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Mak Secures another 10 Hectares in Rupa Sub-County Moroto for Livestock Café

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Makerere University has secured an additional 10 hectares of land from the pastoralist community in Rupa Sub-County, Moroto District for establishment of a livestock café. The allocated land comes with a valley tank and cattle crush. This was the Drylands Transform project’s second land offer in the Karamoja sub-region following the first in Poron Sub-County, Napak District.

Livestock cafés will be the experimental sites to study forage productivity, establish novel co-learning and knowledge exchange centers and create opportunities for milk and fodder value chains.

The Sub-County and Village officials symbolically hand over the site to the Moroto District team on 24th October 2021.
The Sub-County and Village officials (R) symbolically hand over the site to the Moroto District team (L) on 24th October 2021.

The land was handed over to the project by Moroto District and Rupa Sub-County Technical and Administrative officials and witnessed by clan leaders at Lokapel Village on Sunday 24th October, 2021.

The handover ceremony was attended by the Local Council (LC) V Chairman Mr. Loru Moses, the LCV Woman Councillor Ms. Lochoro Clementina, the LCIII Chairperson Mr. Adipa John Robert Akiki, the Speaker Mr.  Komol Parl Miki and the LCI Chairman Lokapel village Mr. Lotee Nangiro. Also present were the Youth Representative and Clan Elders Mr.  Achok Lopeima and Mr. Eluktoper Ngorok.

The Moroto District team in turn symbolically hands over the site to the Drylands Transform Project Research Team on 24th October 2021.
The Moroto District team (L) in turn symbolically hands over the site to the Drylands Transform Project Research Team (R) on 24th October 2021.

The valley tank and cattle crush within the project site university were also handed over to the research team and supplemented by an alternative site in the event of insecurity during the December –January dry spell.

Speaking at the project site during the inception meeting, the clan leaders led by Mr. Achok Lopeimal said the community accepted to offer the land to the project and expressed willingness to protect and utilize it after the project cycle.

Clan Elder Mr. Achok Lopeimal (C) shows Prof. Denis Mpairwe (R) some of the plant species that need to be conserved by the project.
Clan Elder Mr. Achok Lopeimal (C) shows Prof. Denis Mpairwe (R) some of the plant species that need to be conserved by the project.

The clan leaders also asked the researchers to include the conservation of the indigenous plant species in the livestock cafés. The species identified for conservation include; Ekapelimea (for treatment of cough and chest infections), Ekodoli (for treatment of wounds), Eusugu (a remedy for infections and chest pain), Ekorete (for diarrhea and milk enhancement) and Etoke (used as fruit and remedy for stomachache).

Other species were Ekoke (eaten like groundnut paste), Ekaramuae (fodder), Ebei (food) and Epipa (mixed with soil or water and smeared on the body or sprinkled on enemies for protection). Others are Acacia Seyal a tree species useful for production of gum arabic and bee keeping currently threatened by charcoal burning.

Clan elder Mr. Achok Lopeimal (L) demonstrates the importance of star grass during traditional marriage ceremonies as LC5 Chairman Mr. Loru Moses (R) listens attentively.
Clan elder Mr. Achok Lopeimal (L) demonstrates the importance of star grass during traditional marriage ceremonies as LC5 Chairman Mr. Loru Moses (R) listens attentively.

The locals also want the University to address issues of bush burning and tick control that have led to low productivity of livestock as well as research on an invasive weed for pasture commonly known as Epoo, which when consumed by a lactating cow, makes milk bitter.

The LCIII Chairman Mr. Adupa John Robert Akiki said the community has given 10 hectares of land to the project for the benefit of the Sub-County.

LCIII Chairperson Mr. Adupa John Robert Akiki speaks during the meeting onsite prior to the handover.
LCIII Chairperson Mr. Adupa John Robert Akiki speaks during the meeting onsite prior to the handover.

“We have the tank for watering and the cattle crush for spraying within the land. The land is located in Lokapel village, Moroto District and we are going to demarcate with the councilors and clan leaders present here”, Mr. Adupa said.

Makerere University Drylands Transform Principal investigator Prof. Denis Mpairwe appreciated the Moroto District Local Government leadership for the cooperation and offer of land.

The Research team led by Prof. Denis Mpairwe (2nd L) and LCIII Chairperson Mr. Adupa John Robert Akiki (L) look at a species of shrub used as a remedy for coughs proposed for conservation by livestock café.
The Research team led by Prof. Denis Mpairwe (2nd L) and LCIII Chairperson Mr. Adupa John Robert Akiki (L) look at a species of shrub used as a remedy for coughs proposed for conservation by livestock café.

Prof. Mpairwe said the university was in Moroto and Rupa Sub-County in particular, to ask for land, blessings and commitment by locals to work with the project, adding that all data collection and knowledge sharing will be done by the locals.

He described the additional components of a dam and the spray race at the project site as an added advantage that the project will build upon for tick control and provision of water for livestock.

The Drylands Transform project Principal Investigator (PI) Prof. Denis Mpairwe at the rear end of the cattle crush.
The Drylands Transform project Principal Investigator (PI) Prof. Denis Mpairwe at the rear end of the cattle crush.

Prof. Mpairwe explained that a team of researchers will work with the clan elders and local residents to gather the information on indigenous species for purposes of conservation and also form a component of the livestock café.

He said the project’s target is knowledge sharing, teaching the people on what to do to conserve the land, increase on its productivity, stop degradation, improve human and animal health and in the long run, improve the livelihoods of people.

The cattle crush within the project site will be used for tick control.
The cattle crush within the project site will be used for tick control.

“The livestock café will be  used as a learning site or school to demonstrate how the pastoral communities can utilize the land sustainably  without degrading it  and in this they will understand the dangers associated with bush burning.  We shall also teach and demonstrate how to improve on land productivity and in the long run, improve the livelihoods of the people.

The livestock cafe according to Prof. Mpairwe will look at how to improve all the crops, the pasture and trees in the area and also try to address the challenges of the dryland areas such as water and feed scarcity by showing pastoralists the sustainable ways of conserving water and making hay as future fodder for livestock during the time of plenty.

The valley tank located within the project site.
The valley tank located within the project site.

About 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) to implement the: “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)” project in the greater Karamoja cluster of Uganda and Kenya

The Karamoja cluster of drylands covers 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.

The LCV Chairperson Mr. Longra John Bosco (C) speaks during the onsite meeting.
The LCV Chairperson Mr. Longra John Bosco (C) speaks during the onsite meeting.

Drylands Transform is a five-year project funded by the Swedish Research Council for Sustainable Development, Formas, within their call for realizing the global Sustainable Development Goals. It aims to address complex challenges in the East African drylands such as climate change, food insecurity, land and ecosystem degradation and weak institutions.

The field studies will take place in four sites providing variation in livelihood strategies, land management and climate that is, Chepareria (Kenya) and Matany (Uganda) in the south dominated by agro-pastoralist communities as well as Lokiriama-Lorengippi (Kenya) and Rupa (Uganda) in the north dominated by pastoralists.

A native wound-healing species proposed for conservation by the Drylands Transform project in the livestock café.
A native wound-healing species proposed for conservation by the Drylands Transform project in the livestock café.

The project investigates the inter linkages between land health, livestock based livelihoods, human wellbeing and land governance mechanisms in order to contribute to transformative change and sustainable development of the social ecological system in drylands of East Africa. The overall goal is to contribute knowledge for the implementation and achievement of the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while optimizing synergies and minimizing trade-offs between SDGs, in the East African drylands by developing transformative pathways through policy and practice.

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

Agriculture & Environment

Mak Trains Animal Health Practitioners in Pig Artificial Insemination

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The Coordinator of the programme, Dr Donald Kugonza (seated right) together with the guests and trainees at the Continuing Agricultural Education Centre (CAEC), MUARIK where the training was conducted. Makerere University in collaboration with ILRI, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) and the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC & DB) Training of over 20 animal health practitioners from Central Uganda pig artificial insemination training, 28th February-3rd March 2024, Continuing Agricultural Education Centre (CAES), Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK), Wakiso, Uganda, East Africa.

Piggery farming in Uganda is on the rise more especially due to the ready market both within and outside the country. Just like any other business, farmers require a lot of input if they are to reap big from the business. Reproductive assistance techniques, such as Artificial Insemination (AI), have proved to be very effective in enhancing the quality of breeds leading to improved production and productivity. Implementing AI reproductive techniques allows optimizing production conditions, reducing their costs, and increasing their efficiency. With support from the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Makerere University in collaboration with a number of partners, including district veterinary officers has conducted countrywide trainings in AI in a bid to increase the pool of pig artificial insemination service practitioners.

The Coordinator of the training programme, Dr Donald Kugonza, Associate Professor at CAES, Makerere University. Makerere University in collaboration with ILRI, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) and the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC & DB) Training of over 20 animal health practitioners from Central Uganda pig artificial insemination training, 28th February-3rd March 2024, Continuing Agricultural Education Centre (CAES), Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK), Wakiso, Uganda, East Africa.
The Coordinator of the training programme, Dr Donald Kugonza, Associate Professor at CAES, Makerere University.

From 28th February-3rd March 2024, Makerere University in collaboration with ILRI, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) and the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC & DB) conducted a training of over 20 animal health practitioners from Central Uganda. The training held at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK) was organized by Dr Donald Kugonza, an Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural Production, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, also coordinator of ILRI’s More Pork projects in Uganda.

The Representative of ILRI Country Director, Mr. Ronnie Ahumuza (standing) enlightened the trainees on the pig value chain in Uganda. Makerere University in collaboration with ILRI, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) and the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC & DB) Training of over 20 animal health practitioners from Central Uganda pig artificial insemination training, 28th February-3rd March 2024, Continuing Agricultural Education Centre (CAES), Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK), Wakiso, Uganda, East Africa.
The Representative of ILRI Country Director, Mr. Ronnie Ahumuza (standing) enlightened the trainees on the pig value chain in Uganda.

During the five days of the training, the farmers were exposed to knowledge on a number of aspects including; i) the merits and demerits of pig artificial insemination; ii) the Uganda pig value chain- key actors, opportunities, challenges; iii) pig breeds and their characteristics- farmers preferences, straight breeding and terminal crossing, selection and culling;  iv) hormonal regulation of female heat cycle, signs of heat and methods for heat detection; v) boar spray/smell, pregnancy diagnosis methods, gestation and weaning, growth and selection; vi) records management; vii) the role of NAGRC in pig breeding – Animal Breeding Act and breeds available at NAGRC stations; as well as viii) Animal Breeding Regulations. The farmers also acquired skills on semen collection, evaluation, extension, packaging, labeling and storage; reproductive diseases and management; animal hygiene; catheterization on tracts and live sows, sow stimulation, semen deposition; and biosecurity protocols. The farmers were also trained on care and maintenance of AI equipment.

Some of the animal health practitioners who participated in the training. Makerere University in collaboration with ILRI, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) and the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC & DB) Training of over 20 animal health practitioners from Central Uganda pig artificial insemination training, 28th February-3rd March 2024, Continuing Agricultural Education Centre (CAES), Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK), Wakiso, Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the animal health practitioners who participated in the training.

Facilitators included; Dr Donald Kugonza from CAES, Makerere University (handled genetics and breeding); Dr Gerald Kirembe from AFIRD (animal health); Dr Gerald Nizeyimana from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University (animal health); Dr Godfrey Bamundaga Kyobe, Wakiso District Veterinary Officer (artificial insemination in pigs); Dr. Leonard Kawuule from Vetline Services (pig technologies); Ms. Esther Nakajubi from NAGRC&DB (animal production);  Mr. Robert Natumanya from the CAES, Makerere University (animal production); Mr. Eric Semwezi, private AI practitioner; Dr. Alex Mukasa from MAAIF (animal production); and Mr. Isaac Kasoro from Makerere University (pig technologies).

Dr Helen Nakimbugwe, Technical Manager, Breeding at NAGRC appreciated the organizers for involving more women in the programme. Makerere University in collaboration with ILRI, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) and the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC & DB) Training of over 20 animal health practitioners from Central Uganda pig artificial insemination training, 28th February-3rd March 2024, Continuing Agricultural Education Centre (CAES), Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK), Wakiso, Uganda, East Africa.
Dr Helen Nakimbugwe, Technical Manager, Breeding at NAGRC appreciated the organizers for involving more women in the programme.

The training was supported through the One CGIAR initiative for Sustainable Animal Productivity for Livelihoods, Nutrition and Gender Inclusion (SAPLING), that aims to transform livestock sectors in seven countries including Uganda, through a pipeline of existing and new innovations. SAPLING is being implemented by the ILRI, International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) and the Alliance of Bioversity International and International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (ABC). SAPLING Uganda is geared towards improving the livelihoods of livestock producers and other actors in the pig, dairy and beef value chains. Uganda is one of focus countries for this initiative given the importance of livestock in the livelihoods of its people and the commitment of public and private actors to transform food systems through sustainable livestock development. 

Dr Helen Nakimbugwe addressing the trainees. Makerere University in collaboration with ILRI, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) and the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC & DB) Training of over 20 animal health practitioners from Central Uganda pig artificial insemination training, 28th February-3rd March 2024, Continuing Agricultural Education Centre (CAES), Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK), Wakiso, Uganda, East Africa.
Dr Helen Nakimbugwe addressing the trainees.

On behalf of the Country Director, ILRI, Mr. Ronnie Ahumuza appreciated the partners including MAAIF, NAGRC, Makerere University and district local governments for supporting the programme. Delivering a presentation on the pig value chain in Uganda, Mr. Ahumuza noted that the sector was highly neglected yet the demand for pork was on the rise. He informed participants that ILRI had piloted a number of innovations to improve the sector including interventions under the MorePork 1 and MorePork II projects that targeted diagnostic studies to identify constraints and opportunities in the pork value chains, testing of interventions to address the identified constraints, market systems development, and introduction of PigSmart Innovations (gross margin calculator, digital extension, feed calculator). The organization is currently implementing a project on Sustainable Animal Productivity for Livelihoods, Nutrition and Gender Inclusion (SAPLING) geared towards improving the livelihoods of livestock producers and other actors in the pig, dairy and beef value chains.

The Commissioner, Animal Production at MAAIF, Dr Theophilus Mwesige addressing the trainees. Makerere University in collaboration with ILRI, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) and the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC & DB) Training of over 20 animal health practitioners from Central Uganda pig artificial insemination training, 28th February-3rd March 2024, Continuing Agricultural Education Centre (CAES), Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK), Wakiso, Uganda, East Africa.
The Commissioner, Animal Production at MAAIF, Dr Theophilus Mwesige addressing the trainees.

Explaining the mandate of his sector that mainly focuses on improving production and productivity of livestock, the Commissioner, Animal Production at MAAIF, Dr Theophilus Mwesige said piggery production was still low in country, proposing a number of interventions to boost the sector.

Wakiso District Veterinary Officer, Dr Godfrey Bamundaga Kyobe (standing) addressing the trainees at the opening ceremony. Makerere University in collaboration with ILRI, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) and the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC & DB) Training of over 20 animal health practitioners from Central Uganda pig artificial insemination training, 28th February-3rd March 2024, Continuing Agricultural Education Centre (CAES), Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK), Wakiso, Uganda, East Africa.
Wakiso District Veterinary Officer, Dr Godfrey Bamundaga Kyobe (standing) addressing the trainees at the opening ceremony.

The meeting was graced by the Technical Manager, Breeding at NAGRC, Dr Helen Nakimbugwe and Wakiso District Veterinary Officer Dr Bamundaga Kyobe Godfrey who shared experiences on AI in livestock.

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Agriculture & Environment

FAO Trains CAES Faculty on Integrated Food Security Phase Classification for Acute Malnutrition (IPC-AMN)

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The Head, Department of Food Technology and Nutrition at CAES, Dr Ivan Mukisa Muzira and Dr Hedwig Acham briefing participants about the training programme. Training by FAO of staff and students on Integrated Food Security Phase Classification for Acute Malnutrition (IPC-AMN), School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-systems Engineering (SFTNB), College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The primary objective of this training initiative is to promote knowledge exchange and learning about innovative systems, methods, tools, and best practices in nutrition surveillance.

The training

The School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-systems Engineering (SFTNB), College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University has held a four-day training for its staff and students on Integrated Food Security Phase Classification for Acute Malnutrition (IPC-AMN). The training held from 26th-29th February 2024 has been conducted at the School premises at the University.

The Dean SFTNB, Dr Julia Kigozi delivering her remarks on the training programme. Training by FAO of staff and students on Integrated Food Security Phase Classification for Acute Malnutrition (IPC-AMN), School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-systems Engineering (SFTNB), College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Dean SFTNB, Dr Julia Kigozi delivering her remarks on the training programme.

The training initiative emerged from the collaborative efforts of the “Learning Network on Nutrition Surveillance.” The implementation of this initiative is led by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). This network, fostering connections between policymakers, research institutions, and universities, spans across the countries of Djibouti, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, Somalia, and Uganda.

The primary objective of this initiative is to promote knowledge exchange and learning about innovative systems, methods, tools, and best practices in nutrition surveillance. The initiative fosters knowledge exchange on innovative systems, methods, tools, and practices in nutrition surveillance, with a special emphasis on the East, Central, and Southern Africa region, and the Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) for Food Security and Nutrition stands as a crucial element within this network.

Dr Julia Kigozi addressing participants on the importance of the programme. Training by FAO of staff and students on Integrated Food Security Phase Classification for Acute Malnutrition (IPC-AMN), School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-systems Engineering (SFTNB), College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr Julia Kigozi addressing participants on the importance of the programme.

FAO’s contribution

One of the key contributors to this training initiative is the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), leveraging its two decades of experience. FAO has meticulously designed face-to-face training sessions for professionals in food security and nutrition. Furthermore, they have developed a comprehensive curriculum for graduate and post-graduate students focusing on the IPC for Acute Malnutrition scale (AMN).

This AMN course is crafted to equip graduates with the essential skills for IPC, but also serve as a pathway for IPC certification, enhancing their professional credentials as they embark on their careers. Notably, a similar curriculum addressing acute food insecurity has been successfully implemented at the University of Pretoria, and has worked successfully.

Dr Jannie Armstrong, Integrated Phase Classification's Learning and Research Coordinator during the training. Training by FAO of staff and students on Integrated Food Security Phase Classification for Acute Malnutrition (IPC-AMN), School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-systems Engineering (SFTNB), College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr Jannie Armstrong, Integrated Phase Classification’s Learning and Research Coordinator during the training.

As a significant stride towards expanding the reach of this valuable curriculum, FAO has played a pivotal role in training the academic staff at Makerere University (Department of Food Technology and Nutrition) on both the structure and content of the AMN course curriculum. This strategic partnership aims to facilitate the eventual incorporation of this curriculum into the institution’s offerings.

Facilitating this training was Dr Jannie Armstrong, Integrated Phase Classification’s Learning and Research Coordinator. Dr Armstrong brings a wealth of experience to the table, overseeing the academic liaison portfolio and ensuring that IPC remains informed of developments in food security and nutrition research globally. His commitment is evident through co-developing IPC training materials and contributing as a member of the Technical Development Team.

Some of the staff and students that participated in the training. Training by FAO of staff and students on Integrated Food Security Phase Classification for Acute Malnutrition (IPC-AMN), School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-systems Engineering (SFTNB), College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the staff and students that participated in the training.

Over the past 25 years, Dr Armstrong has contributed significantly to food security policy across Asia, Africa, and Europe, working with esteemed organizations such as FAO, WFP, and others. His enduring research interest in food security policy in the Global South reflects his dedication to making a positive impact in this field.

Appreciation

“As educators, we recognize the paramount importance of preparing our students for the evolving workforce, and FAO’s initiative is a testament of our commitment to continuous improvement in teaching and learning, aligning perfectly with our objectives. We express our sincere appreciation for this collaborative effort and are confident that together, we shall rise to meet the evolving needs of our stakeholders both within and outside Uganda,” remarked Dr Hedwig Acham, Senior Lecturer, Department of Food Technology & Nutrition, Makerere University.

More photos from the event.

Dr Jannie Armstrong training participants on Integrated Food Security Phase Classification for Acute Malnutrition (IPC-AMN). Training by FAO of staff and students on Integrated Food Security Phase Classification for Acute Malnutrition (IPC-AMN), School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-systems Engineering (SFTNB), College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr Jannie Armstrong training participants on Integrated Food Security Phase Classification for Acute Malnutrition (IPC-AMN).
Dr Ivan Mukisa Muzira and another member of staff at the training. Training by FAO of staff and students on Integrated Food Security Phase Classification for Acute Malnutrition (IPC-AMN), School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-systems Engineering (SFTNB), College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr Ivan Mukisa Muzira and another member of staff at the training.
Dr Hedwig Acham (Front L), Dr Robert Fungo (at the back) and another member of staff at the training. Training by FAO of staff and students on Integrated Food Security Phase Classification for Acute Malnutrition (IPC-AMN), School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-systems Engineering (SFTNB), College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr Hedwig Acham (Front L), Dr Robert Fungo (at the back) and another member of staff at the training.
Dr Agnes Nabubuya, a Lecturer in the Department of Food Technology and Nutrition during the training. Training by FAO of staff and students on Integrated Food Security Phase Classification for Acute Malnutrition (IPC-AMN), School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-systems Engineering (SFTNB), College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr Agnes Nabubuya, a Lecturer in the Department of Food Technology and Nutrition during the training.
Dr Jannie Armstrong, Integrated Phase Classification's Learning and Research Coordinator conducted the training. Training by FAO of staff and students on Integrated Food Security Phase Classification for Acute Malnutrition (IPC-AMN), School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-systems Engineering (SFTNB), College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr Jannie Armstrong, Integrated Phase Classification’s Learning and Research Coordinator conducted the training.
Dr Hedwig Acham and Dr Robert Fungo at the training. Training by FAO of staff and students on Integrated Food Security Phase Classification for Acute Malnutrition (IPC-AMN), School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-systems Engineering (SFTNB), College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr Hedwig Acham and Dr Robert Fungo at the training.

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Agriculture & Environment

Ground-breaking Partnership Yields Successful Oilseed Processing Course in Sub-Saharan Africa

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Participants from partner institutions on the final day of the training at the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-engineering, Makerere University. CAES, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Sub-Saharan Africa, February 29, 2024 – A landmark collaboration between the American Oil Chemist’s Society (AOCS), Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture (CNFA), the Soybean Innovation Lab (SIL), Makerere University (School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering (SFTNB), and the National Agriculture Research Laboratory (NARL) of Uganda has culminated in a transformative oilseed processing course, enriching regional expertise and capabilities. Designed to elevate Sub-Saharan Africa’s oilseed processing industry, the course leveraged AOCS content from industry and academic members, delivering world-class expertise to a cadre of regional processors. Held over 2.5 intensive days at the NARL and Makerere University SFTNB – Food Technology and Business Incubation Center, the course welcomed a capacity-filled cohort comprising participants from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, and the host country, Uganda.

One of the facilitators with participants in session. School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering, CAES, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
One of the facilitators with participants in session.

Supported by the Processor-to-Processor (P2P) program, AOCS volunteers Grant Mitchell, P.E., Bruce Patsey led the facilitator team together with Dr. Robert Mugabi (Makerere University) and Dr. David Bamwirire (NARL).  P2P is an initiative with AOCS, CNFA, and SIL that brings one-on-one technical expertise to SSA processors under the umbrella of USAID’s Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) program, implemented by CNFA in Southern Africa. The course’s impact was amplified by a preceding Training of Trainers (TOT) session, where AOCS and Ugandan facilitating teams collaborated to sustainably disseminate the latest industry technical expertise while addressing the unique challenges encountered by many Sub-Saharan African processors.

Participants view processing equipment. School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering, CAES, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Participants view processing equipment.

The success of the course stands as a testament to the transformative potential of collaborative initiatives in addressing critical industry challenges and driving meaningful progress across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Participants view processing equipment. School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering, CAES, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Participants view processing equipment.

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