Agriculture & Environment
Mak-CAES Hosts Hybrid Seminar on Finding the Best Cattle Genetics for Africa (OPTIBOV project)
OPTIBOV: Genetic Characterization of Cattle Populations for Optimal Performance in Africa Eco Systems
A large variety of local indigenous and commercial cattle breeds has been produced as a result of domestication and selection. This variety ensures the capability and adaptability of livestock to fulfil its role in food production under different circumstances, now and in the future. Local breeds exhibit unique adaptive features to harsh environments, which can be useful for adjusting mainstream breeds to climate change. Simply transferring high producing commercial animals to the African continent, will not be the solution due to low performance and even low survival under these harsh environments (ecosystems). The aim of the OPTIBOV project is to improve production and survival of traditional/indigenous breeds adapted to the local environments in Africa. This will secure the future of these well adapted traditional/indigenous local breeds.With combined effort from partners across the globe, the OPTIBOV project will help maintain traditional cattle breeds, capture adaptation, use known variations in production, train, educate & involve stakeholders to perform optimal breeding.
The project is coordinated in The Netherlands (Wageningen University and Research Centre). Participating institutions include; Makerere University, Uganda; Natural Resources Institute Finland; Agricultural Research Council Pretoria, South-Africa; University of Porto, Portugal; Cairo University, Egypt; and Taurus Foundation Netherlands.
Project members include; Dr. Richard Crooijmans, Wageningen University, The Netherlands; Dr. Donald Kugonza, Department of Agricultural Production, Makerere University; Prof. Juha Kantanen, Natural Resources Institute Finland; Dr. Nasser Ghanem, University of Cairo, Egypt; Dr. Linky Makgahlela, Pretoria, South Africa; and Dr. Catarina Ginja from Portugal.
The project is supported by LEAP-Agri, a joint Europe Africa Research and Innovation (R&I) initiative related to Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA).
An important deliverable of the project is a new genotyping assay specific for African cattle breeds which will include markers associated with specific traits.
Expected outcomes and impact:
- A uniform bovine phenotype scoring list for adaptation traits.
- Genome-wide information of the traditional breeds. Giving knowledge on the amount of diversity but also on the amount of inbreeding, detection of potential genetic defects and selective sweeps related to adaptation to a specific environment.
- The obtained information can be used to improve traits by selection of animals within or over breeds such as longevity, production and resistance to diseases. This will increase production, longevity and reduces cost for medical treatments which will result in breed performance in the next generations.
- Training of young researchers will be conducted to use the latest technology and techniques and how to implement the findings in breeding.
- Involvement of all stakeholders up to farmers by creating an APP, database and website to submit data and actively participate within the research.
Hybrid seminar
On 25th April 2022, the project team met at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University to share updates on activities in the respective countries. The hybrid seminar was hosted by Dr Donald Kugonza and Dr Morris Agaba.
Seminar presentations/issues being researched
- Traditional cattle genomics: search for adaptive markers–Dr Richard crooijmans, Wageningen University in The Netherlands;
- Developments in SNP genotyping and next generation sequencing in South African indigenous cattle – Dr AA Zwane, a Researcher in Animal Breeding and Genetics, Agricultural Research Council-Animal Production (ARC-AP), Irene, Pretoria, South Africa;
- Molecular responses of heat stress during early embryonic development and alleviation strategies– Dr Nasser Ghanem from the Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Egypt;
- Application of genomics for livestock genetic improvement–Dr Linky Makgahlela, ARC-Animal Production, South Africa;
- Genomic characterization of northern native cattle breeds-Prof.JuhaKantanen, Natural Resources Institute Finland;
- Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterisation of Ankole, Ntuku and Nganda cattle of Uganda-Dr.Behabura Generous Betunga, an MSc. Animal Science student in the Department of Agricultural Production, CAES;
- Investigating the production and adaptive traits of indigenous cattle to eastern Uganda ecosystems-Waibi Sarah, an MSc. Livestock Development student at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University;
- The use of Genomic Tools to Improve Cattle, an Archaeogenomics Perspective– Dr Catarina Ginja
Issues arising from the research
1. Developments in SNP genotyping and next generation sequencing in South African indigenous cattle – Dr. A. A. Zwane
There is notable difference in using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data and whole genome sequence (WGS) data in characterizing SA indigenous cattle breeds
WGS data holds the potential for the improvement of indigenous livestock breeds due to the in-depth analysis genome-wide
Genetic diversity studies give the understanding of population structure, demographic history, introgression and heterozygosity levels in South Africa indigenous cattle
Identification of selective signatures provides insight into selection events that have shaped the genomes of indigenous cattle breeds, and allows the identification of important genes
This will allow genomic selection, sooner, in the indigenous breeds, and more studies are needed for other indigenous livestock species
2. Application of genomics for livestock genetic improvement – Linky Makgahlela, ARC-Animal Production, South Africa
- Genomics drives biological efficiency of production, boosts livestock contribution for sustainable protein source
- Genomics promises cutting-edge solutions: Nutritional needs of all human beings, while safeguarding natural resources, and preventing environmental degradation
- Genomics enables farmers to increase efficiency, decrease production costs & prophylactics and limits expenditure of resources
- Research (and capacity development) ongoing for better understanding of breeds and to put science to practice
3. Genomic characterization of northern native cattle breeds – Prof. Juha Kantanen, Natural Resources Institute Finland
The gene expression analysis of the northern Eurasian breeds revealed;
- Several differentially expressed genes (DEG) that were associated with the eicosanoid metabolic process (ALOX15, ALOX5 and HPGD) in northern Finncattle and with immunity (CCL4, CCL5 CX3CR1, CXCR6 and PRF1) and the regulation of lipid transport (ABCA1, ABCG1, IRS2 and THBS1) in Yakutian cattle.
- The genes involved in the immune system are also associated with environmental adaptation.
- The eicosanoid metabolic process was previously found to be involved in the hibernation of brown bears (Ursusarctos) and indigenous peoples associated with seasonal changes. These findings indicate a convergent evolution that may have occurred in different mammalian species living in northern and sub‐arctic environments.
4. Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterisation of Ankole, Ntuku and Nganda cattle of Uganda – Dr. Behabura Generous Betunga, Makerere University
The Ugandan cattle herd is comprised of 93.3 percent of indigenous breeds and their crossbreeds which are mainly; Long-horned cattle of Uganda (Sanga) (Bostaurusindicus); Zenga breeds (Sanga and Zebu crosses); East African short-horn Zebu (Bosindicus). The OPTIBOV breeds of interest in Uganda are; Long horned Ankole cattle (South-Western Uganda); Nganda cattle (Central-Uganda) and Ntuku cattle (Mid-Western Uganda). The study aims to carry out phenotypic characterization for performance traits and draw a genomic growth curve for Ankole, Ntuku and Nganda cattle under different management systems for a period of 0 to 18 months in Uganda. It also aims to carry out genetic characterization and measure the genetic relationship between the Ankole, Ntuku and Nganda cattle in Uganda; and to assess selection techniques (natural and human mediated) of Ankole, Ntuku and Nganda cattle of Uganda. Meetings have been held with farmers and animals selected for sampling and samples collected for analysis.
Issues arising include;
- The Indigenous cattle breeds are at the threat of genetic erosion. There is need for Phenotypic & genotypic Characterization for the performance traits of the Ankole, Ntuku and Nganda
5. Investigating the production and adaptive traits of indigenous cattle to eastern Uganda ecosystems
Cattle is a valuable source of income, employment & a major source of nutrition to people in the East especially Karamoja and Bukedi in Tororo. Angoria Ting and Cheptoyoi are the indigenous cattle breeds in Karamoja: Karamajong women prefer rearing goats to cows. The study aims to;
- To phenotypically characterize the performance and adaptive traits of the Nkedi and Karimajong cattle
- To develop indices for assessing the productivity of the Nkedi and Karimajong cattle
- To assess status and risk of erosion of the two indigenous cattle genetic resources
Meeting with Makerere University Vice Chancellor
In the course of the seminar, the OPTIBOV project team paid a courtesy call on Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe who congratulated them upon winning the research grant.“As we celebrate 100 years of teaching, research and innovation, such projects are vital in pushing forward our agenda of transforming Makerere into a research-led University,” he noted, pledging to accord the researchers all the support they need to achieve the project objectives.
The project leader at Makerere University, Dr. Donald Kugonza expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for the support he accorded the team in their bid for the project.
Presentations:
Agriculture & Environment
Mak Unveils Key Findings on Urban Development Challenges in Kampala, Proposes Reforms for Improvement
Makerere University has released a comprehensive report detailing the key challenges affecting urban development in Kampala, one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities. With an annual population growth rate of 5.6%, Kampala faces significant pressure on its infrastructure and urban systems. The report, part of the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC) program, aims to provide actionable insights to improve the living conditions and urban services for all residents, especially marginalized communities.
Launched by Hon. Mario Obiga Kania, the Minister of State for Urban Development, on 13th February 2025, the report explores the political, social, and infrastructural dynamics that have shaped urban development in Kampala. The analysis covers critical domains, including informal settlements, youth and capability development, land and connectivity, and health, wellbeing, and nutrition.
A Holistic Approach to Kampala’s Urban Challenges
The findings are based on extensive research by Makerere University‘s Urban Action Lab, with contributions from scholars, practitioners, and experts both local and international. The report identifies the most pressing challenges facing the city, particularly for its disadvantaged communities, and provides a framework for addressing these issues in a way that is equitable, sustainable, and inclusive. Key contributors to the research include: Dr. Paul Isolo Mukwaya, lead author and Head, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University; Ms. Judith Mbabazi, Researcher, Urban Action Lab, Makerere University; Prof. Henrik Ernstson, Honorary Senior Research Fellow, The University of Manchester, UK; Dr. Peter Kasaija, Dr. Daniel Ochieng Ologe, Dr. Ritah Nakanjako, and Dr. Kareem Buyana, Researchers, Urban Action Lab, Makerere University; Ms. Hasifa Namuli, Wakiso Town Council Planner; Dr. Gloria Seruwagi, School of Public Health, Makerere University; Dr. Nansozi K. Muwanga, and Patricia Liola Tona Katto, Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre; Dr. Henry Bazira, Ms. Maria Ssematiko, Dr. Eria Serwajja, Mr. Muhamed Lunyago, and Dr. Doreen Kobusingye.
Key Findings
- Infrastructure Deficits: The city is struggling with significant deficits in infrastructure and service provision, which are further exacerbated by rapid population growth.
- Governance Challenges: Multiple actors, including the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and the central government, often fail to coordinate effectively on service delivery. This lack of coordination leads to inefficiencies and contestations within city systems.
- Inequality in Service Delivery: Informal settlements are disproportionately affected by poor service delivery, including inefficient transport, inadequate electricity distribution, and insecure neighbourhoods.
- Privatization and Market-Driven Approaches: Privatization of services has led to a fragmented system, where gaps in service delivery are filled by private actors, resulting in unreliable and inaccessible services for many, particularly in informal settlements.
- Mistrust and Governance Issues: Political struggles, corruption, and ineffective governance slow down reform efforts and hinder sustained investment in key urban sectors.
- Political Elites and Informality: The influence of political and business elites operating informally impacts critical decisions on urban development, particularly regarding land, infrastructure, and public services.
- Health and Nutrition Gaps: Despite abundant food, low incomes and poor nutrition knowledge contribute to poor health outcomes. A more informed and accessible approach to nutrition is needed.
- Youth and Vulnerability: Kampala’s youth, who represent 46% of the population, are underserved by policies and face high rates of teenage pregnancies and drug abuse, perpetuating cycles of poverty.
- Land Market Exploitation: Land brokers take advantage of information gaps in the land market, complicating efforts to address housing and land tenure issues.
- Informal Settlements and Political Capital: Informal settlements in Kampala are becoming significant for economic rents and political leverage, which further complicates efforts to address urban challenges.
Proposed Reforms
The report suggests several priority reforms to improve Kampala’s urban development, including:
- Upgrading Informal Settlements: Addressing poor housing conditions and infrastructure in informal settlements.
- Proper Land Registration: Enhancing land tenure security through improved registration systems.
- Waste Management and Public Health: Implementing sustainable waste management systems and promoting healthy diets through public health campaigns.
- Youth Skills Development: Creating apprenticeship programs, vocational training, and life-skills initiatives for youth.
- Improving State Capabilities: Strengthening the capacity of local and central governments to manage urban challenges, with a focus on financing, human resource development, and forging productive partnerships with non-state actors.
- The authors stress the importance of community participation in governance and propose that economists, urban researchers, and other stakeholders provide urban policy advice without being seen as political opposition.
- Other proposed initiatives include: i) the Kawenja Plastic Waste Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub aims to improve a slum upgrading project in Kisenyi III, focusing on flood control and livelihood enhancement. It will create a network of plastic waste collectors, conduct a situation analysis, and collaborate with Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and other agencies. The initiative will involve procuring and installing equipment to formalize recycling efforts. ii) Improved Hygiene and Sanitation at Ggaba Market: To address hygiene and sanitation challenges faced by food vendors, the report proposes the installation of a sludge transfer tank and a three-wheeler vehicle at Ggaba Market. This intervention aims to enhance sanitation standards and create a healthier environment for both vendors and customers.
Remarks from Key Stakeholders
The meeting was attended by representatives from government and non-government organizations, as well as leaders from the Kampala Capital City Authority, who shared insights into the city’s development challenges and proposed several reforms for improvement.
Hon. Mario Obiga Kania, Minister of State for Urban Development
In his address, Hon. Mario Obiga Kania, Minister of State for Urban Development encouraged city leaders to view Kampala’s challenges as opportunities for growth. He highlighted the city’s potential to generate revenue for Uganda and emphasized the need for systemic improvements in service delivery. The Minister commended the researchers and committed to supporting the implementation of their recommendations. “Research should be viewed as a tool for solving issues, not just lamenting over them. Our leaders need to recognize Kampala as an integral part of Uganda’s governance due to its vital role in the country’s development. We must prioritize making Kampala thrive, as it is the central hub for commercial activity. City planning should accommodate and support informal trade effectively. Moving forward, we must focus on reducing youth unemployment through life-skills programs. Additionally, there is an urgent need to improve waste management, enhance financial literacy, and better regulate refugee affairs.”
The Lord Mayor of Kampala
Briefing participants on the city development challenges, the Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago expressed concern over the growing political interference and the lack of funding for planned activities. “On several occasions, we have struggled to address issues of physical planning, yet Kampala still lacks a structural plan. The Directorate of Physical Planning at KCCA is the least funded. While Kampala boasts of the best natural environment, its built environment is among the worst. There is a pressing need to transform the city’s vast slums into the ‘Garden City of Africa’.” He expressed gratitude to ACRC for the report, noting that its findings would be crucial in guiding the implementation of reforms in the City.
Vice Chancellor’s address
In his address, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, represented by Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, expressed appreciation to the ACRC research team for dedicating their time and resources to investigate the challenges hindering progress in the city. “As Vice Chancellor, I acknowledge the significant role our university plays in shaping the future of Kampala and Uganda. Our mission to foster innovation, research, and education must address the challenges of urban development, enabling us to create sustainable solutions for growth. A key issue is the growing demand for housing, driven by Kampala’s rapid population growth. However, the supply of affordable, quality housing has not kept up, resulting in overcrowded slums and poor living conditions. As an academic institution, we are well-placed to contribute by researching affordable building technologies, promoting sustainable urban planning, and collaborating with policymakers to ensure equitable housing for all.”
Commenting on the challenges posed by the city’s population growth, the Vice Chancellor pointed out the inadequacies in transport infrastructure and waste management. He stressed the importance of collaborating with researchers to develop alternative transportation models, smart mobility solutions, and urban planning that prioritizes walkability while reducing reliance on private cars. Additionally, he highlighted the need for further research into waste-to-energy technologies, the creation of sustainable waste management systems, and the promotion of environmentally responsible practices.
“As Kampala expands, we must also consider the preservation of its natural environment. Green spaces, parks, and urban forests are essential for the well-being of the city’s inhabitants. They provide recreational areas, improve air quality, reduce urban heat, and contribute to the overall aesthetic of the city,” he explained.
Mr. Joseph Walter Pade, the Commissioner, Urban Development at the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, emphasized the need to involve the entire country in addressing the challenges facing Kampala. He also highlighted the importance of changing mindsets to tackle the city’s development issues.
The Dean of the School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Dr. Revocatus Twinomuhangi, commended the research team for the excellent work and called for the wider dissemination of the findings to maximize their impact.
Agriculture & Environment
Mak, CGIAR GENDER Impact Platform drive equitable & inclusive agricultural development through enhanced gender & agriculture curricula
****In this blog, we share about efforts to enhance the gender and agriculture curriculum as an avenue to drive equitable and inclusive agricultural development. This work was done through a partnership between the Makerere University and the CGIAR GENDER Impact Platform.
Overview
Gender equality is a key pillar to achieving sustainable development goals. However, in agrifood systems, achieving these goals has been a challenge because of the complex social and gender relations that govern most communities in sub-Saharan Africa.
Although agriculture remains the backbone of many economies in Sub-Saharan Africa, providing livelihoods for a significant proportion of the population, gender inequalities are prevalent in this sector. For example, several gender-based constraints contribute to gender yield gaps. In addition, despite their immense contributions, women often face systemic barriers in agriculture as a result of social norms, which limit their access to and control over productive resources, decision-making processes, and agricultural extension services.
These disparities not only undermine gender equality but also constrain agricultural productivity, food security, and rural development. Addressing challenges such as these requires an understanding of the intersection between gender and agricultural development, which can inform policies and programming in the sector. One avenue to understanding and tackling these complex issues is through equipping professionals in agricultural-related fields with the necessary skills and knowledge through relevant curricula in institutions of higher learning.
University curricula as a pathway to tackle gender in agriculture-related issues
In a move to contribute to addressing the gap in gender-related knowledge and skills among agricultural professionals, the Gender-responsive Researchers Equipped for Agricultural Transformation (GREAT) Phase 3 initiative – a collaboration between Makerere and the CGIAR GENDER Platform – fortified the existing gender and agriculture curricula at Makerere University that was last updated more than 10 years ago. The course materials were revamped to align with changing needs and the latest knowledge and best practices in gender and agrifood systems. Graduates of these programs are to be equipped to handle the challenges in the world of work in gender and agriculture. The same initiative also supported the development of two innovative postgraduate programs in gender and agriculture at Makerere University– a Masters and a Post Graduate Diploma, due to be launched soon. These aim to provide transformative and innovative teaching, learning, research, and services responsive to dynamic national and global needs.
A consultative approach to gender and agriculture curriculum development
Recognizing the need for collaborative curriculum design, Makerere University conducted physical and online stakeholder consultations in the last quarter of 2024. The physical workshop held in Kampala, Uganda, was attended by a diverse group of experts in gender, agriculture, monitoring and evaluation, and university management, among others. The online survey, targeting a diverse audience of experts in gender and agriculture globally, attracted over 70 respondents from 22 countries across five regions – Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, North America, South America, and Europe. The experts (mainly in gender studies, rural development, and agricultural economics) were from academia, national agricultural institutes, CGIAR centers, NGOs, and international organizations. The purpose of the consultation was to gather respondents’ perceptions about the relevance of the post-graduate programs, key competencies students should have upon completion of the programs, priority topics, and any existing materials they believed would be beneficial to adapt or incorporate into this curriculum, among other things.
Priority topics suggested by stakeholders include: gender concepts and why gender matters in agriculture, gender and climate change, inter-sectionality, gender-responsive monitoring and evaluation, women’s empowerment, gender transformative approaches, gender-responsive research design, data collection, analysis and reporting, and gender and seed systems. These are some of the topics that have been integrated into the curricula. They are also part of the improved existing undergraduate and graduate programs shared as open-access materials to allow other teachers and teaching institutes across the globe to draw on these efforts for their own courses.
Longer-term postgraduate programs Vs short- term courses
The post-graduate programs draw inspiration from the GREAT program, which was instrumental in training over 360 agricultural researchers in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia since 2015. Lessons from GREAT revealed the need for longer and more extensive academic offerings to develop professionals who can lead transformative change in the sector. In line with this, the majority of the consulted stakeholders (87 percent) rated the postgraduate programs as very important as opposed to short-term courses. They emphasized the need for longer-term educational initiatives to deepen theoretical understanding and practical application. This would help to create a pool of experts/ gender-responsive professionals capable of advocating for equity at every level of the agrifood system, filling the gaps in capacity that short-term training programs do not usually address.
Proposed structure and next steps
The programs will adopt an interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from agriculture, gender studies, sociology, and rural development. Stakeholders also proposed that the programs leverage existing resources, such as CGIAR GENDER Impact Platform materials and evidence explainers, and FAO resources on gender and agriculture, while ensuring continuous evaluation and updates to remain relevant to evolving needs. Partner universities in Uganda that are developing similar programs include: Mountains of the Moon University in Western Uganda, University of the Sacred Heart Gulu, and Muni University in Northern Uganda.
With revamped training materials and these new academic programs on gender and agriculture, Makerere University contributes to higher education that can drive systemic change in agriculture. These programs will empower change-makers who will shape the future of agriculture into one that is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.
Resources:
Report: Online Consultation on new programs in Gender and agriculture, October 2024
Report: Consultative Workshop on new programs in Gender and agriculture, September 2024.
Revised Gender and Agriculture Course materials: https://muele.mak.ac.ug/course/view.php?id=11805
By Elizabeth Asiimwe, Losira Nasirumbi Sanya, and Marlène Elias.
For more information, please contact:
Florence Birungi Kyazze, PhD
Senior Lecturer and GREAT Project P.I
Department of Extension and Innovation Studies
Email: fbirungikyazze@gmail.com
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