the farmers were taken through the process of producing fertilizers using a mixture of cowdung, water and ash, as well as human urine and locally available plants. Furthermore, farmers learned to make organic pesticides from readily available materials such as ash, animal urine, onions, papaya leaves, water, pepper, and soap.

Kasese smallholder farmers attending the training. The Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) project led by Prof. Frank Mugagga, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences, CAES, Makerere University, Kampala and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme initiative titled “Strengthening Urban Food Systems Resilience to Flood and Drought Risks through New Strategic Partnerships: Consolidating Gains from the RUFS Project in Kasese Municipality and Mbale City, Uganda,” intensive two-day training workshop for smallholder farmers in Kasese Municipality 13th and 14th October 2025, East Africa.
Kasese smallholder farmers attending the training.

Overall, the training promoted sustainable, eco-friendly farming practices while strengthening smallholder farmers’ skills in pest management and climate-resilient agronomic techniques. It was led by Mr. Henry Stanley Mbowa, Head of Research at AidEnvironment and a member of the RUFS Project.

Insights from the farmers’ representative

Mr. Sunday Salveri, a dedicated smallholder farmer from Kasese, highlighted the critical role of active farmer participation in forming and sustaining a farmer group and association. In his address, he urged fellow farmers to become more engaged and take proactive steps to improve their livelihoods through active group participation. He emphasized that increased involvement is essential for maintaining a vibrant, effective group that benefits all members. Mr. Salveri also encouraged more farmers to join the group, viewing collective effort as key to achieving economic sustainability. “Expanding membership is vital for the association’s growth and resilience,” he noted.

Prof. Frank Mugagga (L) with Bishop Nason Baluku (R). The Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) project led by Prof. Frank Mugagga, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences, CAES, Makerere University, Kampala and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme initiative titled “Strengthening Urban Food Systems Resilience to Flood and Drought Risks through New Strategic Partnerships: Consolidating Gains from the RUFS Project in Kasese Municipality and Mbale City, Uganda,” intensive two-day training workshop for smallholder farmers in Kasese Municipality 13th and 14th October 2025, East Africa.
Prof. Frank Mugagga (L) with Bishop Nason Baluku (R).

Furthermore, Mr. Salveri stressed the importance of applying practical business lessons learned on the ground. He suggested that farmers produce fertilizers and pesticides themselves as a way to both generate income and reduce costs for members. To facilitate knowledge sharing and skill development, he proposed establishing a demonstration site to train other farmers. Recognizing the role of family support, Mr. Salveri emphasized involving family members in these activities, highlighting that their participation is crucial for the long-term success and sustainability of agricultural endeavors.

He underscored the need to think beyond agriculture, advocating for the continued existence of the cluster and the RUFS initiative. He expressed hope that these efforts will bring sustained benefits to farmers and their families.

Courtesy Call

The RUFS team paid a courtesy call on the Bishop of Rwenzori region – Lord Nason Baluku who appreciated the team’s efforts. The meeting provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships and reaffirm mutual commitment toward the initiatives.

RUFS Team poses for a group photo with Bishop Nason Baluku. The Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) project led by Prof. Frank Mugagga, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences, CAES, Makerere University, Kampala and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme initiative titled “Strengthening Urban Food Systems Resilience to Flood and Drought Risks through New Strategic Partnerships: Consolidating Gains from the RUFS Project in Kasese Municipality and Mbale City, Uganda,” intensive two-day training workshop for smallholder farmers in Kasese Municipality 13th and 14th October 2025, East Africa.
RUFS Team poses for a group photo with Bishop Nason Baluku.

Mariam Kasemiire

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RUFORUM Set to Hold 21st AGM

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RUFORUM 21st Annual General Meeting (AGM), 1st-5th December 2025, Gaborone, Botswana.

The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) is set to hold the 21st Annual General Meeting (AGM), from 1st to 5th December 2025 in Gaborone, Botswana. Themed “Positioning Africa’s Universities and the Higher Education Sector to effectively impact development processes on the continent”, the AGM will bring together over 500 participants including university leaders, policymakers, development partners, private sector actors, young innovators, students and researchers from across Africa and around the world.

Hosted in collaboration with the Government of Botswana and the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN); the AGM will serve as a platform for strategic dialogue and collective action to strengthen the role of African universities in delivering sustainable development outcomes.

This year’s AGM will focus on the following sub themes:

  • Sub-theme 1. Strategic partnerships for growth: Building bridges for the future
  • Sub-theme 2. Science for development: Generating contemporary and relevant solutions at scale
  • Sub-theme 3. Capacity sharing to train the next generation of leaders in agri-food systems transformation
  • Sub theme 4. RUFORUM Governance Meetings

Speaking ahead of the event, Prof. Patrick Okori, Executive Secretary of RUFORUM, stated,

“Our universities are central to Africa’s development. By focusing on collaboration, science, and skills, this AGM will help shape the future of higher education in Africa to be more responsive, inclusive, and impactful. We are honored to work with the Government of Botswana in advancing this vision.”


Useful Links

AGM Website: https://agm.ruforum.org/

AGM Press Release: https://news.ruforum.org/botswana-to-host-the-21st-ruforum-annual-general-meeting/

Coverage from RUFORUM: https://news.ruforum.org/science-positioned-as-a-catalyst-for-africas-growth-at-ruforums-21st-annual-general-meeting-launch/

Mak Editor

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