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Mak Drylands Transform Project launched in Moroto District

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3 years ago

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The Principal Investigator Drylands Transform Project, Prof. Denis Mpairwe (Front 2nd L) with Moroto District Leadership and development partners after the Inception Workshiop on 21st October 2021 at Moroto District Headquarters.
The Principal Investigator Drylands Transform Project, Prof. Denis Mpairwe (Front 2nd L) with Moroto District Leadership and development partners after the Inception Workshiop on 21st October 2021 at Moroto District Headquarters.

By Jane Anyango

Makerere University has received the blessing and support of community and administrative leaders to implement the five-year Drylands Transform project in Moroto district. This was during the project inception workshop held in the Planning Unit boardroom at the Moroto District headquarters on 21st October 2021. The inception workshop was held to kick start the project.

The meeting brought together over 20 participants comprising mainly the district technical, administrative staff, both political and those in the civil service. The meeting was also attended by representatives of different projects operating in Moroto including Welthungerhilfe project, GIZ and Karamoja Agropastoral Development Program that mainly focus on Livelihoods, food security and hunger.

The Principal Investigator Prof. Denis Mpairwe gives a presentaions on the Drylands Transform Project
The Principal Investigator Prof. Denis Mpairwe gives a presentaions on the Drylands Transform Project

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences is leading a multidisciplinary team of researchers from Umea University, Gothenburg University, University of Nairobi, Makerere University, World Agroforestry (ICRAF) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). The project: “Achieving the SDGs in East African drylands: Pathways and challenges towards  a transformation of landscapes, livestock and livelihoods in the East African drylands (Drylands Transform)”, will be implemented in the greater Karamoja cluster of Uganda and Kenya.

Funded by the Swedish Research Council for Sustainable Development, Formas, within their call for “Realising the global Sustainable Development Goals”, the Drylands Transform project investigates the link between land health, livestock-based livelihoods, human wellbeing, land management and governance. It is aimed at contributing new knowledge for transformative change and sustainable development of rangelands in the drylands of East Africa.

The representative of the LCV- Mr. Achia John (L) and the CAO- Mr. Eko Edward (R) attending the meeting
The representative of the LCV- Mr. Achia John (L) and the CAO- Mr. Eko Edward (R) attending the meeting

The Principal Investigator at Makerere University Prof. Denis Mpairwe said the function was to bring the stakeholders who are mainly the district officials without whom, the project can never succeed.

Prof. Mpairwe said, the leaders must be able to internalize the project, own it and then work with the research team.

“So here we were seeking three main things; one permission to work within the district. Two, the district technical team headed by the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to participate in the project inception workshop and we are happy that the CAO was instrumental in inviting the whole district team that turned up and we have got the blessings of working with the team and the support.

Mr. Edward Eko represented the CAO Moroto
Mr. Edward Eko represented the CAO Moroto

Three to get permission to work with the community and get security as the area is well-known for insecurity. The RDC assured the research team of the security to work with the communities and today we have achieved that one”, The PI stated

Moroto Local Government district officials pledge total support

In his welcome remarks, the representative of the CAO who is also the Principal Assistant Secretary Mr. Eko Edward said, the district was pleased with the new initiative describing the project as the new baby.

“For many years, we have not been able to receive partners with a direct linkage to academia. So, by Makerere University focusing on issues of knowledge transfer in Moroto is something new. But also working in areas which affect our communities most that is, rangelands, land issues, bringing new technologies to transform the pastoralists way of life is something we want to appreciate.

One of the participants contributes to the discussion
One of the participants contributes to the discussion

 As a district, it is our opportunity now to work together with the new project. We want to call upon all the leadership to provide land to demonstrate this new knowledge. We want to call on the communities to learn from this new initiative, what has worked elsewhere, in case of exchange learning visits, to participate, appreciate and come and adopt”, The CAO said

Mr. Eko called upon the technical team, especially the Production and Natural Resources Department to work closely with the new project to ensure that there is some learning done to change to the new normal.

The Welthungerhilfe representative-of one of the partners operating a project in Moroto, contributes to the discussion
The Welthungerhilfe representative-of one of the partners operating a project in Moroto, contributes to the discussion

The CAO reported that Moroto district is blessed with a number of partners who have been able to work with communities on issues of rangelands and livelihoods calling on them to work with the new project to leverage on successes of those projects for the district to get the best out of these interventions.

As a district the CAO said, they want to see the impact, adding that Moroto District is well known for good governance and transparency, accountability and value for money.

He urged university researchers to work with existing structures and ensure that people from the community benefit from the available graduate scholarships on the project.

The Sub-county Chief of Rupa, Moroto, contributes to the discussion
The Sub-county Chief of Rupa, Moroto, contributes to the discussion

“We have a few who have got support to read up to master’s level and others would wish to benefit through the PhD program. Please ensure that we benefit from that because it is only through that that we can have a sustained project over the years” He submitted.

The representative of the District Chairperson Local Council V (LCV) Mr. Achia John also Secretary for Production and Natural Resources hailed the University for focusing on mindset change.

“We are saying that we want our people to settle down not this business of going to look for water and grass and that is why we appreciate your intervention. We want to ensure that our people begin constructing long term settlements so that they are able to keep their animals there, cultivate and settle.

Mr. John Achia, Secretary for Production and Natural Resources represented the LCV Chairman
Mr. John Achia, Secretary for Production and Natural Resources represented the LCV Chairman

For a very long time, our people do not know how to control ticks that is why you hear about bush burning. We need to teach our people through this initiative to see alternative way of controlling the ticks”, Mr. Achia submitted.

Mr. Achia thanked the research team for the initiative and other partners working in the district and assured them of the district’s support.

Representing the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr. Ssenoga William who is also the District Internal Security Officer (DISO) urged the communities and district technical team to take on the project, disseminate it and support its implementation. He also implored the district environmental office and Department of Production and Natural Resources to be at the forefront of the initiative.

The District Internal Security Officer (DISO), Mr. Ssenoga William represented the RDC
The District Internal Security Officer (DISO), Mr. Ssenoga William represented the RDC

“As security, in case you are in need of us, communicate to us formally and we shall give you our uniformed officers to ensure you move and carry out the project activities safely. We shall require a formal communication for the district security committee to confirm that,” The DISO stated.

He thanked the funders for considering the university proposal and the university researchers for competing worldwide and winning the project.

About the Drylands Transform Project

The Principal Investigator (PI)   Makerere University Prof. Denis Mpairwe from the Department of Agricultural Production said Drylands Transform is  multidisciplinary and cross border project covering the Karamoja cluster drylands which embed Western Pokot, Kenya, Turkana region, the South Western and Eastern part of Ethiopia, the South Eastern part of South Sudan and the whole Karamoja region of Uganda.

One of the participants makes a contribution during the question and answer session
One of the participants makes a contribution during the question and answer session

This area, the PI said, has a challenge of dry conditions, unreliable rainfall and of recent, it has been faced by the problem of degradation of the rangelands arising from misuse of land which was originally for pastoralism.

Prof. Mpairwe reported that this project was set to address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) mainly to do with hunger, peoples livelihoods both nutrition and incomes, and for the pastoralists, the project is taking  the approach of caretaking of livestock since it is the main economic activity of the rangelands.

“This project will be addressing four main things. We want to work with the communities to understand the challenges facing the pastoral communities both the agro-pastoralists and pure pastoralists in the changing climate. Of recent the rainfall patterns have changed drastically in the amounts received and unpredictable onsets.

Some of the participants that attended the inception workshop
Some of the participants that attended the inception workshop

The second challenge the project is trying to address is that; land use changes have taken place – formerly used for pastoralism but now being used for agriculture, mining, gazetted for wildlife and forestry, all impacting on biomass that used to be fed to animals”, Prof. Mpairwe explained.

He reported that the project wants to work with communities to show them what interventions they can adopt to ensure that they still remain with enough biomass to feed their animals. The project also intends to work with communities to see which of the technologies advanced are applicable to the agro-pastoralists and pure pastoralists.

The third project focus according to the PI is to look at stakeholder engagement mainly with local governments, the community, Central Governments Uganda and Kenya so as to craft solutions applicable to the people through various platforms of communication and discussion of issues affecting the pastoralists in the greater Karamoja cluster.

A section of participants that attended the inception workshop listen to proceedings.
A section of participants that attended the inception workshop listen to proceedings.

“Lastly, we want to use livestock cafes with all technologies in one place as one of the farmer field schools for pastoralists to learn the use of pasture improvement, teach them how to do over sowing, reseeding in bare areas so that they can learn and apply it on their own. The use of feeding strategies like hay, crop residues, improved pasture, use of trees as fodder and fruit trees for people will all be tackled”, said Prof. Mpairwe.

He concluded that the overall objective is improved livelihoods of the people, improved nutrition by increasing animal productivity, having enough feeds for animals, improved household income by having milk and animals which are finished for sale as well as getting some people involved in selling hay and crop residues.

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

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Agriculture & Environment

Call for Applications: Four (4) PhD Positions – BOLDER Project

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December 4, 2024

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CAES faculty cheering on the PhD graduates during the 74th graduation ceremony. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 2, 30th January 2024, Collge of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Building Opportunity for Lesser-known Diversity in Edible Resources (BOLDER) of the Crop Trust
Opportunity Crop Scholarships

Call for applications for four PhD positions

Makerere University Regional Centre for Crop Improvement (MaRCCI),
Makerere University & The Norwegian University of Life Sciences

1st December 2024

Background

One of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals is to attain zero hunger by 2030, but whether most of African countries are on track towards this ideal is questionable, While the continent is projected to be the most populous one by the year 2100, a critical mass of its population is already food-insecure, a situation that is being exacerbated by climate change and environmental degradations.

Coping with these complex issues require adopting an integrated approach of disrupting overreliance on major commodities such as rice, maize, and wheat over the opportunity crops also called neglected and underutilized species (NUS). These species are nutrient-dense, hold the ability to help diversify both the agricultural and the food system and constitute a security net that filters pest and disease-caused damages3. However, the current organizational architecture of these species suggests they cannot compete with the so-called major crops because of several limitations including: the paucity of established data (e.g., production statistics, nutritional data), the poorly organized value chains (when they exist), and the low flow of knowledge, technology and products among the value chains actors, among others.

The ‘Building Opportunities for Lesser-known Diversity in Edible Resources’ (BOLDER) project, an extended work package of the larger ‘Biodiversity for Opportunity, Livelihoods and Development’ (BOLD) initiative is designed to promote opportunity crops in West African countries (Benin and Ghana) and East African countries (Uganda and Tanzania). BOLDER is a three-phase project dedicated to improving nutritional security in West and East Africa through the increased use and value of nutritious but currently underutilized, climate-resilient and environmentally friendly crops.

BOLDER will work towards exhibiting the potential for four opportunity crops in each of the four target countries and operates through three pillars namely: i) increasing the availability of the target opportunity crops diversity; ii) improving the production, marketing, and/or consumption of these opportunity crops, and iii) enhancing the capacity of researchers, practitioners, and food system actors to improve use and value of opportunity crops. Under this third pillar, a total of eight PhDs students (four in East Africa and four in West Africa) will be trained in Plant Sciences, Food Systems and Value Chain R4D. The PhD training in East Africa will be coordinated by MaRCCI, Makerere University, in collaboration with The Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU).

Objectives of this call

This call for applications is open to citizens of Uganda and Tanzania to fill four PhD positions: two in Plant Sciences and two in Food Systems.

All four PhD candidates will register at Makerere University and will be supervised by a panel of scientists from MaRCCI, Department of Agricultural Production (DAP), Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology (PMB), and Department of Agribusiness & Natural Resource Economics (DANRE), The Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT (ABC) and the World Vegetable Center (World Veg). Decisions about supervisory arrangements will be made based on research proposals of successful applicants.

Expectations from the recruited PhD candidates

The two Plant Science PhD candidates through their research will contribute to the BOLDER project output of characterizing opportunity crops’ diversity and participatory evaluations using the TRICOT approach, while the other two students will contribute to the BOLDER Output of deepening our understanding of opportunity crops food systems and value chains and pursuing opportunities for greater contributions to livelihoods and diets.

Plant Science Applicants

The two Plant Science PhD student research projects will focus on the genetic and low-cost phenotypic characterization of farmer collection/landraces, genebank, and breeding materials for opportunity crops (stakeholder selected opportunity crops for Uganda i.e. cowpea, pumpkin, and amaranth, while for Tanzania the pre-selected crops are Bambara groundnuts and sweet potato). The aim is to generate key information on the adaptive traits of opportunity crops, their nutritional value, and their suitability for different uses, such as food, feed, and fiber. The research will further identify unique genotypes and suitable breeding strategies for improving desirable traits.

Another aspect of the PhD research will involve conducting a performance evaluation of opportunity crops traits using the citizen science approach known as triadic comparisons of technology options (tricot). This approach applies to an incomplete block design to assign randomized incomplete blocks of three technologies (out of larger number) to many farmers from different gender and socioeconomic groups for on-farm assessment in diverse agro-ecologies. Combining this approach with digital tools makes it possible to obtain insights for both local adaptation and a scale of reach compared to earlier participatory plant breeding/variety selection approaches. This approach has shown promising results recently and it is on the scale in East Africa. The planned PhD research and training will be critical in building local capacity for demand-led breeding and evaluation of opportunity crops using data science at a low cost in East Africa. The goal is to improve the identification and selection of opportunity crops varieties with desirable traits, ultimately leading to the mainstreaming of NUS in sustainable food systems in Africa.

In summary, the PhD projects will combine genomics research and on-farm tricot experiments and provide evidence on how this approach can lead to a demand-driven breeding of different NUS, accelerate trait discovery for climate adaptation, strengthen seed systems, increase use of NUS, and create links to the value chain.

We invite PhD research concept note focusing on one of the pre-selected crops in one of the countries.

Food Systems Applicants

The two PhD research projects in Food Systems will focus on two main areas, also in relation to the selected species for the two countries. The first area will be value chains of the focal crops. Specifically, this aspect of the research will characterize the current state of value chains and explore bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities, including related to production, processing, distribution, marketing and consumption.

The research will also analyze the demand for opportunity crop products, the preferences and behaviors of consumers (including consumer preference trials using the tricot approach), and the most effective interventions for promoting opportunity crops in food systems.

The second area of focus in Food Systems will be the nexus between traditional knowledge on the cultivation and consumption of NUS (local food culture) and the broader political and economic factors affecting the development and promotion of opportunity crops in inclusive and equitable food systems. This project will examine the interconnection between the cultural practices of local communities regarding the cultivation and consumption of opportunity crops and the wider economic and political systems that shape the food systems in which these communities operate. On the one hand, local food cultures have evolved over generations and reflect the specific ecological, social, and cultural contexts in which they are situated. This traditional knowledge often includes cultivation practices, processing methods, and culinary traditions associated with opportunity crops. Such traditional knowledge is important for
understanding opportunity crops nutritional, cultural, and economic significance and how they can be integrated into sustainable food systems. On the other hand, development and promotion of opportunity crops in inclusive and equitable food systems is shaped by broader political and economic factors, including government policies, global trade agreements, corporate influence, and consumer preferences. These factors can create barriers to the promotion and development of opportunity crops, which can impact the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and the availability of diverse and nutritious foods for local communities. By understanding these factors, the research will aim to identify opportunities to promote the development and promotion of opportunity crops in inclusive and equitable food systems in Africa.

We invite PhD research concept note that addresses one of the two food system areas outlined above. The proposal can focus on or several of the pre-selected crops in one or both of the countries.

Scholarship: financial support and duration

The scholarship includes subsistence allowances, contribution to research costs,
insurance cost, contribution to conference attendance cost and cost related to the
participation in BOLDER-organized training relevant to the various PhD topics. The PhD
candidate will also benefit from a three-month mobility (once) to conduct parts of his/her
research at NBMU.

a) The PhD duration is 48 months.
b) PhD students will receive a monthly stipend of $600 for Ugandans and $700 for
Tanzania Nationals (when in Uganda) and 1,500 Euros when in Norway. This amount
includes settling allowance.
c) Additional benefits are available on a case-by-case basis.

Eligibility

Applicants should meet the following criteria at the time of their scholarship application:
a) be a citizen of Uganda or Tanzania.
b) be proficient in written and spoken English.
c) not be currently enrolled or have a running scholarship in another PhD program.
For Plant Science Students:
d) hold a MSc degree in agronomy, plant breeding, genetics, biotechnology, crop protection or another relevant discipline.
e) demonstrate knowledge of or prior experience with tricot methodology and genomics research.
For Food Systems Students:
f) hold a MSc degree in Agricultural and Applied economics, Agribusiness, Agricultural economics, or another relevant discipline.
g) demonstrate experience of prior research on value chains, consumer behavior, or political economy of food systems.
Applicants who have working experience on the listed NUS crops will have an added
advantage.

Submission

The Scholarship application file is to be submitted as PDF attachment by the deadline to the emails indicated in section, and should include the following:
a) Cover or motivation letter.
b) Student research concept note that clearly indicates the topic to which the candidate applies (3 pages maximum).
c) National ID or Copy of Passport Bio Data page.
d) Certificate of previous degree(s) /or a Proof that the degree(s) has been completed;
e) All transcripts/academic records.
f) A support letter from home Higher Education Institution (from the MSc supervisor);
g) Two recommendation letters.
h) Curriculum Vitae.
i) Any other supporting documents (e.g., first page of publications).

Deadline

Applications should be submitted to Ms. Candia Alice on e-mail cndlc95@gmail.com and copy in Dr. Ozimati Alfred Adebo: ozimatialfred@gmail.com and Dr. Dramadri Isaac Onziga onzigaisaac@gmail.com not later than December 20th, 2024. All applications received will be acknowledged, however only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited for an interview.

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Agriculture & Environment

Call for Applications: Graduate Fellow (Biometry)

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1 day ago

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December 4, 2024

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Some of the Bachelors graduates from CAES at the 74th graduation ceremony. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 2, 30th January 2024, Collge of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Are you fascinated by the possibilities of being a Biometrician/Biostatistician? Are you eager to be at the forefront of innovation in the field of Biometry? The Department of Agricultural Production is searching for a Graduate Fellow in Biometry to join its teaching and research team and contribute towards groundbreaking advancements in this rapidly-evolving field.

Position Overview:

As a Graduate Fellow in Biometry, you’ll play a pivotal role in the research support unit, collaborating with renowned experts and researchers. Your responsibilities will encompass:

  • Assist in preparation of teaching materials, interact directly with students in the laboratories; conduct practical and tutorial sessions
  • Assist in setting, marking and grading of assignments, tests and examinations
  • Supporting faculty members and students with designing and implementing experiments, data collection, analysis, and interpretation
  • Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to integrate biometry solutions into various applications.
  • Conducting original research in Biometry

Qualifications and Eligibility:

  • Enrolled in an MSc or PhD program in Biostatistics, Biometry, Statistics, Crop Science, Plant Breeding or any related field
  • Possesses a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture OR Horticulture OR Statistics OR Biostatistics (at least an Upper Second Class)
  • Has a strong foundation in Biometry principles, machine learning and data analysis
  • Proficient in programming languages such as R, Python, MATLAB, or C++
  • Possesses excellent problem-solving skills and a creative approach to research challenges
  • Has a passion for exploring new frontiers in Biometry and contributing to scientific advancements
  • Shall not be more than 35 years old (45 years for PhD) at the time of recruitment

Benefits:

In addition to contributing to cutting-edge research, the Graduate Fellow in Biometry position offers:

  • An annual tuition waiver offered by the University
  • Mentorship from distinguished researchers and staff members
  • Opportunities for professional development, workshops, and seminars
  • Potential to co-author research papers and patents
  • Widening your professional networks

Application Process:

To apply, please submit the following documents to the Office of the Chair, Department of Agricultural Production (Room 48), School of Agricultural Sciences Building by 5 pm on the 20th December 2024:

  • Admission letter (to MSc or PhD program)
  • Curriculum Vitae/Resume
  • Cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications
  • Transcripts from previous academic institution(s)
  • Contact information for three referees
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Agriculture & Environment

JRS Announces Grant for Young Researchers ahead of 3rd GORILLA Conference

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4 weeks ago

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November 6, 2024

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Participants in a pre-conference training on geospatial based cloud computing ahead of the 2nd GORILLA Conference held 8th-9th December 2022. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Announcement of JRS Biodiversity Foundation Funding for the upcoming 3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change International (GORILLA)

Makerere University and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) are organizing the 3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change (GORILLA). The conference is scheduled to take place at Hotel Africana from 4th to 6th December 2024 and will be officially opened by the Minister of State for Environment, Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar. The GORILLA conference (https://gorilla.mak.ac.ug) which is anchored in the United Nations Global Development Agenda 2030 will be organized around 12 subthemes. Approximately 350 abstracts have been submitted and between 300-400 participants from 50 countries are expected to participate.

We are delighted to share the excellent news that the JRS Biodiversity Foundation has awarded a grant to support the participation of promising young researchers and early career scientists from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) in the GORILLA Conference. This funding will enable implementation of pre-conference training activities at Makerere University, tailored to improving capabilities and competencies of emerging researchers and early career scientists from SSA. These planned pre-GORILLA conference training activities are detailed on the conference website (https://gorilla.mak.ac.ug/pre-conference/pre-conference-activities-2024) and applications are welcome from qualifying researchers and emerging scholars. Additionally, the JRS grant will support researchers and early career scientists whose abstracts have been accepted for presentation to participate in the GORILLA conference. Preference will be given to those working on biodiversity and related fields within SSA.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the JRS Biodiversity Foundation for their generous support of the 3rd International GORILLA Conference, enabling the young researchers and emerging scholars participation. The JRS Biodiversity Foundation is committed to empowering people and institutions to share and apply biodiversity knowledge across Sub Saharan Africa. Through their funding, the JRS Biodiversity Foundation strives to enhance access to and use of biodiversity information in SSA, promoting biodiversity conservation as a cornerstone of societal well-being and ecosystem health.

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