Agriculture & Environment
CONSORMIP Project boosts Nutritional & Market Value of Sorghum & Millet
Commercialization of New Sorghum and Millet Products for Improved Nutrition and Socio-Economic Gains in Eastern Africa (CONSORMIP)
Sorghum and millet are key crops in Uganda’s agricultural food systems and directly and indirectly support over 10 million livelihoods in the country. The two crops are tolerant to arid and dry environments. They are highly nutritious, not known to be allergenic, have low glycemic index (help lower the risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart diseases), and contain phytochemicals beneficial to health. Despite their nutritional benefits, “the crops are increasingly disappearing from our diets”.
With support from SIDA through BioInnovate Africa, researchers from the Department of Food Technology and Nutrition at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), together with their counterparts from Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania and Hawassa University in Ethiopia in 2018 set out to study and improve the nutritional and market value of the crops.
Through a project titled; “Commercialization of New Sorghum and Millet Products for Improved Nutrition and Socio-Economic Gains in Eastern Africa (CONSORMIP)”, the researchers including Prof. Yusuf Byaruhanga (Principal Investigator), Prof. Kyamuhangire William, and Dr. Gaston Ampe Tumuhimbise, targeted to improve food and nutrition security, incomes and livelihoods of smallholder farmers and other stakeholders in the sorghum and millet value chains in Eastern Africa.
The project specifically aimed to address the market gap – lack of value added, convenient sorghum and millet products, and to commercialize instant flour, snacks and complimentary feed made from sorghum and millet using lean business start-up and business incubation approaches. In the course of implementing the project, each partner country targeted to deliver at least one start-up enterprise commercializing one product and its attendant technology.
Project closing meeting
On 4th May 2022 the research team led by Prof. Yusuf Byaruhanga held an end of project meeting at which they disseminated the findings and achievements registered. The meeting held at the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering was graced by Makerere University Vice Chancellor, represented by the First Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Prof. Umar Kakumba and attended by the Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie N. Nabanoga; the Dean, School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering, Dr. Abel Atukwase; the Head, Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, Dr. Ivan Mukisa Muzira; and senior members of staff at CAES.
Achievements registered
Presenting the achievements, Prof. Byaruhanga noted that the project team had developed novel value-added products including instant sorghum and millet flours, expanded snack food, complimentary feed, and breakfast cereal products. Other achievements included processing protocols and formulations for the four product types; creating new business opportunities; and boosting capacity for research and development in the sorghum and millet value chains. The project trained three research fellows, one MSc research graduate, and several BSc research graduates. The project also developed and supported SMEs in each partner country as a vehicle for commercialization of the developed value-added products in the respective countries. It also trained four farmer groups in postharvest handling of grain foods.
Lessons learnt
- In the production of cereals, maize still has an economic advantage over sorghum and millet. Therefore, there is need for high yielding and quick maturing sorghum and millet varieties.
- Drudgery is one of the reasons for less millet and sorghum on the market.
- Commercialization is different for each product.
- The ultimate value of a product or innovation is in the market and not patent. “Many times we focus on patenting of our products but the biggest value of an innovation is in marketing,” Prof. Byaruhanga explained.
Remarks by the DVC Academic Affairs
Addressing the meeting, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) in charge of Academic Affairs, Makerere University, Prof. Umar Kakumba applauded the research team for uplifting the name and ranking of the University. “CAES ranks highly in terms of research output at Makerere University and plays a pivotal role in linking the University with communities,” he noted. Despite the achievements registered in research and innovation, Prof. Kakumba said the university was not faring well in the area of knowledge translation. Reechoing the vision of the University that seeks to transform Makerere into a thought leader of knowledge generation for societal transformation and development, Prof. Kakumba explained that knowledge generated at the University must inform the processes of the transforming the country. He acknowledged the efforts of Professors in advancing the University’s research agenda. He expressed gratitude to SIDA and BioInnovate Africa for the support accorded to the project and other research activities at the University. He also appreciated the Government of Uganda for supporting high impact and transformative research at the University. Additionally, he appreciated the project partners, noting that such collaborations are crucial in building strategic partnerships. He reminded the research team to work towards patenting their products.
In her remarks, the Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie N. Nabanoga appreciated the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering for its outstanding contribution to research and Innovation at the University. Despite the small number of staff, the School has won many big grants and has successfully implemented many high impact research projects. The School features prominently with respect to resource mobilization,” she noted, reiterating the need to patent and commercialize all products and innovations generated at the University.
The Principal appreciated Makerere University Management for supporting research and innovation development. She also appreciated SIDA and BioInnovate Africa for supporting research at CAES and the University in general.
The Dean, School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering, Prof. Abel Atukwase appreciated the research team for the great outputs intended to boost food security. He equally appreciated the SIDA and BioInnovate Africa for supporting Makerere University’s agenda of becoming a research-led University. Commenting on the relevance of Professors in generating research grants, supervising and mentoring junior staff and students, he appealed to Management to work out measures of retaining all professors post retirement.
The Head, Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, Dr. Ivan Muzira Mukisa appreciated the contribution of senior researchers and Professors towards research and innovation at Makerere University. He equally appreciated the development partners for supporting research and innovation at the University.
The workshop was moderated by Dr. Gaston Ampe Tumuhimbise from the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering, CAES.
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.
Agriculture & Environment
Mak, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology Sign Collaboration Agreement
*****Under the MoU, the two institutions will among other activities, collaborate in the areas of teaching and learning, research and publication, technology transfer, and resource mobilization in respect of areas of mutual interest.
Makerere University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST) to formalize collaboration. Under the agreement, the two institutions intend to leverage each other’s respective strengths, experience, technologies, methodologies, and resources to achieve shared and complementary goals. Areas of cooperation will include; i) Mobilization of resources in respect of areas of mutual interest, ii) Conducting research, publishing research findings, and promoting outreach to the relevant state and non-state actors, iii) Exchanging academic and technical information including transfer of technology between the two institutions within acceptable institutional structures and policies, iv) Staff and student exchanges, v) Strengthening networking and identifying partnership opportunities between the two institutions/parties, and vi) Organizing and participating in joint academic activities such as seminars, workshops and conferences in respect of areas of mutual interest. The two institutions are also in negotiations to establish an African climate school to strengthen research and training in atmospheric science/ meteorology.
On 12th July 2024, representatives from the two institutions met at Makerere University to sign the MoU and further deliberate on the proposed areas of collaboration. Besides the other proposed areas of collaboration, the meeting held at the School of Forestry, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences (SFEGS) discussed the Reverse 2+2 programme proposal, a joint education programme collaboratively designed by both parties. The programme is implemented in two phases. Phase one covers the first two years, during which students undertake full-time studies at a foreign institution, completing prescribed courses (earning transcripts from the foreign institution) and meeting admission requirements of NUIST. Phase two spans the next two years, with students studying full-time at NUIST. Upon completing the required courses, practical activities, and graduation projects offered by NUIST, students will receive a graduation diploma from NUIST and a bachelor’s degree from both institutions. At Makerere University, the MoU will be implemented by the School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, and will be coordinated by Dr Alex Nimusiima, Senior Lecturer and Coordinator of the Meteorology Unit. At NUIST, the programme will be managed by Dr. Yueyue Yu, Professor of school of Atmospheric Science.
In his remarks presented by the Dean, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Dr Revocatus Twinomuhangi, Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe pledged support to ensure successful implementation of the programme. “The field of atmospheric science/ meteorology, the main focus of this cooperation, is very important especially for our country Uganda which depends mainly on rain-fed agriculture and also in this era of climate change where strengthening this discipline will be important for successful adaptation and mitigation of climate change,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of partnership in fostering Makerere’s aspiration of becoming a research-University.
Commenting on the MoU, the Vice President Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology committed to support the programme with hope that it will serve as a role model in the educational cooperation between Uganda and China.
About NUIST
Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST), founded in 1960 and renamed from Nanjing Institute of Meteorology in 2004, was designated as one of the national key institutions of higher education in 1978. NUIST is co-constructed by the Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government, the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), the State Oceanic Administration (SOA) and the Ministry of Education. In 2017, NUIST was on the list of China’s “Double First-class” construction universities and disciplines as well as Jiangsu high level universities. Currently, NUIST has about 35800 full-time students, including 28,300 undergraduate students, 6,200 postgraduate students and 1,300 international students. There are more than 2,000 full-time faculty members, with more than 120 high-end scholars including academicians of Chinese, EU, French, and Russian Academies of Sciences, MOE Special Professors and National Distinguished Young Scholars.
NUIST has established cooperative relationship with over 100 overseas universities and colleges from over 30 countries and regions including Yale University, Harvard University, the University of Reading, the University of Manchester, South East Technological University, Carlton University, Delft University of Technology, Macquarie University and Monash University. To date, the WMO Regional Training Centre Nanjing at NUIST has trained over 4,300 senior meteorological and hydrological professionals for 158 countries and regions and become the world’s largest training centre of top quality. Diversified cooperation modes with worldwide first-class universities is a characteristic of NUIST’s international cooperation, among which to establish joint research institutes is the most effective one.
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