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17 Government Fisheries officials skilled on Bio-Economics of Fisheries Management

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Seventeen (17) fisheries experts from the Uganda’s districts of Kampala, Mukono, Masaka. Wakiso  and Jinja have been retooled on the bio-economics of fisheries management . The two days training (15th-16th March 2023) held at Makerere University was facilitated by Africa’s and Ghanaian renowned Professor of environmental economics, Wisdom Akpalu.

Prof. Wisdom was invited by the EfD-Mak centre to come and provide training on bio-economics of fisheries management to fisheries officers in Uganda.  Prof. Wisdom is the centre Director of EfD Ghana but also the member of the coordination committee of the entire EfD Network and member of the capacity development committee of the EfD Network but also, the leader of the Blue resources for development- a collaborative program within the EfD Network where fisheries fall.

Prof. Wisdom Akpalu highlighting the importance of fisheries sector.
Prof. Wisdom Akpalu highlighting the importance of fisheries sector.

Government fisheries officials were retooled on different aspects including  the cost, revenue and profit in fisheries economics, growth functions in fisheries, property rights and resources extraction, policy instruments to regulate overfishing. Other aspects were dynamic equilibrium and the concept of shadow value, destructive fishing practices, resource use externalities and the performance of capture fisheries in Africa.

The training was officially opened by the Principal College of Business and Management Sciences Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali who congratulated the centre Director for organizing this training and other initiatives adding that, they are important because they add to our visibility as a a college  and university and it also takes us to the government and other agencies out there.

Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali making his remarks.
Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali making his remarks.

Prof. Hisali noted that Fisheries and fish related products are among and still remain among the five leading exports from Uganda while  Africa is one of the two continents where the big  proportion of the population still lives directly of the fishing activities and Natural resources in general.

“Our concern then, is the way these activities are being undertaken is not sustainable we risk depleting these resources because of population pressure, and unsustainable practices and once that happens it threatens our existence of our continent but also as countries because if we deplete resources and yet we are living directly of the same, then everyone should be starting to imagine what will happen.

A section of fisheries officers attending the training.
A section of fisheries officers attending the training.

What will happen is untold suffering but also direct conflict for the little resources that would have remained and disintegration of countries and societies” he decried

The Principal challenged all participants to look at the strategic importance of the lessons to be undertaken in the two days

“This intervention that the center is undertaking to share insights on how best we can sustainably use these resources becomes very important for the very  survival of our countries. I want you to look at this training as a very important one because it speaks of the very basis of our survival as a country and continent”, Prof. Hisali stressed.

A section of participants attending the training.
A section of participants attending the training.

Prof. Hisali advised participants to form a network which should go deeper into ideas given by Prof. Wisdom, contextualize them and ensure they are fully applicable  to the Ugandan situation and begin influencing sustainable practices and  policy.

“Some civil servants at your level tend to under look themselves. You are extremely powerful and you can influence so many things. So go with that confidence and come up with suggestions that are practical, make sense and that can be implemented.

As a university and specifically the center, Hisali pledged full availability to work closely with the fisheries experts and to convene in case they have ideas to work through the nitty gritties and contribute own insights .Prof. Hisali also pledged that the university will equally be available  in terms of  creating  platforms for the works that fisheries experts do  to engage wth policy makers.

Another group of fisheries officials attending the training.
Another group of fisheries officials attending the training.

As they integrate lessons and experiences and insights, and as they develop materials for policy advocacy, the principal implored participants to get back to working places and pass on  the message to build capacity in institution to have a critical mass of public servants and members of the community  who have a different perspective on the way of handling natural resources and understanding the implications of  mismanagement of resources.

“History will judge extremely harshly if we don’t take the necessary actions today to ensure that the next generation of the people in our continent live a better and more meaningful life”

The Principal thanked Prof. Wisdom Akpalu for making time to come to Uganda and Makerere University in particular to share the  knowledge,  skills and experiences from Ghana, expressing the need for opening up to share cross country comparisons to learn from one another on the  basis of areas with commonalities.

Knowledge on the biology and economics of fisheries management critical for practitioners.

Prof. Wisdom Akpalu observed that Africa has  very few people who have the expertise in combining the biology and economics of fisheries management which has made fisheries management difficult and unattractive because decision makers usually want to hear about money, stocks have declined, how to improve stocks and  how much can be got if stocks are improved, the social economic implications when stocks are improved and cost involved.

Prof. Akpalu teaching fisheries officials on day one.
Prof. Akpalu teaching fisheries officials on day one.

So, by bringing the biology and economics together one is able to paint a much better picture that is more appreciated by policy makers.

“The message is clear. We cannot manage what do not know. We cannot manage if we do not have some level of technical knowledge of how the fisheries operate and it is not sufficient to just have  knowledge of the biology of fish the size, movement  etc”, Wisdom stated.

Wisdom described Fisheries as an interesting area because it has so many dimensions that requires one to understand both the biology that is, how the fish grows, the thresholds in nature that you cannot harvest beyond a certain threshold or else the stock can collapse. And then you have to add the dimension of economics that when these fishes  are harvested, they are harvested for economic and social reasons,  as a source of food and also sold in the market that  brings in the issue of cost, revenue and  how does these influence the way we manage the resource.

Prof. Akpalu interacts with participants during an exercise on day one.
Prof. Akpalu interacts with participants during an exercise on day one.

“By providing them this knowledge, they now have a better sense of how to bring the knowledge in the biology and economics together to distinguish between concepts such as maximum sustainable yield which is the maximum quantity of fish that we can catch  on a yearly basis and maximum economic yield  which is the quantity to catch to generate the highest economic benefit.

Usually, the maximum economic yield may be lower than the maximum sustainable yield which means to make a lot of money, or to make   the highest possible profit from the fisheries,  you may have to deploy a lesser  level of effort than  you are aiming to catch the maxim you can catch on a yearly basis for  society to consume”. The professor explained.

Prof. Wisdom Akpalu gives participants an exercise on day two.
Prof. Wisdom Akpalu gives participants an exercise on day two.

He further explained that sometimes the biology will recommend catching up to maxim yield but, the economics may recommend to restrict the catch because when you catch all, the profits you make is lower.  If you reduce the catch at a lower level, other things have to come in, the social consideration, whether fishing for profit or other reason and how to incorporate those reasons in the basic model so as to appreciate things beyond economic gains or pure profits from economics.

Prof. Wisdom commended the participants for the active participation and ability to grasp the subject matter.

“I have been quite impressed.  When I was coming, I knew they were going to be faculty graduate students etc. Only to see practitioners, people who were in the field doing fisheries work . I was wondering whether they are a cut for a course like this. But to my surprise, with all the concepts that I had to go through they were very comfortable.

“They showed the clear understanding of the concept and they were looking for more and when I gave exercises they did it clearly and gave me the answers. It has been quiet impressive and it shows that they have potential and the zeal, they have the interest and they will put what they have learnt to practice”. He appreciated.

Prof. Wisdom training Fisheries Officials on day two.
Prof. Wisdom training Fisheries Officials on day two.

Prof. Wisdom encourage the university to continue with this type of collaboration adding that the EfD Network  within the continent has a lot expertise and potential that can be harnessed  for the benefit of  individual countries  and the continent.

“With this type of interaction we share knowledge and  sometimes we tend to undervalue this knowledge that we share but I  believe that if we have to change things for  better for the continent, we  have to begin to make use of  our expertise and experiences  in a platform like this.

Today, it is bio-economics of fisheries management and next time it should be something also relevant for the continent This was a very good positive initiative, I applaud the university and encourage them to continue” He said.

Prof. Wisdom Akpalu gives Fisheries Officials an exercise on day two.
Prof. Wisdom Akpalu gives Fisheries Officials an exercise on day two.

Namaganda Ruth, the Fisheries officer from Mukono District Local Government said:

“The training was very productive to me in that being on the frontline of managing the fisheries, it gives you a clear picture of how you can predict and advise fishermen as  the primary beneficiaries of the resource. At the district level, when policies are being developed, we can guide the technical officers, our superiors and politicians on how to effectively manage the resources.

If possible, the centre should organize more  training in other aspects of natural resources because management is so diverse”.

Maganda Moses is the Senior Environmental Officer from Jinja District Local Government. He said:

“The training was very good. Much of what we are missing in government is attaching an economic value to what we do. We do not have those basics of  making those estimates and calculations. But at least now, I have an idea of what I can do in case they need such information or data. The training was on how we can collect data on a particular resource of the fisheries sector.

So it  was a very good training only that the training period of two days was inadequate and probably  and we need further training in that, and even those who did not benefit from this, it would be good to introduce them to such training so that they are equipped with skills of generating  data in the fisheries sector”.

Importance of the Fisheries sector

Fisheries according to Prof. Wisdom plays a key role in our social economic social being world over and on the continent. In Ghana, for example about 60% of the animal protein needed comes from fisheries and this because the other types of animal protein are either unavailable, scarce or expensive. So a lot of people derive that requirement from fish.

The same applies in Uganda, where people would have loved to eat fish but because fish is not readily available. So that fact that we have less than 10%  of animal protein from fish, is not that people do not like fish but because it is outside the reach of the majority of people.

On the other hand, Wisdom asserts that fisheries are resources that if properly managed they can last forever but then these fisheries are over capitalized and over fished  in Ghana and Uganda. So, the fisheries sector is extremely important for job create employing a huge number of the population, giving animal protein requirement,.

“Fisheries products provides foreign exchange because a lot of  money is spent through foreign exchange in Uganda through Nile perch  processing and export .So the sector is critical and beyond just being important even the value alone to the fish that is harvested is about 2.1% of the Ugandan GDP and that is why it was important for the government officials to be retooled”. Prof. Wisdom explained.

Key issues affecting the fisheries sector

Prof. Wisdom noted that the fisheries sector both in Ghana and Uganda are  troubled with so many challenges . One of those is over-capitalization where there are too many vessels, canoes, boats and that has to be reduced. There is also lack of proper management and so much competition for stocks from different sub-sectors that is leading to over exploitation of stock.

There is use of all sorts of destructive methods because there is competition for stock as fisher men tend to think that they can use other illegal means to be able to catch more fish. Some use explosive dynamites, small size nets, small filament nets which are all over the places posing a serious challenge within the industry.

 But most importantly there is lack of knowledge and capacity to be able to appreciate the impact of all problems on the stocks, harvest, profits and gains that generated from these resources.

Key policy interventions Uganda can emulate from Ghana

From the discussions and interactions with the fisheries experts,  Prof. Wisdom noted that Ghana and Uganda it appears  have similar challenges including  over capacity in the fishing activities taking place, low political and  foreign interests in the fisheries sector with foreigners coming in to compete with locals.

In Ghana,  Wisdom said, there are areas dedicated to  small scale fishing and the   aim is to secure livelihoods of poor people living along coastal communities, with specific  marked spaces that are reserved for  local fishermen so that they can have some catch.

Uganda can learn that Ghana has demarcated where and what locals and foreigners can fish.

“We should also priorities local fishermen viz-a-viz foreign vessels and if possible impose enough taxes on the foreign vessels and use those taxes to take care of local fishermen. We realized that we can gain efficiency by allowing foreign vessels to fish species that local people find difficult to catch and make sure we get taxes that can support local fishing industry so that  local fishermen are not denied their basic livelihoods.

Ghana according Prof. Wisdom has clauses and policies where within specific areas fishermen are not supposed to fish to allow the stocks to recover. From the discussion with the fisheries officials, Uganda also did it   once or twice but has not done it for some time. It is time for Uganda to revisit and try to implement this policies because there are clear ecological benefits and improvement in catches of fisher folks.

Although Uganda has marine police like in Ghana, Ghana in addition has other established local institutions. There is what is called, “landing beach enforcement committee” where local  people constitute themselves into enforcement units and they are able to control some of the illegal practices about fisher folks that Uganda can learn from.

Prof. Wisdom teaching on the marine sector in Ghana.
Prof. Wisdom teaching on the marine sector in Ghana.

Ghana as explained by Prof. Wisdom has a strong collaboration between research, academia and policy makers working at the ministries and then, the stakeholders the fisher folks and civil society organizations. That platform he advised should be encouraged to be created  so that it will not be one sided decision, it  will be a platform where researchers, fisher folks, civil society organizations and the ministries can always come together to discuss issues of common interest.

Ghana has also established the scientific and technical committee of the Fisheries commission compromising stakeholders such as people from academia who identify and investigate issues for discussion and advise the commission to implement issues observed and Uganda can learn from this.

In Ghana’s fishing communities, there is what they call, “the fish queens or mummies”. These are women who take key roles in post-harvest activities and the fish queen is the leader of women engaged in fish processing and trading  and typically, they are the ones who determine the pricing of fish. When the fisher folks come from the sea, they observe the catches of a few vessels like the first three canoes and are able to tell what the supply of the day would be and that guides them to determine the price per measure would be and they announce that price and every fisherman that comes has to sell at that price. So they play that key role of determining the price of fish and all fishermen on that day obey that particular price.

Prof. Bbaale speaking to participants during the training.
Prof. Bbaale speaking to participants during the training.

In Ghana, the fisheries industry especially the artisanal vessels are supposed to be Ghanaian. The semi-industrial vessels are also supposed to be owned by Ghanaians and including  industrial trawlers are also supposed to be owned by Ghanaians. But because the Ghanaian  don’t have the capacity to own the trawlers, they go into a hire purchase agreement and the agreement tends to be rooted in corruption. Those who claim to have hired the vessels do it on behalf of foreigners who disguise as experts on how to manage vessels but are the true beneficiaries. At the end of the day they end up catching the fish they are not supposed to and make a lot of money. So there are Vessel Monitoring Systems that are installed on vessels to monitor and track them and to know where exactly they are operating.

Prof. Wisdom says he has been recommending installation of video devices so that the activities can be watched at a distance so that they can be regulated better and avoid exploitation. By installing video devices on boats and vessels that target big species like the Nile perch to monitor them, the benefits cost will be 21 to 1.

Remarks by the Director EfD-Mak centre 

Prof. Edward Bbaale welcomed participants to Makarere University and the EfD Centre. In a special way, Prof. Bbaale thanked the visiting professor for moving all the way  from Ghana to come and facilitate the workshop.

Prof. Edward Bbaale addressing participants during one of the sessions.
Prof. Edward Bbaale addressing participants during one of the sessions.

Bbaale also extended appreciation to the university management and the Principal CoBAMS for facilitating and overseeing the center’s operations.

He thanked participants for making time to come to Makerere saying, they were selected because they were instrumental in their duty station assuring them that the training will focus on what they do at their places of work.

Prof. Bbaale assured participants that none of the participants was selected by Makerere but letters were write to their bosses who selected them. He said by the end of the training, they would have changed the way they perceived things and the way they would want to go deeper into bio economics of fisheries management.

He assured participants that the facilitator  is one of the best environmental economists  in Africa.

“We have a person that has invested a lot of time in the work for which he is sharing with us. He has had a lot of experience working with international organizations before he came back to work with a university in Ghana and also to established the EfD centre in Ghana”

Prof. Edward Bbaale speaking to participants during the closing ceremony.
Prof. Edward Bbaale speaking to participants during the closing ceremony.

He thanked Prof. Wisdom for creating this collaboration saying, the center is developing capacity in different areas and would be glad to visit Ghana and share the experiences.

 “Uganda is an agricultural country and the government officers you see here are very few compared to the need that we have, that means that may be another time we shall invite you for another cohort because here, are people from the ministry of agriculture, environmental police, and colleagues from different local governments from different districts.  It means that to have lasting impact we must require that we have several rounds of this nature”, Bbaale added.

Prof. Wisdom Akpalu

 Prof. Wisdom is the Centre Director of EfD Ghana but also the member of the coordination committee of the entire EfD Network and member of the capacity development committee of the EfD Network but importantly, the leader of the Blue resources for development- a collaborative program within the EfD Network where fisheries is. He obtained a PhD in economics from the University of Gothenburg Sweden 2006. He is currently Dean, of the School of Research and Graduate Studies at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration. Prof Wisdom is also the President of the African Association of Environmental and Resource Economists in Africa. His research focuses on social economics of natural resource management including fisheries management, economics of crime and punishment and economic institutions.

Jane Anyango

Business & Management

Dissemination Workshop: Government and Regulators urged to formalize the informal sector

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Prof. James Wokadala (4th Right) poses for a group photo with participants at the dissemination workshop on 29th August 2025. College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Copenhagen Business School, in partnership with Uganda Small Scale Industries Association, dissemination workshop on Firm Formalization and Sustainable Development, 29th August 2025, CoBAMS Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

On 29th August 2025, researchers from Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences and the Copenhagen Business School, in partnership with Uganda Small Scale Industries Association disseminated the key findings and policy recommendations aimed at impacting both the informal and formal sectors in Uganda.

The dissemination workshop follows an intensive and participatory research project, which presents insights from a large scale study of over 1,100 small-scale firms across Uganda. Hosted at Makerere University, the dissemination workshop on Firm Formalization and Sustainable Development, brought on board key stakeholders including regulators, policy implementers, researchers, industry partners, the private sectors, manufactures, the academia, business men and women from the informal sector, and the media.

Approximately 90% of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Sub-Saharan Africa operate in the informal sector. Uganda’s informal economy employs the majority of workers, but is characterized by low productivity and unsustainable practices. In Uganda, nearly 78% of the working population operate in the informal economy, spanning from street vendors to large unregistered businesses. Firms may choose to remain informal to hinder the accessibility of tax information, which consequently affects the government’s ability to mobilize domestic revenue. While informality provides livelihoods and informal firms may enjoy a significant degree of adaptability and flexibility, they typically face low productivity, limited worker protection, and environmentally harmful practices.

In 2022, an interdisciplinary team of scholars and practitioners embarked on research to examine the informal sector, gain a deeper understanding of the informal sector, as well as, its impact on sustainable development. The research team conducted field experiments and survey-based studies between 2022-2024 to evaluate the links between formalization and sustainable development.

Prof. Faisal Buyinza. College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Copenhagen Business School, in partnership with Uganda Small Scale Industries Association, dissemination workshop on Firm Formalization and Sustainable Development, 29th August 2025, CoBAMS Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Faisal Buyinza.

Led by Prof. Marcus M. Larsen as the Principal Investigator, the research team consisted of the following the members: Prof. Faisal Buyinza-Local Principal Investigator, Dr. John Seruyange-Makerere University School of Economics, Dr. Ismail Kintu and Dr. Yusuf Kiwala-Makerere University School of Business, and Prof. Rebecca Namatovu-Copenhagen Business School. The research was funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark.

“Our research shows that formalization can promote sustainable development, but outcomes differ by type: URA tax registration drives the most meaningful improvements in business, labour, and environmental practices, while URSB business registration mainly boosts legitimacy and local government licensing lags behind. To realize Uganda’s green and inclusive growth goals, formalization must be coupled with sustainability incentives, targeted reforms, and strong support from government, business associations, and civil society. From the policy perspective, the government needs to simplify the legitimization process through increased proximity of the registration centres for SMEs to leverage the benefits of formalization.”

Opening the dissemination workshop, the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences-Prof. Edward Bbaale represented by the Deputy Principal, Professor James Wokadala, emphasized the significance of the study in shaping Uganda’s development agenda.  He underscored that Makerere University is committed to undertaking research with partners to drive inclusive growth and sustainable economic development. The Deputy Principal noted that the interdisciplinary research team combining the global north and global south expertise, positions the College of Business and Management Sciences at Makerere University, to produce impactful research to influence policy and practice at the national and global levels.

Ms. Veronica Namwanje. College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Copenhagen Business School, in partnership with Uganda Small Scale Industries Association, dissemination workshop on Firm Formalization and Sustainable Development, 29th August 2025, CoBAMS Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Veronica Namwanje.

Unpacking the key concept in the research project, Ms. Veronica Namwanje, the Director of Uganda Small Scale Industries Association (USSIA) explained that formalization goes beyond business registration. “Formalization is about strengthening enterprises to grow sustainably,” she articulated. Commending the partnership between USSIA and the School of Economics at Makerere University, Ms. Namwanje stated that this collaborative learning experience will strengthen SME’s in Uganda. “This research will significantly impact Uganda’s economy. 75% of the labour force is employed in the non-formal sector. The research will support over 12,000 member SMEs across Uganda,” she said.

Building on the remarks from the College Principal and the Director of USSIA respectively, the Moderator of the dissemination workshop, Dr. Anthony Tibaingana called upon the project Principal Investigator, Prof. Marcus Larsen from Copenhagen Business School, to present to the audience, the gist of the research on formalization and sustainable development.

Dr. Anthony Tibaingana. College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Copenhagen Business School, in partnership with Uganda Small Scale Industries Association, dissemination workshop on Firm Formalization and Sustainable Development, 29th August 2025, CoBAMS Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Anthony Tibaingana.

Prof. Larsen commenced his presentation by acknowledging the Local Principal Investigator, Prof. Faisal Buyinza and Makerere University researchers in Economics and Business for their commitment and dedication. “This project started in 2022. You have worked with me wholeheartedly. Thank you for being true partners,” he remarked. Prof. Larsen explained that this research exposed him to the beautiful country called Uganda, its fine weather and hospitable people. As this particular research project comes to an end, he leaves Uganda and Makerere University with good memories, of working with people, committed to the transformation of society.

Setting the pace into his presentation that provided a strong case for formalization of business given its contribution to inclusive growth and development of any country, Prof. Larsen provided a comparison between the Global north where formalization is a norm.  “The Global North has zero tolerance for informal practices. In the Global North, you must be formally registered to operate a business,” he reported.

In the Global South, Prof. Larsen disclosed that the research studies proved that the number of firms under the informal sector was quite high. Through the research project, Firm Formalization and Sustainable Development in Uganda, they observed that many small scale businesses operate without any form of registration, from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB).

With over 78% of the working population employed in the informal economy through numerous establishments (ILOSTAT, 2024), Prof. Larsen stressed that the situation in Uganda, necessitates a combined effort to ensure formalization of businesses/firms. He notified the audience about Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8.3, which encourages the formalization and growth of micro, small and medium sized enterprises. He also made reference to Uganda’s 4th National Development Plan, which states, and I quote: “This dual nature of informality contributes to low productivity, survival and growth of enterprises, as well as, limiting effectiveness of government policy incentives.”

Prof. Larsen argued that addressing high firm informality in the Global South through formalization can unlock growth, enable access to resources, spur sustainable development, drive inclusive growth, and contribute to the realization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Examining SMEs and the environment, Prof. Larsen reported that the research findings indicated that that environmental issues are given less attention by SMEs. “Informal workers are particularly affected by and affect climate change. Most of the interactions proved that informal workers use environmentally unfriendly practices,” he stated. Prof. Larsen together with the research team advocated for a transition to formalization of firms, which leads to environmental sustainability with decent workers.

Prof. Marcus Larsen presenting the research insights. College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Copenhagen Business School, in partnership with Uganda Small Scale Industries Association, dissemination workshop on Firm Formalization and Sustainable Development, 29th August 2025, CoBAMS Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Marcus Larsen presenting the research insights.

The research team observed that informal workers suffer from job insecurity, and in most cases, their employers do not remit their social protection funds. For instance, in Uganda, most of the workers in the informal sector did not have any contributions with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).

Presenting the key research insights, Prof. Larsen focused on the formalization and practices, interpretation for policy makers, and SME survival and sustainability. Formalization and Practices provided hints on URSB (business registration), URA (Tax Registration) and Local Government (Trading Licenses).

Providing the interpretation for policy makers, Prof. Larsen elaborated as follows: URSB formalization mainly signals legitimacy, but has limited impact on deeper practices; URA formalization, though resisted initially, delivers the strongest and broadest improvements in business, worker and environmental practices once firms adopt it; and Local government licensing is associated with negative or weak outcomes indicating a need to reform systems to better incentivize sustainability.

On SME Survival and Sustainability, the key research insights include the following:

Financing: MSMEs that started with external financing were 12% more likely to survive than those using internal funds.

Gender: Male owned MSMEs had a higher survival rate (+13%) due to greater access to resources, though firms owned by females reported stronger sustainability orientations.

Location: Urban-based firms had 10-20% higher survival than rural firms, though rural enterprises displayed higher sustainability practices overall.

Education: Owners with university education had survival rates 17 to 24% higher than those with primary schooling.

Business associations: Female-owned MSMEs in associations had 13 to 16% higher survival rates

Registration effects: Surprisingly, longer registration with URA/URSB was associated with slightly lower survival rates (1 to 4%), pointing to burdens of compliance.

The Local Principal Investigator, Prof. Faisal Buyinza, advocated for multi-faceted policies to empower SMEs in Uganda for instance, through simplifying registration, providing green tax incentives, protection of workers and guarding against counterfeit products.  Prof. Buyinza presented the following policy recommendations:

  • Raising sustainability standards in business formalization
  • Building green and fair fiscal systems
  • Strengthening social protection and green employment
  • Enhancing entrepreneurial skills for sustainability
  • Promoting youth and ago-led green innovation
  • Advancing women’s leadership in sustainable enterprises
  • Digital transformation for green formalization
  • Civil society and employer advocacy for just transition

The participants delved into an interactive question and answer session moderated by Prof. Eria Hisali, former Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, who provided strategic guidance and oversight at the inception of the research project.

Prof. Eria Hisali. College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Copenhagen Business School, in partnership with Uganda Small Scale Industries Association, dissemination workshop on Firm Formalization and Sustainable Development, 29th August 2025, CoBAMS Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Eria Hisali.

Prof. Hisali called upon the participants and key stakeholders to contribute to the discussion, when he said: “The informal sector is not abstract. The informal sector is with us. I therefore call upon you to share lived experiences and practices on this matter.”

Taking on the form of a plenary, the following ideas were raised:

  • Financial constraints are a major blow to SMEs. This is further complicated by the payments required through registration, licensing, taxation, and other formalization processes including the high cost for online operations that require access to the Internet.
  • Power outages in Uganda significantly affect business operations. When power is on and off, SMEs incur losses due to the nature of their activities.
  • URA has a close working relationship with Uganda Small Scale Industries Association (USSIA). This partnership should be leveraged to reach out to business owners in the informal sector.
  • The government should provide tax incentives to local investors. This incentive will positively impact formalization of businesses.
  • URBS should come up with tough measures on standards in order to safeguard Ugandans from counterfeit products.
  • URA and URSB should note that majority of players in the informal sector are not educated, and, as such, should come up with specialized awareness programmes delivered in a language that they can understand.
  • Noting that despite the benefits of formalization, entrepreneurs fear to formalize their business, those concerned should invest time and resources to identify the reasons behind this attitude.
  • Create awareness by deliberately popularizing the benefits of formalizing a business, and the incentives that accrue to someone who has formalized his or her business.
  • Commending the stakeholder mapping and segmentation with respect to policy recommendation, the participants requested for the involvement of the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.
  • Tackling the policy recommendation on digital transformation, the participants recommended the involvement of NITA-Uganda.
  • Formalization of businesses and registration is affected by the high cost of Internet services and subscriptions. The participants reported that the high costs of Internet deter online operations.

Reflecting on the ideas raised during the plenary sessions, Prof. Hisali observed differences in the level of awareness regarding business formalization. He called upon the Uganda Small Scale Industries Association and Makerere University to continue the discussion with key stakeholders to conduct periodic awareness creation and training sessions.

On a positive note, the participants and stakeholders were notified that URA was in advanced stages of according tax holidays to SMEs. Prof. Faisal Buyinza, who interacted with URA, during the course of the research project (2022-2024), highlighted that effective July 2026, start-up business up to UGX 300million, will not be taxed. Such start up business, will enjoy a tax holiday of three years.”

The submission from Prof. Faisal Buyinza was supported by officials from URA who were physically present in the dissemination workshop held in the Conference Hall, at the College of Business and Management Sciences, Makerere University.

The participants were thoroughly engaged during the dissemination workshop, which entailed remarks from the College Principal, presentation by USSIA, project purpose and findings, research presentation, policy implications, question and answer session, and final reflections.

Ritah Namisango
Ritah Namisango

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Business & Management

Carbon Prices Too Low to Cut Emissions, Says Canadian Professor Mark Purdon at EfD-Mak Seminar

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Prof. Purdon (Centre Front Row) in a group phto with participants after the presentation on 27th August 2025. Prof. Mark Purdon seminar and launch of his new book "The Political Economy of Climate Finance Effectiveness in Developing Countries: Carbon Markets, Climate Funds, and the State" hosted by the Environment for Development (EfD) Makerere Centre, 27th August 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Kampala, Uganda – August 27, 2025
A new study spanning a decade has revealed that the prices currently offered for carbon credits and other climate finance instruments are too low to meaningfully reduce greenhouse gas emissions in developing countries.

The findings were presented by Canadian scholar Prof. Mark Purdon during a seminar at Makerere University, where he launched his new book “The Political Economy of Climate Finance Effectiveness in Developing Countries: Carbon Markets, Climate Funds, and the State.” The event, hosted by the Environment for Development (EfD) Mak Centre, attracted graduate students and academic staff from the Schools of Economics and Agricultural Sciences.

Prof. Purdon, an Associate Professor at Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), based his conclusions on a comparative study conducted between 2008 and 2018 in Uganda, Tanzania, and Moldova. His research showed that while carbon markets and climate funds are theoretically designed to reduce emissions, their real-world effectiveness is constrained by the low financial incentives attached.

Prof. Purdon and a section of graduate students before presenting. Prof. Mark Purdon seminar and launch of his new book "The Political Economy of Climate Finance Effectiveness in Developing Countries: Carbon Markets, Climate Funds, and the State" hosted by the Environment for Development (EfD) Makerere Centre, 27th August 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Purdon and a section of graduate students before presenting.

“Carbon prices during the period I studied were simply too low to drive meaningful emission reductions,” said Prof. Purdon. “They only worked in contexts where governments were already trying to push development initiatives-like Uganda’s forestry projects and the climate finance just helped amplify that effort.”

The research contrasts Uganda’s relatively proactive approach with Tanzania’s limited engagement, attributing the difference not to institutional capacity but to political will.

“In Tanzania, the government just wasn’t genuinely interested in these instruments -they didn’t find the financial incentives compelling. Uganda, on the other hand, saw even the modest funding as worth integrating into its broader development goals,” he added.

Prof. Mark Purdon introduces the book and his research project. Prof. Mark Purdon seminar and launch of his new book "The Political Economy of Climate Finance Effectiveness in Developing Countries: Carbon Markets, Climate Funds, and the State" hosted by the Environment for Development (EfD) Makerere Centre, 27th August 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Mark Purdon introduces the book and his research project.

Interestingly, Moldova also showed effectiveness similar to Uganda, despite having different levels of state capacity. Prof. Purdon emphasized that success in utilizing climate finance depends more on political interest than institutional strength alone.

The seminar highlighted the importance of domestic commitment in making international climate finance work. According to Purdon, climate finance is unlikely to succeed in countries lacking political interest, regardless of the mechanisms in place.

The professor’s book aims to inform policymakers, development agencies, and researchers about the conditions under which climate finance can effectively contribute to emission reduction. He expressed hope that students and faculty at Makerere University would further engage with the study’s findings.

Prof. Purdon presenting the reserach findings. Prof. Mark Purdon seminar and launch of his new book "The Political Economy of Climate Finance Effectiveness in Developing Countries: Carbon Markets, Climate Funds, and the State" hosted by the Environment for Development (EfD) Makerere Centre, 27th August 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Purdon presenting the reserach findings.

“This is how ideas turn into action – through forums like this,” he said, noting his appreciation for the strong turnout and engagement at the event.

Prof. Purdon was in Uganda to attend the International Growth Center (IGC) conference later in the week, but used the opportunity to share his latest work with the Makerere academic community.

Prof. Purdon concluding his presentation. Prof. Mark Purdon seminar and launch of his new book "The Political Economy of Climate Finance Effectiveness in Developing Countries: Carbon Markets, Climate Funds, and the State" hosted by the Environment for Development (EfD) Makerere Centre, 27th August 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Purdon concluding his presentation.

Uganda to Launch National Climate Finance Strategy as Experts Call for Private Sector Investment in Adaptation

Uganda is set to launch its first-ever National Climate Finance Strategy on September 12, 2025, a milestone development in the country’s climate policy architecture, according to remarks made by Dr. Peter Babyenda, Policy Engagement Specialist at the EfD-Mak Centre.

Speaking on behalf of Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of EfD-Mak Centre, Dr. Babyenda emphasized that climate finance will only be effective if private sector participation is prioritized especially in adaptation-focused investments.

“The private sector will only invest where there’s a return. We must ask how to make climate investments profitable,” Dr. Babyenda said. “Much of our climate financing currently goes toward mitigation, but Uganda’s needs are more aligned with adaptation especially in agriculture, which remains highly vulnerable.”

Dr. Peter Babyenda representing the centre Director during the seminar. Prof. Mark Purdon seminar and launch of his new book "The Political Economy of Climate Finance Effectiveness in Developing Countries: Carbon Markets, Climate Funds, and the State" hosted by the Environment for Development (EfD) Makerere Centre, 27th August 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Peter Babyenda representing the centre Director during the seminar.

He cited his recent consultancy with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), which explored strategies for increasing private sector investment in agricultural adaptation. The findings, expected to be published soon, were presented to various donor communities and could shape future financing models in Uganda.

Dr. Babyenda noted that while mitigation efforts like tree planting are easier to quantify and attract funding, adaptation remains underfunded despite its critical relevance for Uganda. He called for targeted strategies to shift this imbalance.

Highlighting the significance of Prof. Purdon’s new book, “The Political Economy of Climate Finance Effectiveness in Developing Countries”, Dr. Babyenda stressed the importance of understanding political will in determining the success of climate initiatives.

Participants attending the seminar in the EfD Conference room. Prof. Mark Purdon seminar and launch of his new book "The Political Economy of Climate Finance Effectiveness in Developing Countries: Carbon Markets, Climate Funds, and the State" hosted by the Environment for Development (EfD) Makerere Centre, 27th August 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Participants attending the seminar in the EfD Conference room.

“The experiences from Uganda, Moldova, and Tanzania outlined in the book show that effectiveness is possible where there is political interest. It is not just about institutional capacity it is about commitment,” he said.

He further revealed that Uganda’s Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has already established a Climate Finance Unit, which is now leading efforts to formalize the upcoming strategy.

In addition to national developments, Dr. Babyenda warned of growing international pressure. He pointed to upcoming European Union regulations, including the Cross-Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which could restrict exports such as coffee unless exporters prove their products are deforestation-free.

Some of the students attending the seminar. Prof. Mark Purdon seminar and launch of his new book "The Political Economy of Climate Finance Effectiveness in Developing Countries: Carbon Markets, Climate Funds, and the State" hosted by the Environment for Development (EfD) Makerere Centre, 27th August 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the students attending the seminar.

“If we don’t have systems like carbon taxes or certified credits, our goods will face fines or lose market access. We must prepare for this global shift,” he warned.

Dr. Babyenda also announced that Makerere and IGC would sign a Memorandum of Understanding, solidifying their continued partnership in climate economics research and policy development.

He closed by encouraging students to engage with the issues raised during the seminar, suggesting they could form the basis of graduate research or postdoctoral work, especially with available funding in climate-related fields.

Peter Babyenda organised the seminar. Prof. Mark Purdon seminar and launch of his new book "The Political Economy of Climate Finance Effectiveness in Developing Countries: Carbon Markets, Climate Funds, and the State" hosted by the Environment for Development (EfD) Makerere Centre, 27th August 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Peter Babyenda organised the seminar.

“Monies are there and these are the issues. Our roads, our crops, our lives are being affected. We need solutions rooted in evidence and action,” he said.

Book Offers Critical Insights for Evidence-Based Policy, Says Reviewer Dr. Byakagaba

Dr. Patrick Byakagaba, a leading Ugandan environmental policy expert and one of the reviewers of the launched book, praised the publication for shedding light on the political economy factors that determine the success or failure of climate finance instruments in developing countries.

Dr. Byakagaba described the work as a timely and evidence-based resource that should inform both policy and practice.

“In my opinion, this book helps us understand the political economy factors that are critical for the effectiveness of the different climate financing instruments,” Dr. Byakagaba said. “It shows what is working, what is not, and what we must do to leverage successful measures.”

Byakagaba welcomes Purdon to present. Prof. Mark Purdon seminar and launch of his new book "The Political Economy of Climate Finance Effectiveness in Developing Countries: Carbon Markets, Climate Funds, and the State" hosted by the Environment for Development (EfD) Makerere Centre, 27th August 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Byakagaba welcomes Purdon to present.

He emphasized the book’s relevance not only for academics but also for practitioners and students in economics, environmental science, and natural resource management – many of whom are directly involved in projects funded by international climate finance.

Unlike many theoretical publications, Dr. Byakagaba noted that the book stands out for its field-based evidence drawn from Uganda, Tanzania, and Moldova – countries with shared democratic governance structures but differing levels of engagement in climate finance initiatives.

“This isn’t just theoretical work,” he said. “It gives us a strong theoretical foundation but also backs it up with real-world evidence. That’s exactly what we’ve been missing – research that informs policy in a tangible, practical way.”

Dr. Patrick Byakagaba speaking during the seminar. Prof. Mark Purdon seminar and launch of his new book "The Political Economy of Climate Finance Effectiveness in Developing Countries: Carbon Markets, Climate Funds, and the State" hosted by the Environment for Development (EfD) Makerere Centre, 27th August 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Patrick Byakagaba speaking during the seminar.

He stressed the importance of building on this research to expand the body of evidence needed for crafting effective and locally relevant climate finance strategies.

“If we are going to adopt evidence-based policy instruments, we must continue investing in research that reveals what’s actually working on the ground,” Dr. Byakagaba urged.

The seminar highlighted the growing need to critically evaluate and adapt international climate finance mechanisms to local political and economic realities – a message echoed by both Prof. Purdon and other experts at the event.

Prof. Purdon, Dr. Patrick Byakagaba and a student interact after the seminar. Prof. Mark Purdon seminar and launch of his new book "The Political Economy of Climate Finance Effectiveness in Developing Countries: Carbon Markets, Climate Funds, and the State" hosted by the Environment for Development (EfD) Makerere Centre, 27th August 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Purdon, Dr. Patrick Byakagaba and a student interact after the seminar.

Book summary

There is ample evidence that engaging developing countries on climate change mitigation would have significant, positive impacts on global climate efforts. There is much debate, however, on the most effective strategy for unlocking these low cost mitigation opportunities. While the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) emerged as the main climate finance instrument for engaging developing countries under the Kyoto Protocol, the carbon market approach it embodied would largely be replaced by a new array of climate finance instruments based on climate funds.

In The Political Economy of Climate Finance Effectiveness in Developing Countries, Mark Purdon shows that the effectiveness of climate finance instruments to reduce emissions under either strategy has depended on the interaction between prevailing ideas about how to develop a nation’s economy, as well as state interests in various economic sectors.

Prof. Purdon (R) during the discussion session. Prof. Mark Purdon seminar and launch of his new book "The Political Economy of Climate Finance Effectiveness in Developing Countries: Carbon Markets, Climate Funds, and the State" hosted by the Environment for Development (EfD) Makerere Centre, 27th August 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Purdon (R) during the discussion session.

Based on multiple field visits over a decade in three countries, the author demonstrates that climate finance instruments have been more effectively implemented when the state treats them as vehicles for addressing priority development issues. Climate finance instruments were more consistently and effectively implemented in Uganda and Moldova than Tanzania, despite differences in state capacity between countries. This pattern held for the CDM,as well as subsequent instruments largely based on climate funds such as Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) and other national mitigation actions. Contributing to broader debates on international climate cooperation, Purdon’s findings inform international efforts to support national climate plans and catalyze low-carbon development by emphasizing the importance of domestic politics and the state.

Some of the students attending the seminar. Prof. Mark Purdon seminar and launch of his new book "The Political Economy of Climate Finance Effectiveness in Developing Countries: Carbon Markets, Climate Funds, and the State" hosted by the Environment for Development (EfD) Makerere Centre, 27th August 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the students attending the seminar.

The Political Economy of Climate Finance Effectiveness in Developing Countries:  Carbon Markets, Climate Funds, and the State

By Mark Purdon

Oxford University Press 2024

Purchase Online: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-political-economy-of-climate-finance-effectiveness-in-developing-countries-9780197756836

Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer EfD Uganda.

Jane Anyango

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Uganda Urged to Embrace Community-Based Conservation Approaches to Tackle Biodiversity Crisis

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Two-day high-level training for 40 Ugandan government officials on biodiversity conservation, community-based natural resource management, and economic valuation of national parks Organized by EfD Uganda, 20th-21st August 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Over 40 Ugandan government officials have been called to integrate communities into biodiversity conservation following a two-day high-level training (August 20–21, 2025) at Makerere University.

Organized by EfD Uganda, the workshop focused on biodiversity conservation, community-based natural resource management, and economic valuation of national parks. Led by renowned environmental economist Prof. Edwin Muchapondwa, the training emphasized aligning conservation efforts with community involvement for lasting impact.

Prof. Edwin Mchapondwa facilitating the workshop at Makerere University. Two-day high-level training for 40 Ugandan government officials on biodiversity conservation, community-based natural resource management, and economic valuation of national parks Organized by EfD Uganda, 20th-21st August 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Edwin Mchapondwa facilitating the workshop at Makerere University.

“Communities must be seen not just as beneficiaries but as co-managers of biodiversity,” said Prof. Muchapondwa. “Policy frameworks need to devolve rights to local people to increase their stake in conservation outcomes.”

Participants from ministries and agencies explored Uganda’s biodiversity challenges—including habitat loss, agricultural expansion, poaching, and climate change. Sessions covered conservation principles, legal frameworks, ecosystem valuation, and regulatory tools to integrate biodiversity into national planning.

A section of participants. Two-day high-level training for 40 Ugandan government officials on biodiversity conservation, community-based natural resource management, and economic valuation of national parks Organized by EfD Uganda, 20th-21st August 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
A section of participants.

Valuing Nature to Shape Policy

A central theme was the economic valuation of ecosystems—putting monetary value on biodiversity to inform policy and investment decisions.

“When we reduce everything to a common metric, we can make objective, evidence-based decisions—especially when weighing development against conservation,” Prof. Muchapondwa said.

Participants in a group discussion. Two-day high-level training for 40 Ugandan government officials on biodiversity conservation, community-based natural resource management, and economic valuation of national parks Organized by EfD Uganda, 20th-21st August 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Participants in a group discussion.

Officials practiced applying valuation methods like contingent valuation and payment for ecosystem services in real-world policy settings, including environmental impact assessments and Uganda’s National Development Plan III.

Despite strong conservation policies on paper, implementation remains weak. “The issue isn’t policy absence but execution,” he noted. “We must adapt successful community-based models from Southern Africa to Uganda’s context.”

A section of participants. Two-day high-level training for 40 Ugandan government officials on biodiversity conservation, community-based natural resource management, and economic valuation of national parks Organized by EfD Uganda, 20th-21st August 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
A section of participants.

Tourism and Development: A Delicate Balance– Prof. Edward Bbaale

Speaking at the opening, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of the EfD–Mak Centre, emphasized collaboration between academia and government to support tourism development and sustainable resource use.

He praised Prof. Muchapondwa as a “pillar of the Environment for Development network” and highlighted the urgent need for research that connects tourism, conservation, and economics.

Prof. Edward Bbaale opening the training. Two-day high-level training for 40 Ugandan government officials on biodiversity conservation, community-based natural resource management, and economic valuation of national parks Organized by EfD Uganda, 20th-21st August 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Edward Bbaale opening the training.

“We’ve had little research from Makerere on tourism and natural resource valuation,” Bbaale said. “Yet this is exactly where government seeks advice.”

Bbaale underscored Uganda’s ambition to grow GDP tenfold—from $50 billion to $500 billion—through sectors like tourism, agro-industrialization, and manufacturing, urging researchers to support this growth with evidence-based insights.

Prof. Edward Bbaale during the introductions. Two-day high-level training for 40 Ugandan government officials on biodiversity conservation, community-based natural resource management, and economic valuation of national parks Organized by EfD Uganda, 20th-21st August 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Edward Bbaale during the introductions.

Makerere houses the highest concentration of PhDs in this country,” he said. “If this research isn’t happening here, where else should it happen?”

The event concluded with a renewed call for stronger partnerships among academia, government, and communities to ensure conservation and development go hand-in-hand.

Mchapondwa presenting at Makerere University Uganda. Two-day high-level training for 40 Ugandan government officials on biodiversity conservation, community-based natural resource management, and economic valuation of national parks Organized by EfD Uganda, 20th-21st August 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mchapondwa presenting at Makerere University Uganda.

Public Sector Must Rethink Economic Policy Through Biodiversity Lens– Dr. Peter Babyenda

Uganda risks jeopardizing its natural wealth if it continues to undervalue its ecological resources, warned Dr. Peter Babyenda, Research Fellow and Policy Engagement Specialist at EfD–Mak Centre.

“Our forests, wetlands, and ecosystems are routinely excluded from GDP calculations due to limited technical capacity and funding,” he said. “Kenya has made progress—Uganda must catch up.”

Peter Babyenda Policy Engagement specialist. Two-day high-level training for 40 Ugandan government officials on biodiversity conservation, community-based natural resource management, and economic valuation of national parks Organized by EfD Uganda, 20th-21st August 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Peter Babyenda Policy Engagement specialist.

To bridge the gap, EfD–Mak Centre, with support from SIDA, has launched a training program for technical staff from ministries and agencies like the Ministry of Tourism, Uganda Wildlife Authority, and NEMA.

“These are the people who draft policy,” Dr. Babyenda said. “We’re training them to use data and evidence, not emotion, when defending policies.”

Some of the group presentations. Two-day high-level training for 40 Ugandan government officials on biodiversity conservation, community-based natural resource management, and economic valuation of national parks Organized by EfD Uganda, 20th-21st August 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the group presentations.

He cited recent transport policy missteps—such as a speed enforcement proposal that failed due to lack of public engagement—as an example of why community participation is essential.

“Especially with human-wildlife conflicts, you must involve locals,” he said. “Solutions like electric fencing must be safe and community-driven.”

Conservation vs. Economic Growth

Uganda’s ambitious goal to grow its economy from $50 billion to $550 billion by 2040 presents risks to biodiversity, particularly from agricultural expansion. Dr. Babyenda stressed the need to balance development with environmental preservation.

“We must promote agriculture without destroying forests and wetlands,” he said. “Our tourism sector, which depends heavily on biodiversity, must also be protected.”

Prof. Mchapodwa delivering the lecture at EfD Uganda. Two-day high-level training for 40 Ugandan government officials on biodiversity conservation, community-based natural resource management, and economic valuation of national parks Organized by EfD Uganda, 20th-21st August 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Mchapodwa delivering the lecture at EfD Uganda.

He urged officials to present conservation as an economic asset. “If you show that every additional dollar invested in tourism marketing creates jobs and boosts GDP, people will listen.”

Aligning with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV, Dr. Babyenda called for cross-sector policy coherence.

Some of the group presentations. Two-day high-level training for 40 Ugandan government officials on biodiversity conservation, community-based natural resource management, and economic valuation of national parks Organized by EfD Uganda, 20th-21st August 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the group presentations.

“Tourism, agro-industry, and mineral development must be guided by sound, evidence-based policy,” he concluded. “Otherwise, we risk losing it all.”

Participants Reflections from the Training

Adson Tumwebaze – National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)
As someone working in the Research and Innovations Unit at NEMA, this training was a timely eye-opener. We’ve gained valuable insights into how economic valuation can be integrated into our research and planning frameworks. Understanding the tangible benefits ecosystems provide—and knowing how to quantify those benefits—equips us with the tools to make informed decisions when balancing development and conservation.

For us at NEMA, this goes beyond theory. It supports our mandate of protecting ecosystems and helps us align our work with national policies such as the National Biodiversity Action Plan and BISAP. One of my key takeaways is that you cannot talk about implementing a project on an ecosystem without understanding its value. Once we can economically define these benefits, we can also justify conservation measures, influence policy, and guide budgeting processes more effectively.

Alice Nalweera – Economic Policy Researcher
This training brought clarity to a challenge many of us are grappling with: the growing threats to biodiversity in the face of urbanization, climate change, and population pressure. As we pursue economic development and strive for goals like those outlined in the 2040 export-oriented strategy, we must ask: Can biodiversity and development coexist?

Tourism is one of Uganda’s biggest earners, and it’s entirely dependent on biodiversity—the parks, wildlife, flora, and fauna. Without protecting these resources, our economic aspirations could collapse. What struck me most is the urgent need for accurate data. We can’t conserve what we haven’t identified or valued. Accounting for our natural resources is not optional—it’s essential.

Arthur Ebong – National Planning Authority
From the national planning perspective, this training helped bridge a crucial gap between policy and implementation. While NDP III and NDP IV highlight biodiversity mainstreaming, they often lack depth in practical conservation measures. We used to insert the term “biodiversity” into plans, but lacked the tools to truly value and integrate it.

Learning about valuation methods like hedonic pricing and travel cost analysis opened new avenues for making biodiversity count—literally—in our national plans. And beyond the technical tools, this session also promoted inter-agency collaboration. With stakeholders like NEMA, UWA, and the Ministry of Water in the same room, we can now work more cohesively toward a shared goal.

The training has also inspired curriculum reviews. If we want future planners and policymakers to value biodiversity, we must train them early—through revised academic programs and capacity-building initiatives. This is not just about today’s policies, but the long-term socio-economic transformation of Uganda.

Gertrude Kirabo – Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)
At UWA, we face the challenge of balancing conservation with increasing economic pressure around protected areas. This training has been invaluable in helping us understand how to defend conservation efforts using data-driven economic valuation.

Previously, arguments for protecting a forest or wetland often sounded emotional or abstract. Now, we can present facts—cost-benefit analyses that compare the long-term value of ecosystem services with short-term economic gains. This also supports practical decisions like adjusting park permit fees or advocating for higher conservation budgets.

Personally, this training served as a wake-up call. It made me realize how often we’ve given away resources without truly valuing them. I strongly recommend that more field officers and institutional planners go through this kind of training. It’s one thing to learn these concepts in school, and another to see their real-world application. It’s time we started backing conservation with data and strong economic logic.

Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer EfD Uganda.

Jane Anyango

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