A new case study series highlights Makerere University projects tackling climate related issues through collaborative research in Africa

On November the 6^th, world leaders will meet in Egypt for the 27^th United Nations Climate Change Conference – COP27. In celebration of COP being held in Africa, the Low Carbon Energy an Environment Research Network Wales have compiled a set of case studies highlighting Africa – Wales climate focused research collaborations which include two case studies involving Makerere University.

Africa is a key player in the battle against climate change. The continent is home to 18% of the world’s tropical forests giving it a vital role in mitigating climate change. With rapidly growing populations seeking economic growth, African countries are also forced to think outside the box for ways to achieve development in climate friendly way leading to new innovations.

As well as mitigation, Africa is also an important place for climate adaption research. Despite having played only a small role in the causes of climate change, the United Nations Environment Programme points out that Africa is currently the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change as many on the continent lack the resources to buffer themselves from the effects of climate change.

Researchers from Makerere University were involved in two of the projects highlighted. The first was a collaboration between Makerere University and Bangor University, Wales, that has taken the leftover materials from Maize production, known as stover, and converted it into products that replace single use plastics, such as fruit packaging.

Plastic, particularly single use plastic, can damage the environment in several ways, from the harmful plastic pollution to its contribution to climate change through the petrochemicals used in its production. The products that the project has developed offer huge environmental benefits whilst also creating additional employment in rural areas. The team are currently trialling tree seedling wraps in collaboration with the Mount Elgon Tree Growing Enterprise and the National Agricultural Research Organisation.

“The biodegradable seedling wraps will revolutionise the way we plant our trees by providing environmentally sound seedling potting material that is sustainable, reducing plastic load and reducing damage to the ecosystem,” says Ephraim Nuwamanya of the National Agricultural Research Organisation, Uganda.

The second project highlights the work of former Makerere University student Jalia Packwood who now works at Bangor University. In her role as the International Sustainability Collaborations Project Officer, Packwood developed collaborative projects to share knowledge between Bangor University, Makerere University, and private and public sector organisations in Uganda. The project established links between the two universities and was so wide-reaching that is drew the attention of the Ugandan High Commissioner.

“It’s about making links,” says Packwood. “The research is out there but I was able to act as an intermediary between the university and people on the ground 4,000 miles away.”

For both these projects, as with all of the case studies highlighted by the network, a collaborative approach to solving the global problems brought about by climate change was key.

“The partnership with the University of Bangor brought research into action,” said Florence Nakayiwa, former Director of the Planning and Development Department at Makerere University. “It has infused appreciation of collaboration as a way of life for staff and students at Makerere University – the ethos and values imparted at the time have continued to influence the sustainability program at Makerere University.”

Welsh universities are well known for their collaborative research with more than 50% of Wales’s research output having been produced by international collaborations. The case studies chosen highlight the importance of links between Africa and Wales in tackling climate related issues. For the full details and more great examples of climate focussed research from across Africa and Wales please head over to www.lceernw.ac.uk/wales-in-africa