Agriculture & Environment
72nd Graduation: Doctoral Citations – CAES
ABEN Charles
Participatory Land use governance and livelihoods in Awoja Watershed, Uganda
Mr. ABEN Charles examined the effects of participatory natural resource governance on livelihoods in Awoja watershed in Uganda. In particular, the study assessed the contribution of local people’s participation to policy implementation. Further, the effects of social, economic and political motivation on actor involvement in the participatory governance were examined. The results suggest that the effective participation was contingent on the motivation of different actors involved in watershed management. This study was funded by DANIDA and was supervised by Dr. Okiror, Prof. Jacob Agea and Dr. EsbernFriis Hansen.
ALEXANDER Noah Ruley Jane
Bioremediation of Petroleum Contaminated Soils using Native plants and their Rhizobacteria in the Sudd regions of South Sudan
Ms. ALEXANDER Noah Ruley Jane’s study was to enhance bioremediation of Petroleum Hydrocarbon-(PHC) Contaminated soils for increased agricultural productivity of the Sudd region of South Sudan. Specially, the study examined the native plant species abundant in petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soil and optimal rate of cattle manure for enhancing phytoremediation of PHC contaminated soil in the region. In the results, PHC contamination at concentration of 7002 mgkg-1 detected as cultivated land from drilling points, was higher that the critical value of 5000mgkg soil (Sudan) and 5600mgkg (International). In sum, use of plant species namely H. Rufa, T. diversifolia and G. barbadense with 2 tha -1 of cattle-manure greatly improves bioremediation of PHC contaminated soils in the Sudd region of South Sudan. This study was funded by NORHED and was supervised by Dr Alice Amoding and Assoc. Prof John Baptist Tumuhairwe.
ALFONSE Leonard
The Role of Host Plants, Temperature and Natural Enemies in the Development, Survival and Reproduction of Edible Grasshopper Ruspolia differens (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae)
Mr. ALFONSE Leonard studied the edible long-horned grasshopper (Ruspolia differens Servile) which is a very important source of food and income in East Africa. The insect is currently obtained from seasonally swarming wild populations which are erratic and declining. His study focused on factors limiting artificial mass rearing of R. differens; these factors include the confusion over the identity of the grasshopper, paucity of information on the natural diets, diseases, and the optimal temperature requirements. He identified edible grasshopper in Uganda as Ruspolia differens (Serville), which is a polyphagous with grasses preference to other plants. The study determined temperatures ranging from 28°C to 32°C as optimum for artificial rearing of R. differens. He further investigated that fungi and bacteria isolated from wild-collected grasshoppers were threats to artificial rearing of the insect. Glaurocara flava was the only identified parasitoid of R. differens. He also found that the inclusion of naturally occurring host plants into artificial diets can improve the survival and reproduction of R. differens. The results from this study can contribute to the development of efficient mass rearing protocols of R. differens. This study was funded by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) and German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), and supervised by Prof. Samuel Kyamanywa from Makerere University, and Dr. James P. Egonyu and Dr. Sevgan Subramanian from International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe).
KALANZI Fred
Socio-technological factors influencing smallholder farmers’ adaptation of agroforestry technologies in the eastern highlands of Uganda
Mr. KALANZI Fred studied smallholder farmers’ adaptation of agroforestry technologies in Uganda’s Eastern highlands to establish the rationale for smallholder farmers’ choices, use, and modification of agroforestry technologies. This followed a growing concern that despite the efforts to promote agroforestry technologies, smallholder farmers made contradictory choices and modified technologies in ways perceived by experts to compromise farm productivity and, consequently, food and income security. Results indicated that the technology’s perceived value in addressing the livelihood options of the smallholder farmers was the most critical sociotechnological factor influencing their choices of agroforestry technologies. The study also found that smallholder farmers made several modifications and generated their own practices with anticipated positive outcomes that made the agroforestry technologies more applicable to their unique contexts. The study suggests that while science may have a lot to offer to resource-poor smallholder farmers, their local knowledge and innovations should constitute building blocks in developing economically viable, environmentally compliant and socially acceptable agroforestry technologies. This study was supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) through the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) and NARO and supervised by Dr. Prossy Isubikalu, Dr. Florence Birungi Kyazze and Dr. Lawrence J.B. Orikiriza.
KALULE Wamala Stephen
Farmer Learning Behaviours: A Case of the student-to-farmer university outreach of Gulu University in Uganda
Mr. KALULE Wamala Stephen utilized a sample of 283 host farmers of the student-to-famer outreach of Gulu University to examine the influence of psychosocial factors on farmer learning behaviour. The results show that the most important and positive facilitating condition for farmer learning behaviour was faculty supervision support to students. For the motivational factors, satisfaction of relatedness learning needs and formation of learning intentions were the positive and significant predictors farmer learning behaviour. This study funded by RUFORUM and was supervised by Dr. Haroon Sseguya, Assoc Prof. Duncan Ogeng and Dr. Gabriel Karubanga.
KYALLO Martina
Identification and Characterization of Cassava Mosaic Begomovirus-like viruses Associated with Non Cassava Plants in Kenya
Ms. KYALLO Martina study was on sustainable management of cassava mosaic disease by determining the role non-cassave hosts of Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) like viruses and their associated viruses play in the epidemiology of CMD in Kenya. The study identified M. Lutea as a potential alternative host for East African Cassava Mosaic Virus in Uganda revealing the adaptive potential for the virus and expanding our current knowledge of the host range of CMD in Kenya. This study was funded by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and was supervised by Dr. Mildred Ochwa Ssemakula and Dr. Robert A. Skilton.
LOGA Dorcas Elizabeth
Enhancing Group Sustainability and Innovativeness of Youth in Agriculture; a Comparative Study of Government and Non-government Interventions in Mid-western Uganda.
Ms. LOGA Dorcas Elizabeth studied how government and Non-Government agencies support youth groups in mid-western Uganda to engage in agriculture. The focus was on discovering the conceptual underpinnings that inform and shape the nature of support, enhancing the sustainability of youth groups, and youth innovativeness. The study revealed that government support is premised on the assumption that the youth lack capital, therefore focusing on capitalization through credit and free input provision; while the NGO support is premised on the assumption that youth lack entrepreneurial skills and extension services, and therefore focused on capacity building. The NGO-supported groups were more likely to be sustainable than the Government supported groups. Amidst numerous challenges, the groups post a higher score of innovativeness with an average innovation index of 0.536 reflecting a high potential for youth to revolutionize agriculture. Strengthening coordination to ensure cooperation and complementarity among interventions can enhance the innovativeness and sustainability of youth groups, and make agriculture more gainful. The study was funded by DAAD and Carnegie Corporation of the New York through RUFORUM; and supervised by Assoc. Professor Paul Kibwika and Dr. Florence Birungi Kyazze.
MAWA Christopher
Effects of community-based forest management initiatives on conservation and rural livelihoods in mid-western Uganda
Mr. MAWA Christopher examined the socio-ecological outcomes of community-based forest management initiatives in mid-western Uganda. The study found that positive social and ecological outcomes were simultaneously produced in areas where local community members were either actively co-managing forest resources with the state or were being supported by non-governmental organizations to formally manage and own them. Specifically, the initiatives enhanced community access to legally-sourced forest resources for both subsistence and cash. Additionally, households that had members belonging to conservation groups were more likely to benefit from alternative livelihood schemes promoted by state and non-state actors in the area. However, these alternative livelihood schemes mostly encouraged survival-led as opposed to accumulation-led livelihood diversification pathways. This study was funded by NORHED and was supervised by Prof. David Mwesigye Tumusiime and Assoc. Prof Fred Babweteera.
MUKHONGO Wilhem Ruth
Abbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi for Enhanced Nutrient and Moisture Utilization in Sweet Potato Production
Mr. MUKHONGO Wilhem Ruth investigated the composition and spore abundance of Abbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) in sweet potatoes producing regions in Uganda for local inoculum production. Further, the study sought to determine the efficacy of the native AMF and phosphorus on growth and yield of sweet potatoes. In the findings, the assessment of the composition and spore abundance of AMF in sweet potatoes zones yielded a similarity in the AMF communities with Glomus and Acaulospora species accounting for 38% and 20% respectively. This study was supervised by Assoc. Prof. John Baptist Tumuhairwe, Dr. Peter Ebanyat and Dr. Cargele Masso.
MULINDE Catherine
Climate Adaptation and Crop Productivity in Coffee-Based Farming Systems of Uganda
Ms. MULINDE Catherine focused on determining the most sustainable climate adaptation practices that are likely to increase current and future crop productivity, and mitigate climate vulnerabilities in Arabica and Robusta coffee-based farming systems of Uganda by 2040. She adopted qualitative, quantitative and modeling approaches in assessing climatic-crop suitability, adoption-drivers and effectiveness of major adaptation practices. Coffee and banana were revealed as more vulnerable to climate change than maize and beans in eastern, central and western Uganda; and that agroforestry, inorganic fertilizer, organic manure, mulch, trenches and soil bunds can potentially reduce crop yield losses especially if future climate becomes drier than wetter. The study recommends the promotion of these adaptation practices with an agile extension service considering the diverse adaptation
needs of coffee-farmers rather than ‘one-size-fit-all’ adaptation strategies; identification of efficient on-farm water-draining technologies; and bioengineering of crop varieties adaptive to wetter-conditions across various altitudes. This study was supervised by Prof. Majaliwa
Mwanjalolo and Dr. Revocatus Twinomuhangi, and funded by USAID.
NAKITTO Aisha Musaazi Sebunya
Solanum anguivi Lam. fruits’ nutritional quality and potential effect on type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Ms. NAKITTO Aisha Musaazi Sebunya investigated the morphological characteristics, bioactive compound contents (BCC) and antioxidant activity (AA) of fourteen accessions of Solanum anguivi Lam. The impact of various ripeness stages and thermal treatments on the BCC and AA of Solanum anguivi Lam. fruits (SALF) was determined, where the unripe stage and boiling exhibited the highest AA. Further, the potential of dietary SALF to prevent and manage type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-like phenotypes was investigated using the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster (D. melanogaster) model organism. D. melanogaster has been previously shown to develop a T2DM-like phenotype upon high-sugar diet (HSD) intake. The study showed for the first time that dietary SALF lowers HSD-induced glucose levels in D. melanogaster, which was not mediated through an up-regulation of central genes (Srl, dIlp3 and dIlp6) of the fly’s energy metabolism. Simultaneously, dietary SALF increased the flies’ survival, thus suggesting a protective effect of SALF against premature death associated with a T2DM-like phenotype. Dietary SALF may therefore help prevent and manage T2DM in humans. This study was funded by the DAAD and FTBIC and was supervised by Prof. John Muyonga, Prof. Anika Wagner and Assoc. Prof Yusuf Byaruhanga.
NDAULA Sulaiman
Psychosocial factors in rural smallholder farmers’ decision to accept orange-fleshed sweet potato in Uganda
Mr. NDAULA Sulaiman studied the acceptance of orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) within households that already grow White-fleshed sweet potato (WFSP). With vitamin A deficiency enduring as a major public health concern in many developing countries, OFSP continues to be promoted as a food-based alleviation strategy for the deficiency. This study sought to enhance understanding of the role of rural smallholder farmers’ socio-cognitive contexts in OFSP acceptance in Uganda. The study revealed that farmers at the various stages of the OFSP cultivation process (under consideration, trial, or maintenance) differ in the belief sets they held about OFSP relative to the WFSP sweet potato varieties. Also, sustained OFSP cultivation was enhanced by social pressure, farmers’ valuation of their capability to cultivate OFSP as compared to cultivating WFSP and health-related risk perceptions. Through compliance and conformity to peer pressure, farmers created a cycle of low cultivation intensity that led to limited access to vines, low appreciation of relative advantage of OFSP over WFSP and the attendant cultivation defections. This study points to a cardinal role for processes that create supportive social and cognitive environments for the acceptance of bio-fortified technologies such as the orange-fleshed sweet potato. This study was funded by DAAD and supervised by Dr. Frank Matsiko, Dr. Richard Miiro, and Dr. Haroon Sseguya.
OBUA Tonny
Genetic Improvement of Nutritional Traits and Yield of Tropical Soybean in Uganda
Mr. OBUA Tonny investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of 89 tropical soybean germplasm, and determined the variability of nutritional traits of 52 soybean core collections from diverse sources. He further conducted a genome-wide association study based on 92 soybean genotypes, as well as determination of environmental effect on protein content and yield in soybean. The results showed that the genetic diversity among the studied germplasm was low, and the phylogenetic tree and Principal Component Analysis grouped the 89 genotypes into three major clusters. The low genetic diversity could be attributed to the cleistogomous nature of soybean and the sample of genotypes used that were mainly released varieties and advanced breeding lines; that have been genetically fixed at all loci in regard to general consumer preferences after many cycles of selections. Low diversity in the studied germplasm pool is a reflection of genetic erosion of the existing germplasm pool, which calls for widening of the current germpalsm base. The study further identified several soybean genotypes that protein and oil content above the reported averages. Total oil content varied significantly between origins with genotypes from Zimbabwe showing the highest mean of 20.13% while those from Taiwan had the lowest mean of 18.3%. The study was funded by Soybean Africa Limited, Makerere University Center for Soybean Improvement and Development, Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa – International Livestock Research Institute Hub; and was supervised by Prof. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa and Dr. Thomas L. Odong.
OCHIENG Hannington
Biological assessment of River Aturukuku in Tororo, Uganda: a tropical river with potential environmental threats from its catchment
Mr. OCHIENG Hannington undertook a biological assessment of River Aturukuku in order to contribute towards its conservation and sustainable utilisation by the riparian communities. His research compared the utility of two macroinvertebrate based Biological Monitoring Working Party indices, from England (temperate region) and Costa Rica (tropical region) for assessing water quality, and explored the assemblages of benthic macroinvertebrates and diatoms along River Aturukuku. His research showed that the two foreign biomonitoring indices could not separate sites based on pollution gradients, attributable to biogeographical differences in environmental conditions and pollution tolerances among macroinvertebrates. The diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates and diatoms in the river was low, with pollution-tolerant taxa dominating. The development of indigenous biotic index for Uganda and specific mitigation measures for conservation of the entire river for sustainable utilisation is recommended. The study was funded by the National Geographic Society and was supervised by Prof. James Okot-Okumu and Dr. Robinson Odong.
SYOFUNA Agatha
Prevalence and impact of stem canker diseases on Eucalyptus grandis and selected Hybrid clones in Uganda
Ms. SYOFUNA Agatha studied the prevalence and impact of stem canker diseases on Eucalyptus grandis and selected Hybrid clones in Uganda. This was based on the background that there is a drive for re-afforestation and a high timber demand in the country, both of which are being solved by extensive plantation development. The study revealed that Eucalyptus plantations are threatened by Botryosphaeria and Teratosphaeria canker diseases throughout the Country mostly in the Central, Eastern and Albertine regions. Five species of Botryosphaeriaceae were identified based on multi-locus phylogenies (ITS and β-tubulin). Pathogenicity tests using species of Botrosphaeriaceae and Teratosphaeria revealed variation in susceptibility of Eucalyptus grandis and selected hybrid clones, suggesting that disease-tolerant Eucalyptus genotypes could be selected for disease management. Furthermore, an assessment of the anatomical, physical, and mechanical properties, revealed brittle failure and high shrinkage in wood from diseased trees, indicating that it is not suitable for some construction applications and should be used with caution. The study was funded by African Development Bank and DAAD, and supervised by Dr Grace Nakabonge and Prof. Abwoli Y. Banana.
TURYAHIKAYO Willy
Network governance dynamics that influence the generation and implementation of innovative activities within the Agricultural Innovation Platforms.
Mr. TURYAHIKAYO Willy investigated the network governance dynamics that influence the generation and implementation of innovative activities within the Agricultural Innovation Platforms. The study findings showed that the level and structure of interactions have got a profound effect on generation and implementation of new ideas within the agricultural innovation platforms. However, owing to the informal nature of networks, this study revealed stringent collective sanctions in the IPs can negatively impact the innovative activities. The study recommends increased actor interactions in terms of duration and frequency of interactions between actors within the platforms. This study was funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), and supervised by Dr. Frank B. Matsiko, Dr. John J. Okiror, Dr. Richard F. Miiro and Prof. Jon Hanf.
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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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