****In this blog, we share about efforts to enhance the gender and agriculture curriculum as an avenue to drive equitable and inclusive agricultural development. This work was done through a partnership between the Makerere University and the CGIAR GENDER Impact Platform.

Overview

Gender equality is a key pillar to achieving sustainable development goals. However, in agrifood systems,  achieving these goals has been a challenge because of the complex social and gender relations that govern most communities in sub-Saharan Africa.

Although agriculture remains the backbone of many economies in Sub-Saharan Africa, providing livelihoods for a significant proportion of the population, gender inequalities are prevalent in this sector. For example, several gender-based constraints contribute to gender yield gaps. In addition, despite their immense contributions, women often face systemic barriers in agriculture as a result of social norms, which limit their access to and control over productive resources, decision-making processes, and agricultural extension services.

These disparities not only undermine gender equality but also constrain agricultural productivity, food security, and rural development. Addressing challenges such as these requires an understanding of the intersection between gender and agricultural development, which can inform policies and programming in the sector. One avenue to understanding and tackling these complex issues is through equipping professionals in agricultural-related fields with the necessary skills and knowledge through relevant curricula in institutions of higher learning. 

University curricula as a pathway to tackle gender in agriculture-related issues 

In a move to contribute to addressing the gap in gender-related knowledge and skills among agricultural professionals, the Gender-responsive Researchers Equipped for Agricultural Transformation (GREAT) Phase 3 initiative – a collaboration between Makerere and the CGIAR GENDER Platform – fortified the existing gender and agriculture curricula at Makerere University that was last updated more than 10 years ago.  The course materials were revamped to align with changing needs and the latest knowledge and best practices in gender and agrifood systems. Graduates of these programs are to be equipped to handle the challenges in the world of work in gender and agriculture. The same initiative also supported the development of two innovative postgraduate programs in gender and agriculture at Makerere University– a Masters and a Post Graduate Diploma, due to be launched soon. These aim to provide transformative and innovative teaching, learning, research, and services responsive to dynamic national and global needs.                                             

A consultative approach to gender and agriculture curriculum development

Recognizing the need for collaborative curriculum design, Makerere University conducted physical and online stakeholder consultations in the last quarter of 2024.  The physical workshop held in Kampala, Uganda, was attended by a diverse group of experts in gender, agriculture, monitoring and evaluation, and university management, among others.  The online survey, targeting a diverse audience of experts in gender and agriculture globally, attracted over 70 respondents from 22 countries across five regions – Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, North America, South America, and Europe. The experts (mainly in gender studies, rural development, and agricultural economics) were from academia, national agricultural institutes, CGIAR centers, NGOs, and international organizations. The purpose of the consultation was to gather respondents’ perceptions about the relevance of the post-graduate programs, key competencies students should have upon completion of the programs, priority topics, and any existing materials they believed would be beneficial to adapt or incorporate into this curriculum, among other things.

Priority topics suggested by stakeholders include: gender concepts and why gender matters in agriculture,  gender and climate change, inter-sectionality, gender-responsive monitoring and evaluation, women’s empowerment, gender transformative approaches,  gender-responsive research design, data collection, analysis and reporting, and gender and seed systems. These are some of the topics that have been integrated into the curricula. They are also part of the improved existing undergraduate and graduate programs shared as open-access materials to allow other teachers and teaching institutes across the globe to draw on these efforts for their own courses.

Longer-term postgraduate programs Vs short- term courses

The post-graduate programs draw inspiration from the GREAT program, which was instrumental in training over 360 agricultural researchers in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia since 2015. Lessons from GREAT revealed the need for longer and more extensive academic offerings to develop professionals who can lead transformative change in the sector. In line with this, the majority of the consulted stakeholders (87 percent) rated the postgraduate programs as very important as opposed to short-term courses. They emphasized the need for longer-term educational initiatives to deepen theoretical understanding and practical application. This would help to create a pool of experts/ gender-responsive professionals capable of advocating for equity at every level of the agrifood system, filling the gaps in capacity that short-term training programs do not usually address.

Proposed structure and next steps

The programs will adopt an interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from agriculture, gender studies, sociology, and rural development. Stakeholders also proposed that the programs leverage existing resources, such as CGIAR GENDER Impact Platform materials and evidence explainers, and FAO resources on gender and agriculture, while ensuring continuous evaluation and updates to remain relevant to evolving needs. Partner universities in Uganda that are developing similar programs include: Mountains of the Moon University in Western Uganda, University of the Sacred Heart Gulu, and Muni University in Northern Uganda.

With revamped training materials and these new academic programs on gender and agriculture, Makerere University contributes to higher education that can drive systemic change in agriculture. These programs will empower change-makers who will shape the future of agriculture into one that is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.

Resources:

Report: Online Consultation on new programs in Gender and agriculture, October 2024

Report: Consultative Workshop on new programs in Gender and agriculture, September 2024.

Revised Gender and Agriculture Course materials: https://muele.mak.ac.ug/course/view.php?id=11805

By Elizabeth Asiimwe, Losira Nasirumbi Sanya, and Marlène Elias.

For more information, please contact:

Florence Birungi Kyazze, PhD
Senior Lecturer and GREAT Project P.I
Department of Extension and Innovation Studies
Email: fbirungikyazze@gmail.com

Makerere University, through the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Climatic
Sciences and the School of Social Sciences & Makerere University Business School, in
collaboration with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Norway), University of
Stavanger (Norway), University of Juba (South Sudan) and Technical University of Kenya
(Kenya) received a grant from NORAD under NORHED II projects to implement activities for
Project QZA-21/0159 – Programme 2021-2026 entitled “Capacity building for socially just
and sustainable energy transitions in East Africa”. This project aims at building the capacity of the workforce within the East African region to implement a just and sustainable low-carbon energy agenda by imparting the relevant skills and knowledge through education, research and outreach. To this end, this project is now inviting suitable candidates among Makerere University Staff to submit applications for a PhD scholarship tenable at Makerere University for a period of 3 years.

About the project
The East African region has embraced the global drive to transition to low carbon economies and clean energy. However, a key challenge is the persistent lack of knowledge, capacity and skilled personnel to support the transition. The project focuses on building capacity and competence through education, research and outreach to ensure that the region has a workforce with the relevant skills set and knowledge required to implement and demand for a just and sustainable low-carbon energy transition agenda.

The PhD position at the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Climatic Sciences,
Makerere University will focus on the theme: Energy infrastructure, environmental impacts
and changing social practices.

About the theme: Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy is fundamental for halting anthropogenic climate change. However, both non-renewable and renewable energy infrastructure associated with onshore wind, hydropower and solar photovoltaic generation can be land use intensive and impact conservation areas (Rehbein et al., 2020). For instance, in Uganda, petroleum resources are located on shore within the Albertine Graben – a global biodiversity hotspot (Plumptre et al., 2017). Renewable energy infrastructure projects such as hydropower dams and support infrastructure (power lines) have traversed protected areas including national parks. So far, limited attention has been given to whether the aggregated effect of energy transitions poses a substantial threat to national, regional and global biodiversity. Hence, this project will address the environmental impacts of energy infrastructure and how social practices are affected by it.

Main tasks

• The successful candidate will be admitted to the PhD program in Geography at Makerere University. The student must complete the PhD program consisting of mandatory and elective courses and a major research component.
• Collect and analyse data.
• Produce a PhD thesis, preferably based on 3-4 peer-reviewed articles published in key international journals.
• Disseminate results at national and international conferences.
• Be an active participant in the day-to-day project activities.

How to apply: Interested applicants should submit applications by e-mail to Prof Frank Mugagga (frank.mugagga@mak.ac.ug / fmugagga@gmail.com) and Dr. Charlotte Nakakaawa Jjunju (charlotte.jjunju@ntnu.no), including:

1. a brief statement of interest or cover letter describing your motivation to apply (max 1 page);
2. a concept note or description of research ideas of not more than 4 pages, outlining the focus, possible research questions, and the methodological and theoretical focus;
3. a curriculum vitae (CV) of max 4 pages;
4. A copy of the master’s thesis.
5. publications if any; and as it is often difficult to judge the applicant’s contribution to publications with multiple authors, a short description of the applicant’s contribution must be included.
6. contact information (with phone numbers and e-mail addresses) for two persons who may act as referees.

Application deadline: Soft copies of the applications must be received by 21^st February 2025 to the above indicated email addresses.

Eligibility requirements, qualifications and experience: The applicant should have completed a Master’s Degree in any of the following Disciplines; – Geography/Geographical Sciences, Land use and Regional Development, Disaster Risk Management or any other closely related subject. Applicants should have an excellent academic and educational record (Minimum: Upper Second for undergraduate and an average of B for the Masters) and strong analytical and writing skills (any peer-reviewed publications or previous research experience will be an advantage). Successful applicants will be expected to contribute to the project’s publication targets and will be encouraged to publish in international, peer-reviewed ISI journals. The candidates should be able to work independently but also as part of the project team.

Age limits: Not more than 40 years (female applicants) and 35 (male applicants) at the time of
application.

PhD study conditions: The successful applicant is expected to register on the PhD-program at the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University. The candidate will be jointly supervised by Scholars from Makerere University, supported by colleagues from the Project Team.

The selection process: Applications will be evaluated by an independent evaluation committee. The Project Team will make the final selection of successful candidates based on recommendations from the evaluation committee.

Expected start date: The planned starting date is 15^th March 2025. After that, they are
expected to further develop their research proposals with guidance from the supervisors and to
follow Makerere University’s admission procedure to apply for admission to the PhD Programme in Geography. The PhD scholarship period starts when candidate is formally admitted to the PhD Programme.

PhD Duration and Scholarship: The PhD candidate will be expected to complete studies within 3 years. The successful candidates will have a competitive scholarship covering tuition, functional fees and research costs.

For specific inquiries about the scholarship, please contact Prof Frank Mugagga Email:
frank.mugagga@mak.ac.ug / fmugagga@gmail.com; or Dr. Charlotte Nakakaawa Jjunju
(charlotte.jjunju@ntnu.no).

This call is subject to equal opportunities for all and qualifying women and candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) proudly presented 562 students for the award of degrees and diplomas at the 75^th Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University. Among the 562 graduates, 19 earned PhDs, 97 received Master’s degrees, 11 were awarded postgraduate diplomas, and 435 graduated with Bachelor’s degrees.

CAES PhD Graduates

The PhD graduates from CAES included Dr Achola Esther, Dr Akecha Tobby, Dr Baguma Karubanga Julius, Dr Birungi Pauline, Dr Burungi Rosemirta, Dr Fentaw Abate Asmamaw, Dr Habtemariam Assefa, and Dr Idd Ramathani. Others were: Dr Mukama Massa Henry, Dr Mbaziira James, Dr Mugisa Immaculate, Dr Musoke Charles, Dr Nabasumba Sylvia, Dr Nalubwama Sylvia, Dr Nansereko Sophie, Dr Ochen Morris, Dr Odoi Juventine Boaz, Dr Sseremba Emmanuel Owen, and Dr Twase Ismail.

Makerere University Graduation Highlights

A total of 13,662 students received degrees and diplomas of Makerere University at the 75^th graduation ceremony held on 13th-17 January 2025. Of these, 143 graduated with PhDs, 1,813 with Masters degrees, 11,454 with Bachelor’s degrees, and 243 with postgraduate diplomas. 53% of the graduates were female and 47% were male.  Notably, 44% of the PhD graduates were female underscoring the growing involvement of women in high-level academic research. 16% of the students graduated with post-graduate degrees and diplomas. A total of 491 students graduated with first class degrees.  

CAES Graduation Ceremony

The CAES students, along with their peers from the College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology (CEDAT) and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), graduated on the final day of the ceremony, Friday, 17^th January 2025.

Chancellor’s Remarks

During the ceremony, Makerere University Chancellor, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, congratulated the graduates upon the achievement. He extended his gratitude to the faculty, administrators, parents, and guardians for their continuous support throughout the students’ academic journeys.

In his address, Dr. Kiyonga highlighted the immense potential of Uganda’s agricultural sector, advocating for increased collaboration between the university, and medium- to large-scale farmers, as well as local communities to further improve the sector. “Such partnerships could provide students with hands-on experience while supporting the growth of Uganda’s agricultural economy,” he noted. He called for stronger collaborations with the private sector to commercialize innovations emerging from the University.

In line with the President’s directive, Dr. Kiyonga underscored the importance of integrating Political Economy into the university curricula. He stressed that this knowledge is essential for the strategic utilization of Africa’s resources and the continent’s economic transformation.

Vice Chancellor’s Remarks

In his address, Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, equally congratulated the graduates and acknowledged the contribution of the teaching staff, administrators, the families, and guardians of the students. Prof. Nawangwe congratulated Dr. Kiyonga upon his appointment indicating that his wealth of experience would be invaluable to the university’s future development.

Highlighting the achievements registered in the past year, Prof. Nawangwe praised the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences for its outstanding research output, which has immensely contributed to the development of Uganda’s agricultural sector. “The College continues to be one of our flag bearers in research. In 2024, the College continued to lead vital initiatives focused on driving sustainable change in Africa’s agricultural and environmental sectors, particularly addressing the challenges of climate change and the need for inclusive sustainable agri-food systems,” he noted. Key of the initiatives and projects undertaken by the College included:

1. Makerere University-IOWA State University Community Transformative Initiatives: This project has positively impacted communities in Kamuli District, enhancing livelihoods through programs in agriculture, education, nutrition, and environmental conservation.
2. Building Capacity for Climate-Resilient Food Systems in Africa (CaReFoAfrica): A three-year academic mobility scheme co-funded by the EU, aimed at addressing agricultural sector challenges by enhancing human capacity in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
3. Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems, and Climate Change (AfPEC): Funded by DANIDA, this project promotes agroforestry practices to protect biodiversity and mitigate climate change in the disaster-prone Mt. Elgon region.
4. FoodLAND Project: Funded by the European Commission under Horizon 2020, this initiative seeks to develop innovative, scalable, and sustainable technologies to improve the nutrition performance of Africa’s local food systems.
5. Centre for Tourism Development: In collaboration with the University of Oregon and Penn State University, CAES has embarked on developing a centre dedicated to addressing tourism challenges, including wildlife-community conflicts near game reserves.

Research excellence and Teacher Recognition

During the 75^th graduation ceremony, Makerere University recognized the best researchers and teachers from each of the 10 Colleges. CAES produced the overall best teachers of the year at Makerere University namely: Dr Steven Lwasa (Department of Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics), Dr Patrick Musinguzi (Department of Agricultural Production) and Dr Joshua Wanyama (Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering). The Senior Researcher Award was presented to Prof. Richard Edema (Department of Agricultural Production), Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze (Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics and Climatic Sciences), Assoc. Prof. Anthony Egeru (Department of Environmental Management), and Assoc. Prof. Isa Kabenge (Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering). The Mid-Career Researcher Award went to Dr Robert Mugabi (Department of Food Technology and Nutrition), Dr Dramadri Isaac (Department of Agricultural Production), Dr Joshua Wanyama (Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering), and Dr Ephraim Nuwamanya (Department of Agricultural Production). Dr Erion Bwambale (Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering), Dr Denis Nsubuga (Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering), and Dr Robert Asiimwe (Department of Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics) were recognized as the best Early Career Researchers.  

75^th Graduation CAES Pictorial