Agriculture & Environment
Call for Applications: MSc. Scholarship under ROBUSTA Project
Published
2 years agoon
By
Mak Editor
Makerere University
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Request for
Applications for MSc. Scholarship under the Project entitled:
“Robusta coffee agroforestry to adapt and mitigate climate change in Uganda- ROBUSTA”
Background
The European Union through its Programme known as “Development Smart Innovation through Research in Agriculture”- DESIRA is supporting a consortium of 8 International and National research organisations which include:- The French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE)-Kenya, The Institute of Research For Development (IRD)-France, Makerere University (MaK)-Uganda, The National Coffee Research Institute (NaCORI)-of the National Agricultural Research Organisation Uganda (NARO), The National Forestry Resources Research Institute (NaFORRI)of NARO, Strand Life Sciences Private Limited (Strand)-India, and The Uganda Coffee Farmers Alliance Limited (UCFA) to implement a research project in Uganda entitled “Robusta coffee agroforestry to adapt and mitigate climate change in Uganda” with CIRAD as lead institution.
The overall project objective is to support sustainable economic development of Uganda by promoting and improving the Robusta coffee agroforestry farming system. The specific objectives: (i) To design improved Robusta-coffee-based agroforestry systems for enhanced adaptation, mitigation and resilience capacity to buffer climate change impact. To be achieved through international scientific collaboration and participative approach, and (ii) Through partnership with local producers and multi-stakeholders’ interactions, to foster the adoption at all levels, from farm to development strategy designers, of C-Af as a means to counter climate change impact.
As part of the capacity building endeavour, the consortium is searching for qualified candidates to fill six vacant MSc. positions within the project. The MSc. research will fall within the broad field of evaluating, designing and promoting coffee agroforestry systems for adapting and mitigating climate change effects. In particular MSc. research will cover among other (i) Soil and plant health studies seeking to Improving the soil and climatic resilience of coffee small-holder farms and examine ways for taking advantage of Microbiota-mediated soil and plant health interaction in ecological intensification (diversification) of C-Af systems. (ii) Selection and breeding for drought and heat resistance (iii) Pest and diseases (P&D) control in coffee agro-forestry systems (C-Af). The activity concentrateson major coffee pests and diseases in Uganda.
MSc research topic/areas
Applications are required for each of the specified research topic below:-
MSc 3: Determination of economic injury levels and yield losses due to the black coffee twig borer (Xylosandrus compactus) (Eichhoff) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) in Robusta Coffee in Uganda. This work will estimate (i) Yield losses caused by X. compactus among different Robusta coffee varieties as well as the economic Injury Level (EIL) and (ii) Economic Threshold (ET) of X. compactus. This work to be supervised by Makerere University
Qualification:
- Possession of a Bachelors’ degree in Agriculture, Zoology or any closely related Bachelors’ degree in the broad field of crop science.
- Evidence of admission under relevant Master’s degree at a reputable University.
- Evidence of secured funding or funder’s commitment for first year in case of a 2-year course. This scholarship is for one year; with first priority being given to students who have completed their course work and are on normal progress.
- Recommendation letter from potential University Supervisor.
MSc 4: Impact of coffee value chain greening technologies on socioeconomic status of women. The research will evaluate farmers’ needs and expectation regarding C-Af development. The work will also establish socio-economic patterns of C-AF systems. The MSc. student working with scientist from NaCORRI will establish at least 5 women associations implementing a briquette production unit, operated as micro-enterprises. This work will be supervised by NaCORRI
Qualification:
- Possession of a Bachelors’ degree in Agriculture or any closely related Bachelors’ degree in the broad field of Agriculture.
- Evidence of admission under relevant Master’s degree at a reputable University
- Evidence of secured funding or funder’s commitment for first year in case of a 2-year course. This scholarship is for one year; with first priority being given to students who have completed their course work and are on normal progress.
- Recommendation letter from potential University Supervisor
MSc 13-1: Determination of yield losses and costs due to the red blister disease in Robusta Coffee in Uganda. This work will estimate yield losses caused by red blister disease among different Robusta coffee varieties. The research will also determine costs due to red blister disease. The work will be supervised by NaCORRI
Qualification:
- Possession of a Bachelors’ degree in Crop Science (Pest management or any closely related Bachelors’ degree in the broad field of crop science.
- Evidence of admission under relevant Master’s degree at a reputable University.
- Evidence of secured funding or funder’s commitment for first year in case of a 2-year course. This scholarship is for one year; with first priority being given to students who have completed their course work and are on normal progress.
- Recommendation letter from potential University Supervisor
MSc 13-2: Effect of altitude and agrobiodiversity on spatio-temporal dynamics of coffee and cocoa pests and diseases. The aim of this study is to (i) Determine the effects of the functional traits of shade trees on microclimate. (ii) Determine P&D dynamics along the altitudinal gradient in the coffee cocoa farming system. The work will be supervised by NaCORRI
Qualification:
- Possession of a Bachelors’ degree in Agriculture (Pest management or any closely related Bachelors’ degree in the broad field of crop science.
- Evidence of admission under relevant Master’s degree at a reputable University.
- Evidence of secured funding or funder’s commitment for first year in case of a 2-year course. This scholarship is for one year; with first priority being given to students who have completed their course work and are on normal progress.
- Recommendation letter from potential University Supervisor
MSc 14-1: Identification of Robusta coffee accessions with genetic, morphological, and biochemical traits that meet the market demand. The MSc. will establish (i) Traits of preference along the coffee value chain. (ii) A market-oriented descriptor profile of on-station field Robusta coffee accessions based on selected morphological, biotic, abiotic, and biochemical attributes.(iii)Parental accessions as sources of traits for developing market-oriented coffee varieties. The work will be supervised by NaFORRI
Qualification:
- Possession of a Bachelors’ degree in Agriculture or any closely related Bachelors’ degree in the broad field of Agriculture.
- Evidence of admission under relevant Master’s degree at a reputable University.
- Evidence of secured funding or funder’s commitment for first year in case of a 2-year course. This scholarship is for one year; with first priority being given to students who have completed their course work and are on normal progress.
- Recommendation letter from potential University Supervisor
MSc 14-2: Influence of field capacity and deficit irrigation on morpho-physiological response of Robusta coffee. The work will establish a drought screening protocol for Robusta coffee based on irrigation demand of coffee and field capacity of soil. In addition, the study will screen for traits for drought tolerance. The work will be supervised, NaCORRI
Qualification:
- Possession of a Bachelors’ degree in Agriculture or any closely related Bachelors’ degree in the broad field of Agriculture.
- Evidence of admission under relevant Master’s degree at a reputable University.
- Evidence of secured funding or funder’s commitment for first year in case of a 2-year course. This scholarship is for one year; with first priority being given to students who have completed their course work and are on normal progress.
- Recommendation letter from potential University Supervisor
Application
- All applications should be delivered by 2nd.04.2023 to the following address:
- Department of Agricultural Production, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University. PO Box 7062, Kampala Uganda or via email to Prof. Samuel Kyamanywa; skyamanywa@gmail.com with a copy to Ms Ruthie Mutyaba, ruthiemutyaba@gmail.com,
- Additional information may be obtained from Prof. Samuel Kyamanywa using the same address; Phone +256772220000.
The following documents must be attached to the application:
- Application letter
- Complete CV
- Certified copies of academic certificates and transcripts including a translation if the documents are not in English.
- Names and contact details for two references
- Applicants invited for an interview are expected to present original certificates and transcripts.
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Agriculture & Environment
Mak Moves to Revitalize Food Technology & Business Incubation Centre to Drive Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Published
5 days agoon
July 14, 2025By
Mak Editor
By Ssembogga Derrick
Makerere University marked a significant milestone on Thursday, 10th July 2025, with the launch of the revitalization programme for the Food Technology and Business Incubation Centre (FTBIC). This initiative is poised to position the FTBIC as a national hub for food innovation, student enterprise development, and agro-industrial transformation.
Hosted under the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering (SFTNB) at the College of the Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), the revitalization of the FTBIC is intended to bridge the gap between academia and industry. “We aim to achieve this by supporting food-based start-ups, enhancing graduate entrepreneurship, and promoting the commercialization of research,” Dr Julia Kigozi, Dean, SFTNB explained. The project receives critical funding from the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (MakRIF), which consistently supports innovation and research-based development at the university.

Unveiling a New Strategic Vision
The event, held under the theme “Revitalizing FTBIC to Unlock Innovation and Entrepreneurship Potential among Makerere University Graduates”, marked the official launch of the Centre’s revitalization programme to key stakeholders. It featured the presentation of FTBIC’s new strategic vision and direction, highlighting the commitment of the institution and its partners to fostering graduate entrepreneurship and innovation in food systems. The event also aimed to raise awareness of the Centre’s crucial role in supporting industry, research, and national development.
Participation of stakeholders
The launch attracted a vibrant and diverse audience of over 50 participants. Among the attendees were student representatives; partners from other incubation centers both within and outside Makerere University, including MIIC, UNIPOD, and DGI; as well as representatives from national innovation stakeholders such as Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI) and StartHub Africa.

Most notably, the event was honored by the presence of the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. The Vice Chancellor commended the revitalization efforts, acknowledging the Centre’s immense potential to incubate hundreds of food-based start-ups and create employment opportunities for thousands of graduates. “The Centre is now well-positioned to become a flagship platform for innovation, employment creation, and agro-industrial development in Uganda and beyond. Makerere University remains committed to supporting such initiatives that align with national priorities and global development goals.”
The event featured the unveiling of the operational framework for the revitalized Centre, highlighting its commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and practical graduate training. Stakeholders in attendance expressed enthusiasm and pledged support for future collaboration, research, and product development initiatives aligned with national development priorities. The event also provided a platform to deepen partnerships with private sector actors and development organizations, reinforcing confidence in the Centre’s potential to serve as a national model for university-led incubation.

Agriculture & Environment
SophiA Project Upgrades Medical Infrastructure at Buvuma Health Centre IV, Trains Technicians for Maintenance Works
Published
1 week agoon
July 9, 2025
Overview of the Sustainable Off-Grid Solutions for Pharmacies and Hospitals in Africa (SophiA) Project
Despite ongoing urbanization across Africa, the majority of the population still resides in rural and remote areas, where infrastructure development remains limited. These regions face significant challenges such as lack of access to healthcare, education, clean water, and reliable electricity, contributing to higher rates of illness and poverty compared to urban centres. According to reports, Sub-Saharan Africa has approximately 120,000 public health facilities (22,000 hospitals and 98,000 health posts), of which around 26% lack any electricity access, and only 28% have reliable power supply.
Access to good healthcare is critical for sustainable development. However, many rural medical centres operate under harsh conditions – using polluted water, lacking cooling for medicines, and facing poor sanitation – largely due to unreliable electricity and water supply. Although half of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa lacks electricity, the region has abundant renewable energy potential that can be effectively harnessed through off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.

To address the above-mentioned challenges facing the African Continent, Makerere University in partnership with 13 organizations across Europe and Africa developed a project titled, “Sustainable Off-grid solutions for Pharmacies and Hospitals in Africa (SophiA)”. The five-year project that began on 1st October 2021 is funded by the European Union (Project: 101036836 – SophiA – H2020-LC-GD-2-3-2020). At Makerere University, the project is coordinated by Dr. Nicholas Kiggundu, Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).
Piloted in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Malawi, and Uganda, SophiA aims to provide sustainable off-grid energy solutions to rural and remote health facilities, fostering economic growth and ensuring equitable access to energy and healthcare. Using various technologies, such as photovoltaics, solar thermal, electrical and thermal storage, water treatment and natural refrigerants with low global warming potential, SophiA has developed and manufactured locally innovative, modular, affordable and efficient solar powered systems for providing:
- Safe and clean drinking water, free of bacteria and viruses, and deionised water for medical purposes;
- Hot water and steam production for thermal requirements of the hospitals;
- Cooling of medicines and food at +5°C;
- Low temperature storage of blood plasma and vaccines at -30°C;
- Ultra-low temperature storage of sensitive medication (e.g. some Covid-19 or Ebola vaccines) at -70°C.

In addition, PV MedPort, a simple and 100% solar-powered solution has been developed and tested as a mobile health care station in small remote areas in 4 different geographical conditions in Africa. The SophiA system has been manufactured in Africa and will provide, for the first-time, innovative solutions based on climate-friendly natural refrigerants to cover cooling demand for three different temperature ranges (-70°C, -30°C and +5°C). The system has been tested and demonstrated at four rural hospitals in remote regions throughout the African continent covering the major geographical regions and different climatic conditions in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Malawi and Uganda.
SophiA Project initiatives in Uganda
In Uganda, all Health Centre IV hospitals with surgical theatres have been connected to the national grid except Buvuma Health Centre IV, which serves over 120,000 people scattered across 52 islands. Recognizing this gap, the Ministry of Health selected Buvuma Health Centre IV for the SophiA project to demonstrate sustainable off-grid solutions.

The SophiA System at Buvuma Health Centre IV provides the following services:
- Off-grid electricity supply
- Safe, clean drinking water for patients, staff, and the community
- Hot water and steam systems crucial for maternal care
- Solar-powered cooking and meal preparation
- Cooling systems for surgery and intensive care units
- Refrigeration for medicines at +5°C, blood plasma storage at -30°C, and ultra-low temperature storage (-70°C) for sensitive vaccines such as those for COVID-19 and Ebola
Training of Trainers Workshop
As the SophiA project approaches completion in September 2025, it is vital to establish a skilled pool of technicians capable of handling maintenance and minor repairs of the system components, including solar panels, water treatment units, generators, batteries, and cooking kits.

From June 23 to 27, 2025, Makerere University hosted a comprehensive Training of Trainers workshop. The training programme encompassed a diverse range of topics delivered by subject matter experts from institutions, including Makerere University (Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering – CAES, and the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology – CEDAT), Hochschule University of Applied Sciences, and Busitema University. Participants were carefully selected from diverse professional backgrounds, including recent engineering graduates from CAES and CEDAT, Makerere University, University technical staff, personnel from Kyambogo University, officials from Buvuma District Works and Health Departments, and electricians from Kampala City. The training sessions were conducted at Makerere University and Buvuma Health Centre IV Hospital.
Training Modules Included:
- Sustainable energy systems and their practical applications
- Energy generation and storage technologies
- Solar water heating: design, operation, maintenance, and performance optimization of solar water heaters, crop dryers, and concentrating solar heaters
- Solar PV technologies in Uganda: cell technology, system design, operations, maintenance, and hands-on practicals for standalone and grid-connected systems
- Public health implications of water quality
- Water treatment and quality management, including protocols, parameters, and case study on the MCDI treatment system
- Water quality testing methodologies
- Introduction to sustainable refrigeration and cooling technologies
- Environmental impact and safety considerations for refrigerants
- Refrigeration cycles and component overview
- Life cycle assessment of SophiA technologies
- Thermal energy storage within the SophiA system
- Steam as a productive energy source

The Training Sessions
Day One: Introduction to foundational concepts in solar energy technologies
The first day of the SophiA Train the Trainers Workshop focused on building foundational knowledge in sustainable and solar energy systems. Led by Dr. Peter Tumutegyereize and Dr. Francis Mujjuni, participants explored a range of technologies and applications critical to clean energy deployment.
Key topics included:
Sustainable Energy Systems: Introduction to renewable energy systems including bioenergy, hydro, wind, geothermal, hydrogen fuel cells, and battery storage.
Solar Radiation & Geometry: Understanding solar constants, irradiance, and the impact of atmospheric conditions on solar performance.
Solar Thermal Technologies: Detailed look at solar water heating systems (FPCs and ETCs), maintenance, sizing, and solar dryers for agricultural and industrial use.
Photovoltaic (PV) Systems: Working principles, types of PV cells, performance factors, and diagnostics. Practical testing techniques and metrics like Voc, Isc, MPP, and PR were discussed.
Simulation & Application: Olivia Nakiwanuka demonstrated a PVsyst-based simulation of a 2.55 kWp standalone system for a conference hall, showing a high solar fraction (97.88%) and low LCOE (USD 0.03/kWh).

The sessions emphasized practical skills, performance analysis, and real-world application, equipping participants to train others and support solar adoption, especially in rural and off-grid settings.
Day Two: Water Treatment Technologies
The second day focused on water treatment technologies relevant to low-resource healthcare settings. Facilitated by Sneha De and Mr. Duc Dinh Ngoc from Hochschule Karlsruhe University, sessions covered technical, environmental, and operational challenges, with contributions from Dr. Joshua Wanyama on water quality management and Dr. Prossie Nakawuka on practical water testing.
Key challenges addressed included unreliable water supply and contamination in healthcare facilities, emphasizing the need for decentralized water treatment, especially in rural areas.

Sneha De reviewed biological and physical/chemical water treatment methods, highlighting technologies such as activated sludge, filtration, membrane bioreactors, and advanced disinfection techniques. The SophiA modular water treatment system, integrating ultrafiltration and membrane capacitive deionisation (MCDI), was introduced as a scalable solution for producing safe drinking and deionised water for medical use.
Mr. Duc Dinh Ngoc trained participants on the MCDI technology, an energy-efficient method for salt and fluoride removal suitable for low-salinity water.

Dr. Joshua Wanyama discussed the water quality management protocols, outlining key physical, chemical, and biological water parameters and monitoring strategies, including modern IoT-based tools, to ensure water safety and public health.
The day concluded with a hands-on lab session by Dr. Prossie Nakawuka, where participants practiced water quality testing using turbidimeters, incubators, and filtration techniques.
Overall, Day Two combined theoretical insights, technology demonstrations, and practical skills, preparing participants to implement sustainable water treatment and quality management systems in healthcare environments.

Day Three: Refrigeration and Cold Storage
The third day of the SophiA workshop focused on sustainable refrigeration and cold storage technologies tailored for healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa. Experts discussed energy-efficient, climate-friendly cooling solutions vital for vaccine storage, medicines, and diagnostics, especially in off-grid and rural settings.
Key highlights included the introduction of solar-powered and biomass-based refrigeration systems, thermal energy storage methods, and the use of natural refrigerants like propane, ammonia, and CO₂ as environmentally safer alternatives. Presentations emphasized the critical role of refrigeration in healthcare and the urgent need to replace harmful chemicals with sustainable technologies.
Sessions covered real-world applications such as the SophiA cooling containers in Burkina Faso, safety protocols for flammable refrigerants, and the environmental and economic benefits of solar refrigeration systems assessed through life cycle analysis.

The day ended with an interactive quiz and discussion, reinforcing learning and encouraging participants to apply sustainable cooling practices in their communities.
Day Four: World Refrigeration Day & Field Visit to Buvuma Island
The fourth day of the SophiA Train the Trainers workshop was dedicated to the celebration of the World Refrigeration Day and a field excursion to Buvuma Island, providing participants with a unique opportunity to witness the SophiA system in action. The day was coordinated by Dr. Sarah Bimbona and Dr. Nicholas Kiggundu, who led the delegation to Buvuma Health Centre IV, the pilot site for the SophiA installation in Uganda.

The visit served as both a practical extension of the previous day’s technical sessions and a community engagement event. Participants were able to observe the installed SophiA system, which integrates solar-powered refrigeration, water treatment and steam generation technologies designed for off-grid healthcare settings. During the visit, Dr. Kiggundu provided a detailed briefing to local stakeholders, including representatives from the Buvuma District Local Government, delegates from the Buganda Kingdom, and members of the local community. He explained how the SophiA system will enhance healthcare delivery on the island through reliable cold storage for vaccines and medicines, access to clean drinking water, and steam generated for cooking and use in the maternity wards.
As part of the long-term sustainability plan for the SophiA system, the launch of SophiA Water was announced, an entrepreneurial initiative designed to generate revenue locally for the operation and maintenance of the system.

The field trip ended with a certificate awarding ceremony in appreciation of the participants’ dedication and active engagement throughout the training programme.
Agriculture & Environment
APRC Trains Graduate Students & Stakeholders in the Use of the African Agriculture Adaptation Atlas
Published
2 weeks agoon
July 3, 2025
The Agricultural Policy Research Centre (APRC), housed within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at Makerere University, continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Uganda’s agricultural future through evidence-based policymaking. With a mission to ensure that agricultural policies are grounded in empirical research and data, APRC is actively investing in capacity-building initiatives that empower researchers, policymakers, and development actors.
In a significant stride toward building climate resilience in African agriculture, APRC recently organized a two-day intensive training workshop focused on the African Agriculture Adaptation Atlas (AAAA) – a state-of-the-art, web-based decision-support platform that facilitates the integration of climate data into agricultural planning and policy.

The workshop, held on Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th June 2025 at the School of Agricultural Sciences, Makerere University, targeted two key groups: graduate students on the first day, and university faculty, government officials, and development practitioners on the second. This structure ensured tailored learning experiences for both emerging and seasoned professionals, helping to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world policy implementation.
The African Agriculture Adaptation Atlas (AAAA) is designed to provide dynamic, data-rich visualizations that support informed decision-making in agriculture and food systems across the continent. Through interactive maps and analytical tools, users can explore projected climate impacts, evaluate risks, and identify localized, climate-smart adaptation strategies.

Throughout the sessions, participants received hands-on training in a broad range of AAAA functionalities, including:
- Leveraging the Atlas for research and policy communication: Enhancing the ability of scientists and policy actors to translate complex climate data into actionable insights;
- Assessing projected climate impacts and associated agricultural risks: Essential for forward-looking planning and risk mitigation;
- Identifying climate-smart investment options, with a particular focus on the livestock sector, which is especially vulnerable to climate shocks;
- Analysing gendered vulnerabilities: Examining how climate change disproportionately affects women in agricultural communities;
- Understanding the implications of heat stress on agricultural productivity: Supporting targeted interventions to protect producers and their livelihoods;
- Estimating the economic returns of adaptation strategies: Aiding in prioritizing investments and allocating limited resources effectively.

Prof. Bernard Bashaasha, the APRC Coordinator, emphasized the importance of the training in advancing Africa’s adaptation agenda. “As climate change continues to threaten food security and disrupt livelihoods across the continent, tools like the AAAA, and the skills to use them effectively are essential. They empower decision-makers to craft policies that are adaptive, inclusive, and rooted in science,” he noted.
The workshop was coordinated by Dr. Florence Rwiza, Lecturer in the Department of Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics at CAES.
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