Agriculture & Environment

Pathogens Severely Affecting Agricultural Production in Africa – Researchers

Published

4 years ago

November 12, 2021

Dr. Nicholas Kagimu, Convener of Future Africa’s Early Career Research Leader Fellowship (ECRLF) Dissemination Workshop on Pathogens, 8th-9th November 2021, Kampala Uganda.

Agriculture is the backbone of Uganda’s economy, employing about 73% of the population and contributing approximately 20% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 48% export earnings. The National Development Plan (NDP III) identifies agriculture as one of the key growth opportunities with the highest potential to generate employment and have positive multiplier effects on other sectors. The Agricultural sector contributes about 50% of the gross domestic product (GDP) of most countries in Africa, and plays a pivotal role in ensuring food security across the globe. The sector is however derailed by a number of factors. Key among these are pathogens that are greatly undermining crop production in the country and Africa in general.

On 8^th-9^th November 2021, the Department of Agricultural Production, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University in partnership with the University of Pretoria, South Africa held a research dissemination workshop at Golf Course Hotel, Kampala to deliberate on a number of issues affecting the sector. Convened by Dr Nicholas Kagimu under the theme “The Impact of Pathogens on Agricultural Production”, the workshop was part of the activities under the Future Africa’s Early Career Research Leader Fellowship (ECRLF) programme at the University of Pretoria intended build a critical mass of the next generation researchers in Africa. It drew participants from academic and research institutions across Africa.

Topics discussed included; the Status of nematology research in Uganda by Dr Hebert Talwana (Department of Agricultural Production, CAES); Bioprospecting of the Natural Products from Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus bacteria and their application in agriculture by Dr Nicholas Kagimu (ECRL Fellow at Future Africa, University of Pretoria); Entomopathogenic fungi for insect crop management by Dr Jeninah Karungi (School of Agricultural Sciences, CAES); An overview of Entomopathogenic nematodes- EPN (insect-killing-worms) in Africa/ICIPE perspective presented by Dr Solveig Haukeland, ICIPE Nairobi); Status of liquid culture development for commercialization of entomopathogens in South Africa (Prof. Antoinette Malan, Stellenbosch University); Forest pest surveillance to protect Africa’s forest resource (Prof. Brett Hurley, FABI – University of Pretoria); Bio-control agents in pest management in Uganda’s forest systems (Dr Peter Kiwuso – NaFORRI); Bio-prospected products from insects (pharmaceutical, nutritional, cosmetics) presented by Dr Alice Nabatanzi, College of Natural Sciences – Makerere University; Chemical defenses of forest trees to fungal infection and the consequences of these defenses on insect herbivory (Prof. Almuth Hammerbacher – FABI, University of Pretoria); What Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria can offer in collaboration with research and industry in Uganda (Prof. Bernard Slippers – Director FABI, University of Pretoria; Tsetse fly vector: effects distribution and control in Uganda; Tick epidemic and vaccine development; Helminths and helminths control in small ruminants (Dr Idibu Joachine –CoVAB, Makerere University); Veterinary drug use and resistance; Potential of biopesticides in small holder agricultural systems (Dr Paul Sigombe – Real IPM Uganda); as well as Chemical control of internal and external parasites in livestock by Dr Ivan Kisakya from MTK Uganda.

Up Next

Mak Researchers Skilling Roadside Plant Nursery Owners on Business Management & Sustainable Practices

Don't Miss

Kabale District Local Government Officials Sensitized on Conservation of Forests & Biodiversity

Agriculture & Environment

CAES Annual Report 2024

Published

22 hours ago

May 30, 2025

Hasifa Kabejja

Cover page of the CAES Annual Report 2024. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga***

It is with profound pride, reflection, and vision that I present the 2024 Annual Report for the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at Makerere University. This report is more than a summary of the milestones in 2024 – it is a powerful testament to what is possible when a dedicated academic community rallies behind a common purpose. It encapsulates the collective effort, ingenuity, and resilience of our faculty, researchers, administrators, technical teams, students, alumni, and partners – each of whom has contributed meaningfully to advancing our threefold mandate: Teaching and Learning, Research and Innovation, and Knowledge and Technology Transfer Partnerships.

Throughout 2024, we deepened our resolve to nurture not only competent graduates, but also purpose-driven leaders capable of shaping the future of agriculture, environmental stewardship, and food systems across Uganda, Africa, and beyond. Through transformative curricula, cutting-edge facilities, and a strong commitment to STEM-based experiential learning, CAES continues to empower a new generation of innovators – technically sound, ethically grounded, and globally aware.

Our academic programs continued to evolve in both quality and relevance. We offered 48 academic programs—including 15 undergraduate, 19 masters, 11 PhD, and 3 postgraduate diploma programs. A total of 2,339 students were enrolled in 2024, with 60% of undergraduate learning delivered through hands-on, field-based instruction. At the 74^th graduation ceremony, 638 students graduated, including 20 PhDs, 104 masters, and 511 bachelor’s degree recipients. Notably, we celebrated 25 first-class graduates who represent academic excellence across disciplines.

Through over 100 partnerships, we translated knowledge into impact. Initiatives like CURAD, FTBIC, and MaRCCI empowered communities in agribusiness, food safety, and climate resilience.

I thank our entire community for your commitment and collaboration. Together, we are not only advancing knowledge but shaping sustainable futures across Uganda and beyond.

Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga
Principal, CAES

Follow the link below to access the full report;

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dF3s_8A0dDpzdRoNltGTlkrvTukV7SAK/view?usp=sharing

Agriculture & Environment

Climate Resilience and Sustainability Collaborative: 30 Masters, 6 PhD Scholarships 2025/2026

Published

2 weeks ago

May 19, 2025

Mak Editor

Some of the 19 PhD graduates from CAES at the 75th graduation ceremony. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 5, CAES, CEDAT and CHUSS. 17th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University is pleased to announce 30 Masters’ and 6 PhD Scholarships for students joining Makerere University (Main Campus) for Academic Year 2025/2026. An applicant must belong to one of the following categories: Persons with Disabilities, Internally Displaced young people, Refugees, other Ugandan National with financial constraints, and, youth from other African countries.

ELIGIBILITY

For Master’s Applicants

The applicant must have applied for admission to Makerere University‘s main campus for the academic year 2025/2026.
The Applicant must have completed their undergraduate education in an African country.
The Applicant should be experiencing financial hardships to pursue higher Education.
The Applicant should not be a holder of any other scholarship.
The Applicant should not be pursuing or have completed any Master’s degree studies.
The applicant should have engaged in leadership responsibilities and/ or community service.
The Applicant should not be over 30 years at the application deadline.
Applicants in the Refugee and Students with Disabilities categories should be under 40 years at the application deadline.
A refugee applicant MUST hold a Refugee Identity card or Family Attestation.
The applicant should have applied for any of these degree programs MSc. in Soil Science and Agrology, MSc. in Crop Science, MSc. in Environment and Natural Resources Management, M.A. in Economic Policy and Planning, MSc. in Agricultural Engineering.
The Applicant should have an interest in research, innovation and entrepreneurship in climate resilience and sustainability, and committed to complete the degree in 2 years.

For PhD Applicants

The applicant must have applied for admission to Makerere University‘s main campus for the academic year 2025/2026.
The applicant must have completed their undergraduate education in an African country.
The applicant should be experiencing financial hardships to pursue higher Education.
The applicant should not be a holder of any other scholarship.
The applicant should not be pursuing or have completed any PhD degree studies.
The applicant should have engaged in leadership responsibilities and/ or community service.
The applicant should not be over 35 years at the application deadline.
The applicants in the Refugee and Students with Disabilities categories should be under 45 years at the application deadline.
A refugee applicant MUST hold a Refugee Identity card or Family Attestation.
The applicant should have an interest in research, innovation and entrepreneurship in climate resilience and sustainability, and committed to complete the degree in time.
The prioritised research themes are indicated in the application form.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Friday, 6 June 2025 at 11:59 PM EAT.

Access and complete the Application Form at NO COST through the online application portal https://apply.caes.mak.ac.ug/

MORE INFORMATION:

Tel: +256-744-773-237
Email: climateresilience@mak.ac.ug

Agriculture & Environment

Call For Submissions: 2025 Farmer Field Schools Innovation Award

Published

3 weeks ago

May 8, 2025

Mak Editor

Apply now! 2025 Farmer field schools innovation award is now open for submissions!

Organized by FAO’s Global FFS Platform with the collaboration of the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS) and Prolinnova and launched in 2024, the Award shines the spotlight on impactful solutions that can help shape the future of sustainable agri-food systems.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to:

Showcase your innovation at the Science and Innovation Forum at FAO HQ in Rome from 14^th to 17^th of October 2025
Receive support and mentorship from global experts
Inspire other producers and practitioners to become innovators too

Who can apply?

Anyone involved in Farmer Field Schools (FFS) can apply including

Producers and producer groups;
FFS facilitators or master trainers;
Project and programme teams;
Development organizations;
Social entrepreneurs;
Private sector participants

How to Apply?

It’s simple – just follow these steps!

Fill out the application form – Submit your innovation in writing or with a 5-minute video.

At least one of the two must be submitted through the official form.

Simplified & Multilingual – The form is designed to be easy to use, short, and available offline, with multilingual support for broader accessibility

Pitch Coaching – Shortlisted applicants will get coaching on pitching for the FAO Science & Innovation Forum.
Tailored Support – Awardees will receive personalized support to boost their innovation.

The call for submission is now open until the 15^th of June 2025

Apply now