Agriculture & Environment
Mak Unveils Recipes & Products for People Living with HIV/AIDS
By Jane Anyango
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a global pandemic that is currently affecting 3.7 million people worldwide of which 70% are found in sub-Saharan Africa.
Uganda continues to suffer from the scourge of HIV with the current prevalence of 7%. Healthcare of people living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda is constrained by poor nutrition with estimates of 25% suffering from malnutrition.
A team of researchers led by Dr. Agnes Nabubuya from the Department of Food Technology and Human Nutrition in October 2020 embarked on the study titled, “Development of Nutrient-dense Recipes and Products from Underutilized crops to alleviate Malnutrition among HIV/AIDS Infected persons in Western Uganda (DoNDRP)”. The study was fully funded by the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF).
Other members on the research team are Paddy Ainebyona, Dr. Robert Mugabi, Dr. Ivan Muzira Mukisa from the Department of Food Technology and Human Nutrition and Dr. Immaculate Nakalembe from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB).
On 9th October, 2021 the research team unveiled four formulations of the neglected crops namely: Raw soup products, Instant soups, Raw porridge products and Instant porridge at Kigorobya sub-County. The Raw and Instant Nutrient-Dense porridge and soups were developed from neglected crops such as yam and yam leaves, climbing nuts, millet and cowpeas among others.
The nutritional composition for an optimal porridge is Proteins (20.4%), Crude fibre (13.26%) Carbohydrates (42.21%), Iron (26.78mg/l), Zinc (42.75 mg/l0 while the nutritional composition for an optimal soup is Proteins (25.69%), Crude fibre (20.53%), Carbohydrates (36.27%) Iron (23.14 mg/l) and Zinc (38.92mg/l).
These products were subjected to an assessment by the study community during the research dissemination workshop held in Kigorobya sub-County Community Hall in Hoima district.
The dissemination workshop brought together about 40 participants including Chairpersons of the Local Council I, Village Health Teams, farmers’ leaders, Chairpersons of cooperatives, Parish Chiefs, District production and technical staff and the representative of the Chief Administrative Officer Hoima, and people living with HIV/AIDS among others.
The Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. Agnes Nabubuya said, the project target was to carry out an inventory into the underutilized crops and develop a technology to process the selected crops and in addition, generate recipes for preparation of nutrient-dense meals and formulations for products like instant porridge flours and also, to train health facility workers and women from selected communities on using the developed recipes to make nutrient dense foods.
Dr. Nabubuya said they chose Hoima district and Kigorobya sub-County where an inventory of crops was done from farmers and other stakeholders from which mentioned underutilized crops were selected and preference made by farmers from the crops selected by the study team.
“These crops were later taken to the laboratory and analyzed for the nutrients, anti-nutrients, minerals and other properties. We were also able to do functional properties and from which we were able to develop nutrient-dense vegetable soups and porridge which were both raw and instant products”, the PI reported.
Dr. Nabubuya said the study team was back in Kigorobya to disseminate the information that was produced in the laboratory and the analysis. Besides bringing back the information, the researchers were also in Kigorobya to showcase the products made, prepare them for the targeted people so as to get feedback.
The PI said the project along the way brought on board one undergraduate and a masters student who will write a project report and publication on the works.
She said the project mainly focused on people living with HIV/AIDS because of the high level of malnutrition but the products can also be utilized by the whole population because they are nutrient-dense and acceptable to the people.
“This project has come to an end but we are hoping to apply for an extension so that we can be able to come and train the participants on how to produce the products and also monitor the nutritional effects on them”, the PI said.
Mr. Paddy Ainebyona an MSc student of Agricultural Engineering on the project reported that data on neglected crops was collected using questionnaires to highlight the underutilized crops and performing community transect walks to obtain a catalogue of these crops.
Ainebyona also said all study materials were prepared and analyzed using standard analysis protocols.
“We looked at underutilized crops that is in terms of availability and consumption. We came up with a list of 39 underutilized crops and categorized them in descending order starting with one which is liked most and came up with a list of 7 which included pumpkin leaves, yam and yam leaves, millet and climbing nut.
All crops were collected from Kigorobya sub-County, taken to Makarere University laboratories following standard operating procedures including peeling, slicing, drying but also for the leaves we had to do blanching to stop any chemical reactions, slice and assemble them for drying.
We then prepared them and turned them into flours for shelf stability and started actual activity of product development of porridge and soups and later on, decided to turn these flours into instant products”, Mr. Ainebyona explained.
Ainebyona said the products were taken into other processes like standard formulation, sensory evaluation. He said, in the current economic situation, instant products are desired because they are easy to prepare for people who do not have time.
Study community representatives endorse the products as good and important
The sub-County Chief Kigorobya, Mr. Mwesiga Rwamukaga Steven described the project as wonderful and a blessing to the community.
“The number of people living with HIV/AID is increasing with new infections among the teenagers. The nutrition status of our people here is not that good and we have many children who are malnourished
The items used in preparing these supplements are within our locality and have not been taken as being of value. But now, we have seen that they have value and we need to embrace them and strengthen our community capacity so that they can prepare them locally”, the sub-County Chief said.
The Chairperson Local Council III Kigorobya sub-County Mr. Sajjabi Nickolas thanked the people of Kigorobya for participating in the study and turning up in large numbers
“I thank Makerere University staff and students for coming to our community to sensitise the people about the available important foods. We have tasted the porridge and soups and they are very good. We request that you organize more of such forums so that the local people acquire more knowledge and skills about feeding the sick”, Mr. Sajjabi said
Chairperson Farmer’s Management Committee, Kigorobya Cooperative Savings, Mr. Bainomugisa Godfrey thanked Makerere University researchers for processing food supplements from the community neglected crops.
“We have learnt that we have been neglecting our crops which are nutritious and I request the university also to teach us how they are processing these products. The products are so nice and we request for some of these products to take them to the people at home so that they get an impression of the value of the neglected crops. We are going to mobilize our farmers to continue growing the neglected crops because we have learnt that they have important nutrients for our health”, Mr. Bainomugisa said.
The Health Inspector Kigorobya sub-County Ms. Happy Moreen hailed Makerere University for the good initiative noting that what they have developed is of good value to the people they serve.
“Generally the instant porridge was nice but I believe if we add other food values like milk and little sugar it can be sweeter than without. If the salt in the instant soup can be reduced and prepared in a way that it is not very thick, it is the best. In addition to the people living with HIV/AIDS, All the products developed can also be helpful to the children. I urge the university to bring more researchers on board to consider also children of 6 months and above because we believe that when children are no longer on exclusive breast feeding, it is better to introduce them to other food values”, said the health inspector.
Jane Anyango is the Principal Communication Officer, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)
With utmost delight, I am honoured to present the Annual Report of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) for the year 2023. As we look back on the accomplishments and obstacles of the past year, I extend my deepest appreciation to each and every one of you who contributed to our collective achievements. It has truly been a year of fulfilment and progress. In 2023, CAES proudly celebrated the graduation of 592 students, of whom 48% were female, at the 74th Graduation Ceremony. Among them were 14 PhD, 94 MSc, 5 Post Graduate Diplomas, and 479 BSc graduates across various disciplines in agricultural and environmental sciences. My sincere congratulations to all the graduates and the dedicated staff who supported them throughout their journey.
Reflecting on the commitments made in 2022 for the year 2023, we have made substantial strides. I am pleased to report that our faculty and students successfully adapted to the blended mode of teaching and learning. We remain steadfast in our dedication to a learner-centered, practical-oriented, and gender-responsive approach, with the goal of nurturing skilled, entrepreneurial, and innovative graduates capable of addressing challenges in the Agricultural and Environmental sectors.
Furthermore, we have revised the curriculum for approximately 15 programs, enriching content to include skills relevant to entrepreneurial green economies. This underscores our commitment to fostering innovation within CAES and equipping our graduates with the tools they need to thrive in dynamic professional landscapes.
Moreover, our college continues to advance knowledge, tackle critical challenges, and make a positive impact on society. Notably, the Makerere University Regional Centre of Excellence for Crop Improvement (MaRCCI) has been elevated to an “African Host Centre (AHU/C) for training high-quality PhDs in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology.” This initiative aims to address the human resource gap in highly qualified specialists in these fields across Africa, reaffirming our commitment to excellence and leadership in agricultural education and research. For the reporting year, CAES has registered several achievements as highlighted.
Teaching and Learning for improving learner experiences
The introduction and implementation of the CAES-GRADCARE Management System represents a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance graduate management processes within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. This innovative system was meticulously crafted to streamline operations, optimize workflow, and elevate overall efficiency and effectiveness. Its primary objectives include improving supervision mechanisms, reducing lead times, and minimizing costs associated with thesis examination. Moreover, the system empowers stakeholders with invaluable data insights, facilitating informed decision-making across various levels of academic administration.
Research and Innovation for impacting society
In our relentless pursuit of ethical research practices, we are proud to announce the establishment and full operationalization of the CAES Research Ethics Committee/Institutional Review Board (CAES-REC/IRB). This critical initiative underscores our commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and transparency in our research endeavors. Our dedication to innovation is exemplified by the introduction of the MakSol Cooker—a solar-powered marvel poised to revolutionize cooking practices while significantly reducing carbon footprints within households. This transformative solution not only addresses environmental concerns but also promotes sustainable living on a tangible, everyday level. Furthermore, our research efforts have yielded remarkable breakthroughs in agriculture and food security. Through the development of bio-fertilizer formulations, we aim to unlock crop productivity while simultaneously addressing soil nitrogen deficiencies, thereby enhancing household food security and bolstering agricultural sustainability. In tandem with our agricultural innovations, we have successfully bred resilient Mak Soybean, Cowpea and Sorghum varieties, capable of withstanding drought, disease, pests, and climate stress while boasting shortened maturity periods. These advancements provide a vital protein source, particularly in regions prone to agricultural challenges, and enable the production of value-added products, contributing to enhanced food security and resilience, further enhancing the agricultural value chain. In our quest for sustainable agricultural practices, we have developed innovative solutions such as the Soil Test Kit, facilitating simplified soil management by offering rapid semi-quantitative evaluations of essential elements crucial for optimal plant growth. This tool empowers farmers with actionable insights to optimize crop yields and promote sustainable land stewardship. Additionally, our Hybrid Refractance Window Drying equipment represents a game-changer in post-harvest handling, ensuring consistent drying of perishable agricultural produce. By preserving the quality of fruits and vegetables, this technology enhances the value chain, thereby maximizing agricultural productivity and reducing post-harvest losses. Furthermore, our efforts extend beyond crops to encompass livestock management and nutrition. Through the development of protocols for Banana Tissue Culture and value addition to Sweet Potato-Sorghum enterprises, we aim to improve agricultural livelihoods and economic resilience among farming communities. Innovative solutions such as rearing and utilizing blue flies, maggots, and earthworms as alternative protein sources for poultry and fish feeds demonstrate our commitment to sustainable feed production. These efforts not only diversify protein sources but also promote circular economies by utilizing agricultural by-products effectively. Moreover, our research endeavors have yielded transformative solutions to combat malnutrition and poverty. The development of a livestock milk booster, derived from sugarcane industrial waste, addresses nutritional deficiencies while enhancing dairy production, thereby improving livelihoods and food security. Our commitment to research and innovation for societal impact is unwavering. From ground-breaking agricultural technologies to transformative solutions for nutrition and food safety, we remain dedicated to advancing sustainable development and improving livelihoods across communities. Through collaborative efforts and relentless innovation, we strive to create a brighter, more resilient future for all.
Knowledge transfer and Community engagement
This 2023 Annual Report highlights several impactful knowledge sharing initiatives undertaken by CAES: i) NARO-Makerere Third Joint Scientific Conference, ii) Summer School on Landscape Ecology, iii) International Collaboration in Soybean Research, iv) Policy Dialogue on Climate Science, v) Recognition at the 29th Source of the Nile National Agricultural Show, vi) Youth and Innovation Expo 2023, vii) Training Programs for Capacity Building, viii) Capacity Building in Seed and Agronomic Practices, and ix) Soybean Seed Distribution. These initiatives underscore CAES’ commitment to knowledge transfer, community engagement, and sustainable agricultural development, reflecting our dedication to fostering innovation and driving positive change in Uganda and beyond. The accomplishments detailed in this report are a testament to the unwavering dedication and collaborative efforts of our esteemed staff, students, and partners.
Throughout this reporting year, we have witnessed remarkable growth and achievement among our faculty members, with several individuals being promoted and duly recognized for their outstanding contributions.
Looking ahead, we are presented with a multitude of opportunities to further our impact and achieve even greater heights of excellence. As we embark on the next chapter of our journey, we remain steadfast in our commitment to academic excellence, research, innovation, and societal impact. In the coming year, we will continue to focus on strengthening our academic programs, fostering interdisciplinary and multi-stakeholder collaboration, and expanding our innovative research initiatives to address pressing challenges in agriculture, environmental sustainability, and food security. We will also prioritize initiatives aimed at enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within our college community, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. As we navigate the path ahead, I am confident that together, we will overcome any challenges that may arise and continue to make significant contributions to the advancement of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. As Winston Churchill stated, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts”.
I invite you to explore the pages of this Annual Report to learn more about our achievements, challenges, and aspirations for the future.
Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga
PRINCIPAL, CAES
Agriculture & Environment
The Joint ClimSMART-NORHED II CSA Summer School Second Edition 2024 Kicks Off at Mak
By Brian Ogenrwoth
Makerere University, in collaboration with Gulu University, has inaugurated the 2024 edition of the ClimSMART-NORHEDII CSA Summer School. Funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) and the Norwegian Research Council, the program began with a series of theory sessions from May 27th to 28th, 2024. This year’s event has drawn 23 postgraduate students (MSc and PhDs) from 7 countries studying at 5 African universities namely; Makerere University, Gulu University, University of Zambia, Hawassa University and University of Juba, and the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU). Additionally, 16 scientists and three postdoctoral researchers from the participating institutions have joined the initiative.
Prof. Jackline Bonabana, the Principal Investigator of the ClimSMART project and Co-Principal Investigator of the NORHED II CSA project who coordinated the Summer School, emphasized the comprehensive and multifaceted nature of the program. She highlighted that the sessions would cover critical topics in climate-smart agriculture, biochar, climate change, and food security. Prof. Samuel Kyamanywa, the Principal Investigator of the NORHED II CSA project, applauded the collaborative efforts of the Climsmart/NORHED II partners and delivered an engaging presentation on insect pests and their management in the context of climate change.
Prof. Vegard Martinsen from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) underscored the vast research opportunities in climate-smart agriculture on the African continent. He noted the region’s unique context and the increasing impact of climate change as pivotal factors for continued need for meaningful research and empirical evidence.
Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, Principal of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at Makerere University, presented on critical thinking and officially welcomed participants, stressing the urgent need to upscale such collaborative efforts to tackle food insecurity and climate change. She affirmed that such programmes align to the Makerere University agenda and strategic direction.
The sessions also featured a variety of expert presentations, including:
- Food Security in SSA by Prof. Jan Mulder (Norwegian University of Life Sciences)
- Site Assessment and Sampling for Agriculture by Prof. Lydia Chabala (University of Zambia)
- Aqua Crop Model for Land Management by Prof. Elijah Phiri (University of Zambia)
- Understanding Basic Concepts in Soil Fertility by Dr. Patrick Musinguzi and Prof. Twaha Basamba Ali (Makerere University)
- Weed Management by Dr. Sylvester Katuromunda (Makerere University)
- Co-Composting Organic Wastes with Biochar by Prof. Fantaw Yimer (Hawassa University)
- Socio-Economic Topics like personal branding and marketing by Prof. Basil Mugonola and Dr. Walter Odongo, climate resilience governance and management practice by Dr. Patrick Byakagaba (Makerere University), and communication and presentation skills by Mr. Edward Gita (Rural Enterprise Development Solutions). Very insightful presentations were made by the Post Doc and PhD students as well.
The practical sessions, scheduled from May 29th to June 9th, 2024, will include farmer field visits, laboratory sessions, group discussions, data analysis, and presentations at Gulu University.
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