The School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda
The InnoFoodAfrica project in full “Locally driven co-development of plant based value chains towards more sustainable African food systems with healthier diets and export potential” is exploring climate-smart African crops (cereal-pulse-root crop-fruit) in Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa and Uganda. In Uganda the project is focusing on banana, millet, cowpeas, and amaranth. The project is developing develop and will demonstrate optimal solutions for cultivation practices, processing and productization towards new value chains, thus enhancing nutritionally balanced food consumption in Uganda and creating opportunities to reach international markets.
The main output is to demonstrate the huge potential of the African crops as healthy ingredients in combating both under and over nutrition. The emphasis is to target vulnerable groups, such as malnourished children, pregnant women and adults under the risk of obesity, by increasing the diversity of affordable, nutrient-dense and healthy food products based on local crops, and educating people for improved eating habits.
The project addresses key bottlenecks of African food value chains – low productivity, limited access to urban markets, affordability and convenience of end products – by tailoring actions on local context to develop novel technologies in agriculture, food processing and use of residual biomass for packaging, and concurrently to investigate food safety, food security and food loss reduction. Trainings, targeting farming and business communities covering farming productivity of indigenous crops, effective post-harvest technologies, valorization of biomass residue materials, nutritional guiding, and entrepreneurial skills. The project will also foster international cooperation with other EU-Africa and inter-African projects (FNSSA).
This far, the project has implemented several farmer participatory research activities in eastern and central Uganda; developed ingredients with improved functional proper- ties from banana, millet cowpeas and amaranth for use in different food applications; surveyed the agricultural side streams and characterized them and is currently completing a food consumption survey in the project research areas.
The project is supporting several graduate students and is working with the private sec- tor to ensure technology uptake and commercialization. The project partners in Uganda include Makerere University, Kulika Uganda, FONUS Ltd, Uganda Manufacturers Association. At Makerere University the project team is composed of Dr. Geoffrey Tusiime, Dr. Stellah Byakika among others and led by Assoc. Prof. Yusuf Byaruhanga. InnoFoodAfrica project is funded by the European Union under the Horizon 2020 Program and will be running 2020 to 2023.
Following stakeholder engagements in Mbale City and Kasese Municipality to introduce Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project, it became evident that farmers in both regions face a range of challenges that significantly impact agricultural productivity. Among the most pressing issues are frequent floods, landslides, waterlogging, and prolonged periods of drought, all of which threaten food security and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
Ms. Emily Namalwa welcoming the project team and the trainees to her farm, Emily Royal Mixed Farm that was used as the training site.
In response, the RUFS Project team has designed a series of targeted interventions aimed at addressing these climate-related challenges. Central to these efforts is the provision of specialized training to enhance farmers’ capacity to adapt and thrive in the face of environmental stressors. Through these trainings, smallholder farmers in Mbale City and Kasese Municipality will be equipped with practical knowledge and skills in climate-smart agronomic practices that promote sustainability and resilience. Smart Agronomic Practices, as promoted in the training, focus on techniques that improve yield while conserving natural resources. This includes composting, pest control using natural extracts, crop rotation, intercropping, and the adoption of drought-resistant crop varieties. By prioritizing ecological balance and resource efficiency, the RUFS project aims to protect urban communities from the effects of climate change, price volatility, and food insecurity.
Prof. Frank Mugagga, the Project Coordinator addressing the team on the purpose of the training.
Training on smart agronomic practices in Mbale City
As part of this initiative, over 20 smallholder farmers in Mbale City recently received extensive training on Smart Agronomic Practices. The training, conducted from 6th to 7th October 2025 at Emily Royal Mixed Farm in Industrial City Division, Mbale City, forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen urban food systems by empowering farmers with sustainable, adaptive, and cost-effective farming techniques tailored to the realities of a changing climate.
Prof. Frank Mugagga briefing the team about the objectives of the training.
Led by Prof. Frank Mugagga from the Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme, the RUFS project aims to create a ripple effect of knowledge transfer, particularly in informal and peri-urban communities where agriculture remains both a livelihood and a cornerstone for food security. Phase II of the RUFS project sets out to: 1) Strengthen flood and drought resilience in urban communities through strengthened stakeholder collaboration in Mbale and Kasese, 2) Raise community awareness on climate risks and equip residents with preventive and adaptive skills, 3) Integrate indigenous and local knowledge into policy and planning for more context-relevant decision-making, and 4) Co-develop knowledge with both state and non-state actors to promote inclusive and evidence-based decisions.
Mr. Henry Stanley Mbowa, project member briefing the team about the planned training on the production of organic fertilizers and pesticides.
Training in the production of organic fertilizers and pesticides
During the two-day training, farmers were introduced to practical techniques for producing organic fertilizers and pesticides using affordable, locally available materials. Emily Royal Mixed Farm, the training venue, and home of one of the project beneficiaries, Ms. Emily Namalwa, served as a practical learning hub where theory met practice. Led by Mr. Henry Stanley Mbowa, Head of Research at AidEnvironment and a member of the RUFS Project, and backed by the Mbale City technical team, the hands-on sessions demystified the process of creating environmentally friendly agricultural inputs such as compost and bio-pesticides.
Mr. Whepukulu Juma, a dedicated urban farmer and President of the Mbale City Food Systems Platform, briefed the farmers on the critical steps and best practices for preparing a food nursery bed.
Step by step, the enthusiastic farmers were trained to formulate effective organic fertilizers and pesticides using locally available materials such as cow dung, animal and human urine, ash, onions, pawpaw leaves, pepper, tobacco, luwoko (Phytolacca dodecandra), and muluuku (Tephrosia vogelii). These natural alternatives provide a sustainable response to the rising cost and environmental impact of synthetic inputs. They not only enhance soil health and increase crop productivity, but also reduce chemical residues in food, promoting safer and more resilient farming practices.
Mr. Henry Stanely Mbowa prepares the team for a training the the production of organic fertilizers using cow dung.
While conducting the hands-on sessions, Mr. Mbowa emphasized that these solutions are not only effective but scalable. “These are techniques that require no expensive inputs. Farmers can adopt them right away using the resources they already have at their disposal,” he said.
The farmers collect cow dung to be used in the production of organic fertilizers.
As part of the training, Mr. Whepukulu Juma, a dedicated urban farmer and President of the Mbale City Food Systems Platform, briefed the farmers on the critical steps and best practices for preparing a food nursery bed. Drawing from his experience, Mr. Whepukulu highlighted the significance of proper soil preparation, emphasizing soil health and nutrient management as foundational to successful seedling development. He also stressed the importance of selecting high-quality seeds suited to local conditions and demonstrated effective maintenance techniques such as regular watering, timely weeding, and shading to protect young seedlings from excessive sun or rain.
Mr. Henry Stanely Mbowa taking the farmers through the process of producing fertilizers using cow dung.
According to Prof. Mugagga, the trainings that will be conducted over the next 18 months are a response to the urgent need for cities to reimagine their food systems amid rapid urbanization. “Urban agriculture is no longer an option, it is a necessity. Our goal is to empower smallholder farmers with knowledge that makes their practices not only productive but also sustainable and adaptive to climate stress,” Prof. Mugagga stated.
The farmers practicing to make fertilizers using different plant materials.
Farmers’ views on the Training
Ms. Emily Namalwa, an urban farmer and proprietor of Emily Royal Mixed Farm, expressed appreciation for the training. Her farm, located within Mbale City, produces a wide range of crops including tomatoes, sukuma wiki (collard greens), eggplants, matooke (plantains), and passion fruit, alongside poultry farming.
Reflecting on the impact of the training, Ms. Namalwa said: “This has been eye-opening. I have learned that many of the resources we need to feed and protect our crops are readily available in our surroundings. What we once considered as waste can actually be transformed into valuable inputs for farming. This approach not only reduces costs but also promotes sustainability.”
She further narrated how the RUFS training reshaped her perspective on land use for farming: “Before this, I focused solely on cultivating coffee on a one-acre piece of land located far from my home. I never imagined that I could turn the small 100 by 100 plot around my house into a productive farm. Thanks to the training on urban agriculture, I now understand how to make the most of even limited space for food production.”
Citing the benefits, Ms. Namalwa expressed gratitude for the continued support RUFS extends to smallholder farmers. “RUFS has given us the knowledge and tools to make urban farming not just possible, but profitable. I am truly grateful for their efforts in empowering farmers like me in Mbale City.”
According to Mr. Mudoma Cassim, Chairman of the Nabuyonga Horticulture Farmers’ Association in Industrial City Division, Busamaga, Mbale, the training provided by the RUFS project was both timely and impactful. “For a long time, our farmers have heavily depended on inorganic fertilizers purchased from commercial outlets. Unfortunately, these fertilizers are not only expensive but also contribute to the degradation of soil health over time, leading to reduced productivity in the long run. The training we received on the production and use of organic fertilizers and pesticides has opened our eyes to a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative. By learning how to produce organic fertilizers and pesticides locally, we can significantly reduce the cost of inputs while improving soil fertility and overall yields.”
“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the RUFS project team and their funders for this valuable initiative. It is my earnest appeal that such trainings continue, not only on the production of organic fertilizers and pesticides but also on other important aspects of sustainable farming practices. Additionally, I humbly request that the project considers supporting farmer groups like ours with irrigation equipment, such as spray pumps. This would greatly enhance our capacity to maintain consistent production even during dry spells, ensuring food security and stable incomes for our members.”
Mr. Ssenkoto Julius, a dedicated farmer from Industrial City, Masaba in Mbale District, is equally grateful for the support provided by the RUFS Project. He specifically commended the hands-on training he received on producing organic fertilizers and pesticides using locally available materials, a skill he believes is not only cost-effective but also environmentally sustainable. “I primarily grow tomatoes, but I also cultivate sukuma wiki (collard greens),” he stated. “The knowledge imparted during the training was incredibly valuable. I have already begun applying the organic methods on my farm, and I am keen to observe the difference in performance between these natural products and the conventional ones purchased from agro-shops.” Mr. Ssenkoto also appealed to the RUFS Project to consider extending similar training opportunities in animal husbandry. “Many of us are mixed farmers,” he explained. “Equipping us with skills in livestock management would greatly enhance our productivity and improve our livelihoods.”
Ms. Nekesa Josephine, a horticulture farmer from Northern City in Nkoma, Mbale District, appreciated the RUFS Project team for the training, highlighting its potential to transform farming practices in the region. “I am truly grateful for this opportunity. The training has opened my eyes to more sustainable and cost-effective methods of farming. I have already started experimenting with the production of organic fertilizer using cow dung, a practice I had not considered seriously before. If it proves successful, it will greatly reduce our dependence on expensive chemical fertilizers bought from agro-vet shops, which many of us struggle to afford. This kind of knowledge is not only practical but empowering, especially for smallholder farmers like myself. I sincerely hope that these trainings can be scaled up and extended to cover livestock management. Training in animal husbandry would go a long way in helping us improve both crop and animal productivity, ultimately boosting our incomes and food security.
The farmers practicing to make fertilizers.
During the training programme, participants were tasked to document the current status of their farms and agricultural activities. Coordinated by Mr. Peter Kasaija, a member of the RUFS Project, the exercise was intended to support monitoring and assessment of the impact of the RUFS Project initiatives.
The farmers learning how to mix different materials to make fertilizers.
The team will hold a similar engagement in Kasese Municipality from 12th-15th October 2025.
Mr. Mbowa training the farmers on the use of human urine in the production of fertilizers.
More photos from the training
Mr. Mbowa training the farmers on the use of human urine in the production of fertilizers.Prof. Mugagga appreciating the farmers for their commitment to the project activities.Mr. Peter Kasaija briefs the farmers on the need to document their farming activities to enable the project team to monitor progress.A farmer sharing his views on the training.Mr. Mbowa training the farmers on the use of ash in the production of pesticides.The farmers braved the heavy downpour to acquire skills in the production of pesticides.The farmers being trained on the production pesticides using different plant materials.The farmers being trained on the use of animal urine in the production of pesticides.
The Sustainable Off-Grid Solutions for Pharmacies and Hospitals in Africa (SophiA) is providing sustainable off-grid energy supplies and water free of bacteria and viruses for rural and remote health facilities in Africa, thereby accelerating the sustainable development, growth and economic transformation, and ensuring improved access to energy and health services for all.
Using various technologies, such as photovoltaics, solar thermal, electrical and thermal storage, water treatment, and natural refrigerants with low global warming potential, SophiA has developed and manufactured locally innovative, modular, affordable, and efficient solar powered systems for providing:
Safe and clean drinking water, free of bacteria and viruses, and deionised water for medical purposes.
Hot water and steam production for thermal requirements of the hospitals.
Cooling of medicines and food at +5°C.
Low temperature storage of blood plasma and vaccines at -30°C.
Ultra-low temperature storage of sensitive medication (e.g. some Covid-19 or Ebola vaccines) at -70°C
The SophiA system installed at Buvuma Health Center IV.
In addition, PV MedPort, a simple and 100% solar-powered solution has been developed and tested as a mobile health care station in small remote areas in 4 different geographical conditions in Africa.
SophiA systems have been manufactured in Africa and will provide, for the first-time, innovative solutions based on climate-friendly natural refrigerants to cover cooling demand for three different temperature ranges (-70°C, -30°C and +5°C). The systems have been tested and demonstrated at four rural hospitals in remote regions throughout the African continent covering the major geographical regions and different climatic conditions in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Malawi and Uganda.
The Principal Investigator, Prof. Nicholas Kiggundu showing the Shceffler shields concentrators for outside cooking facility.
Launch of the SophiA Project Facility at Buvuma Health Centre IV
The SophiA Project facility installed at Buvuma Health Centre IV was officially commissioned on 30th September 2025, by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, represented by the Dean, School of Food Technology, Nutrition, and Bio-systems Engineering at CAES, Dr Julia Kigozi.
The event was attended by over 100 guests including local government officials, healthcare professionals, university staff and students, traders, and community members. The occasion showcased the transformative technologies introduced under the SophiA Project, aimed at enhancing energy access and health service delivery in off-grid communities.
The PV medport at Lukale Health Center III.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Nicholas Kiggundu, the Project Coordinator in Uganda, outlined the advanced systems installed at Buvuma Health Centre IV. These include:
Electricity Generation: A 36 kWp photovoltaic (PV) solar system supported by a 13 kVA standby generator ensures continuous power supply.
Water Systems: Provision of safe drinking water through ultra-filtration and de-ionized water using membrane capacitive de-ionization technology.
Thermal Energy: Hot water and steam generation for cooking, bathing, and sterilization, using thermo-energy storage.
Solar Cooking: Outdoor cooking with Scheffler reflectors capable of reaching temperatures up to 200°C.
Refrigeration: Environmentally friendly cooling units maintain medicine at +5°C, blood plasma at -30°C, and vaccines, including for COVID-19 and Ebola, at required temperatures using natural refrigerants like propane (R290).
Maternity Support: Installation of Xsol water heaters to provide warm water in the maternity wing.
The VC’s representative, Dr Julia Kigozi, and the PI of the SophiA Project, Prof. Nicholas Kiggundu touring the kitchen.
Additionally, a 2 kWp PV MedPort was installed at Lukale Health Centre III, offering reliable electricity for disease screening and youth outreach services. Both installations feature containerized units integrated with a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for real-time monitoring and operational safety. Key safety features include external ventilated compartments for flammable refrigerants and systems to discharge surplus solar power to the ground.
The excess energy generated by the PV system not only powers the health centre at night but also supports critical services such as the neonatal unit, further extending the project’s impact.
Makerere University students using Scheffler dish concentrators to make popcorn.
The launch also featured a tour of the facility, with an interactive question and answer session focusing on system safety (such as propane compartment ventilation) and scalability.
Now fully operational, the systems provide over 18 hours of reliable electricity daily, surpassing national averages, and enables vaccine storage critical for outbreak response. Buvuma Health Centre IV is set to serve as a learning laboratory for Makerere University students and other institutions.
The SophiA Management Team inaugurated during the launch.
The project was implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and 12 consortium partners, with support from the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Local stakeholders, including the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), and Buvuma District Local Government (DLG), also contributed significantly.
Remarks by the Vice Chancellor
In his remarks delivered by Dr. Julia Kigozi, the Vice Chancellor expressed gratitude to the late Prof. Noble Bannadda for his pivotal role in crafting the project. He thanked Prof. Nicholas Kiggundu, the Principal Investigator, for successfully implementing the project at both Buvuma Health Centre IV and Mua Mission Hospital in Dezda, Malawi. He also thanked other SophiA Project team members at Makerere University namely: Dr. Denis Muhangi (CHUSS), Dr. Sarah Bimbona (COBAMS), and Mr. Alvin Asingya (CAES), and institutional partners.
Installation of the solar system at Buvuma Health Centre IV.
The Vice Chancellor appreciated the European Union for funding the SophiA Project alongside several other initiatives at Makerere University.
Compiled by Prof. Nicholas Kiggundu – PI, SophiA Project/member of staff in the Department of Agricultural & Bio-systems Engineering at CAES, Makerere University.
The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), in close collaboration with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), recognizes the vital role of young researchers in shaping Africa’s future. Graduate students, in particular, bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and rigorous research to the climate and agriculture discourse. Yet, much of this knowledge remains locked in academic theses and journal articles, with limited translation into policy and practice spaces where it can have the greatest impact. To bridge this gap, RUFORUM & AGRA are launching a grant opportunity for graduate students (Master and PhD Candidates & Post-Doctoral Fellows) enrolled in African universities to develop policy briefs and/or working papers on strengthening climate-resilient agri-food systems. This initiative is designed to support students not only to generate high-quality academic outputs but also to translate their findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders.
The program will provide educational, skilling, and incubation opportunities, preparing young people; especially young women for the world of work. It will also enhance access to market-relevant training and practical skilling opportunities, enabling youth to gain the competencies needed by the labor market for both self-employment and wage employment. Through this call, RUFORUM & AGRA seeks to empower a new generation of African scholars to contribute directly to national, regional, and continental dialogues on climate change, resilience, and sustainable agri-food systems.
Applicants must submit an abstract of no more than 500 words through the RUFORUM online application portal (https://rims2.ruforum.org/) o Instructions for submission can be accessed on this link
Inquiries: cgs[@]ruforum.org
RUFORUM reserves the right to make final award decisions.
IMPORTANT DATES
Call Opens: September 5, 2025
Deadline for Abstract Submission: October 15, 2025
Notification of Selected Abstracts: October 30, 2025
Submission of Final Policy Brief/Working Paper: December 31, 2025