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
FoodLAND Project Research Dissemination: Nakaseke District Farmers Sensitized on Modern Agricultural Practices & Proper Nutrition
******Food and Local, Agricultural, and Nutritional Diversity (FoodLAND) project aims to develop, implement and validate innovative, scalable, and sustainable technologies aimed at supporting the nutrition performance of local food systems in Africa, while strengthening agro-biodiversity and food diversity as well as diversity of healthy diets.
Experiences of Nakaseke District farmers
Farmers in Nakaseke District are indebted for the support and training received from the FoodLAND Project. Although many had been engaged in the activity, they lacked knowledge and skills of modern farming. Connected to FoodLAND through VEDCO, a non-governmental and not for profit agricultural organization, the farmers have acquired skills on value addition, precision irrigation/fertigation, smart storage systems, gardening and hydroponics systems, biodegradable mulching, precision crop protection systems, precision harvesting systems and agro-ecological intensification practices.
According to Ms. Nakawuba Sarah, a widow and tomato farmer in Kapeeka Sub County, Nakaseke District, the knowledge acquired has enabled her to expand, and gain more profits. “I extend my gratitude to FoodLAND and the funders of the project. The knowledge acquired over time has enabled me to expand my farm and earn more money. Due to ignorance, we used to be exploited – people would buy our products cheaply because we lacked knowledge of preservation. The training on value addition has helped us learn how to preserve our products and we are now benefiting more from them. At the time my husband died, we had just a small house built on his father’s land. I am happy that with the support received from VEDCO and FoodLAND, I have bought a plot of land, built a house, and I am able to pay school fees for my children. I once again thank VEDCO and the FoodLAND. Although the FoodLAND project is ending soon, I request that they do not leave us. They should continue training us so that we further improve our skills.”
Mr. Lubowa Samuel Sunday, also a farmer in Kapeeka Sub County, Nakaseke District is equally grateful. Through FoodLAND, several farmers in Nakaseke District have acquired knowledge of climate smart agriculture. “Farming in the dry season is no longer a challenge. Our harvest has increased and we are now earning more. However we still face a number of challenges including the high cost of fertilizers and pesticides. We appeal to the project team to conduct more research on natural remedies for the challenges we are experiencing.”
Ms. Nankya Jane, a coffee and banana farmer Semuto Sub County, Nakaseke District, the irrigation skills acquired through the project have greatly improved her farm. “The place where I do my farming was so dry, and this, in many cases, affected my yields. Through VEDCO, we were taken to the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK) where we acquired skills on proper irrigation and value addition using technologies developed by the FoodLAND Project. If I had acquired these skills when I started 7 years ago, I would be very far. My appeal is that you continue offering training to us. There is a lot more that we need to learn.”
About the FoodLAND project
Launched in 2020, the main objective of the FoodLAND project was to develop, implement and validate innovative, scalable and sustainable technologies aimed at supporting the nutrition performance of local food systems in Africa, while strengthening agro-biodiversity and food diversity as well as diversity of healthy diets.
Funded to the tune of 7 million euro by the European Commission within the Horizon 2020 programme, and led by Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna (Italy), the project committed to developing a range of innovations for local agriculture and aquaculture development, as well as to nudging consumers towards healthier eating behaviour in six African countries: Morocco, Tunisia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. The project specifically aimed to empower smallholder farmers and food operators, foster nutrition responsive and sustainable agro-biodiversity, reinforce the productivity and resilience of food supply chains, and create new market opportunities at both the local and global scales, thereby encouraging the flourishing of rural communities. The project was envisaged to create a network of 14 local Food Hubs—paired with 14 separate cities in these countries—that would mobilise relevant actors in rural, urban and peri-urban communities and serve as injection points for testing and introducing the innovations. The 28 partners that comprise the FoodLAND consortium (18 of them African institutions while the other 10 are European) were expected to work together to develop, implement and validate 12 technological innovations; which include organizational and technological innovations for both vegetable and fish farming and food processing systems, together with 17 novel local food products, ranging from fresh, dried and processed vegetables and fish to composite flours and therapeutic foods.
In Uganda, the project was implemented in 6 districts namely; Masaka, Nakaseke, Kamuli, Lwengo, Mukono and Wakiso, and was led by Prof. John Muyonga from the Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University. Other members on the project were: Prof. Johnny Mugisha from CAES; Dr. Cassius Aruho, Dr. Puline Nakyewa, Dr. Margaret Masette, Dr. Getrude Atukunda and Dr. Justus Rutaisire from NARO; Mr. Henry Nsereko from VEDCO; and Prof. Dorothy Nakimbugwe from Nutreal.
To date, the project team in Uganda has registered a number of achievements including;
- New nutrient enhanced food products – Noodles containing orange fleshed sweet potatoes and biofortified beans; instant flours containing orange fleshed sweet potatoes, biofortified beans and grain amaranth; and dry eggplant. Arrangements are in place for commercialization of the technologies by SMEs.
- Establishment of infrastructure at MUARIK for research and training on fertigation (irrigation that supplies water together with manure) and precision irrigation.
- Development of technology for smart cold storage of perishable foods such as fruits and vegetables. The technology allows for remote monitoring of temperature and relative humidity.
- Development of technology for rodent control in stores. This technology has been shown to be effective in preventing of rodent damage to food in stores.
- Promotion of agro-ecological intensification – Applying ecological principles to ensure sustainable agricultural production.
- Testing application of bio-based packaging of food
- Training of 100 farmers in different production technologies.
- Training of 3 M.Sc.
- Developing of nutrition guidelines for adults and the elderly.
Dissemination of the project findings and achievements to farmers and district leaders in Nakaseke
On 16th July 2024, the project team held a dissemination workshop for Nakaseke District leaders and farmers to sensitize them on different aspects including the research findings and recommendations for improved farming practices. Coordinated by Ms. Josephine Kisakye, and conducted at Butalangu District Headquarters, the workshop was attended by representatives of farmer groups in Nakaseke as well as the district officials, including the CAO, DHO, DPMO and RDC. On behalf of the Project Coordinator, Dr Richard Bukenya, also a member of staff in the Department of Food Technology and Nutrition briefed the farmers on the findings of the project, highlighting the project objectives and progress made thus far, including the technologies, novel raw materials, ingredients and food products developed. Under the project, a number of technologies for smart farming have been developed and are being tested. These include: Digital tools for precision agriculture, farming management systems like the rodent control system as part of smart storage systems, and the food processing systems like the solar drier.
During the workshop, Mr. Barak Price, a student on the project sensitized participants on the rodent control system. He also trained the farmers on precision irrigation/fertigation. The farmers were also taken through the processes of value addition. Ms. Josephine Kisakye, a researcher on the project discussed the nutrition recommendations developed by the project. In the course of the project activities, it was noted that diets in Uganda are mainly composed of starchy staples, especially cereals, roots, tubers and bananas, with legumes constituting the main protein source. Intake of micronutrient-rich foods is low, despite various interventions to promote consumption of fruits, and vegetables. Ugandan adult and elderly population in both rural and urban areas were found to be at risk of under-nutrition and micro-nutrient deficiencies. Nutritional recommendations included: i) Daily consumption of locally available fruits and vegetables, whole starchy staples, and protein-rich foods; including beans, peas, nuts, fish, eggs, and meat; ii) Limiting the consumption of fried foods, salt, alcohol, and sweetened beverages; iii) Hydrate with fluids, preferably water; Regular engagement in moderate-intensity physical activity like brisk walking, digging, swimming, aerobics, and cycling; vi) Undertaking medical examination at intervals of no longer than 6 months to facilitate timely detection and treatment of ailments like diabetes, hypertension, high plasma cholesterol and cancers.
Appreciation by the District officials
Butalangu Town Clerk, Ms. Rashida Mutebi on behalf of the Chief Administrative Officer appreciated the project for reaching out and working with the local communities to improve their livelihoods. “The trainings on value addition will go a long way in saving our farmers losses,” she noted, calling for resilience and cooperation amongst the farmers. “It is important that you work together. Always share best practices if you are to improve yourselves and gain more from farming. I also implore you to always keep records of your farming activities.”
In his remarks, Nakaseke District Health Officer, Dr Alija Simon noted that the challenge of non-communicable diseases was on the raise due to poor feeding habits. He expressed gratitude to the project for incorporating the important aspect of nutrition in its research.
DPMO Wandera James appreciated the Government of Uganda for investing in farming. He also appreciated the project team for the trainings offered to the farmers in the district, noting that value addition was a key area of focus in the Parish Development Model. “Nakaseke is now becoming a food hub. I thank Makerere University for working with the communities. Initially, research was done but stopped in the shelves of the University. We are happy that you are now working with the communities to identify solutions to the challenges undermining agriculture. Research should be conducted for development.”
Addressing participants, the Assistant RDC, Nakaseke District, Mr. Muhoozi Michael appreciated Makerere University, specifically the FoodLAND Project, calling for more innervations to support farmers in the district out of poverty. He implored the farmer groups to form a cooperative, noting that the latter forms a better platform for soliciting support.
A similar dissemination exercise was conducted in Kamuli District in Eastern Uganda.
More photos from the FoodLAND project Nakaseke Dissemination
Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 19th July 2024 endorsed the Memorandum of Understanding between Makerere University and Oregon State University to collaborate in different aspects of academics. The MoU signing ceremony was witnessed by members of staff from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) namely; Dr Revocatus Twinomuhangi, Dean, School of Forestry, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences; Dr Lawrence Orikiriza Head, Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism; and Prof. Jim Ayorekire from the same department. Oregon State University was represented by Dr Ian E. Munanura, an Associate Professor in the Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, College of Forestry, and Ms. Racheal Fahrenbach, Manager International Programs at the College of Forestry. At Makerere, the MoU will be implemented by the Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism under the leadership of Prof. Jim Ayorekire. At Oregon State University, it will be implemented by the College of Forestry.
Under the MoU, the two institutions have agree to mutually promote the following programmes, based on their respective academic and educational needs; i) Exchange of scholars and faculty staff, ii) Exchange of undergraduate and graduate students for research and study, iii) Exchange of academic information and materials, iv) Joint research activities and publications, v) Participation in conferences and academic meetings vi) Joint running of short-term academic programs, vii) Resource mobilization in respect of areas of mutual interest, and any other areas which may promote their mutual interests.
During the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor noted that programmes agreed on in the MoU were in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, and would greatly advance Makerere’s aspiration to become a research-led University. “As we move towards becoming a research-led University, we aim to contribute to the realization of Agenda 2063 which seeks to have Africa produce at least one million PhDs as one of the measures to eradicate poverty from the continent. Partnerships like this will help us achieve our target, by building our supervision capacity,” he explained, pledging support towards the implementation of the MoU.
Dr Ian Munanura on behalf of Oregon State University expressed gratitude to work with Makerere, noting that the partnership would strengthen research capacity of the two institutions and support the mentorship of the next generation of scientists to deal with the challenges facing humanity including climate change and unemployment.
About the Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism at Makerere
The Department of Forestry, Biodiversity, and Tourism under the School of Forestry, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University offers programmes namely; Bachelor of Science in Conservation Forestry and Products Technology; Bachelor of Social and Entrepreneurial Forestry; and Master of Science in Agroforestry. Specific courses offered under those programmes include; Agroforestry Systems, Practices And Technologies; Drylands Agroforestry; Advanced Community Forestry; Gender Issues In Forestry; Advanced Biodiversity Conservation; Ecophysiology and Agronomy; Forestry For Rural Development; Natural Resource Management; Tropical Forest Ecology And Management; Forestry Business Management; Entrepreneurship In Forestry; Forestry And Food Security; Indigenous Knowledge in Resource Management; Biomass Energy Production and Conservation; Land Use Planning and Watershed Management; Forest Planning and Development; Forest Ecosystems and Livelihoods; and Forest Planning and Development. The Department also conducts a wide range of research in the fields highlighted above. The training offered exposes graduates from the department to a wide range of employment opportunities.
About the College of Forestry, Oregon State University
The Oregon State University College of Forestry is an internationally recognized leader that is transforming education, research and policy for managing and sustaining working forest ecosystems in the 21st century. The College offers a world-class education that provides a wide variety of opportunities following graduation. Academic excellence is the hallmark of the College of Forestry programs at Oregon State University. Ranked as one of the premier forestry schools in the world, students find a variety of programs that offer broad education, rigorous depth and professional focus. The College is known for its collaborative research approach to advance knowledge and bring solutions to issues facing forest landscapes and ecosystems. It takes pride in creating new and innovative approaches to help partners enhance people’s lives while improving the health of lands, businesses and vital ecosystems.
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