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Mak Seeks 10 Hectares of Land to Establish Livestock Cafes in Napak District

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By Jane Anyango

Makerere University Researchers under the Drylands Transform Project are engaging communities and local government in Karamoja sub-region to establish livestock Cafes.

This was revealed during the inception workshop held in Napak District on 22nd October 2021. The research team met with Local Government Technical and Administrative units seeking permission and support to implement the project in the area and also offer land for demonstration sites that will be handed over to the districts after the five-year project period for sustainability.

Napak and Moroto District Sub-County and Parish Technical and Political teams and members of the Research Team pose for a group photograph after an inception meeting in Poron Sub-County.
Napak and Moroto District Sub-County and Parish Technical and Political teams and members of the Research Team pose for a group photograph after an inception meeting in Poron Sub-County.

Livestock cafes 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.

During the deliberations, the district officials expressed concern over low animal productivity mainly caused by ticks, requesting the research team to attach the tick control demo on the livestock cafes. The university team agreed to consider including a spray race to demonstrate the benefits of tick control to pastoralists for improved animal health and productivity.

A herd of cattle near Moroto town. The Drylands Transform project intends to set up a livestock cafe and a tick control demo to improve animal health and productivity in the Karamoja sub-region.
A herd of cattle near Moroto town. The Drylands Transform project intends to set up a livestock cafe and a tick control demo to improve animal health and productivity in the Karamoja sub-region.

Speaking during the inception workshop at Napak district Farmers Hall, Makerere University Principal Investigator Prof. Denis Mpairwe from the Department of Agricultural Production said the livestock cafes will engage with local communities to test novel land restoration and management options in grazing areas for enhanced forage, food and income.

These experimental plots according to the PI are managed for forage production and can be utilized for controlled grazing by local communities.

“At the livestock cafes, the project will pilot value chain improvement activities towards value addition. Groups of local women, men and youth will be trained and familiarized with livestock products like milk, and their value chains. This will prepare them to take over the operations by the end of the project”, the Principal Investigator said.

A boy tends a herd of cattle. The Drylands Transform intends to teach pastoralists how restore  the heavily degraded rangelands.
A boy tends a herd of cattle. The Drylands Transform intends to teach pastoralists how restore the heavily degraded rangelands.

Prof. Mpairwe added that the geographical focus of the Drylands Transform will be the Karamoja cluster, in the cross-boundary area between Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan.

The field studies according to Prof. Mpairwe will take place in four sites providing variation in livelihood strategies, land management and climate. The sites include; 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 degraded rangeland in Napak District. The Drylands Transform project will teach communities how to restore the vegetation.
A degraded rangeland in Napak District. The Drylands Transform project will teach communities how to restore the vegetation.

The District Speaker Mr. Angillu J Bosco welcomed the project to Napak, assuring the researchers of security to enable them carry out the activities. Angillu also assured the research team of the availability and readiness of the local people to give land and work with the project.

“We are welcoming you to work and I want to assure you that the team you are seeing here is a  very  vibrant team, I trust them, they can do the work a PhD or masters person can do but nevertheless they need to work with you, they need your guidance and will be consulting you.

Expanses of panicum grass growing in Napak District. The project will teach pastoralists how to make  hay for sale, preserve fodder for animals in the dry season and avoid bush burning which has adverse effects on the soil.
Expanses of panicum grass growing in Napak District. The project will teach pastoralists how to make hay for sale, preserve fodder for animals in the dry season and avoid bush burning which has adverse effects on the soil.

For us in Napak we like giving land and we can give you to use as many acres as you can and one thing I have learnt from this project is that the more land you have the more activities you undertake there. As a district we shall discuss to allocate you the land you need”, Mr. Angillu assured.

He told the communities that the research team had not come to take their land but utilize it for their own benefit and hand it back to them at the conclusion of the project.

The LCV chairperson represented by Mr. Louch Andrew the District Secretary for Works described the Drylands Transform project as a good one for the Karamojong community.

Animals at a watering hole in Napak District. The project intends to improve on watering points so as to boost livestock health and productivity.
Animals at a watering hole in Napak District. The project intends to improve on watering points so as to boost livestock health and productivity.

He welcomed the idea of setting up tick control demonstration sites in Matany Sub-County saying, this will boost animal health and livestock production in general.

“This project has come to improve the livelihoods of the Karamojongs on cereal and animal industry. Our animals in Karamoja are suffering from tick-borne diseases which I know that this project is going to handle by introducing a spray race for animals to clean the animals and this has not been our way of living in Karamoja and the animals are not doing very well”, Mr. Louch said.

An empty enclosed kraal in Napak District, Karamoja sub-region.
An empty enclosed kraal in Napak District, Karamoja sub-region.

Mr. Luoch also welcomed the idea of establishing the livestock cafes as a brilliant one that will help diversify the incomes and improve on nutrition of the communities.

 “Napak produces cereals like sunflower, green gram that have become commercial crops for oil production in Uganda.  We ask the project to assist us to add value to these crops and package them for better marketing. We want something commercial not subsistence” added the District Secretary.

He pledged the District’s commitment to support the project activities imploring the research team to involve the local people to do the work so that they get the skills.

One of the indigenous species of grass that the Drylands Transform project intends to preserve and use to make hay.
One of the indigenous species of grass that the Drylands Transform project intends to preserve and use to make hay.

Napak District Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) represented by the Principal Assistant Secretary Mr. Koryang Timothy said, it was a blessing that Napak was selected as the project site for the demonstrations.

He said the Dryland Transform project was going to build on what other partners had been doing to transform the livestock sector within the Karamoja cluster.

The CAO observed that implementing a livestock project for agro-pastoralist and pastoralist communities will spillover benefits that will be shared by other communities.

A sunflower garden in Poron Sub-County. Drylands Transform wants to set up demo site to show farmers how to add value to their crops and increase household income.
A sunflower garden in Poron Sub-County. Drylands Transform wants to set up demo site to show farmers how to add value to their crops and increase household income.

“Animal products are a perfect source of nutrition from ghee, milk and meat. So in totality when you talk about a project on livestock development, you are at the centre of improving the livelihoods of the agro-pastoralist communities. So these are the kinds of projects I would wish our District leadership continue lobbying for because they are a foundation of the livelihoods of our people”, the CAO said.

He thanked the research team for choosing Napak and Moroto districts as well as   Matany Sub-County to host the project saying, Matany is the heart of Napak whose benefits will spill over to the entire district.

Green gram intercropped with sunflower. The project seeks to improve on the agronomic practices of the agro-pastoralists so as to enhance their livelihoods.
Green gram intercropped with sunflower. The project seeks to improve on the agronomic practices of the agro-pastoralists so as to enhance their livelihoods.

He expressed confidence that the project will progress and go a long way to improve the livestock industry in the District as well as other aspects of productivity such as the crop sector because of the linkage between the agro-pastoralists and pure pastoralists.

He said the project can start while other formalities like signing of agreements and integrating the budget in the district planning and budget awaits on grounds that from all indicators, the project will build on the district performance in the livestock sector.

A Shea butter tree in Napak District. This is one of the indigenous species that the Drylands Transform project intends to conserve.
A Shea butter tree in Napak District. This is one of the indigenous species that the Drylands Transform project intends to conserve.

“The project will build on the overall performance of the district in the production section by way of improving the lives of pastoral communities, provision of training for farmers and  livestock spraying because Local Governments are assessed annually by the center”, Mr. Koryang noted.

The CAO also said with the support of the Local Government and Matany Sub-County, they will ensure that the project survives its five-year implementation plan and even beyond.

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.

It 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 dylands such as climate change, food insecurity, land and ecosystem degradation and weak institutions.

The project investigates the interlinkages 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 the 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)

Mark Wamai

Agriculture & Environment

Makerere Hosts Climate Adaptation workshop:  Calls for Action to Mitigate Climate Change Threats to Agricultural Sector

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Workshop participants in a group photo during the break session. Department of Geography, Geo-informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, in collaboration with the Department of Geography at Kyambogo University, workshop to disseminate research findings from three climate adaptation and mitigation projects funded by the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), RAINCA, WASCAL, Akademiya2063, and the Carnegie Corporation of New York under the CECAP Program, 19th December 2024, GIS Lab, CoCIS Block A, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Kampala, 19th December 2024: The Department of Geography, Geo-informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, in collaboration with the Department of Geography at Kyambogo University, held a workshop to disseminate research findings from three climate adaptation and mitigation projects funded by the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), RAINCA, WASCAL, Akademiya2063, and the Carnegie Corporation of New York under the CECAP Program.

The workshop, which took place on 19th December 2024, at the GIS Lab of Makerere University, focused on three key projects: Land Use Management & Artificial Intelligence for Crop Production, Land Use & Carbon Stocks, and Adaptation to Climate Change Induced Vulnerability. The goal of the workshop was to engage in-country stakeholders on interpreting the research findings and strategically applying them to mitigate the impact of climate change on Uganda’s agricultural sector across various agro-ecosystems and agro-ecological zones. Recommendations were drawn up in the form of policy briefs to guide climate adaptation efforts.

While officially opening the workshop the Dean of the School of Forestry, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences (SFEGS), Dr. Revocatus Twinomuhangi, extended a warm welcome to participants at the workshop, where he also delivered both the opening and closing remarks. In his address, Dr. Twinomuhangi commended the study’s Principal Investigator (PI) for successfully implementing the project and enhancing Makerere University‘s reputation. He expressed gratitude to the project’s partners for their collaborative efforts, as well as to the department for fostering an enabling environment for the research. Additionally, Dr. Twinomuhangi acknowledged the support of funders such as DGRT, whose contributions made the project possible.

Dr. Revocatus Twinomuhangi making official opening remarks. Department of Geography, Geo-informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, in collaboration with the Department of Geography at Kyambogo University, workshop to disseminate research findings from three climate adaptation and mitigation projects funded by the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), RAINCA, WASCAL, Akademiya2063, and the Carnegie Corporation of New York under the CECAP Program, 19th December 2024, GIS Lab, CoCIS Block A, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Revocatus Twinomuhangi making official opening remarks.

The Dean thanked all the participants for their attendance, emphasizing the importance of continuing the work initiated by the project. He expressed optimism that the research would lead to publications in high-impact journals and be effectively packaged for policy and decision-making. As the workshop concluded, Dr. Twinomuhangi offered his well wishes for safe travels, a restful holiday, and a Merry Christmas, with hopes for a prosperous 2025.

Project PI Dr. Catherine Mulinde on Purpose of the Workshop:

Dr. Catherine Mulinde, Principal Investigator of the climate adaptation projects, addressed the workshop participants, outlining the purpose of the event. She emphasized that the workshop brings together three collaborative projects aimed at addressing climate change impacts on Uganda’s agricultural sector, with the involvement of Makerere University, Kyambogo University, and several funding institutions.

“The workshop encompasses three projects in one, and it’s a collaboration among the team members, the universities, and the donors,” Dr. Mulinde explained. She detailed the three projects, beginning with the Land Use Management and Artificial Intelligence for Crop Production project. This initiative focuses on modeling land productivity and management practices using artificial intelligence, supported by RUFORUM and the Responsible Artificial Intelligence Network on Climate Action in Africa (RAINCA), with funding from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). The second project, Land Use and Carbon Stocks, examines carbon sequestration practices in various districts, including Mbale, Serere, Nakapiripiri, and Palisa, and is also supported by RUFORUM and IDRC. The third project, led by Dr. Mulinde, explores adaptation strategies for regions severely impacted by climate change, covering a broader range of areas including Mbale, Kapchorwa, Bulambuli, Luwero, Nakaseke, and Nakasongola.

Dr. Mulinde emphasized that the workshop aims to share key findings from these projects and engage stakeholders in validating and interpreting the results. “We don’t want to leave the results on the desks,” she stressed. “We want to make sure that these findings are shared with the people who can act on them in the communities.” A key goal of the workshop was to develop actionable policy recommendations, with input from local stakeholders who understand the practical aspects of implementing solutions. “You know the ‘how’ and the ‘what’ and you know where the resources are,” Dr. Mulinde said. “We want to develop recommendations that are not just theoretical, but truly implementable.”

Dr. Catherine Mulinde giving an overview of the workshop objectives. Department of Geography, Geo-informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, in collaboration with the Department of Geography at Kyambogo University, workshop to disseminate research findings from three climate adaptation and mitigation projects funded by the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), RAINCA, WASCAL, Akademiya2063, and the Carnegie Corporation of New York under the CECAP Program, 19th December 2024, GIS Lab, CoCIS Block A, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Catherine Mulinde giving an overview of the workshop objectives.

Dr. Mulinde also acknowledged the challenge of translating complex scientific concepts like artificial intelligence into locally understood terms, highlighting the importance of making the research accessible to the community. “It’s one of the challenges in academia—translating science into language that our local communities can understand,” she noted.

She  concluded with an invitation to stakeholders to provide feedback on the research findings and contribute to the development of policy briefs. These documents will be used to drive climate adaptation efforts at the local level, ensuring that the research can have a lasting impact on Uganda’s agricultural resilience in the face of climate change. “By the end of the day, we expect to validate the results, address divergences, and develop policy briefs that can be shared back with your communities for further action,” Dr. Mulinde concluded.

Uganda, ranked as the 49th least ready country in terms of climate change adaptation

Uganda, ranked as the 49th least ready country in terms of climate change adaptation, faces immense challenges in securing its agricultural sector from the impacts of climate change. MAAIF Commissioner Freddie Kabango, who was present at the workshop, emphasized the pivotal role agriculture plays in Uganda’s economy, livelihoods, and national GDP. He stated, “Agriculture is at the center of Uganda’s climate change discussions because it directly impacts the livelihoods of many Ugandans. With agriculture heavily dependent on natural resources, it is highly vulnerable to climate change.”

In his presentation, Commissioner  Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries Freddie Kabango discussed the diverse impacts of climate change on Uganda’s agricultural sub-sectors—crop production, livestock, and fisheries. He outlined how climate variability, manifested in extreme droughts, floods, and landslides, has already led to reduced productivity, crop destruction, and livestock losses. He further highlighted the critical importance of adaptation strategies in response to these challenges.

“Uganda is experiencing climate change variability, which is evident in extreme weather patterns. Our agriculture sector, which is primarily rain-fed, is one of the most vulnerable to these changes,” Kabango added. “Climate adaptation is crucial, and we need to protect our natural resources to secure the future of agriculture.”

MAAIF Commissioner Freddie Kabango presenting Government Climate Adaption and Mitigation Strategies. Department of Geography, Geo-informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, in collaboration with the Department of Geography at Kyambogo University, workshop to disseminate research findings from three climate adaptation and mitigation projects funded by the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), RAINCA, WASCAL, Akademiya2063, and the Carnegie Corporation of New York under the CECAP Program, 19th December 2024, GIS Lab, CoCIS Block A, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
MAAIF Commissioner Freddie Kabango presenting Government Climate Adaption and Mitigation Strategies.

The workshop also featured a series of discussions on the strategies Uganda is pursuing to enhance climate resilience, including research and development, sustainable land management practices, and the promotion of climate-smart agricultural technologies. Kabango mentioned initiatives such as solar-powered irrigation systems and breeding for pest and disease-tolerant varieties to help mitigate the effects of climate change.

Despite Uganda’s low ranking in climate adaptation, Kabango expressed optimism that through research, policy development, and collaborative efforts, the country could strengthen its climate resilience. “While we are currently ranked as the 49th least ready country in adaptation, we are not without solutions. We are committed to increasing research and development efforts to improve the country’s preparedness,” he said.

RUFORUM Representative Hails Student AI Innovations in Predicting Crop Yields and Livestock Carbon Emissions

RUFORUM Representative Mr. Yamungu Alongo Boniface highlighted the innovative contributions of AI to climate action during his remarks at the workshop. He began by introducing RUFORUM (Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture), a network of 180 universities in 40 African countries, with its headquarters based in Makerere University, Uganda. “RUFORUM started as a project funded by the Rockefeller Foundation,” he explained, recounting how it began with just 10 universities in five African countries and has since expanded significantly. “Uganda, and particularly Makerere University, has benefited greatly from the network’s growth, with many funding opportunities directed here,” he noted.

The evolution of RUFORUM was discussed, with Mr. Alongo explaining that in 2004, following the end of the Rockefeller Foundation-funded Forum for Agriculture project, the network formalized its mission as the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture. “From 10 founding universities, we now have 180 universities, covering all regions of Africa,” he shared. This growth has allowed for collaboration on numerous research projects, such as the AI for Climate Action initiative.

He described the partnership among RUFORUM, WASCAL, and Academia 2063, which secured funding from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) to launch a research hub focused on artificial intelligence for climate action. “Makerere University applied for several grants, and though they were eligible for four, only two were granted to ensure broader continental representation,” Mr. Alongo explained.

RUFORUM's representative Yamungu Alongo Boniface speaking of behalf of the Executive Secretary. Department of Geography, Geo-informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, in collaboration with the Department of Geography at Kyambogo University, workshop to disseminate research findings from three climate adaptation and mitigation projects funded by the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), RAINCA, WASCAL, Akademiya2063, and the Carnegie Corporation of New York under the CECAP Program, 19th December 2024, GIS Lab, CoCIS Block A, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
RUFORUM’s representative Yamungu Alongo Boniface speaking of behalf of the Executive Secretary.

In addition to the IDRC funding, Mr. Alongo noted that RUFORUM has been involved in other projects under the Global Research Alliance (GRA), funded by the government of New Zealand, which focuses on climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, and related research. “Prof. Mkwaya and other departments at Makerere, as well as universities in Kenya and Tanzania, have also benefited from GRA funding,” he said.

Highlighting the impact of the AI projects, Mr. Alongo celebrated the success of a student who developed a crop yield prediction model that outperformed international systems. “The model was more accurate than even DISSAT, a widely recognized tool for agro-technology transfer,” he pointed out. In livestock,  students developed amodel  which can launch a drone to count animals and the amount of carbon stocks emitted by the animals. He stressed the importance of sharing such findings with local communities and policymakers to ensure the research is implemented effectively. “We need to make sure our findings are used by those who can take action—farmers, policymakers, and ministries,” he said.

Mr. Alongo concluded with a call to action for further collaboration. “We need to mobilize resources to bring these innovations to the field and ensure they are implemented for sustainable change,” he urged. “This workshop is just the beginning, and we must work together to make a real difference.” He also passed greetings from RUFORUM’s Executive Secretary, Prof. Patrick Okori, emphasizing his support for the project and the ongoing efforts to disseminate the findings.

Key Insights and Policy Recommendations

The  workshop brought together members of academia, policy makers from government ministries and agencies and representatives from  research implementing  districts. Participants delved into key issues affecting the region, offering insights and recommendations that could shape future policies and research in environmental management.

Group I: Land Use and Cover

One of the major discussions in the first group focused on the changing land use patterns and their impacts on soil fertility. As communities in the region expand their agricultural activities, they face the challenge of soil degradation, which reduces crop yields. Experts emphasized the need for sustainable land management (SLM) practices to restore soil fertility and boost agricultural productivity. Agroforestry, particularly in lowland areas, was identified as a key solution, alongside wetland restoration, which has been proven to store more carbon.

Participants also suggested that promoting plant diversity in agricultural areas could help increase carbon stocks. This would contribute to the region’s efforts to combat climate change and improve environmental resilience.

Group one holding a discussion on key messages from the workshop. Department of Geography, Geo-informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, in collaboration with the Department of Geography at Kyambogo University, workshop to disseminate research findings from three climate adaptation and mitigation projects funded by the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), RAINCA, WASCAL, Akademiya2063, and the Carnegie Corporation of New York under the CECAP Program, 19th December 2024, GIS Lab, CoCIS Block A, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Group one holding a discussion on key messages from the workshop.

Policy recommendations from the group included prioritizing wetland restoration, promoting afforestation and forestation efforts, and enforcing stricter water management regulations. They also stressed the importance of effective urban planning and the establishment of disaster management committees at the local level to respond to climate-related challenges. Additionally, there was a call to compensate district extension workers for their role in promoting sustainable land practices.

Research topics highlighted for future manuscripts included environmental pollution, carbon stock modeling, the impacts of gender on land use and carbon stocks, and the relationship between migration, land use, and carbon storage.

Group II: Adaptation to Climate Change and Vulnerability

The second group focused on the vulnerability of communities to climate change and the need for effective adaptation strategies. A key takeaway was the importance of promoting climate-smart agriculture across all sectors, ensuring that agricultural practices are both sustainable and resilient to climate impacts. The group also called for the mainstreaming of climate change adaptation into all sector work plans and budgets, urging governments to operationalize existing policies, which have often remained underutilized.

Community sensitization was identified as a major challenge, with many local stakeholders unaware of existing climate change policies. The group recommended that efforts be made to build the capacity of both policy implementers and communities to ensure that adaptation strategies are understood and implemented effectively. Affirmative action for the most vulnerable groups, including women, the elderly, and children, was also proposed to ensure that their specific needs are addressed in climate policies.

Group two members discussing. Department of Geography, Geo-informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, in collaboration with the Department of Geography at Kyambogo University, workshop to disseminate research findings from three climate adaptation and mitigation projects funded by the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), RAINCA, WASCAL, Akademiya2063, and the Carnegie Corporation of New York under the CECAP Program, 19th December 2024, GIS Lab, CoCIS Block A, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Group two members discussing.

The group identified five key areas where local governments can influence policy design and implementation. These include promoting multi-stakeholder engagement, basing policies on evidence-driven research, integrating new technologies like AI into policy frameworks, and ensuring gender responsiveness and social inclusivity in national adaptation policies.

Group III: Land Management and Agricultural Practices

The third group discussed land management practices and the potential of technology to improve agricultural productivity. The group stressed the need for region-specific land management approaches, tailored to the unique challenges of different areas. They also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing decision-making processes, particularly in precision agriculture and irrigation management. AI can provide more accurate data and predictions, helping farmers make informed decisions and optimize resource use.

Another key message was the importance of education and knowledge sharing to improve the implementation of sustainable land management practices. Participants noted that many farmers lack access to essential information, which hinders their ability to adopt better practices. Ensuring that agricultural extension services are equipped with the knowledge and tools to train farmers in new technologies was seen as a crucial step toward improving productivity.

Group three during the discussion session. Department of Geography, Geo-informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, in collaboration with the Department of Geography at Kyambogo University, workshop to disseminate research findings from three climate adaptation and mitigation projects funded by the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), RAINCA, WASCAL, Akademiya2063, and the Carnegie Corporation of New York under the CECAP Program, 19th December 2024, GIS Lab, CoCIS Block A, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Group three during the discussion session.

Policy recommendations from this group included enhancing the existing National Agriculture Adaptation Plans (NAPAs) to make them more region-specific and improving the integration of AI into agricultural extension services. There was also a call for the establishment of a national agriculture data infrastructure policy to support real-time data collection and forecasting, which would enable better agricultural planning and response.

Moving forward, the workshop concluded with a call to action for stakeholders to work together to implement the recommendations discussed. The importance of evidence-based policies, the integration of new technologies like AI, and the prioritization of vulnerable communities were central themes throughout the discussions. As Makerere University continues to play a critical role in addressing climate change and land management issues, the insights gained from this workshop will undoubtedly contribute to the development of more effective and sustainable policies for the future.

Left and Right: Dr. Paul Mukwaya and Dr. Catherine Mulinde with student beneficiaries of the projects. Department of Geography, Geo-informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, in collaboration with the Department of Geography at Kyambogo University, workshop to disseminate research findings from three climate adaptation and mitigation projects funded by the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), RAINCA, WASCAL, Akademiya2063, and the Carnegie Corporation of New York under the CECAP Program, 19th December 2024, GIS Lab, CoCIS Block A, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Left and Right: Dr. Paul Mukwaya and Dr. Catherine Mulinde with student beneficiaries of the projects.

About the three Research projects

Dr. Catherine Mulinde presented three important research projects focused on addressing climate change, land use management, and agricultural productivity in Uganda.

Project 1: Carbon Stocks and Climate Change The first project, titled Effect of Changes in Land Use, Cover, and Climate on Carbon Stocks in Selected Agricultural Zones of Uganda, was led by Dr. Paul Isolo Mukwaya, with Dr. Catherine Mulinde and Dr. Geoffrey Gabiri collaborating from Makerere and Kyambogo Universities, respectively. The project’s primary objective was to assess carbon stocks in vegetation and soils in two agroecological zones, Nakapiripirit and Manafwa in Mount Elgon. The team focused on evaluating soil carbon fluxes, the impact of land cover and climate change, and the heterogeneity of environmental factors on carbon levels. Additionally, they projected future changes in carbon stocks and land use scenarios. The research team included students Elizabeth Ahumuza and Vincent Wabwire, who explored the relationship between land use, soil carbon, and meteorological drought in Karamoja. The findings from this project were shared with the community and presented at international platforms.

Representatives of Group one presenting their contribution. Department of Geography, Geo-informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, in collaboration with the Department of Geography at Kyambogo University, workshop to disseminate research findings from three climate adaptation and mitigation projects funded by the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), RAINCA, WASCAL, Akademiya2063, and the Carnegie Corporation of New York under the CECAP Program, 19th December 2024, GIS Lab, CoCIS Block A, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Representatives of Group one presenting their contribution.

Project 2: Responsible AI for Agricultural Productivity The second project focused on the application of responsible artificial intelligence (AI) in modeling land productivity and crop yields in the face of changing climate and land use. Led by Dr. Mulinde, Dr. Paul Mukwaya, and Dr. Geoffrey Gabiri, the project aimed to explore how AI can assist smallholder farmers who are struggling with decreasing yields due to climate change. The project was conducted in the Lake Kyoga Basin, covering both the highlands (Mbale) and lowlands (Pallisa). The team used machine learning to quantify the relationship between climate change, land management practices, and crop yields, offering insights into how farmers can improve productivity. The project’s students, Irene Nekesa (Kyambogo University) and Kisakye Angela, conducted household interviews and community outreach, presenting findings at international forums, including the RUFORUM conference in Namibia. Angela’s poster was awarded the best presentation at the conference. The project highlighted the need for greater awareness and knowledge of AI in agricultural communities, as many local stakeholders struggled to interpret its potential.

Representatives of Group two presenting the results of their discussions. Department of Geography, Geo-informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, in collaboration with the Department of Geography at Kyambogo University, workshop to disseminate research findings from three climate adaptation and mitigation projects funded by the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), RAINCA, WASCAL, Akademiya2063, and the Carnegie Corporation of New York under the CECAP Program, 19th December 2024, GIS Lab, CoCIS Block A, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Representatives of Group two presenting the results of their discussions.

Project 3: Climate Change Adaptation in Coffee Farming Systems The third project was a postdoctoral research initiative supported by Makerere University‘s Directorate of Research and Graduate Training, focused on adaptation to climate change-induced vulnerability in coffee farming systems. Dr. Mulinde was the principal investigator, with Associate Professor Revocatus Twinomuhangi serving as the research mentor. This study, part of the CECAP program funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, aimed to identify the most effective adaptation practices to improve household welfare and agricultural productivity in coffee farming. The research focused on Arabica coffee in the Mount Elgon region (Kapchorwa, Bulambuli, Mbale) and Robusta coffee in the central region (Luwero, Nakaseke, Nakasongola). It identified agroforestry, soil conservation methods, and the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers as effective practices for increasing productivity. The findings were disseminated at both community and international levels, with a focus on cross-sectional surveys, farmer interviews, and data analysis. Amina Twaha, and Margaret Annet  Nabirye masters student, contributed significantly to the study by examining household vulnerability to climate shocks.

Representatives of Group three presenting the results of their discussion. Department of Geography, Geo-informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, in collaboration with the Department of Geography at Kyambogo University, workshop to disseminate research findings from three climate adaptation and mitigation projects funded by the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), RAINCA, WASCAL, Akademiya2063, and the Carnegie Corporation of New York under the CECAP Program, 19th December 2024, GIS Lab, CoCIS Block A, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Representatives of Group three presenting the results of their discussion.

Jane Anyango

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Agriculture & Environment

Mak Welcomes CaReFoAfrica Project Sponsored Students

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The PI, Dr Constantine Bakyusa Katongole briefing guests about the project. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) Welcoming Building Capacity for Climate-Resilient Food Systems in Africa (CaReFoAfrica) Project-a three-year intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme co-funded by the EU-sponsored students to Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 29th November 2024.

*****Building Capacity for Climate-Resilient Food Systems in Africa (CaReFoAfrica) Project, a three-year intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme  co-funded by the EU will sponsor various programmes at Makerere University including student and staff mobility, and traineeship.

Overview

Climate change has massive impacts on the agricultural sector in Africa. The problems of climate change affecting the sustainability of the agricultural sector and food security in Africa are urgent and complex. The science and tools to deal with climate change are developing rapidly and go well beyond classical agricultural sciences and thus requires a transdisciplinary focus.

The CaReFoAfrica project, an intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme co-funded by the EU aims to build human capacity in the field of climate change mitigation and adaptation in the agricultural sector of Africa. The project provides mobility scholarships for African M.Sc. and Ph.D. students, for trainees, and university staff members to travel and study abroad. The project offers a wide range of exciting academic courses at 6 African universities namely: Université d’Abomey-Calavi, University of Eldoret, Université Evangelique en Afrique, The University of the Free State (UFS), Makerere University, and Maseno University.

The Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga welcoming the students to the College. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) Welcoming Building Capacity for Climate-Resilient Food Systems in Africa (CaReFoAfrica) Project-a three-year intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme co-funded by the EU-sponsored students to Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 29th November 2024.
The Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga welcoming the students to the College.

Under the project, two students namely: Mack Lemagite Lepulelei from Maseno University in Kenya and Emmanuella Merveille Lanyan from Abomey Calavi University in Benin have been sponsored to pursue an MSc in Animal Science for three years at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University. Another student has been sponsored to study an MSc in Computer Science. The project has also sponsored Mr. Henry Magara, an academic staff at CAES to pursue his PhD studies at Abomey Calavi University in Benin.

Welcoming the newly recruited students

As per culture, new students admitted to Makerere University are oriented on various programmes to help them fit in and pursue their studies comfortably. On 29th November 2024, the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University held an induction ceremony for the newly admitted students. Organized by the CaReFoAfrica Coordinators at Makerere University, Dr Constantine Bakyusa Katongole and Prof. Isa Kabenge, the ceremony was attended by the Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, the Deputy Principal, CAES, Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze, the Dean School of Agricultural Sciences, Dr. John Baptist Tumuhairwe, the Ag. Head, Department of Agricultural Production, Dr Peter Wasswa, and representatives from various administrative units of the University. The purpose of the meeting was to promote the project, welcome and recognize the students recruited under the project, establish a relationship between the students and staff, provide information about the different services at the University, and to help allay fears that would make the students uncomfortable.

Emmanuella Merveille Lanyan from Abomey Calavi University in Benin, one of the students sponsored by the project briefing guests on her expectations. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) Welcoming Building Capacity for Climate-Resilient Food Systems in Africa (CaReFoAfrica) Project-a three-year intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme co-funded by the EU-sponsored students to Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 29th November 2024.
Emmanuella Merveille Lanyan from Abomey Calavi University in Benin, one of the students sponsored by the project briefing guests on her expectations.

In her remarks, the Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabaonoga appreciated the PI and his team for successfully delivering the project. Welcoming the students, she noted that they bring a wealth of experiences that will contribute to the College and University internationalization agenda. She urged the students to seek support in case of any challenge, and cautioned them to work hard to complete on time. She expressed gratitude to the EU for its unwavering support to development projects at the University.

The Deputy Principal of CAES, Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze equally appreciated the project team for winning the grant. He also thanked the EU for funding the project. He briefed the students on the programmes at the College, and encouraged them to remain focused to achieve the objectives of the project. 

Mack Lemagite Lepulelei from Maseno University in Kenya, also a student sponsored by the project addressing the guests. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) Welcoming Building Capacity for Climate-Resilient Food Systems in Africa (CaReFoAfrica) Project-a three-year intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme co-funded by the EU-sponsored students to Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 29th November 2024.
Mack Lemagite Lepulelei from Maseno University in Kenya, also a student sponsored by the project addressing the guests.

Similarly, Dean School of Agricultural Sciences, Dr John Baptist Tumuhairwe welcomed the students, briefed them on the academic programmes at his school, and cautioned them to work hard. “The time you spend on the programme is your own making. Put in effort to complete on time.”  

Representatives from the Academic Registry, Counseling and Guidance Centre, and the International Office briefed the students on the services offered in their respective units, urging them to always seek support.

Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze, Deputy Principal CAES briefing the students on academics at the College. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) Welcoming Building Capacity for Climate-Resilient Food Systems in Africa (CaReFoAfrica) Project-a three-year intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme co-funded by the EU-sponsored students to Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 29th November 2024.
Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze, Deputy Principal CAES briefing the students on academics at the College.

In their remarks, the students commended the PI and the leadership of CAES for the parental gesture. Outlining their expectations, the students emphasized the need for support to enable them complete their studies on time. They expressed confidence that the knowledge they will acquire from Makerere University will greatly transform their communities.  

Details on programmes supported by the CaReFoAfrica Project

  1. Student mobility

Student mobility opportunities are provided to students at Masters or Doctorate level. Student mobility can be of short term, i.e. credit-seeking mobility. This mobility leads to the academic recognition by the home institute of the study/research period spent at the host. Mechanisms to guarantee recognition of the time spent abroad and the studies or research conducted in that period by the home institute are put in place before the mobility takes place. Student mobility can take place for a complete course of an academic programme, i.e. degree-seeking mobility, leading to the award of a degree by the host university after the successful completion of the studies. Only the African universities involved in the project can host mobility of students and staff. 

Mr. Henry Magara (C), a PhD student sponsored by the project, with Mack Lemagite Lepulelei at the event. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) Welcoming Building Capacity for Climate-Resilient Food Systems in Africa (CaReFoAfrica) Project-a three-year intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme co-funded by the EU-sponsored students to Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 29th November 2024.
Mr. Henry Magara (C), a PhD student sponsored by the project, with Mack Lemagite Lepulelei at the event.
  1. Trainee mobility

The mobility of trainees entailS placement periods (traineeship) in private or public
organisations / business actors as part of the trainees’ academic programme. Trainees gain substantial and meaningful workplace experience in the project priority area(s) to increase their employability. Candidates are enrolled in a Bachelor/Master/Doctorate programme in one of the African universities involved in the consortium. At the time candidates apply for a scholarship, they must be national of and resident in an African country.

The Dean School of Agricultural Sciences, Dr John Baptist Tumuhairwe cautioned the students to work hard to complete on time. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) Welcoming Building Capacity for Climate-Resilient Food Systems in Africa (CaReFoAfrica) Project-a three-year intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme co-funded by the EU-sponsored students to Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 29th November 2024.
The Dean School of Agricultural Sciences, Dr John Baptist Tumuhairwe cautioned the students to work hard to complete on time.
  1. Staff mobility

Staff mobility can involve academic, administrative, and technical staff. The related activities may vary from teaching assignments, research activities, to administrative tasks, attendance in/delivery of training courses, curriculum development activities, technical support etc. Candidates must be staff members working for one of the universities involved in the project consortium including the EU Technical Partner.

On behalf of the Head, Department of Agricultural Sciences, Dr Peter Wasswa pledged support towards the programme. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) Welcoming Building Capacity for Climate-Resilient Food Systems in Africa (CaReFoAfrica) Project-a three-year intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme co-funded by the EU-sponsored students to Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 29th November 2024.
On behalf of the Head, Department of Agricultural Sciences, Dr Peter Wasswa pledged support towards the programme.
  1. Special needs

A budget to support students with special needs is available to scholarship holders with disabilities whose long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments are certified by a competent national authority and of such nature that their participation in the action would not be possible without the special needs items or services.

A representative from the University Counseling and Guidance Centre briefing students on the services offered. Looking on is Dr Katongole (seated R) and the representatives from the University International Office. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) Welcoming Building Capacity for Climate-Resilient Food Systems in Africa (CaReFoAfrica) Project-a three-year intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme co-funded by the EU-sponsored students to Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 29th November 2024.
A representative from the University Counseling and Guidance Centre briefing students on the services offered. Looking on is Dr Katongole (seated R) and the representatives from the University International Office.

Hasifa Kabejja

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Agriculture & Environment

3rd GORILLA Conference Off to a Reflective Start

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Participants pose for a group photo after the opening ceremony of the 3rd GORILLA Conference on 4th December 2024. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University in partnership with International Geographical Union (IGU) Commission of Biogeography and Biodiversity, the IGU Commission on African Studies, Uganda Geographical Association, and the International Association of Landscape Ecology (IALE) African Chapter, 3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change (GORILLA), Day 1, 4th December 2024, Hotel Africana, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The 3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change (GORILLA) got off to a reflective start on Wednesday 4th December 2024 as delegates recognized that only 17% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets are on track to be achieved by 2030. Officially presided over by the State Minister for Environment, Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar the opening ceremony was also graced by His Royal Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, the Umukhukha of Bamasaba Cultural Institution, Inzu Ya Masaba.

Organised by the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University in partnership with the International Geographical Union (IGU) Commission of Biogeography and Biodiversity, the IGU Commission on African Studies, Uganda Geographical Association, and the International Association of Landscape Ecology (IALE) African Chapter, the 3rd GORILLA Conference was aimed at contributing to the realization of the Global Development Agenda 2030. Specifically, the conference sought to provide a platform for conceptual, empirical, and theoretical conversations to address how science can help in bridging gaps and addressing sustainable development deficits.

Overview of the Conference

The National Organising Committee Chair and Deputy Principal College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Assoc. Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze and his Co-Chair Dr. Jerome Ssebaduka Lugimira from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) noted that the 2024 Conference attracted participants from over 50 countries. Whereas the first edition of the conference in 2020 attracted 114 participants, the second edition in 2022 attracted 163 participants and this year’s attracted 375 abstract submissions.

Co-Chair, Dr. Jerome Ssebaduka Lugimira makes his remarks at the Conference. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University in partnership with International Geographical Union (IGU) Commission of Biogeography and Biodiversity, the IGU Commission on African Studies, Uganda Geographical Association, and the International Association of Landscape Ecology (IALE) African Chapter, 3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change (GORILLA), Day 1, 4th December 2024, Hotel Africana, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Co-Chair, Dr. Jerome Ssebaduka Lugimira makes his remarks at the Conference.

The Conference featured twelve (12) themes namely: 1) Geographies of Climate Change, Climate Justice and Just Transition, Spaces and patterns; 2) Biodiversity Informatics, Sustainable Ecosystems, Landscapes and People; 3) Green Growth and Transitions to Land Degradation Neutrality and Net Zero; 4) Water Governance and Transitions to Land Degradation Neutrality and Net Zero; 5) Interconnected Geo-hazards and Disasters in a Changing World; 6) Polycrisis: Migration, Displacement, Conflict and Humanitarianism; 7) The changing Geography of Agrifood Systems; 8) Nature Best solutions for inclusive and equitable development; 9) Emerging and novel technologies for societal resilience; 10) Sustainable Cities and Urban Systems in SSA; 11) Geographies of Energy and Energy Transitions; and 12) Environment and Health.

“What is quite striking is that the area of Biodiversity Informatics, Sustainable Ecosystems, Landscapes and People attracted the highest number of submissions, and SDG 13: Climate action turned out to be the most attractive but, you also have issues to do with SDG 15: Life on Land and SDG 14: Life Below Water” Prof. Bamutaze reported.

He noted that the Conference was desirous of taking stock of technologies, knowledge, innovations and all undertakings at local levels that are imperative in ensuring that the journey to achieving SDGs prioritizes safety. Staying with the SDGs, Prof. Bamutaze noted that despite the large volume of work published by scientists, there was a big gap regarding the utility of this work by policies.

Assoc. Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze gives an overview of the 3rd GORILLA Conference. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University in partnership with International Geographical Union (IGU) Commission of Biogeography and Biodiversity, the IGU Commission on African Studies, Uganda Geographical Association, and the International Association of Landscape Ecology (IALE) African Chapter, 3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change (GORILLA), Day 1, 4th December 2024, Hotel Africana, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Assoc. Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze gives an overview of the 3rd GORILLA Conference.

Prof. Bamutaze shared that the Conference was preceded by trainings on how to harness Artificial Intelligence in ongoing work on biodiversity, a Hackathon aimed at tapping into Earth Observation data, a Summer School on Community Resilience and Geo-visualization with field visits to the Mt. Elgon catchment area as well as trainings on scientific writing.

Co-creation key to Social Transformation

In his remarks, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi noted that the glaring sustainable development deficits call for accelerated actions from institutions in Africa, especially since the continent’s contribution to global knowledge output stands at less than 5%.

“We have an obligation to co-create knowledge tailored to environmental and social contexts that is actionable at scale; provide key evidence to policy makers and practitioners to enable them undertake grassroots actions and interventions; as well as co-create innovations that can catalyse social transformation” he shared.

Ag. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi makes his remarks at the conference. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University in partnership with International Geographical Union (IGU) Commission of Biogeography and Biodiversity, the IGU Commission on African Studies, Uganda Geographical Association, and the International Association of Landscape Ecology (IALE) African Chapter, 3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change (GORILLA), Day 1, 4th December 2024, Hotel Africana, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ag. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi makes his remarks at the conference.

Prof. Buyinza informed conference participants of Makerere’s continued investment in building partnerships that advance national and global sustainability, with specific focus on PhD training so as to improve annual knowledge output from Africa. “Under the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), we have defined core areas/disciplines in which we will collaboratively be churning out 1,000 PhDs annually.”

The Role of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) Systems

Addressing the conference, the Umukhukha Jude Mike Mudoma admitted that he was no stranger to academia, having been in research circles for the last 28 years as an environmental scientist. He therefore appreciated the opportunity to participate in the conference, especially at a time when the geographical area covered by his kingdom is in need of restoration to alleviate recurring natural disasters such as landslides.

The Umukhukha defined TEK as knowledge, beliefs and practices that indigenous people have developed over centuries to manage and conserve natural resources. “Our TEK is based on observations, experiments and spiritual connections with the natural world,” he noted, further adding “For example, our ancestors developed agroforestry systems that mimicked the natural forest ecosystem, promoting diversity and soil fertility.”

H.R.H. Jude Mike Mudoma, the Umukhukha of Bamasaba discusses about Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) at the conference. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University in partnership with International Geographical Union (IGU) Commission of Biogeography and Biodiversity, the IGU Commission on African Studies, Uganda Geographical Association, and the International Association of Landscape Ecology (IALE) African Chapter, 3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change (GORILLA), Day 1, 4th December 2024, Hotel Africana, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
H.R.H. Jude Mike Mudoma, the Umukhukha of Bamasaba discusses about Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) at the conference.

HRH Jude Mike Mudoma singled out rainwater harvesting techniques and extensive knowledge of medicinal plants that has been passed down through generations as other examples of TEK. He further outlined the Bamasaba Clan-based Governance that provides a framework for decision making, conflict resolution and resource management as well as the Council of Elders that provides guidance and oversight of matters related to natural resource management, cultural heritage and community development as traditional institutions that play vital roles in TEK. He equally singled out traditional ceremonies such as Imbalu (circumcision) as gatherings that promote cultural heritage and provide opportunities for community members to discuss pertinent issues.

“I want to implore you people that we should help our scientists to document and preserve our TEK for future generations” appealed the Umukhukha to conference participants. “Secondly I want support for community-led initiatives. The whole of Mt. Elgon range is now declared a disaster area because we ourselves have destroyed the environment and recently we lost over 190 people who were buried and we have only recovered 25” added H.R.H. Mudoma.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (2nd R) presents an assortment of Mak Souvenirs to Umukhukha Jude Mike Mudoma (2nd L) as Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar (L) and Assoc. Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze (R) witness. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University in partnership with International Geographical Union (IGU) Commission of Biogeography and Biodiversity, the IGU Commission on African Studies, Uganda Geographical Association, and the International Association of Landscape Ecology (IALE) African Chapter, 3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change (GORILLA), Day 1, 4th December 2024, Hotel Africana, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (2nd R) presents an assortment of Mak Souvenirs to Umukhukha Jude Mike Mudoma (2nd L) as Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar (L) and Assoc. Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze (R) witness.

He further appealed to participants at the 3rd GORILLA Conference to support the Mt. Elgon region in areas of disaster risk reduction and management as well as environmental conservation and restoration. “Another area is climate change adaptation and mitigation and of course when these are done, we cannot forget community-based initiatives for sustainable livelihoods, which I have seen is part of your discussions here and I want to benefit from your expertise.”

Timing of 3rd GORILLA Conference Key

Following the moment of silence observed in respect of the recent Mt. Elgon landslide victims, the Chief Guest, Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar lauded the timing of the conference as befitting, especially as it coincides with ongoing local, regional and global efforts to address pressing sustainability challenges and transitions towards a green world.

Referring to the 29th Annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) she attended in Baku, Azerbaijan, Hon. Anywar took note of the reinforced global climate action through an annual commitment of US$300billion in climate financing. The funding, she added, will help vulnerable nations adapt to climate change and embrace renewable energy.

The Chief Guest, Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar officially opens the 3rd GORILLA Conference. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University in partnership with International Geographical Union (IGU) Commission of Biogeography and Biodiversity, the IGU Commission on African Studies, Uganda Geographical Association, and the International Association of Landscape Ecology (IALE) African Chapter, 3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change (GORILLA), Day 1, 4th December 2024, Hotel Africana, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Chief Guest, Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar officially opens the 3rd GORILLA Conference.

“As we sit here, I want us to think, how can we prepare as a country for the carbon credit and carbon markets? It is a new discovery, it is a new source of financing, how prepared are we?” Hon. Anywar asked her audience. “How do we have it clearly explained to our people the difference and benefits between organic agriculture and genetically engineered agriculture?” she further added.

The State Minister further urged the academia to always ensure that the community is brought on board during events where research is being disseminated. “In order to benefit them, they must be part of us, and they must understand what we are doing; they shouldn’t be suspicious” she added.

Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar (C) enjoys a photo moment with Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze (R) and a CAES Staff. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University in partnership with International Geographical Union (IGU) Commission of Biogeography and Biodiversity, the IGU Commission on African Studies, Uganda Geographical Association, and the International Association of Landscape Ecology (IALE) African Chapter, 3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change (GORILLA), Day 1, 4th December 2024, Hotel Africana, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar (C) enjoys a photo moment with Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze (R) and a CAES Staff.

Hon. Anywar concluded by urging participants at the 3rd GORILLA Conference to use the platform to together cultivate a cohesive knowledge ecosystem that drives forward Agenda 2030, “and this should include the Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) as stipulated by H.R.H. the Umukhukha” she emphasised.

Insight into Remote Sensing in Africa

The opening ceremony was followed by a Keynote Address delivered by Prof. Moses Azong Cho, Professor at the University of Pretoria and Chief Researcher at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa. His presentation titled Managing Remote Sensing Technology for Assessing Biodiversity sought to describe biodiversity in the context of remote sensing, illustrate some of the work that has been done in the field, and touch on the new era of space borne remote sensing for biodiversity assessment.

“I tell you my African colleagues, if you think that remote sensing in Africa is simpler, you’re mistaken. You’re dealing with a more complex environment; forests are more diverse, savannah landscapes are very diverse and rural areas are quite heterogeneous – the mosaic of different landscape forms and types is crazy on the continent. So, we rather need more complicated remote sensing tools to be able to provide the kind of information that’s required on the continent” narrated Prof. Cho of his experience.

He equally urged scientists and their teams to mind the way they communicate with stakeholders when they take remote sensing products to the communities. “Try to understand the stakeholders and ensure that you will sit down and have the language to convince them what you’re offering can actually help them improve on their services and decision making.”

Prof. Moses Azong Cho delivers the Keynote Address on Remote Sensing of Biodiversity in Africa. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University in partnership with International Geographical Union (IGU) Commission of Biogeography and Biodiversity, the IGU Commission on African Studies, Uganda Geographical Association, and the International Association of Landscape Ecology (IALE) African Chapter, 3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change (GORILLA), Day 1, 4th December 2024, Hotel Africana, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Moses Azong Cho delivers the Keynote Address on Remote Sensing of Biodiversity in Africa.

Prof. Cho who earlier described himself as a Bio-Geoinformatician; one who combines knowledge of Biology, Ecology, Geography, Remote Sensing, and Geographical Information Science to understand biodiversity and ecological phenomena, found himself gradually becoming an Agro-Geoinformatician. This was after their rich biodiversity information and data maps could hardly attract any funding despite the well-articulated need to conserve the environment.

“Our people are dying of hunger, we need to produce food” prospective funders would respond, later adding “and you are saying we should conserve the rich landscape, with 60% of fertile uncultivated land present on the continent of Africa?”

This light bulb moment from this response led to the development by Prof. Cho and his team, of systems that can enable farmers to effectively use small parcels of land to cultivate food, as opposed to nomadic farming whereby exhausted soils are abandoned for opening of previously uncultivated lands, often rich in biodiversity. Smart farming, digital farming, satellite farming, conservation farming and regenerative agriculture are names that have come to define these systems.

“Remote sensing can play a vital role in these systems and so we actually changed the name of our research group from Earth Observation Group to Precision Agriculture Research Group and suddenly, we started getting lots of traction with both Government and Private Sector because we packaged the information that we generate using our remote sensing models into a software called the Precision Agriculture Information System” Prof. Cho shared.

Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze, Members of the National Organising Committee and a section of conference delegates stand for the anthems. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University in partnership with International Geographical Union (IGU) Commission of Biogeography and Biodiversity, the IGU Commission on African Studies, Uganda Geographical Association, and the International Association of Landscape Ecology (IALE) African Chapter, 3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change (GORILLA), Day 1, 4th December 2024, Hotel Africana, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze, Members of the National Organising Committee and a section of conference delegates stand for the anthems.

The software enables farmers to access information on soil conditions and the health of their crops on a weekly basis. “We have developed models that can very accurately predict soil organic content, soil nitrogen content, pH of the soil, and soil moisture, because we have taken time to interpret the spectral information” Prof. Cho triumphantly shared.

On the new era of space borne remote sensing that is upon us, Prof. Cho shared that this will provide even higher resolution imagery that can monitor crop stress and relatedly, the impacts of climate change on ecosystems. “NASA is working on new programmes; there’s the PANGEA programme, where I am a Committee Member, where we want to deploy these new sensors within tropical forests in Congo, Cameroon and Ghana to see how we can assess tropical forest biodiversity and change with respect to global changes.”

Furthermore, developments such as the new synthetic radar signal that is not sensitive to clouds enables acquisition of reflected microwave energy both during the day and night, which is critical for the humid tropical regions that experience a lot of cloud cover.

“We need to prepare so that we are not left behind, particularly those of us on the African continent. We need to develop our infrastructure, and cloud computing platforms. We need to develop the capacity amongst our youth when it comes to big data analytics” concluded Prof. Cho.

Summing it all up

The captivating keynote address was followed by a panel discussion that debated; what academia is doing to ensure that it breaks free from the “Ivory Tower” mentality, and how academia and research institutions can contribute to processes that lead to the attainment of SDGs. Furthermore, the panel discussed; what universities can learn from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), what CSOs can do to support Government’s drive to achieve SDGs, and the communities’ experience of progress made on SDG3: Good Health and Wellbeing, SDG6: Clean Water and Sanitation, and SDG13: Climate Action.

Panelists (Left to Right): Mr. Ronald Kaggwa, Assoc. Prof. Justine Namaalwa, Ms. Pauline Nantongo Kalunda, Dr. Harriet Rachel Kagoya and Mr. Moses Nadiope. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University in partnership with International Geographical Union (IGU) Commission of Biogeography and Biodiversity, the IGU Commission on African Studies, Uganda Geographical Association, and the International Association of Landscape Ecology (IALE) African Chapter, 3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change (GORILLA), Day 1, 4th December 2024, Hotel Africana, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Panelists (Left to Right): Mr. Ronald Kaggwa, Assoc. Prof. Justine Namaalwa, Ms. Pauline Nantongo Kalunda, Dr. Harriet Rachel Kagoya and Mr. Moses Nadiope.

Panelists included Assoc. Prof. Justine Namaalwa- Head Department of Environment Management, CAES, Mr. Ronald Kaggwa-National Planning Authority (NPA), Ms. Pauline Nantongo Kalunda- Executive Director ECOTRUST – the Environmental Conservation Trust of Uganda, Dr. Harriet Rachel Kagoya- Director of Operations Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) and Mr. Moses Nadiope-Chairman/Coordinator Kasubi Parish Local Community Development Initiative.

To learn more about the GORILLA Conference, please visit: https://gorilla.mak.ac.ug

Mark Wamai

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