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Mak staff trained on the importance of Diversity & Inclusion

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2 years ago

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Participants in a group photo with the Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga (C), who presided over the event on 28th July 2022, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University.
Participants in a group photo with the Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga (C), who presided over the event on 28th July 2022, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University.
Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) in Leadership and Training: The project funded by Michigan State University’s Alliance for African Partnership (AAP), under the Transforming Institutions Strategic Funding seeks to deepen knowledge and sensitivities on diversity and inclusion at the participating institutions.

The Second D&I Workshop Held at Makerere University

The Department of Extension and Innovation Studies, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University on 28th July 2022 held the second workshop on diversity and inclusion for management and staff from participating institutions. The activity held at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility at Makerere University was graced by the Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga. It featured expert presentations on integrating diversity and inclusion in teaching, training and community engagement; exploration of inclusive teaching and research; as well as cultivation and nurturing diverse and inclusive environments.

CAES Principal, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga addressing participants at the second D&I workshop held at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility at Makerere University.
CAES Principal, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga addressing participants at the second D&I workshop held at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility at Makerere University.

About the D&I Project

The Diversity and Inclusion in Leadership and Training project, funded by Michigan State University’s Alliance for African Partnership (AAP), under the Transforming Institutions Strategic Funding is implemented by Michigan Fellows Agribusiness Initiative (MFAI), Makerere University (Mak), and Michigan State University (MSU)-African Studies Centre. The project features a series of trainings aimed at deepening the knowledge and sensitivities of participating administrators, faculty, staff and youth leaders on matters of diversity and inclusion. The overarching objective of the project is to increase the representation of categories of people typically marginalized from leadership and decision-making processes such as women, people living with disabilities and youth from low income earning families. The project Principal Investigator (PI) at Makerere University is Prof. Nelson Turyahabwe, Head, Department of Extension and Innovation Studies at CAES.

Participants at the workshop.
Participants at the workshop.

Presentations at the workshop

Addressing participants at the workshop, the Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, emphasized the importance of inclusivity in all University programmes. “Inclusivity is extremely important and starts with us as individuals. It is important for fulfilling the University mission and core values and each one of us, regardless of our shortcomings has a contribution to make. We must therefore be intentional on diversity and inclusion and must always practice fairness and justice in our pursuit for inclusivity,” she explained.

The D&I project PI at Makerere University, Prof. Nelson Turyahabwe presents the needs assessment report.
The D&I project PI at Makerere University, Prof. Nelson Turyahabwe presents the needs assessment report.

The Institutional Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Capacity and Needs Assessment at Makerere

Sharing the project findings on Makerere University, the PI, Prof. Nelson Turyahabwe indicated that some of the University policies do not outrightly address issues of diversity and inclusion. He called for periodical reviews to ensure diversity and inclusion are emphasized in all University programmes. According to the Institutional D&I Capacity and Needs Assessment conducted at Makerere, the University is an inclusive institution with policies and procedures that provide equal opportunity for all and generally lay foundation for diversity, equity and inclusion in the provision of services to the wider community without discrimination. However, integration of diversity, equity and inclusion in the University core mandate areas: teaching, research, and Knowledge Transfer and Partnerships is wanting, thus the need for training of persons responsible for these core functions. The Institutional D&I Capacity and Needs Assessment targeted to understand how the partner institutions take into account representation of categories of people that have typically been marginalized from leadership and decision-making processes as well as integration of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the mandate areas. The assessment was conducted by staff from the Department of Extension and Innovation Studies led by Prof. Turyahabwe (PI) and Dr. Losira Nasirumbi Sanya.

Dr. Euzobia Baine Mugisha, Director Gender Mainstreaming at Makerere University called for periodical monitoring and evaluation of the University policies from an inclusive perspective.
Dr. Euzobia Baine Mugisha, Director Gender Mainstreaming at Makerere University called for periodical monitoring and evaluation of the University policies from an inclusive perspective.

Preliminary findings/ Status of D&I at Makerere University

  1. Appointment and Recruitment of Staff policies are silent on D&I. ‘Equal Opportunity Employer’ is more of theory than practice
  2. Admission of students: All courses are open to all gender; Girls are given affirmative action of 1.5 at entry and 40% for females in STEM. There is a District quota system to address imbalances and cater for the less privileged/disadvantaged students from rural districts and also minority tribes. However,there is still low consideration of D&I in the admission of graduate students
  3. Curriculum Development: Many programmes are approved without gender and equity considerations. Appreciation of the importance of D&I is not shared across the board
  4. Teaching and Learning: Instructors/Lecturers to some extent use gender-responsive pedagogy. There are limited facilitates and support systems for special groups – Venues/buildings without lifts and ramp, no exams and examination scripts to cater for PWDs and no childcare facilities. Limited capacity – inadequate or no training on D&I
  5. Staff Development: The Staff Development Policy (SDP) is neutral to Diversity and Inclusion. However Administrative and Support staff ‘are not entitled’ in the SDP
  6. Research: Appreciation of the importance of gender dimension is not shared across the board. There is inadequate or no training in gender-responsive research methodology
  7. Implementation of Knowledge transfer partnerships (KTPs) is more on ad hoc basis
  8. Leadership: There is openness to diversity in the current Strategic Plan 2020-2030. However, women are still very few in senior positions and become even fewer the higher you go in the hierarchy
Mr. Mubiru Ipolito pointed to unconscious bias as one of the major obstacles to nurturing inclusive environments.
Mr. Mubiru Ipolito pointed to unconscious bias as one of the major obstacles to nurturing inclusive environments.

Integration of D&I in teaching, training and community engagements

Speaking to participants on the need to integrate diversity and inclusion in teaching, training and community engagement, the Founder, Africa Diversity and Inclusion Centre (ADIC), Mr Mubiru Ipolito pointed to unconscious bias as one of the major obstacles to nurturing inclusive environments. “We all have unconscious bias in our practices. If we are to create inclusive environments, we must learn to address our biases. Unconscious bias leads to prejudice,” he noted.

Dr. Gorretti Byomire, a Lecturer and Director Makerere University Business School Disability Resource & Learning Centre addressing participants on the importance of cultivating and nurturing inclusive environments.
Dr. Gorretti Byomire, a Lecturer and Director Makerere University Business School Disability Resource & Learning Centre addressing participants on the importance of cultivating and nurturing inclusive environments.

In her presentation titled “Exploration of Inclusive Teaching and Research”, Dr. Euzobia Baine Mugisha, Director Gender Mainstreaming at Makerere University noted that research in higher education institutions was predominantly STEM and a few areas in social sciences. “The link between disciplines & how they affect development is not adequately explored,” she explained, noting that most of the funding goes to science research, a factor that largely undermines inclusivity and development of some units. She further explained that research at the University was still gender-blind despite the initiatives to incorporate gender analysis/perspectives.

Mr. Raymond Musiima, D&I project PI at MFAI addressing participants.
Mr. Raymond Musiima, D&I project PI at MFAI addressing participants.

Commenting on the small number of women in leadership positions at Makerere, Dr. Euzobia called for periodical monitoring and evaluation of the University policies from an inclusive perspective. “We should exercise discretion in the implementation of policies. We also need to interrogate the concept of merit and how it applies in real life.” Dr. Euzobia further appealed to the University managers to pick interest in the welfare of staff and students, saying the majority struggle with different challenges that undermine their performance. “We should not rash to judge and exclude them before establishing the root cause of poor performance,” she explained.

Cultivating and nurturing inclusive environments

Regarding the need to cultivate and nurture inclusive environments, Dr. Gorretti Byomire, a Lecturer and Director Makerere University Business School (MUBS) Disability Resource & Learning Centre, called for modification of existing practices and policies to accommodate everyone. “Developing Institutional policies on Diversity Management and training University leadership, staff and students about diversity and inclusion fosters inclusivity at workplaces.

Dr. Losira Nasirumbi Sanya moderated the workshop.
Dr. Losira Nasirumbi Sanya moderated the workshop.

The discussion was moderated by Dr. Losira Sanya, project member, also Lecturer in the Department of Extension and Innovation Studies, CAES, Makerere University.

First D&I training at Makerere: https://caes.mak.ac.ug/uncategorized/makerere-administrators-sensitized-on-significance-of-diversity-and-inclusion/

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Agriculture & Environment

Call for Applications: Four (4) PhD Positions – BOLDER Project

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December 4, 2024

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CAES faculty cheering on the PhD graduates during the 74th graduation ceremony. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 2, 30th January 2024, Collge of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Building Opportunity for Lesser-known Diversity in Edible Resources (BOLDER) of the Crop Trust
Opportunity Crop Scholarships

Call for applications for four PhD positions

Makerere University Regional Centre for Crop Improvement (MaRCCI),
Makerere University & The Norwegian University of Life Sciences

1st December 2024

Background

One of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals is to attain zero hunger by 2030, but whether most of African countries are on track towards this ideal is questionable, While the continent is projected to be the most populous one by the year 2100, a critical mass of its population is already food-insecure, a situation that is being exacerbated by climate change and environmental degradations.

Coping with these complex issues require adopting an integrated approach of disrupting overreliance on major commodities such as rice, maize, and wheat over the opportunity crops also called neglected and underutilized species (NUS). These species are nutrient-dense, hold the ability to help diversify both the agricultural and the food system and constitute a security net that filters pest and disease-caused damages3. However, the current organizational architecture of these species suggests they cannot compete with the so-called major crops because of several limitations including: the paucity of established data (e.g., production statistics, nutritional data), the poorly organized value chains (when they exist), and the low flow of knowledge, technology and products among the value chains actors, among others.

The ‘Building Opportunities for Lesser-known Diversity in Edible Resources’ (BOLDER) project, an extended work package of the larger ‘Biodiversity for Opportunity, Livelihoods and Development’ (BOLD) initiative is designed to promote opportunity crops in West African countries (Benin and Ghana) and East African countries (Uganda and Tanzania). BOLDER is a three-phase project dedicated to improving nutritional security in West and East Africa through the increased use and value of nutritious but currently underutilized, climate-resilient and environmentally friendly crops.

BOLDER will work towards exhibiting the potential for four opportunity crops in each of the four target countries and operates through three pillars namely: i) increasing the availability of the target opportunity crops diversity; ii) improving the production, marketing, and/or consumption of these opportunity crops, and iii) enhancing the capacity of researchers, practitioners, and food system actors to improve use and value of opportunity crops. Under this third pillar, a total of eight PhDs students (four in East Africa and four in West Africa) will be trained in Plant Sciences, Food Systems and Value Chain R4D. The PhD training in East Africa will be coordinated by MaRCCI, Makerere University, in collaboration with The Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU).

Objectives of this call

This call for applications is open to citizens of Uganda and Tanzania to fill four PhD positions: two in Plant Sciences and two in Food Systems.

All four PhD candidates will register at Makerere University and will be supervised by a panel of scientists from MaRCCI, Department of Agricultural Production (DAP), Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology (PMB), and Department of Agribusiness & Natural Resource Economics (DANRE), The Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT (ABC) and the World Vegetable Center (World Veg). Decisions about supervisory arrangements will be made based on research proposals of successful applicants.

Expectations from the recruited PhD candidates

The two Plant Science PhD candidates through their research will contribute to the BOLDER project output of characterizing opportunity crops’ diversity and participatory evaluations using the TRICOT approach, while the other two students will contribute to the BOLDER Output of deepening our understanding of opportunity crops food systems and value chains and pursuing opportunities for greater contributions to livelihoods and diets.

Plant Science Applicants

The two Plant Science PhD student research projects will focus on the genetic and low-cost phenotypic characterization of farmer collection/landraces, genebank, and breeding materials for opportunity crops (stakeholder selected opportunity crops for Uganda i.e. cowpea, pumpkin, and amaranth, while for Tanzania the pre-selected crops are Bambara groundnuts and sweet potato). The aim is to generate key information on the adaptive traits of opportunity crops, their nutritional value, and their suitability for different uses, such as food, feed, and fiber. The research will further identify unique genotypes and suitable breeding strategies for improving desirable traits.

Another aspect of the PhD research will involve conducting a performance evaluation of opportunity crops traits using the citizen science approach known as triadic comparisons of technology options (tricot). This approach applies to an incomplete block design to assign randomized incomplete blocks of three technologies (out of larger number) to many farmers from different gender and socioeconomic groups for on-farm assessment in diverse agro-ecologies. Combining this approach with digital tools makes it possible to obtain insights for both local adaptation and a scale of reach compared to earlier participatory plant breeding/variety selection approaches. This approach has shown promising results recently and it is on the scale in East Africa. The planned PhD research and training will be critical in building local capacity for demand-led breeding and evaluation of opportunity crops using data science at a low cost in East Africa. The goal is to improve the identification and selection of opportunity crops varieties with desirable traits, ultimately leading to the mainstreaming of NUS in sustainable food systems in Africa.

In summary, the PhD projects will combine genomics research and on-farm tricot experiments and provide evidence on how this approach can lead to a demand-driven breeding of different NUS, accelerate trait discovery for climate adaptation, strengthen seed systems, increase use of NUS, and create links to the value chain.

We invite PhD research concept note focusing on one of the pre-selected crops in one of the countries.

Food Systems Applicants

The two PhD research projects in Food Systems will focus on two main areas, also in relation to the selected species for the two countries. The first area will be value chains of the focal crops. Specifically, this aspect of the research will characterize the current state of value chains and explore bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities, including related to production, processing, distribution, marketing and consumption.

The research will also analyze the demand for opportunity crop products, the preferences and behaviors of consumers (including consumer preference trials using the tricot approach), and the most effective interventions for promoting opportunity crops in food systems.

The second area of focus in Food Systems will be the nexus between traditional knowledge on the cultivation and consumption of NUS (local food culture) and the broader political and economic factors affecting the development and promotion of opportunity crops in inclusive and equitable food systems. This project will examine the interconnection between the cultural practices of local communities regarding the cultivation and consumption of opportunity crops and the wider economic and political systems that shape the food systems in which these communities operate. On the one hand, local food cultures have evolved over generations and reflect the specific ecological, social, and cultural contexts in which they are situated. This traditional knowledge often includes cultivation practices, processing methods, and culinary traditions associated with opportunity crops. Such traditional knowledge is important for
understanding opportunity crops nutritional, cultural, and economic significance and how they can be integrated into sustainable food systems. On the other hand, development and promotion of opportunity crops in inclusive and equitable food systems is shaped by broader political and economic factors, including government policies, global trade agreements, corporate influence, and consumer preferences. These factors can create barriers to the promotion and development of opportunity crops, which can impact the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and the availability of diverse and nutritious foods for local communities. By understanding these factors, the research will aim to identify opportunities to promote the development and promotion of opportunity crops in inclusive and equitable food systems in Africa.

We invite PhD research concept note that addresses one of the two food system areas outlined above. The proposal can focus on or several of the pre-selected crops in one or both of the countries.

Scholarship: financial support and duration

The scholarship includes subsistence allowances, contribution to research costs,
insurance cost, contribution to conference attendance cost and cost related to the
participation in BOLDER-organized training relevant to the various PhD topics. The PhD
candidate will also benefit from a three-month mobility (once) to conduct parts of his/her
research at NBMU.

a) The PhD duration is 48 months.
b) PhD students will receive a monthly stipend of $600 for Ugandans and $700 for
Tanzania Nationals (when in Uganda) and 1,500 Euros when in Norway. This amount
includes settling allowance.
c) Additional benefits are available on a case-by-case basis.

Eligibility

Applicants should meet the following criteria at the time of their scholarship application:
a) be a citizen of Uganda or Tanzania.
b) be proficient in written and spoken English.
c) not be currently enrolled or have a running scholarship in another PhD program.
For Plant Science Students:
d) hold a MSc degree in agronomy, plant breeding, genetics, biotechnology, crop protection or another relevant discipline.
e) demonstrate knowledge of or prior experience with tricot methodology and genomics research.
For Food Systems Students:
f) hold a MSc degree in Agricultural and Applied economics, Agribusiness, Agricultural economics, or another relevant discipline.
g) demonstrate experience of prior research on value chains, consumer behavior, or political economy of food systems.
Applicants who have working experience on the listed NUS crops will have an added
advantage.

Submission

The Scholarship application file is to be submitted as PDF attachment by the deadline to the emails indicated in section, and should include the following:
a) Cover or motivation letter.
b) Student research concept note that clearly indicates the topic to which the candidate applies (3 pages maximum).
c) National ID or Copy of Passport Bio Data page.
d) Certificate of previous degree(s) /or a Proof that the degree(s) has been completed;
e) All transcripts/academic records.
f) A support letter from home Higher Education Institution (from the MSc supervisor);
g) Two recommendation letters.
h) Curriculum Vitae.
i) Any other supporting documents (e.g., first page of publications).

Deadline

Applications should be submitted to Ms. Candia Alice on e-mail cndlc95@gmail.com and copy in Dr. Ozimati Alfred Adebo: ozimatialfred@gmail.com and Dr. Dramadri Isaac Onziga onzigaisaac@gmail.com not later than December 20th, 2024. All applications received will be acknowledged, however only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited for an interview.

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Agriculture & Environment

Call for Applications: Graduate Fellow (Biometry)

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December 4, 2024

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Some of the Bachelors graduates from CAES at the 74th graduation ceremony. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 2, 30th January 2024, Collge of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Are you fascinated by the possibilities of being a Biometrician/Biostatistician? Are you eager to be at the forefront of innovation in the field of Biometry? The Department of Agricultural Production is searching for a Graduate Fellow in Biometry to join its teaching and research team and contribute towards groundbreaking advancements in this rapidly-evolving field.

Position Overview:

As a Graduate Fellow in Biometry, you’ll play a pivotal role in the research support unit, collaborating with renowned experts and researchers. Your responsibilities will encompass:

  • Assist in preparation of teaching materials, interact directly with students in the laboratories; conduct practical and tutorial sessions
  • Assist in setting, marking and grading of assignments, tests and examinations
  • Supporting faculty members and students with designing and implementing experiments, data collection, analysis, and interpretation
  • Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to integrate biometry solutions into various applications.
  • Conducting original research in Biometry

Qualifications and Eligibility:

  • Enrolled in an MSc or PhD program in Biostatistics, Biometry, Statistics, Crop Science, Plant Breeding or any related field
  • Possesses a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture OR Horticulture OR Statistics OR Biostatistics (at least an Upper Second Class)
  • Has a strong foundation in Biometry principles, machine learning and data analysis
  • Proficient in programming languages such as R, Python, MATLAB, or C++
  • Possesses excellent problem-solving skills and a creative approach to research challenges
  • Has a passion for exploring new frontiers in Biometry and contributing to scientific advancements
  • Shall not be more than 35 years old (45 years for PhD) at the time of recruitment

Benefits:

In addition to contributing to cutting-edge research, the Graduate Fellow in Biometry position offers:

  • An annual tuition waiver offered by the University
  • Mentorship from distinguished researchers and staff members
  • Opportunities for professional development, workshops, and seminars
  • Potential to co-author research papers and patents
  • Widening your professional networks

Application Process:

To apply, please submit the following documents to the Office of the Chair, Department of Agricultural Production (Room 48), School of Agricultural Sciences Building by 5 pm on the 20th December 2024:

  • Admission letter (to MSc or PhD program)
  • Curriculum Vitae/Resume
  • Cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications
  • Transcripts from previous academic institution(s)
  • Contact information for three referees
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Agriculture & Environment

JRS Announces Grant for Young Researchers ahead of 3rd GORILLA Conference

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4 weeks ago

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November 6, 2024

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Participants in a pre-conference training on geospatial based cloud computing ahead of the 2nd GORILLA Conference held 8th-9th December 2022. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Announcement of JRS Biodiversity Foundation Funding for the upcoming 3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change International (GORILLA)

Makerere University and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) are organizing the 3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change (GORILLA). The conference is scheduled to take place at Hotel Africana from 4th to 6th December 2024 and will be officially opened by the Minister of State for Environment, Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar. The GORILLA conference (https://gorilla.mak.ac.ug) which is anchored in the United Nations Global Development Agenda 2030 will be organized around 12 subthemes. Approximately 350 abstracts have been submitted and between 300-400 participants from 50 countries are expected to participate.

We are delighted to share the excellent news that the JRS Biodiversity Foundation has awarded a grant to support the participation of promising young researchers and early career scientists from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) in the GORILLA Conference. This funding will enable implementation of pre-conference training activities at Makerere University, tailored to improving capabilities and competencies of emerging researchers and early career scientists from SSA. These planned pre-GORILLA conference training activities are detailed on the conference website (https://gorilla.mak.ac.ug/pre-conference/pre-conference-activities-2024) and applications are welcome from qualifying researchers and emerging scholars. Additionally, the JRS grant will support researchers and early career scientists whose abstracts have been accepted for presentation to participate in the GORILLA conference. Preference will be given to those working on biodiversity and related fields within SSA.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the JRS Biodiversity Foundation for their generous support of the 3rd International GORILLA Conference, enabling the young researchers and emerging scholars participation. The JRS Biodiversity Foundation is committed to empowering people and institutions to share and apply biodiversity knowledge across Sub Saharan Africa. Through their funding, the JRS Biodiversity Foundation strives to enhance access to and use of biodiversity information in SSA, promoting biodiversity conservation as a cornerstone of societal well-being and ecosystem health.

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