Agriculture & Environment
Mak-CAES research projects to boost food security through climate smart innovations
Published
4 years agoon

Food insecurity and malnutrition are on the rise in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The slow progress towards food security is partly attributed to demographic pressure, soil quality deterioration, and climate change that have adversely affected agricultural productivity.
To address the challenge, Makerere University College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) in collaboration with the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) is implementing two 5-year (2021-2026) capacity building projects aimed at improving food security and livelihoods using climate smart agricultural technologies. The projects namely: “Climate-smart Innovations in Agriculture in Sub Saharan Africa: Improved food security, livelihoods, and soil carbon” (ClimSmart), and “Climate Smart Agriculture in Sub Saharan Africa” (NORHED II) are supported by the Norwegian Research Council (NRC) and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD). Partner institutions in Norway include the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI) and Menon Economics while in the South, partners include Gulu University’s Faculty of Agriculture and Environment; Rural Enterprise Development Solutions (REDS); Hawassa University’s Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources; University of Zambia’s School of Agricultural Sciences; and University of Juba’s School of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies.

The overall objective of the ClimSmart project is to contribute to increased food security, on-farm profitability, and entrepreneurship in communities of smallholder farms in Uganda, thus improving livelihoods through training and implementation of novel climate-smart practices in Agriculture. The overall objective of the NORHED II project is to generate and share new knowledge and to contribute to capacity building with respect to food security and on-farm profitability in Sub-Saharan Africa through innovative and sustainable climate-smart technologies.

The project sites in Uganda are in Alebtong and Mubende districts representing two distinct agro-ecological zones. Broad activities under the projects´ objectives include setting up, running, and monitoring controlled field experiments and pot experiments; setting up randomized control trials and conducting surveys; training farmers on Climate Smart Agriculture technologies; collecting and analyzing data for all experiments; and knowledge generation and knowledge transfer.

Expected outputs under the NORHED II project
Expected outputs under the NORHED II project include; 8 MSc students and 5 PhD students in the South; One PhD funded by NMBU -MINA; two post-doctoral scholarships; strengtheningresearchcapacity at the participating institutions; andabout 30 peer reviewed joint scientific publications. Further capacity building is expected through organization of three summer schools involving all partners, students from the five universities, as well as NGO’s and government representatives. Each summer school will involve one student from NMBU and two students from each of the partner institutions in the South leading to a total of 48 students trained in novel Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) technologies. Other outcomes will include scientific exchange stimulated by scholarships for two students or staff at each of the partner institutions in the South for short-term mobility from South-North; Curricula development; developed CSA innovations packaged into policy briefs, and extension manuals; 1000 farmers trained in pigeon pea production in Uganda and Zambia and 500 smallholders trained in biochar production in both Zambia and Uganda, using pigeon pea biomass as feedstock. In addition, methods and results for CSA and impact assessments will be integrated into academic curricula on sustainable agriculture in the partner universities.

Expected outcomes
Overall, the project is expected to enhance agricultural productivity and income of smallholder farmers through sustainable intensification in the target countries as well as a better qualified workforce in Sub Saharan Africa. It is also expected to strengthen the quality and relevance of education and research programmes of the participating organizations, increase capacity and competence of university staff and students, and improve stakeholder engagements.

CAES Researchers, Norwegian Professors discuss project implementation plan

In a bid to streamline and strengthen the NORHED II project activities, Prof. Vegard Martinsen and Prof. Jan Mulder from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences visited Uganda on 2nd-11th March 2022 to engage their counterparts on a number of issues. On 4th March 2022, the two Professors met the project team in Uganda to deliberate on the implementation plan. The meeting held at the School of Agricultural Sciences, CAES was attended by, among others, Prof. Samuel Kyamanywa (PI of NORHED II CSA), Dr Jackline Bonabana-Wabbi (PI ClimSmart and Co-PI NORHED II CSA), Dr Basamba Ali Twaha Ateenyi (project member), representatives of partner institutions including; Dr. Alfred Obia, Coordinator of the projects at Gulu University and Mr. Edward Gitta from Rural Enterprise Development Solutions, as well as PhD students supported by the project. Other members on the project are; The Principal of CAES, Dr Gorettie N. Nabanoga from the Department of Extension and Innovation Studies; Prof. Frank Kansiime from the Department Environmental Management; Prof. Majaliwa Mwanjalolo from the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Climatic Sciences; Dr Yazidhi Bamutaze from the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics & Climatic Sciences; and Dr. Patrick Musinguzi from the Department of Agricultural Production.
Planned research activities under the NORHED II project
Under the project, the research team intends to address issues related to crop production, soil water management, soil fertility management, and the socio-economic aspects in regard to climate smart technologies in agriculture. Under soil fertility management, the researchers plan to among other things, assess biomass production and soil carbon sequestration in rain-fed cropping systems under different climate change scenarios. They also plan to study the dominating food production systems to unravel bottlenecks in terms of yield and quality, and to identify and optimize inexpensive (on farm) sources of mineral nutrition such as farmyard manure and household compost.
Under Soil Water Management, the research team will determine the effects of traditional tillage systems, soil bunds and other CSA strategies on rainwater harvesting, runoff, soil erosion and nutrient loss at different scales. They will also examine the effects of CSA practices on soil physical properties, soil water availability and crop yield. The researchers will also quantify different aspects of the water balance under different CSA management practices to ensure sustainable use of surface and subsurface water and minimize erosion risks.
Examining the socio-economic aspects in relation to Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) technologies, the researchers will determine the contribution of CSA technologies to yield, net farm incomes, food security and poverty reduction. They will assess social acceptance and socio-economics of CSA technologies; determine farmers’ willingness to accept CSA technologies; establish stakeholder perceptions of CSA technologies using the SWOT-AHP approach to ascertain their relative strength and weaknesses; determine business opportunities associated with developed CSA technologies; and investigate the most appropriate uptake pathways for scaling CSA technologies and limiting attrition rates once adopted.

Guest lectures
During the week-long visit, the Norwegian professors toured the project sites in Alebtong and Mubende districts and delivered guest lectures to the University community.
During the guest lectures delivered on 11th March 2022, Dr Alfred Obia from the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment at Gulu University discussed the potential of biochar as a soil enhancer in crop production, shedding light on the effects of biochar on soil physical and chemical properties, and its contribution towards mitigating the effects of climate change. Biochar refers to carbonized biomass obtained from sustainable sources and sequestered in soils to sustainably enhance their productivity.

Prof Gerard Cornelissen, a technical expert at the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute and a professor at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, explained the process of making biochar from contaminated organic waste to clean-up water and soil, whereas Prof. Vegard Martinsen a researcher at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences and Principal Investigator of the ClimSmart and NORHED II projects shared insights into conservation agriculture in Sub Saharan Africa.
In his presentation titled “Testing the pigeon pea – biochar – maize value chain”, Jan Mulder, a Professor of Soil Science at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences explained how the pigeon pea and its biochar greatly enhance soil fertility through increased soil organic matter, improved water retention, improved retention nutrient cations, improved soil structure (aggregates), decreased erodibility, increased nitrogen availability and increased phosphorus availability.

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Agriculture & Environment
RUFORUM Set to Hold 21st AGM
Published
3 days agoon
October 17, 2025By
Mak Editor
The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) is set to hold the 21st Annual General Meeting (AGM), from 1st to 5th December 2025 in Gaborone, Botswana. Themed “Positioning Africa’s Universities and the Higher Education Sector to effectively impact development processes on the continent”, the AGM will bring together over 500 participants including university leaders, policymakers, development partners, private sector actors, young innovators, students and researchers from across Africa and around the world.
Hosted in collaboration with the Government of Botswana and the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN); the AGM will serve as a platform for strategic dialogue and collective action to strengthen the role of African universities in delivering sustainable development outcomes.
This year’s AGM will focus on the following sub themes:
- Sub-theme 1. Strategic partnerships for growth: Building bridges for the future
- Sub-theme 2. Science for development: Generating contemporary and relevant solutions at scale
- Sub-theme 3. Capacity sharing to train the next generation of leaders in agri-food systems transformation
- Sub theme 4. RUFORUM Governance Meetings
Speaking ahead of the event, Prof. Patrick Okori, Executive Secretary of RUFORUM, stated,
“Our universities are central to Africa’s development. By focusing on collaboration, science, and skills, this AGM will help shape the future of higher education in Africa to be more responsive, inclusive, and impactful. We are honored to work with the Government of Botswana in advancing this vision.”
Useful Links
AGM Website: https://agm.ruforum.org/
AGM Press Release: https://news.ruforum.org/botswana-to-host-the-21st-ruforum-annual-general-meeting/
Coverage from RUFORUM: https://news.ruforum.org/science-positioned-as-a-catalyst-for-africas-growth-at-ruforums-21st-annual-general-meeting-launch/
Agriculture & Environment
MakCAES Celebrates Third Cohort of the Conrad N. Hilton Africa Water Quality Testing Fellowship
Published
6 days agoon
October 14, 2025
The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University on 3rd October 2025 proudly celebrated the successful completion of training of the third cohort of the Conrad N. Hilton Africa Water Quality Testing Fellowship.
The event, held in the Conference Hall of the School of Food Technology, Nutrition, and Bioengineering at CAES, was graced by Prof. Sarah Ssali, the First Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, who presented certificates to the 30 successful trainees.

About the Fellowship
Implemented by the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering in partnership with the Aquaya Institute, and generously supported by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, the fellowship equips students with vital skills in water quality testing, research, and project management. The programme supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Good Health (SDG 3), Sustainable Cities (SDG 11), Responsible Consumption (SDG 12), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Life Below Water (SDG 14).
Aligned with Uganda’s National Development Plan III (NDP III), the fellowship emphasizes research impact and community livelihood improvement by training water sector professionals critical for enhancing water quality at local and national levels.

Training Highlights for the Third Cohort
The 2025 cohort, trained in Mukono District, included 30 students drawn from five programmes: B.Sc. Agricultural Engineering, B.Sc. Bioprocessing Engineering, B.Sc. Civil Engineering, B.Sc. Industrial Chemistry, B.Sc. Water and Irrigation Engineering, and M.Sc. Agricultural Engineering.

The curriculum, developed jointly with the Aquaya Institute, covered six comprehensive modules:
- Fundamentals of Drinking Water Quality
- Water Quality Management and Treatment Technologies
- Field Data Collection and Sampling Procedures
- Standard Laboratory Practices
- Data Analysis and Interpretation
- Technical Report Writing
During their training, fellows surveyed over 700 water points across Mukono District, applying their skills in real-world settings to improve local water quality.

Achievements registered thus far
Highlighting the achievements registered, Prof. Isa Kabenge, Head, Department of Agricultural and Bio-systems Engineering at CAES said the programme had successfully trained 90 students, underscoring its impactful contribution to capacity building in the field. He acknowledged the vital support from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and the Aquaya Institute, whose partnership has been central to the success of the programme.

Remarks by the University Officials
Addressing the participants, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali congratulated the fellows on their transformative learning experience, noting the high employability of graduates as a testament to the programme’s relevance and impact. “The students have gained invaluable knowledge and skills in water quality testing, research methodologies, and project management. They have had the opportunity to apply their skills in real-world scenarios, contributing to improved access to safe water for communities.”

She affirmed the University’s commitment to expanding the fellowship, including efforts to standardize the training modules and to establish an accredited water quality laboratory.
In her remarks, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, Principal of CAES, praised the trainers for their dedication to advancing the College’s mandate. “Our work must have real-world impact. Research should be directed toward solving the challenges faced by our communities. No one can thrive without access to safe, clean water,” she emphasized. “I commend the trainees for committing their time to this important programme, and I urge you to become champions for safe water in your communities. This knowledge is meant to be shared.”

She appreciated the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, the Aquaya Institute, and the Mukono District Local Government for their invaluable support.
Dr. Julia Kigozi, Dean of the School of Food Technology, Nutrition, and Bio-systems Engineering, commended the project as one of the school’s flagship initiatives, emphasizing its transformative impact on student learning. She noted that beyond reinforcing theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom, the project has been instrumental in equipping students with hands-on, practical skills essential for real-world application. Dr. Kigozi appreciated the funders and trainers, acknowledging their unwavering commitment and support in making the initiative a success.

Remarks by the alumni and partners
On behalf of the alumni, Mr. Edgar Kugoza expressed gratitude to the funders and the trainers for the opportunity granted to them to improve their skills in water quality management. “We now become internationally accredited water quality professionals and ambassadors of safe water.”
Eng. Yvone Sanyu Lugali, WASH Sustainability Manager at Water for People and an alumnus of the Department of Agricultural and Bio-systems Engineering, commended the programme as a significant milestone in advancing the quality of water resources in the country. She praised the initiative for equipping local professionals with practical, world-class skills and shared information about ongoing and upcoming training and employment opportunities at her company.

Mr. Patrick Mufwoya, Managing Director Davis & Shirtliff Uganda highlighted the positive impact the programme has had on his company through the fellows they have hosted. He praised the fellows for their strong competence and professionalism, noting that their contributions reflect the quality and potential of the training programme. Mr. Mufwoya expressed confidence that initiatives like this could play a transformative role in shaping the future of the water sector nationwide.

In her remarks, Dr. Anna Murray, Deputy Director of Research at the Aquaya Institute appreciated the support provided by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation in advancing efforts to ensure universal access to safe and clean water. She also praised the trainees for their dedication and hard work, emphasizing the crucial role of collaboration and teamwork in driving progress and achieving shared objectives.

The trainers included Prof. Isa Kabenge, Prof. Ahamada Zziwa, Dr Joshua Wanyama, and Dr Prossy Nakawuka, all members of staff in the Department of Agricultural and Bio-systems Engineering at Makerere University.

Agriculture & Environment
RUFS Project Team Trains Smallholder Farmers in Mbale City in Smart Agronomic Practices
Published
1 week agoon
October 10, 2025
Overview
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.

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.

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 Emilna 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.

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.

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. Emilna 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Farmers’ views on the Training
- Ms. Emily Namalwa, an urban farmer and proprietor of Emilna 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.

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 team will hold a similar engagement in Kasese Municipality from 12th-15th October 2025.

More photos from the training








Pictorial on the training:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17NeSVJvLn6wJjtzodL25XtN5arnXXNdz?usp=sharing
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