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Agriculture & Environment

Academia & Local Govt. Officials in West Nile Sensitized on Forestry & Biodiversity Conservation

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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.

The Ag. Director EfD-Mak Centre Uganda Fred Kasalirwe presenting during the meeting.
The Ag. Director EfD-Mak Centre Uganda Fred Kasalirwe presenting during the meeting.

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.

A section of participants attending the meeting.
A section of participants attending the meeting.

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.

Prof. Robert Kajuba delivering the keynote address.
Prof. Robert Kajobe delivering the keynote address.

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.

The Ag. Vice Chancellor Muni University Prof. Robert Kajuba addressing participants during the opening session.
The Ag. Vice Chancellor Muni University Prof. Robert Kajobe addressing participants during the opening session.

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 Arua District LC V Chairman Alfred Okuonzi making his remarks.
The Arua District LC V Chairman Alfred Okuonzi making his remarks.

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.

The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Arua Ocen Robert  making his closing remarks.
The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Arua Ocen Robert making his closing remarks.

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

Mak Trains Animal Health Practitioners in Pig Artificial Insemination

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Agriculture & Environment

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

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

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

The training

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

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

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

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

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

FAO’s contribution

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Appreciation

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

More photos from the event.

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

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Agriculture & Environment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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