Agriculture & Environment
Academia & Local Govt. Officials in West Nile Sensitized on Forestry & Biodiversity Conservation
Over 60 participants comprising academia, local government officials, the private sector and civil society organization on 2nd December 2021 converged at Muni University in Arua district to dialogue on the status of forests and bio diversity in West Nile region of Uganda
The policy dialogue was organized by EfD-Mak Centre in collaboration with Muni University and Arua District Local Government under the theme, “Forestry and Biodiversity: Addressing the challenges of Forest Degradation and enhancing Environment Management in Uganda”.
Arua threatened by high Refugee influx and atrocities on the environment
The Ag. Director EfD-Mak Centre Fred Kasalirwe said Arua was selected because a lot of atrocities committed on nature in the region and the fact that Arua Local Government has been at the fore front of this because it is the mother district for all.
Kasalirwe said there is an influx of refugees and refugee settlements in the region who interface with nature directly because they lack alternative sources. Most of the charcoal and firewood supplied in Kampala and other towns come from West Nile and this has led to the loss of indigenous tree cover. Whoever tries to replace goes for eucalyptus and pine also impacting on the flora and fauna.
“One of the mandates of the centre is to reach out to policy makers and implementers and other stakeholders in the field of environment and natural resources because the policies are implemented at the local government levels. So reaching out to local governments helps to understand what is on ground and when we sit to make policy recommendations, we have voices from the lower local government levels.
The voices gathered from the engagement and debate will be taken up through drafted policy briefs and then we organize a national level dialogue with combined voices from all districts visited, identify policy gaps and engage the ministers and advocates who are parliamentary committees on environment, natural resources and agriculture to air out voices on the parliament floor,” said Kasalirwe.
Forest depletion in West Nile higher than the national rate
The representative of the Vice chancellor Muni University Prof. Robert Kajobe who is Dean school of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences said the degradation of the environment and forests in the region is relatively more that the national rate.
“We have over 40 years of degradation which has worsened. Uganda has 1.4million refugees and out these over 1million refugees are in West Nile alone. These added to the native population of 3 million culminates to 4 million people looking for materials for construction, fuel wood and charcoal and the toll is on the environment.
Before the refugee status West Nile was known for tobacco growing and the tobacco depleted the soil in the region for a long time because when they were curing tobacco they were using fuel wood selecting indigenous trees which were important with residual values leaving the ground bear”, the Vice Chancellor reported.
Prof. Kajobe decried that West Nile region used to have two rainy seasons (March to May) and another longer one (July to November or up to early December) but in the last three years, the region has had one season of drought from December up to may.
In addition he said there is scarcity of construction materials and fuel wood forcing women and girls to walk 3-5km looking for fuel wood and while hunting for wood, conflicts arise, they are bitten or raped.
The region he reported is experiencing food insecurity due to soil depletion caused by clearance of the forests and because of the drought, annual crops cannot do well while perennial crops like tea cocoa, banana and coffee are no more
Muni university pilots alternative fuel sources and revises curriculum
Muni university according to Prof. Kajobe has embarked on a number of research projects on sustainable and alternative use of the environment including a pilot project on biogas from feacal sludge as a main source of fuel for homes and institution to reduce pressure on forest cutting using sludge.
“The university has done studies on the severity of the problem and secondly we are designing courses in environment and natural resources to bring on board technical people locally both in Masters, Bachelors and Diploma to help in fixing the problem.
We are also partnering with organizations to provide information as technical backstopping to many local and international NGOs, created awareness through media and visited these areas and talked to the local communities to see that the problem is solved. Another key issue is the involvement of the district local government and technical people and political leaders to rally together and solve the problem.
District plans to mitigate forest and biodiversity degradation
The Chairman (LCV) Alfred Okuonzi called upon the District leadership to defend, identify and promote a conservation culture saying, all people know the importance of forests and natural resources in general.
The Chairman noted that a lot has been written and said but all has remained on paper due to lack of exemplary leadership at the district adding that time has come for the district to announce tree cutting in West Nile as an outbreak just like COVID-19 to attract the attention and financing from every stakeholder.
“With the outbreak of COVID-19, we saw vehicles and financial assistance flow to districts. But when trees are cut nothing is done. We need special funding to green the region. If we continue interfering with the environment supporting our livelihoods, the pattern of rains will continue to be distorted, agricultural production will continue to be affected leading to malnutrition and poor performance in schools”.
The district chairman expressed the need to put in place more staffing in the forest department to the level of Principal and senior forest officers as is in other sectors.
He said although government has injected resources in environmental protection, the resultant impact remain minimal largely due to poor leadership and uncontrolled reproduction increasing the population heavily dependent on the environment.
He said the district plans to spend resources on individual leaders and homesteads to ensure they plant trees, change people’s mindset and promote forest management. The district he said is engaging the National Forestry Authority to include district forest office in all the activities.
The Chairman said plans are underway to work with the Uganda National Roads Authority to provide seedlings to plant trees along the roads while the next two years will be dedicated as years of greening to restore the glory of Arua district.
He encouraged district technocrats to work with media to provide information to raise awareness and provide information and the media on the other hand, to package the messages in a way that change the mindset of the communities.
While closing the workshop, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner Ocen Robert underscored the importance of environment and forest in livelihood provision and in regulating the climate.
“I liked the statistics by one presenter who said a human being requires 700 kg of oxygen per year but one tree produces about 100 kg of oxygen. If one is to survive, you need to plant 7 trees and encourage every family member to plant 7 trees annually”
He proposed the need to come up with subsidies on alternative sources of energy such as electricity and solar and gas to make it more accessible and affordable to reduce stress on the forests.
He also proposed the need to discourage people using firewood – cured bricks and promote alternative building materials such as blocks from cement, the need to speak to local residents on the status and advantages of the forests such that conservation and protection begins right from the community level.He appealed to leaders to speak one language in order to succeed in implementation of the district ordinances.
Agriculture & Environment
FoodLAND Project Research Dissemination: Nakaseke District Farmers Sensitized on Modern Agricultural Practices & Proper Nutrition
******Food and Local, Agricultural, and Nutritional Diversity (FoodLAND) project aims to develop, implement and validate innovative, scalable, and sustainable technologies aimed at supporting the nutrition performance of local food systems in Africa, while strengthening agro-biodiversity and food diversity as well as diversity of healthy diets.
Experiences of Nakaseke District farmers
Farmers in Nakaseke District are indebted for the support and training received from the FoodLAND Project. Although many had been engaged in the activity, they lacked knowledge and skills of modern farming. Connected to FoodLAND through VEDCO, a non-governmental and not for profit agricultural organization, the farmers have acquired skills on value addition, precision irrigation/fertigation, smart storage systems, gardening and hydroponics systems, biodegradable mulching, precision crop protection systems, precision harvesting systems and agro-ecological intensification practices.
According to Ms. Nakawuba Sarah, a widow and tomato farmer in Kapeeka Sub County, Nakaseke District, the knowledge acquired has enabled her to expand, and gain more profits. “I extend my gratitude to FoodLAND and the funders of the project. The knowledge acquired over time has enabled me to expand my farm and earn more money. Due to ignorance, we used to be exploited – people would buy our products cheaply because we lacked knowledge of preservation. The training on value addition has helped us learn how to preserve our products and we are now benefiting more from them. At the time my husband died, we had just a small house built on his father’s land. I am happy that with the support received from VEDCO and FoodLAND, I have bought a plot of land, built a house, and I am able to pay school fees for my children. I once again thank VEDCO and the FoodLAND. Although the FoodLAND project is ending soon, I request that they do not leave us. They should continue training us so that we further improve our skills.”
Mr. Lubowa Samuel Sunday, also a farmer in Kapeeka Sub County, Nakaseke District is equally grateful. Through FoodLAND, several farmers in Nakaseke District have acquired knowledge of climate smart agriculture. “Farming in the dry season is no longer a challenge. Our harvest has increased and we are now earning more. However we still face a number of challenges including the high cost of fertilizers and pesticides. We appeal to the project team to conduct more research on natural remedies for the challenges we are experiencing.”
Ms. Nankya Jane, a coffee and banana farmer Semuto Sub County, Nakaseke District, the irrigation skills acquired through the project have greatly improved her farm. “The place where I do my farming was so dry, and this, in many cases, affected my yields. Through VEDCO, we were taken to the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK) where we acquired skills on proper irrigation and value addition using technologies developed by the FoodLAND Project. If I had acquired these skills when I started 7 years ago, I would be very far. My appeal is that you continue offering training to us. There is a lot more that we need to learn.”
About the FoodLAND project
Launched in 2020, the main objective of the FoodLAND project was to develop, implement and validate innovative, scalable and sustainable technologies aimed at supporting the nutrition performance of local food systems in Africa, while strengthening agro-biodiversity and food diversity as well as diversity of healthy diets.
Funded to the tune of 7 million euro by the European Commission within the Horizon 2020 programme, and led by Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna (Italy), the project committed to developing a range of innovations for local agriculture and aquaculture development, as well as to nudging consumers towards healthier eating behaviour in six African countries: Morocco, Tunisia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. The project specifically aimed to empower smallholder farmers and food operators, foster nutrition responsive and sustainable agro-biodiversity, reinforce the productivity and resilience of food supply chains, and create new market opportunities at both the local and global scales, thereby encouraging the flourishing of rural communities. The project was envisaged to create a network of 14 local Food Hubs—paired with 14 separate cities in these countries—that would mobilise relevant actors in rural, urban and peri-urban communities and serve as injection points for testing and introducing the innovations. The 28 partners that comprise the FoodLAND consortium (18 of them African institutions while the other 10 are European) were expected to work together to develop, implement and validate 12 technological innovations; which include organizational and technological innovations for both vegetable and fish farming and food processing systems, together with 17 novel local food products, ranging from fresh, dried and processed vegetables and fish to composite flours and therapeutic foods.
In Uganda, the project was implemented in 6 districts namely; Masaka, Nakaseke, Kamuli, Lwengo, Mukono and Wakiso, and was led by Prof. John Muyonga from the Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University. Other members on the project were: Prof. Johnny Mugisha from CAES; Dr. Cassius Aruho, Dr. Puline Nakyewa, Dr. Margaret Masette, Dr. Getrude Atukunda and Dr. Justus Rutaisire from NARO; Mr. Henry Nsereko from VEDCO; and Prof. Dorothy Nakimbugwe from Nutreal.
To date, the project team in Uganda has registered a number of achievements including;
- New nutrient enhanced food products – Noodles containing orange fleshed sweet potatoes and biofortified beans; instant flours containing orange fleshed sweet potatoes, biofortified beans and grain amaranth; and dry eggplant. Arrangements are in place for commercialization of the technologies by SMEs.
- Establishment of infrastructure at MUARIK for research and training on fertigation (irrigation that supplies water together with manure) and precision irrigation.
- Development of technology for smart cold storage of perishable foods such as fruits and vegetables. The technology allows for remote monitoring of temperature and relative humidity.
- Development of technology for rodent control in stores. This technology has been shown to be effective in preventing of rodent damage to food in stores.
- Promotion of agro-ecological intensification – Applying ecological principles to ensure sustainable agricultural production.
- Testing application of bio-based packaging of food
- Training of 100 farmers in different production technologies.
- Training of 3 M.Sc.
- Developing of nutrition guidelines for adults and the elderly.
Dissemination of the project findings and achievements to farmers and district leaders in Nakaseke
On 16th July 2024, the project team held a dissemination workshop for Nakaseke District leaders and farmers to sensitize them on different aspects including the research findings and recommendations for improved farming practices. Coordinated by Ms. Josephine Kisakye, and conducted at Butalangu District Headquarters, the workshop was attended by representatives of farmer groups in Nakaseke as well as the district officials, including the CAO, DHO, DPMO and RDC. On behalf of the Project Coordinator, Dr Richard Bukenya, also a member of staff in the Department of Food Technology and Nutrition briefed the farmers on the findings of the project, highlighting the project objectives and progress made thus far, including the technologies, novel raw materials, ingredients and food products developed. Under the project, a number of technologies for smart farming have been developed and are being tested. These include: Digital tools for precision agriculture, farming management systems like the rodent control system as part of smart storage systems, and the food processing systems like the solar drier.
During the workshop, Mr. Barak Price, a student on the project sensitized participants on the rodent control system. He also trained the farmers on precision irrigation/fertigation. The farmers were also taken through the processes of value addition. Ms. Josephine Kisakye, a researcher on the project discussed the nutrition recommendations developed by the project. In the course of the project activities, it was noted that diets in Uganda are mainly composed of starchy staples, especially cereals, roots, tubers and bananas, with legumes constituting the main protein source. Intake of micronutrient-rich foods is low, despite various interventions to promote consumption of fruits, and vegetables. Ugandan adult and elderly population in both rural and urban areas were found to be at risk of under-nutrition and micro-nutrient deficiencies. Nutritional recommendations included: i) Daily consumption of locally available fruits and vegetables, whole starchy staples, and protein-rich foods; including beans, peas, nuts, fish, eggs, and meat; ii) Limiting the consumption of fried foods, salt, alcohol, and sweetened beverages; iii) Hydrate with fluids, preferably water; Regular engagement in moderate-intensity physical activity like brisk walking, digging, swimming, aerobics, and cycling; vi) Undertaking medical examination at intervals of no longer than 6 months to facilitate timely detection and treatment of ailments like diabetes, hypertension, high plasma cholesterol and cancers.
Appreciation by the District officials
Butalangu Town Clerk, Ms. Rashida Mutebi on behalf of the Chief Administrative Officer appreciated the project for reaching out and working with the local communities to improve their livelihoods. “The trainings on value addition will go a long way in saving our farmers losses,” she noted, calling for resilience and cooperation amongst the farmers. “It is important that you work together. Always share best practices if you are to improve yourselves and gain more from farming. I also implore you to always keep records of your farming activities.”
In his remarks, Nakaseke District Health Officer, Dr Alija Simon noted that the challenge of non-communicable diseases was on the raise due to poor feeding habits. He expressed gratitude to the project for incorporating the important aspect of nutrition in its research.
DPMO Wandera James appreciated the Government of Uganda for investing in farming. He also appreciated the project team for the trainings offered to the farmers in the district, noting that value addition was a key area of focus in the Parish Development Model. “Nakaseke is now becoming a food hub. I thank Makerere University for working with the communities. Initially, research was done but stopped in the shelves of the University. We are happy that you are now working with the communities to identify solutions to the challenges undermining agriculture. Research should be conducted for development.”
Addressing participants, the Assistant RDC, Nakaseke District, Mr. Muhoozi Michael appreciated Makerere University, specifically the FoodLAND Project, calling for more innervations to support farmers in the district out of poverty. He implored the farmer groups to form a cooperative, noting that the latter forms a better platform for soliciting support.
A similar dissemination exercise was conducted in Kamuli District in Eastern Uganda.
More photos from the FoodLAND project Nakaseke Dissemination
Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 19th July 2024 endorsed the Memorandum of Understanding between Makerere University and Oregon State University to collaborate in different aspects of academics. The MoU signing ceremony was witnessed by members of staff from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) namely; Dr Revocatus Twinomuhangi, Dean, School of Forestry, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences; Dr Lawrence Orikiriza Head, Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism; and Prof. Jim Ayorekire from the same department. Oregon State University was represented by Dr Ian E. Munanura, an Associate Professor in the Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, College of Forestry, and Ms. Racheal Fahrenbach, Manager International Programs at the College of Forestry. At Makerere, the MoU will be implemented by the Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism under the leadership of Prof. Jim Ayorekire. At Oregon State University, it will be implemented by the College of Forestry.
Under the MoU, the two institutions have agree to mutually promote the following programmes, based on their respective academic and educational needs; i) Exchange of scholars and faculty staff, ii) Exchange of undergraduate and graduate students for research and study, iii) Exchange of academic information and materials, iv) Joint research activities and publications, v) Participation in conferences and academic meetings vi) Joint running of short-term academic programs, vii) Resource mobilization in respect of areas of mutual interest, and any other areas which may promote their mutual interests.
During the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor noted that programmes agreed on in the MoU were in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, and would greatly advance Makerere’s aspiration to become a research-led University. “As we move towards becoming a research-led University, we aim to contribute to the realization of Agenda 2063 which seeks to have Africa produce at least one million PhDs as one of the measures to eradicate poverty from the continent. Partnerships like this will help us achieve our target, by building our supervision capacity,” he explained, pledging support towards the implementation of the MoU.
Dr Ian Munanura on behalf of Oregon State University expressed gratitude to work with Makerere, noting that the partnership would strengthen research capacity of the two institutions and support the mentorship of the next generation of scientists to deal with the challenges facing humanity including climate change and unemployment.
About the Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism at Makerere
The Department of Forestry, Biodiversity, and Tourism under the School of Forestry, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University offers programmes namely; Bachelor of Science in Conservation Forestry and Products Technology; Bachelor of Social and Entrepreneurial Forestry; and Master of Science in Agroforestry. Specific courses offered under those programmes include; Agroforestry Systems, Practices And Technologies; Drylands Agroforestry; Advanced Community Forestry; Gender Issues In Forestry; Advanced Biodiversity Conservation; Ecophysiology and Agronomy; Forestry For Rural Development; Natural Resource Management; Tropical Forest Ecology And Management; Forestry Business Management; Entrepreneurship In Forestry; Forestry And Food Security; Indigenous Knowledge in Resource Management; Biomass Energy Production and Conservation; Land Use Planning and Watershed Management; Forest Planning and Development; Forest Ecosystems and Livelihoods; and Forest Planning and Development. The Department also conducts a wide range of research in the fields highlighted above. The training offered exposes graduates from the department to a wide range of employment opportunities.
About the College of Forestry, Oregon State University
The Oregon State University College of Forestry is an internationally recognized leader that is transforming education, research and policy for managing and sustaining working forest ecosystems in the 21st century. The College offers a world-class education that provides a wide variety of opportunities following graduation. Academic excellence is the hallmark of the College of Forestry programs at Oregon State University. Ranked as one of the premier forestry schools in the world, students find a variety of programs that offer broad education, rigorous depth and professional focus. The College is known for its collaborative research approach to advance knowledge and bring solutions to issues facing forest landscapes and ecosystems. It takes pride in creating new and innovative approaches to help partners enhance people’s lives while improving the health of lands, businesses and vital ecosystems.
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