Organized by FAO’s Global FFS Platform with the collaboration of the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS) and Prolinnova and launched in 2024, the Award shines the spotlight on impactful solutions that can help shape the future of sustainable agri-food systems.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to:

• Showcase your innovation at the Science and Innovation Forum at FAO HQ in Rome from 14^th to 17^th of October 2025
• Receive support and mentorship from global experts
• Inspire other producers and practitioners to become innovators too

Who can apply?

Anyone involved in Farmer Field Schools (FFS) can apply including

• Producers and producer groups;
• FFS facilitators or master trainers;
• Project and programme teams;
• Development organizations;
• Social entrepreneurs;
• Private sector participants

How to Apply?

It’s simple – just follow these steps!

1. Fill out the application form – Submit your innovation in writing or with a 5-minute video.

At least one of the two must be submitted through the official form.

2. Simplified & Multilingual – The form is designed to be easy to use, short, and available offline, with multilingual support for broader accessibility

3. Pitch Coaching – Shortlisted applicants will get coaching on pitching for the FAO Science & Innovation Forum.
4. Tailored Support – Awardees will receive personalized support to boost their innovation.

The call for submission is now open until the 15^th of June 2025

Apply now  

Working with potential future employers of PhD students in Kenya and Uganda, Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project aims to develop curricula that best prepare academic specialists in agricultural sciences for their careers.  

Overview

The lack of skills-oriented training significantly undermines the relevance of doctoral graduates in today’s rapidly evolving job market, particularly within industries such as agriculture, where practical expertise and adaptability are essential. While doctoral programmes traditionally emphasize research and theoretical knowledge, they often fail to equip graduates with the hands-on, industry-specific skills needed to address real-world challenges. In agricultural value chains, for instance, the ability to apply advanced research to optimize production, supply chain management, sustainability practices, and technological advancements is crucial. Without a strong foundation in these practical areas, doctoral graduates may struggle to effectively contribute to innovation and efficiency in agricultural systems. From improving crop yields through data analysis to enhancing logistics and distribution methods, agricultural value chains require professionals who can seamlessly integrate research with practical application.

What the ADVALUE Project targets to address

Co-funded by the European Union, the ADVALUE Project—Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education—seeks to modernize doctoral education in agricultural and agro-environmental sciences at universities in Uganda and Kenya. This initiative aims to enhance trans-disciplinary skills to promote the development of sustainable agricultural value chains, addressing pressing challenges such as food insecurity, unemployment, and climate change.

Project partners include; Nuertingen-Geislingen University, Germany (NGU); German Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture (DITSL); Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU); Swedish University of Agricultural Science (SLU); Makerere University, Uganda; Uganda Christian University (UCU); University of Nairobi, Kenya (UoN); Pwani University Kenya (PU); Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture, Uganda (RUFORUM). Associated Partners: European Alliance in Agricultural Knowledge for Development, Belgium (AGRINATURA); National Agricultural Research Organization, Uganda (NARO); National Council of Higher Education, Uganda (NCHE); Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO); Ministry of Education Science and Technology Kenya (MoEST). The project PI is Prof. Dr. Heinrich Schüle. In Uganda, the project is coordinated by Prof. John Tabuti.  

Project objectives

1. Develop innovative courses on trans-disciplinary research methodologies and value chain analysis within doctoral programmes.
2. Strengthen collaboration with key stakeholders to ensure research is demand-driven and fosters innovation.
3. Enhance the expertise of both academic staff and doctoral students.
4. Improve quality assurance frameworks and development processes in doctoral education.

To achieve these goals, ADVALUE is developing four modules for PhD students that will be integrated into the curricula of the partner universities in Kenya and Uganda, taking into account the experiences and expectations of local stakeholders and potential future employers. The modules will include topics on scientific work, trans-disciplinary research, rangeland management, and agricultural value chains. The collaboration and exchange between the universities and representatives from the working environment, government organisations and international partners aims to strengthen the career prospects of postgraduate students in East Africa and promote their expertise with regard to the local requirements for achieving the SDGs.

The ADVALUE interim conference

The project team held an interim conference at Makerere University on 17^th-19^th March 2025 to evaluate the state of PhD education in agriculture, incorporating diverse insights from both European and East African perspectives. The conference brought together academic staff, students, and leaders from partner institutions, associated organizations, and key stakeholders in the Agricultural sector.  

The conference aimed to highlight the progress and findings of the project, offering a platform for discussing PhD research on agricultural value chains within higher education institutions (HEIs). A key focus was on trans-disciplinary approaches, as well as fostering dialogue on quality criteria for PhD programs. Additionally, the event served as a formal meeting for the project’s Steering Committee and provided an opportunity for partners to refine their assessments of doctoral education in line with established quality standards and institutional contexts.

Presentation by Mr. Joseph Nkandu on the Agricultural Value Chains in E.A

In his address on the sustainability of agricultural value chains in East Africa, Mr. Joseph Nkandu, Executive Director of NUCAFE (Uganda’s national umbrella organization for coffee farmers), emphasized the vital role that higher education plays in strengthening and advancing agricultural value chains. He stressed the importance of aligning education with the region’s broader development goals to ensure that future generations of agricultural professionals are equipped with the necessary skills for sustainable growth. “Education must become more practical and closely integrated with the region’s development objectives,” he noted. He praised the initiative, noting that the project would greatly enhance doctoral training at partner institutions, empowering students with advanced knowledge and skills to support and sustain agricultural value chains across East Africa. “The sustainability of Africa’s value chains is essential if we are to meet the demands of the growing population,” he added.

Uganda’s agricultural value chains are a cornerstone of its economy. However, several challenges threaten their sustainability, including climate change, which affects crop yields and water availability; inadequate infrastructure, which hinders market access; limited access to finance for smallholder farmers; land degradation; and insufficient technology adoption. Moreover, pest outbreaks and post-harvest losses further undermine the efficiency and profitability of agricultural systems. Tackling these challenges is essential to improving the sustainability and resilience of Uganda’s agricultural sector.

Remarks from NCHE

In her remarks, Prof. Mary Okwakol, the Executive Director of the National Council for Higher Education, emphasized the critical role of doctoral training in driving societal progress. She explained that advanced research and innovation resulting from doctoral programmes not only contribute to academic advancement but also pave the way for ground-breaking discoveries. “These discoveries, in turn, play a pivotal role in shaping and transforming nation-states by addressing pressing challenges, fostering economic growth, and improving the quality of life for communities.” Prof. Okwakol called for continued investment in doctoral education to harness its potential for national development and global competitiveness.

Highlighting the challenges related to Doctoral training, the Deputy Principal of CAES, Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze, noted that the project was timely and would greatly strengthen the research capabilities of doctoral students, ensuring that their skills are more aligned with current academic and industry needs, ultimately improving the overall relevance and impact of their research outputs. “As Makerere University strives to become a research-intensive institution, the importance of collaboration cannot be overstated. This project will make a substantial contribution to this goal.”

Engagement with smallholder farmer in Matugga

During the conference, the project team had the opportunity to visit the farm of Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, within Nansana Municipality. The visit allowed the team to gain first-hand insight into Mr. Mpiira’s farming practices, observe the challenges he faces, and better understand the impact of various agricultural initiatives in the region. This experience was an important part of the conference, as it provided a real-world context to the discussions on smallholder farming and rural development.

Key Issues Arising from the Workshop

1. Overemphasis on theoretical science: While science is extensively studied, its practical application remains problematic.
2. Outdated supervision: Many PhD supervisors are not up-to-date with current research trends. There is a need for educational frameworks that align with the latest development agendas.
3. Technician mentality among graduates: A significant number of PhD graduates tend to think like technicians rather than innovators. Many struggle to apply the knowledge they’ve acquired and lack the ability to think creatively.
4. Lack of innovation: There is a notable absence of innovation among doctoral graduates, which hinders progress.
5. Evolving skillsets in value chains: There is an urgent need to address the changing skillsets required across different value chains.
6. Unrealistic PhD programme durations: The prescribed durations for PhD programmes are often unrealistic and fail to reflect the complexity of the research process.
7. Competing priorities: The multiple demands on students’ time hinder their ability to complete doctoral studies in time.
8. Financial barriers: Limited funding continues to undermine the success and sustainability of doctoral training programmes.
9. Lack of student commitment: Some doctoral students exhibit a lack of commitment and dedication to their studies, impacting their success.
10. Negative student attitudes: Students often display an underestimation of the role and guidance of their supervisors, which affects their academic progress.
11. Inadequate research facilities: Limited access to essential research facilities hampers the quality of doctoral research.
12. Weak analytical skills: Many doctoral students lack the necessary analytical skills to perform at the required level of their academic discipline.
13. Gender-based challenges: Gender roles negatively impact the performance and progression of female doctoral students, limiting their academic potential.
14. Supervisory workload: Excessive workload on supervisors affects the quality and effectiveness of their mentorship.
15. Need for relearning in value chains: Achieving sustainability in value chains demands continuous relearning and adaptation.

Recommendations

1. Dedicated study leave: Doctoral students should be granted leave from other responsibilities to focus fully on their research.
2. Creating research spaces: Institutions must create dedicated, conducive workspaces for doctoral students to foster collaboration and focus.
3. Increase funding opportunities: More scholarships and financial support should be made available to PhD students to ease financial barriers.
4. Research-oriented supervision: Supervisors must establish and maintain active research agendas to ensure they remain relevant and effective in guiding students.
5. Strengthen institutional collaboration: Encouraging greater collaboration between Higher Education Institutions can foster exchange of ideas and resources to enhance doctoral research outcomes.

Photos from conference activities

More photos at:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cZwlLXt5YBWoeMfO0wVbdva0NLIQ5sHr

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/107GJR6nCZJwKjmfrwveGXw7As2AhAQWt

“Toward health equity, inclusive governance, and climate adaptation in African Informal Settlements”

Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Waterloo and the University of Manchester, on 6^th March launched a new project titled: The Urban Futures Project: Toward Health Equity, Inclusive Governance and Climate Adaptation in African Informal Settlements, and Urban Heat Risk Awareness Raising and Knowledge Exchange. The Urban Futures project is the first learning lab initiated to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange amongst the various stakeholders and inclusive decision-making process that addresses complex challenges faced by informal settlements in Kampala.

Project Partners: Makerere University, University of Waterloo and the University of Manchester, Institute of Development Studies, Sierra Leon Research Centre, Training and Research Support Centre, Government of Uganda, Kampala Capital City Authority, Act Together Uganda, and Focus for Life Development Link.

Unveiling the Urban Heat Management Handbook

During the launch event at Fairway Hotel in Kampala, the Urban Heat Management Handbook was unveiled to help raise awareness and promote knowledge exchange on heat stress. The handbook covers critical topics such as understanding heat resilience, assessing heat risk, planning for heat resilience, responding to heat waves, and providing solutions for heat resilience.

The Urban Futures project will highlight the multifaceted risks faced by informal residents and workers, aiming to create South-South learning opportunities to address these inequitable threats. The study will focus on vulnerable populations in informal settlements and workers, seeking to identify equitable adaptation pathways to address climate risks that exacerbate health disparities.

Project Approach

The project will adopt a collaborative approach involving diverse stakeholders, focusing on developing health adaptation strategies, building resilience, and fostering growth through knowledge co-generation, continuous learning, evaluation, and improvement. The research will be conducted in three large African cities on the frontlines of climate change: Kampala (Uganda), Freetown (Sierra Leone), and Bulawayo (Zimbabwe). Through interdisciplinary and participatory methods, the study will gather evidence on how climate-related risks impact the daily lives of residents and workers in these areas.

 Key Remarks

In his opening remarks, Dr. Paul Mukwaya, Head of the Department of Geography, Geo-informatics, and Climatic Sciences, described the learning lab as an essential space for dialogue among stakeholders in informal settlements. “The Urban Action Lab is our space to discuss urban development challenges together as a community, to find effective solutions,” he said.

Ms. Anita Kusiima, representing the Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), spoke about the challenges posed by attitudes toward enforcement. “KCCA has initiated strategies like greening, skilling, and livelihood programs. However, we struggle with enforcement. Until statistics like these are shared with communities, people don’t realize how much we are destroying our environment. It’s common to wake up and find over 40 trees have been cut down overnight. In places like Nakasero, many trees are cut during the night. As a country and a city, we face not only poor attitudes toward the law but also towards the quality of life we want to achieve,” she said. “Urban farming has seen success at the household level, greening has been effective, and school programs aimed at raising awareness have also been successful.”

Dr. Robbinson Kabanda, a Veterinary Doctor at KCCA, emphasized the learning lab’s potential in addressing issues such as budget cuts and the impacts of climate change on Kampala. “With budget cuts affecting many funded activities, this is a great opportunity for Kampala, where the majority live in informal settlements and are especially vulnerable to climate change,” he said. “These collaborative spaces foster innovation and experimentation in urban contexts, bringing together various stakeholders and practitioners to address complex urban challenges through shared learning.”

Mr. Hakimu Ssevviiri, from the Research Urban Action Lab, highlighted the power of the urban learning lab in addressing urban challenges through collaboration, innovation, and community engagement. He emphasized the importance of urban resilience, improved decision-making, and public involvement.

Issues highlighted at the Launch

1. There is a critical need for timely interventions to address heat stress and other challenges facing informal settlements.
2. Informal settlements lack sufficient space for tree planting.
3. Trees take time to mature, making them a long-term solution.
4. Reducing electricity costs and improving water access are immediate priorities.
5. Solar energy use is vital for reducing heat stress, particularly in households.
6. Strong government policies on heat stress, such as promoting the use of mosquito nets, are essential.
7. Wetland degradation and tree clearance are major contributors to heat stress.

View on CAES