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East African EfD centers strategize on how to promote sustainable use of Lake Victoria Basin (LVB)

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Lake Victoria is a trans-boundary natural resource, underpinning the economies and livelihoods of the population within the wider catchment area of Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda. The most significant part of the Lake, 51%, is in Tanzania, occupying 35,088 Km. Uganda has 43% of the Lake, while Kenya has 6%.

The lake acts as a source of fresh water, fishing, a waste repository and provides food, energy, water for irrigation, industry, drinking, tourism within and cross border transportation.

However, the lake and its surrounding areas have faced many challenges including rising lake water levels, moving islands, encroachment, ecological and biodiversity degradation which is evident in the probable extinction of several fish species.

The violation of the buffer zone policy of 200 meters away from the lake by investors, industries, farmers and settlers, increasing pollutants in form of polythene bags, plastics and untreated wastes and poor fishing methods have changed the lake ecosystem.

East African governments are signatories to the regional and international treaties targeted at conserving, protecting and ensuring sustainable use of natural resources within the lake basin. Whereas the international treaties have been domesticated in national legislation and, institutions and agencies have been established with mandates to safeguard the fragile ecosystems, unstainable use and management of the lake basin persists. This is partly attributed to political interferences, ineffective monitoring and poor implementation of the existing laws on the management and utilization of the lake.

Left to Right: East African EfD Centre Directors; Dr. Onesmo Selejio-Tanzania, Prof. Edward Bbaale-Uganda and Prof. Richard Mulwa-Kenya (Right) pose for a group photo with NEMA Executive Director Dr. Akankwasah Birerega (2nd Right). Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Left to Right: East African EfD Centre Directors; Dr. Onesmo Selejio-Tanzania, Prof. Edward Bbaale-Uganda and Prof. Richard Mulwa-Kenya (Right) pose for a group photo with NEMA Executive Director Dr. Akankwasah Birerega (2nd Right).

Because of unstainable management of the lake, countries have witnessed unprecedented consequences such as floods and mudslides, extreme and unpredictable weather changes including where dams could not generate electricity due to very low water level and many other livelihood, social and economic impacts including loss of lives.

East African EfD centers meet in Uganda to discuss LVB issues

On 7th June 2023, Environment for Development Initiative (EfD) Makerere University Uganda organized a one-day high level policy dialogue on changes of Lake Victoria’s hydrology, water quality and livelihoods that was hosted by Uganda’s environment watchdog – the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) at its head office in Kampala, Uganda.

The dialogue was attended by the three East African EfD Centres led by the Directors; Prof. Richard Mulwa (EfD-Kenya), Dr. Onesmo Selejio (EfD Tanzania) and Prof. Edward Bbaale, for EfD-Uganda. Each country was represented by the delegates from different agencies. Among others, delegates from Kenya included Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) of Kenya, Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) of Kenya and academia from the University of Nairobi. In Tanzania delegates spanned from Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Lake Victoria Basin, Mwanza, and other Academicians from Adhi University and University of Dar es Salaam. In Uganda, Delegates came from different agencies including Ministry of Finance, planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), National Planning Authority (NPA), Ministry of Water and Environment (MoWE), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Environmental Police Protection Unit (EPPU), and academicians from Makerere University.

The Executive Director NEMA and host of the dialogue Dr. Akankwasah Birerega also graced the meeting.

Each country presented an in-depth analysis of the issues around LVB pertinent to its areas of jurisdictions, and later went into plenary discussion where short, mid and long-term interventions were proposed

Giving the background to the meeting, the Director EfD-Mak center Prof. Edward Bbaale said the need for this meeting arose from the impacts Uganda felt in 2020 when the country experienced heavy rainfall that made the Lake Victoria Basin (LVB) unable to hold the water and caused a lot of havoc and predicaments on livelihoods.

During the period of late January 2020, fears of Lake Victoria bursting its banks started to be felt which later was followed by damaging of several landing sites and settlements as a result of floods. This led to disasters that left almost half a million people homeless and property worth billions of money had been lost in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.

In April 2020, heavy floods with the moving vegetation chocked the hydroelectric power generation turbines at Jinja on Lake Victoria leading to a total blackout of the entire nation during a presidential address to the nation.

As a center, Bbaale said, the EfD-Mak conducted an investigation on the cause and what Government of Uganda can do to circumvent some of the issues through conducting national wide policy tours and came up with a policy paper.

Director EfD-Mak Centre Prof. Edward Bbaale presenting the Ugandan case. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Director EfD-Mak Centre Prof. Edward Bbaale presenting the Ugandan case.

Bbaale attributed the 2020 floods to Climate change, Lake Sedimentation due to catchment degradation and Buffer zone encroachment and lack of Regional Consensus on a well-coordinated Policy of regulating Lake Victoria inflow and outflow

The Director however said it was noted that L. Victoria is a trans-boundary natural resource benefiting East African countries and a source of River Nile holding livelihoods in Egypt and Sudan and thus, what Uganda does was bound to affect other countries, hence the need for the East African EfD centers to converge and debate what they can do together in terms policy frameworks and to tap from one another’s best practices.

“The current problems may threaten Lake Victoria basin for centuries if not well addressed at present. For example, all the major lakeside cities in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania could lose access to Lake Victoria in as little as 100 years.

We thought that we could leverage on each other’s information and knowledge on what we have collected concerning lake Victoria basin, come together, understand the issues from each country and how we can come up with one voice in the East African parliament and individual policy making bodies in our countries”, Said Bbaale

 Bbaale reported that Environmental valuation in Uganda has huge capacity gaps.  And more than often, environmentalists have vaguely responded to the president to weigh an industry over maintaining a wetland and many politicians have failed on the floor of parliament.

In addition to a deepened trans boundary cooperation on the management of the lake, tackling point and non-point source pollution, Bbaale called for the development of a coherent plan for conservation and rehabilitation of the fish fauna in Lake Victoria, strengthening capacity and human resources in environmental valuation as well as involvement of the general public in the management of the lake and observance of the buffer zone size of 200m away from the lake. 

See the detailed EfD Mak presentation at the bottom of the page.

A cross-cutting enforcement body and an integrated Lake Victoria Basin Management policy for East Africa  needed while producers must be responsible for their waste – Prof. Mulwa Kenya EfD Centre

The Director EfD-Kenya Prof Richard Mulwa decried the continued unsustainable utilization of natural resources despite many meetings targeting LVB. He said, the target for policy making on the lake basin and its ecosystem has been a moving target and would require a dynamic, adaptive, and collaborative approaches in balancing utilization and conservation.

Prof. Mulwa expressed the need for continued reviews and dialogues that incorporate the changing dynamics for example the changing climate.

At national level, Prof. Mulwa reported that Kenya has adopted integrated organic agriculture to reduce use of agrochemicals, promotes sustainable land use practices such as agro-forestry, crop rotation, conservation agriculture, and strives to eliminate the destructive fishing gears and enforcement of the allowable catch.

Director EfD Kenya Prof. Richard Mulwa presenting the Kenyan case. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Director EfD Kenya Prof. Richard Mulwa presenting the Kenyan case.

Other national interventions according to Prof. Mulwa are  enhancement of  waste management technologies and incorporation of  the oil spills management plan and adoption of cleaner production technologies in industrial sector and mining sector,  elimination of  the use of cyanide and use the GDA (Gold Dressing Agent), Regulation of the aquaculture and develop MSP for suitability mapping , Promotion  of conservation activities, integrating  environmental considerations in  County Integrated Development Plans including  advocating and  lobbying  to expedite the enactment of many of the regulations that may govern activities in Lake Victoria that are still drafts.

Regionally, the Kenyan EfD Centre called for the Development of an integrated Lake Victoria Basin Management Policy/Regulation, formulation ofa regional monitoring commission under the East African CommunityandEnactment of draft regulations by the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC).

In addition to establishing an enforcing body that cuts across the five countries that share the resource, Prof Mulwa suggested that producers must be responsible for the waste they generate.

“Engage organizations on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) so each is responsible for waste collection and management around the basin and be able to care for the plastic bottles and how they are disposed’ He said.

See the detailed EfD Kenya presentation at the bottom of the page.

Declining water levels, water pollution and illegal fishing persistent challenges in Tanzania

Representing the Director EfD Tanzania, Dr. Rosemary Taylor said despite the immense contribution of the lake to many livelihoods, there is declining water levels due to evapotranspiration, given the Lake’s shallowness, poor land use practices, agricultural and industrial development, and water withdrawal for consumption.

Dr. Rosemary Taylor presenting the Tanzanian case. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Dr. Rosemary Taylor presenting the Tanzanian case.

The other threat and defining features of the lake’s water according to Dr. Taylor is eutrophication, poor water visibility, dramatic changes in nutrients, and hypoxia, resulting to a massive loss of biodiversity. 

The deteriorating water quality was attributed   the discharge of untreated municipal waste, industrial effluents, urban surface contaminated runoff, organic and inorganic waste for intensive agricultural activities, and municipality sewage.

To promote the sustainable use of the basin, Dr. Taylor submitted that Government of Tanzania signed various protocols and treaties with other partner countries, participates in regional organizations such as LVFO, formulated national legal and regulatory framework and established national agencies to facilitate the sustainability of the Basin. GoT also collaborates with development partners in promoting sustainable use of the Basin, fosters Local community awareness creation and engagements, and

Participants listen to Dr. Rosemary Taylor presenting the Tanzanian case. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Participants listen to Dr. Rosemary Taylor presenting the Tanzanian case.

Increased women’s participation in managing the basin’s resources.

Dr. Taylor however said, despite  being signatory to regional and international protocols , illegal fishing  leading to reduced fish stocks and water pollution leading to loss of biodiversity are the persistent challenges

Key findings from the national policy dialogue attributed the persistent challenges to unharmonized policies e.g., Diverse policies and strategies about various sectors, such as agriculture, fisheries, water, and tourism, may have conflicting objectives.

Other factors are the Inadequate implementation and loopholes of the existing legal and regulatory frameworks, Lack of a common objective and vision among the key players, Growing poverty among the locals and limited alternative sources of living among local people and the open access nature of the fishing activities.

Harmonizing regional and national Policies, Laws, and Regulations can help establish consistent frameworks for sustainable management.

We also need to think about enhancing economic empowerment of local communities and stakeholder engagement (academia, private sector, etc.) and involving local communities in decision-making can enhance awareness creation and a sense of ownership of the basin’s resources”, Dr. Taylor submitted

Dr. Onesmo Selejio represented Director EfD Tanzania. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Dr. Onesmo Selejio represented Director EfD Tanzania.

See the detailed EfD Tanzania presentation at the bottom of the page.

Expand the horizon of your economics and put the economic value on every resource, ED NEMA to EfD Centers

The Executive Director NEMA Dr. Akankwasah Birerega underscored the role of the EfD initiative as the way to go on reason that quiet often the obstacles of the environment come from development and thus one cannot separate  environment from  development and vice versa.

“Environment for development is a very important initiative for pushing sustainable policies advocacy and making a case for conservation using the economic lens because most of the decision makers understand the economic lens faster than the ecological lens.

When you translate ecological lens to the economic lens, it is the same message but it will move faster.

If you say this forest is very important for rainfall formation and air we breathe, everybody will take it for granted as the usual talk of environmentalists. But if you give them what cost they will incur when the forest goes away, the message will sin faster.

When you tell people that air pollution will increase public expenditure on health management, the message moves faster than saying the air is bad. So we need economics to communicate environment because the most policy architects and policies in Africa are based on economics”, Dr. Birerega explained

Executive Director NEMA Uganda Dr. Akankwasah Birerega addressing participants. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Executive Director NEMA Uganda Dr. Akankwasah Birerega addressing participants.

He urged the EfD centers to to use the niche, ability and establishment they have to lead the shift to enhancing the broadness  with which economics is looked with by expanding the horizon of economics to begin putting the economic value on every resource in environment be it water, air, pollution etc.

“Economics for development is a very significant vehicle for us to transform the way we look at things and therefore as NEMA we pledge our total commitment to working with you in delivering the objectives of economics for environment sustainability and development because there are no alternatives to that.

You cannot preach the gospel of ecology alone and succeed because development must happen. We should not look at development as brick and mortar and concrete but in a holistic manner”, NEMAs ED asserted.

Dr. Birerega expressed willingness to participate in the development and popularization of the policy paper arising from this dialogue noting that nationally and globally there is now a fair understanding of the value of environment due climate change, biodiversity loss and increasing levels of pollution.

“It is clear that you cannot ignore environment issues and continue talking about development. We ignored environment, it went silent and started fighting for itself and when it starts fighting, it always wins and so our politicians now have a fair view of the importance of the environment at national and global level”, He added.

He expressed hope that they no longer go through a lot of hustle to convince people for environment resources, the reason why there is a Climate Financing Unit in Ministry Finance, Planning and Economic Development.

Short, midterm and long term propositions during the plenary discussions

  • The need for further scientific studies into the issues affecting LVB.
  • Have a database where information concerning the LVB can be maintained and looked at what happens 10 years ago to inform policy.
  • Involvement of local communities in the management and protection of natural sciences as the users.
  • Enhance capacity building in water science to monitor how the seas and lakes behave.
  • Using science to inform policy frameworks and devise means to invoke governments to use science informed policies.
  • Public participation in environmental related dialogues and utilization of local knowledge to protect the LVB and move away from academic ranks.
  • Harmonization of policies on alternative livelihood alternatives to reduce dependence on nature eg price of electricity and Gas to reduce use of wood fuel.
  • All policies must have the policy action in order to achieve the objectives.
  • Governments should incentivize local communities to protect lake shores and curb illegal fishing.
  • Emphasize ENR valuation and enforcement.
  • Environmentalists should make arguments based on science to address environmental problems eg if sedimentation continues, for the next so years the lake will dry up, given the magnitude of pollution.
  • Governments should adopt participatory approach to start from local communities to the ministries. 
  • Extend the mandate of the LVB to all East African water bodies including Burundi and Rwanda for better implementation.
  • Revisit national   policies on offering certificates for residential, hoteliers and industries in fragile ecosystems to avoid double standards.
  • Address the issue of sedimentation to national leaders and point out that in countries like Chad, a lake disappeared.
  • Make a case for Uganda’s Presidential directive banning charcoal use that it shows good political will. However, there is need to provide alternative survival mechanism for communities to succeed e.g. how affordable is LPG gas and electricity.
  • Countries should form technical committees to visit other countries to learn the best practices.
  • Discussion on LVB should be promoted around the East African level under the Natural Resources Commission to gain political will.
  • Investing institutional capacity building to provide ENR Valuation.
  • Gazeting wetlands and enhancing public awareness for enforcement to be successful.
  • Think of mechanisms to win political will to fight selective enforcement of the law.
  • Government should address the issue of sewerage systems and waste management near water sources and adopt sanitary dumping sites.
  • Strengthening existing partnerships within the country and across boarders and borrow best practices from neighbors, and bring resources together.
  • Need to devote efforts in financing chapter and resource mobilization beyond governments and donors for long term financing for LVB policy implementation and capacity building.
  • Establish village committees to participate in project evaluation and check on performance indicators.
  • Evoke the education system in the region to build real patriotism from primary on importance of natural resources and the need to preserve it for the next generation. Borrow from Germany the sense of ownership of natural resources. Most education level of the population fishing in East Africa is more concerned with making super normal profit not the health and future of the stocks.
  • Institutional strengthening to enhance implementation of regional instruments to manage natural resources   and Biodiversity.

It was agreed that a writing team is constituted to synthesize the research findings from the three countries and come up with a single document written in simple language that policy makers can easily appreciate.

Later on, members would convene virtually in a webinar and further synthesize that paper for use as a policy brief or advocacy tool for sharing with government entities.

Given the opportunity, the policy paper will be presented to committees of parliament and other stakeholders. At the same time, EfD Tanzania, residing in a country hosting the East African Parliament in Arusha, will seek an opportunity to articulate the issues in the East African Parliament to promote awareness on LVB, converse political support and inform policy making.

Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer, EfD-Mak Centre Uganda.

Jane Anyango

Agriculture & Environment

JRS Announces Grant for Young Researchers ahead of 3rd GORILLA Conference

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Participants in a pre-conference training on geospatial based cloud computing ahead of the 2nd GORILLA Conference held 8th-9th December 2022. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Announcement of JRS Biodiversity Foundation Funding for the upcoming 3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change International (GORILLA)

Makerere University and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) are organizing the 3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change (GORILLA). The conference is scheduled to take place at Hotel Africana from 4th to 6th December 2024 and will be officially opened by the Minister of State for Environment, Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar. The GORILLA conference (https://gorilla.mak.ac.ug) which is anchored in the United Nations Global Development Agenda 2030 will be organized around 12 subthemes. Approximately 350 abstracts have been submitted and between 300-400 participants from 50 countries are expected to participate.

We are delighted to share the excellent news that the JRS Biodiversity Foundation has awarded a grant to support the participation of promising young researchers and early career scientists from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) in the GORILLA Conference. This funding will enable implementation of pre-conference training activities at Makerere University, tailored to improving capabilities and competencies of emerging researchers and early career scientists from SSA. These planned pre-GORILLA conference training activities are detailed on the conference website (https://gorilla.mak.ac.ug/pre-conference/pre-conference-activities-2024) and applications are welcome from qualifying researchers and emerging scholars. Additionally, the JRS grant will support researchers and early career scientists whose abstracts have been accepted for presentation to participate in the GORILLA conference. Preference will be given to those working on biodiversity and related fields within SSA.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the JRS Biodiversity Foundation for their generous support of the 3rd International GORILLA Conference, enabling the young researchers and emerging scholars participation. The JRS Biodiversity Foundation is committed to empowering people and institutions to share and apply biodiversity knowledge across Sub Saharan Africa. Through their funding, the JRS Biodiversity Foundation strives to enhance access to and use of biodiversity information in SSA, promoting biodiversity conservation as a cornerstone of societal well-being and ecosystem health.

Mak Editor

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Agriculture & Environment

Exciting Pre-GORILLA Conference Training Opportunities

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Participants attending the GORILLA conference at Protea Hotel, Kampala on 8th December 2022. Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University in collaboration with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) are organizing the “3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change” scheduled to take place at Hotel Africana from 4th to 6th December 2024. Makerere University in collaboration with other partners is organizing a series of exciting Pre-Conference training events, which will be conducted at Campus between November and December. Interested and qualifying students and staff are encouraged to apply for these exciting opportunities.

These include:

  1. Training on Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI) for Sustainable Biodiversity Conservation: 1st to 3rd December 2024
  2. Training on Advanced Data Analysis and Scholarly Writing: 25th – 30th November 2024
  3. Hackathon on Earth Observation Data for Accelerated Actions towards Social and Ecological Resilience: 29th November to 2nd December 2024

Please see download for detailed information.

Mak Editor

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Agriculture & Environment

AfPEC Project Targets to Safeguard Ecosystems in the Mt. Elgon Region through Agroforestry

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The Project team led by the PI Dr Anne Mette Lykke (seated 4th R) and lead Coordinator at Makerere, Prof. John Tabuti (seated 3rd L) at the workshop venue, Wash & Wills Hotel, Mbale City. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, DANIDA-funded Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems and Climate Change (AfPEC) project (March 2024-April 2029) focusing on Mt. Elgon Highlands in Eastern Uganda Inception Meeting in Mbale City, 25th-26th September 2024.

*****Funded by DANIDA, Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems and Climate Change (AfPEC), a five-year project (March 2024-April 2029) focusing on Mt. Elgon Highlands in Eastern Uganda aims to foster to use agroforestry to prevent climate change and loss of biodiversity in the region. The project will focus on four districts namely: Mbale, Bududa, Bulambuli, and Kapchorwa. Project Partners: Makerere University, Aarhus University & University of Copenhagen (Denmark), Youth Leading Environmental Change (YLEC), Seniors without Borders, Forests of the World, Stjernekommunikation, and FrellsenKaffe. Through the project, coffee farmers in the region will be supported to export their coffee to Denmark. The project team held the inception meeting on 25th-26th September 2024 in Mbale City.

Overview

Climate change and biodiversity loss are emerging as two of the greatest environmental challenges facing humanity. In Uganda, natural ecosystems such as forests and wetlands contribute considerably to people’s livelihoods and the national economy. However, rapid population growth has led to the degradation of these ecosystems due to increased demand for firewood and the conversion of land for agricultural purposes. Furthermore, the effects of climate change, including variable rainfall patterns and higher temperatures, are leading to a rise in the frequency and intensity of floods, droughts, landslides, windstorms and hailstorms (UNEP- Ecosystem-Based Adaptation in Uganda). Failure to tackle the effects of climate change threatens the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with catastrophic consequences that will hit the poorest and most vulnerable communities first and hardest (UCL Global Governance Institute, 2021). The United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030 is a rallying call for the protection and revival of ecosystems around the world, for the benefit of people and nature. It aims to halt the degradation of ecosystems, and restore them to achieve global goals. 

Prof. Mugagga welcoming participants and briefing them about the purpose of the workshop. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, DANIDA-funded Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems and Climate Change (AfPEC) project (March 2024-April 2029) focusing on Mt. Elgon Highlands in Eastern Uganda Inception Meeting in Mbale City, 25th-26th September 2024.
Prof. Mugagga welcoming participants and briefing them about the purpose of the workshop.

Agroforestry as a climate change adaptation strategy

Agroforestry, the purposeful integration of trees or shrubs with crops and/or livestock at the plot, farm, and/or landscape scale, is one potential climate change adaptation strategy to increase the resilience of farmers and agricultural systems against climate risk, providing a range of biophysical and socioeconomic benefits. As highlighted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports of 2022, agroforestry is a promising agro-ecological approach to climate change adaptation because of the multitude of co-benefits that many agroforestry systems provide including, enhanced food security and income opportunities, the provisioning of ecosystem services, and biodiversity conservation (Amy Quandt, et.al 2023). Agroforestry significantly impacts the environment in diverse ways that contribute to both global environmental goals and local sustainability. Despite of the benefits, promotion, implementation and sustainability of agroforestry practices is still not well addressed.

Participants following the proceedings of the workshop. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, DANIDA-funded Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems and Climate Change (AfPEC) project (March 2024-April 2029) focusing on Mt. Elgon Highlands in Eastern Uganda Inception Meeting in Mbale City, 25th-26th September 2024.
Participants following the proceedings of the workshop.

Purpose of the AfPEC project

Coffee farmers in the Mt. Elgon Region in Eastern Uganda have traditionally with success used agroforestry that protects important water catchments and biodiversity hotspots, but these areas now experience degrading soils caused by external factors such as forest loss, soil erosion and population growth. Changes in climate have also affected farming conditions favouring more drought-resistant crops and agroforestry systems with well-developed shade. Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems and Climate Change (AfPEC), a new project funded by DANIDA aims to understand the factors that motivate coffee farmers to engage in agroforestry, and to foster the use of agroforestry to minimize the effects climate change and loss of biodiversity in the region. Specifically, the project aims to document the effects of agroforestry in terms of ecosystem services and livelihood benefits, to understand motivating factors for long-term sustainable development, and to support science-based agroforestry in practice. The project will focus on four districts namely: Mbale, Bududa, Bulambuli and Kapchorwa.

Prof. Tabuti briefing participants about the project. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, DANIDA-funded Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems and Climate Change (AfPEC) project (March 2024-April 2029) focusing on Mt. Elgon Highlands in Eastern Uganda Inception Meeting in Mbale City, 25th-26th September 2024.
Prof. Tabuti briefing participants about the project.

Specific objectives

The project will be implemented though five work packages in line with the objectives below;

1.Quantifying the potential of agroforestry in terms of ecosystem services – Under this objective the focus is to assess the benefits of various agroforestry systems, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and other ecosystem services. This research will help stakeholders understand the potential and limitations of different agroforestry approaches and contribute to mitigating climate change and biodiversity loss. Additionally, the findings will be used to select suitable native tree species for planting in highland coffee agroforestry systems.

Participants following proceedings of the workshop at Wash & Wills Hotel, Mbale City. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, DANIDA-funded Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems and Climate Change (AfPEC) project (March 2024-April 2029) focusing on Mt. Elgon Highlands in Eastern Uganda Inception Meeting in Mbale City, 25th-26th September 2024.
Participants following proceedings of the workshop at Wash & Wills Hotel, Mbale City.

2.Identifying livelihood benefits from agroforestry and key factors for long-term sustainable development.

3.Channelling scientific knowledge on agroforestry into practice –Given the urgent threats posed by biodiversity loss and climate change in Africa, it is imperative to translate scientific research into practical solutions. In collaboration with NGOs and local farming communities, the project team will disseminate user-friendly information and ensure that research findings directly benefit livelihoods and ecosystems. The goal is to increase local income through sustainable coffee production, carbon credits, and potentially, emerging markets for ecosystem services.

The Project PI, Dr Anne Mette Lykke briefed participants on ethics and the rules governing the DANIDA AfPEC Grant. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, DANIDA-funded Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems and Climate Change (AfPEC) project (March 2024-April 2029) focusing on Mt. Elgon Highlands in Eastern Uganda Inception Meeting in Mbale City, 25th-26th September 2024.
The Project PI, Dr Anne Mette Lykke briefed participants on ethics and the rules governing the DANIDA AfPEC Grant.

4. Building multidisciplinary capacity at university level –The project will train four PhD students from Uganda, and at least 12 master students from Denmark.

5. Promoting optimized agroforestry systems widely.

RDCs from the project area, Mr Bululu Alex (Bududa District) and Mr. Bwire James (Mbale) together with Mr Chemonges Joseph representative of cooperative associations in Kapchorwa at the inception meeting. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, DANIDA-funded Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems and Climate Change (AfPEC) project (March 2024-April 2029) focusing on Mt. Elgon Highlands in Eastern Uganda Inception Meeting in Mbale City, 25th-26th September 2024.
RDCs from the project area, Mr Bululu Alex (Bududa District) and Mr. Bwire James (Mbale) together with Mr Chemonges Joseph representative of cooperative associations in Kapchorwa at the inception meeting.

Partner Institutions

AfPEC is composed of seven partners: three university partners with multidisciplinary backgrounds, three Danish and Ugandan NGOs and a private communication company. All partners work in close collaboration with four coffee farmer communities. These include; Makerere University, Aarhus University (Department of Ecoscience), University of Copenhagen, Youth Leading Environmental Change (YLEC), Seniors without Borders, Forests of the World, Stjernekommunikation, and FrellsenKaffe.

On behalf of Makerere University, Dr Henry Ssemakula appreciated the project team saying the initiative would boost Makerere's aspiration of becoming a research-led university, responding to the global development challenges. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, DANIDA-funded Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems and Climate Change (AfPEC) project (March 2024-April 2029) focusing on Mt. Elgon Highlands in Eastern Uganda Inception Meeting in Mbale City, 25th-26th September 2024.
On behalf of Makerere University, Dr Henry Ssemakula appreciated the project team saying the initiative would boost Makerere’s aspiration of becoming a research-led university, responding to the global development challenges.

Project team

The overall PI is Dr Anne Mette Lykke from Aarhus University. At Makerere, the project is coordinated by Prof. John Tabuti from the Department of Environmental Management and Prof. Frank Mugagga from the Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics and Climatic Sciences. Other participants: Aarhus University, Department of Ecoscience (Jørgen Axelsen), Makerere University (Dr Josephine Esaete and Dr Kellen Aganyira), University of Copenhagen (Ida Theilade, Nerea Turreira Garcia, Stine Kroijer), Seniors without Borders (Poul Kroijer, Lone Jacobsen, Kjeld Lanng, Frans Theilby, Lars Brodersen, Jan Thorn Clausen, Hazra Okem, Ann Grace Apiita, Emmanuel Alituha, Christopher Ejiku), Youth Leading Environmental Change (Daniel Esayu, Annet Nakkazi, Richard Tusabe),  Forests of the World (Jens Holm Kanstrup, Kristian Lybæk, Abiyu Lencho), and Stjernekommunikation (Jan Stjerne).

Some of the participants on Day One of the workshop. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, DANIDA-funded Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems and Climate Change (AfPEC) project (March 2024-April 2029) focusing on Mt. Elgon Highlands in Eastern Uganda Inception Meeting in Mbale City, 25th-26th September 2024.
Some of the participants on Day One of the workshop.

AfPEC Inception meeting in Mbale City

On 25th-26th September 2024, the project team held an inception meeting in Mbale City to get stakeholder buy-in and concretize roles of team members. The meeting was attended by 52 participants including the project team, farmers from participating districts, RDCs from participating districts, representatives from the participating NGOs – Seniors without Borders, Youth Environmentalists leading Environmental Change (YLEC) and Forests of the World, and Graduate students attached to the project.

Prof. Jørgen Axelsen briefed participants on the biological pest control processes. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, DANIDA-funded Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems and Climate Change (AfPEC) project (March 2024-April 2029) focusing on Mt. Elgon Highlands in Eastern Uganda Inception Meeting in Mbale City, 25th-26th September 2024.
Prof. Jørgen Axelsen briefed participants on the biological pest control processes.

Presentations/remarks by the project team

In his welcome address, Prof. Frank Mugagga, one of the project coordinators at Makerere University appreciated participants for honouring and turning up for the workshop, noting that it was important for the team to establish a working relationship for smooth implementation of the project. Outlining the importance of research and partnerships towards the vision and mission of Makerere University, he expressed gratitude to the funders, and the Project PI, Dr Anne Mette Lykke for her unwavering efforts towards securing the grant.

The Chief Guest also Deputy RDC, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, DANIDA-funded Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems and Climate Change (AfPEC) project (March 2024-April 2029) focusing on Mt. Elgon Highlands in Eastern Uganda Inception Meeting in Mbale City, 25th-26th September 2024.Kapchorwa District addressing participants.
The Chief Guest also Deputy RDC, Kapchorwa District addressing participants.

Presenting an overview of the project, the lead Coordinator in Uganda, Prof. John Tabuti explained that although agroforestry systems have been around for long, their contribution has not been well understood and adopted. Discussing the different work packages, Prof. Tabuti said the project would document both negative and positive impacts of highland agro-ecosystems to improve their contribution to ecosystems and livelihoods.

Mr. Martin Sakajja, Deputy RDC Kapchorwa expressed gratitude for the project noting that it holds immense significance for the country and world at large. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, DANIDA-funded Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems and Climate Change (AfPEC) project (March 2024-April 2029) focusing on Mt. Elgon Highlands in Eastern Uganda Inception Meeting in Mbale City, 25th-26th September 2024.
Mr. Martin Sakajja, Deputy RDC Kapchorwa expressed gratitude for the project noting that it holds immense significance for the country and world at large.

At the meeting, the Project PI, Dr Anne Mette Lykke briefed participants on ethics and the rules governing the DANIDA AfPEC Grant. She presented the partnership grant agreement, highlighting the research ethics considerations, rules on publications, communication and dissemination requirements, and data sharing and management as guided by DFC. She urged the project team to familiarise themselves with the regulations to ensure timely delivery of the intended outputs.

Mr. Hussein Mafabi, representative of farmer groups in Mbale, also Chairperson Bufumbo Agroforestry Group expressed gratitude for the project saying the local communities were eager to participate in the activities. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, DANIDA-funded Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems and Climate Change (AfPEC) project (March 2024-April 2029) focusing on Mt. Elgon Highlands in Eastern Uganda Inception Meeting in Mbale City, 25th-26th September 2024.
Mr. Hussein Mafabi, representative of farmer groups in Mbale, also Chairperson Bufumbo Agroforestry Group expressed gratitude for the project saying the local communities were eager to participate in the activities.

 In his remarks, the representative of farmer groups in Mbale District, also Chairperson of Bufumbo Agroforestry Group, Mr. Hussein Mafabi appreciated the project team and funders, noting that the initiative would greatly improve their skills in agroforestry. Highlighting the factors fuelling environmental degradation in the region, Mr. Mafabi decried the lack of a clear policy on plastic waste management, calling for support to avert the crisis. He emphasized the need to translate the project results into actual policy changes to further collaboration beyond AfPEC. “AfPEC has the support of local communities who are eager and willing to participate in the project activities,” he noted.

Ms. Hezra Okem, members, Seniors without Borders briefing participants about their activities in the region. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, DANIDA-funded Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems and Climate Change (AfPEC) project (March 2024-April 2029) focusing on Mt. Elgon Highlands in Eastern Uganda Inception Meeting in Mbale City, 25th-26th September 2024.
Ms. Hazra Okem, member, Seniors without Borders briefing participants about their activities in the region.

During the workshop, representatives from the partnering NGOs including Seniors without Borders, Forests of the World, and YLEC shared their experiences working in the region, outlining success stories in coffee agroforestry that the AfPEC project can leverage to achieve its targets. Prof. Jørgen Axelsen briefed participants on the biological pest control processes, whereas Dr James Johns from Forests of the World delivered a presentation on biomass and carbon sequestration in Uganda’s smallholder agroforestry systems. Speaking to participants, Dr Poul Kroijer (Seniors without Borders) noted that through the AfPEC project, farmers in the region will be able to export their coffee to Denmark. The team expressed willingness to support the project activities.

MSc students Emilie, Josephine and Matilda from Aarhus University, Denmark presenting their research ideas at the workshop. They are support by AfPEC and will conduct their research in the Mt. Elgon Region. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, DANIDA-funded Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems and Climate Change (AfPEC) project (March 2024-April 2029) focusing on Mt. Elgon Highlands in Eastern Uganda Inception Meeting in Mbale City, 25th-26th September 2024.
MSc students Emilie, Josephine and Matilda from Aarhus University, Denmark presenting their research ideas at the workshop. They are support by AfPEC and will conduct their research in the Mt. Elgon Region.

Presentations by MSc and PhD students supported by the Project

AfPEC project will train four PhD students from Uganda, and at least 12 master students from Denmark.

During the workshop, three Masters Students from Aarhus University, Denmark and four PhD students from Makerere University who will be conducting research on different aspects of agroforestry in the Mt. Elgon Region, Eastern Uganda presented their research ideas to participants who provided enriching feedback.   These are; Smilie Nielsen (MSc Human Security) who will be examining the factors that motivate young coffee farmers in Mt. Elgon Region to engage in agroforestry, Ms. Josephine Fogt Anderson (MSc Human Security) who will be studying women-nature relations in agroforestry and planting initiatives (How gender equality can be addressed in tree planting and agroforestry projects), and Ms. Matilda Willemoes who will be exploring the potential for carbon sequestration and storage in coffee Forestry systems.

The students receiving feedback on their presentations from one of the supervisors on the AfPEC Project, Prof. Frank Mugagga. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, DANIDA-funded Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems and Climate Change (AfPEC) project (March 2024-April 2029) focusing on Mt. Elgon Highlands in Eastern Uganda Inception Meeting in Mbale City, 25th-26th September 2024.
The students receiving feedback on their presentations from one of the supervisors on the AfPEC Project, Prof. Frank Mugagga.

The PhD students include Mr. Patrick Kayima who will study value chain and livelihood benefits of coffee agroforestry, and Ms. Patricia Adoch who will evaluate the influence of different management practices of coffee agroforestry systems on pollinators and pests in the Mt. Elgon Region. Ms. Joyce Lunyolo will conduct research on incentives for stewardship efforts in coffee agroforestry among farmers in the region, whereas Mr. Derick Kisegu will study and document the contribution of Arabica coffee agroforestry systems in mitigation and adaptation to climate change in fragile highland ecosystems of Uganda.  

PhD students Patrick, Patricia and Derick presenting their research ideas to participants at the workshop. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, DANIDA-funded Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems and Climate Change (AfPEC) project (March 2024-April 2029) focusing on Mt. Elgon Highlands in Eastern Uganda Inception Meeting in Mbale City, 25th-26th September 2024.
PhD students Patrick, Patricia and Derick presenting their research ideas to participants at the workshop.

The students will be supervised by academics from the partner institutions namely: Prof Anne Mette Lykke, Prof. John Tabuti, Prof. Frank Mugagga, Dr. Josephine Esaete, Prof. Ida Theilade, Dr. Kellen Aganyira, Prof. Stine Kroijer, and Prof. Katrine GroFriborg.

PhD student Patricia interacting with her supervisor Dr Anne Mette Lykke at the workshop. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, DANIDA-funded Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems and Climate Change (AfPEC) project (March 2024-April 2029) focusing on Mt. Elgon Highlands in Eastern Uganda Inception Meeting in Mbale City, 25th-26th September 2024.
PhD student Patricia interacting with her supervisor Dr Anne Mette Lykke at the workshop.

Remarks by the Chief Guest

Addressing participants, the Deputy RDC Kapchorwa District, Mr. Martin Sakajja, on behalf of the Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) in the project area, expressed gratitude for the initiative noting that it holds immense significance for the country and world at large. “Agroforestry represents the fusion of agricultural productivity with ecological conservation—a synergy that is critical for sustainable development in our times. For generations, rural populations have depended on agriculture as their primary source of livelihood. Yet, we know the challenges farmers face: declining soil fertility, erratic rainfall, and dwindling forest resources. Agroforestry addresses these issues by promoting sustainable agricultural practices that not only enhance food security but also generate additional sources of income from forest products such as fruits, timber, and medicinal plants. Through this project, we envision empowering farmers to increase their yields while preserving the natural resources they rely on. By embracing agroforestry, we are not only reducing our vulnerability to climate change but also contributing to global climate goals. I commend Makerere University and all the partners involved in this project for their vision and dedication,” he noted.

PhD student Derick Kisegu discussing his project with his supervisors. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, DANIDA-funded Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems and Climate Change (AfPEC) project (March 2024-April 2029) focusing on Mt. Elgon Highlands in Eastern Uganda Inception Meeting in Mbale City, 25th-26th September 2024.
PhD student Derick Kisegu discussing his project with his supervisors.

Remarks by the representative of Makerere University

On behalf of Makerere University, Dr Henry Ssemakula appreciated the project team for the initiative noting that it aligns with the sustainable development goals (SDGs), the National Development Plan, and the Parish Development Model. “The project is also in tandem with our strategy of transforming Makerere into a research-led University responding to national, regional, and global development challenges, and contributing to global knowledge generation. Its commitment to capacity building through Masters and PhD trainings, community engagement, and internationalization is equally commendable.” He appreciated the funders for supporting AfPEC and several other projects in Uganda.

College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, DANIDA-funded Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems and Climate Change (AfPEC) project (March 2024-April 2029) focusing on Mt. Elgon Highlands in Eastern Uganda Inception Meeting in Mbale City, 25th-26th September 2024.
PhD students Patrick Kayima and Joyce Lunyolo interacting with their supervisors.

The workshop was moderated by Dr Josephine Esaete, Dr Vincent Muwanika, and Dr Kellen Aganyira from Makerere University.

Dr Henry Ssemakula commenting on the PhD students' presentations. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, DANIDA-funded Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems and Climate Change (AfPEC) project (March 2024-April 2029) focusing on Mt. Elgon Highlands in Eastern Uganda Inception Meeting in Mbale City, 25th-26th September 2024.
Dr Henry Ssemakula commenting on the PhD students’ presentations.

On the final day of the workshop, the project team conducted a reconnaissance tour of three research sites namely; Bufumbo in Mbale, Buginyanya in Bulambuli District, and Sipi in Kapchorwa District. 

A participant from YLEC sharing his views. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, DANIDA-funded Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems and Climate Change (AfPEC) project (March 2024-April 2029) focusing on Mt. Elgon Highlands in Eastern Uganda Inception Meeting in Mbale City, 25th-26th September 2024.
A participant from YLEC sharing his views.

More photos from the workshop

Dr Josephine Esaete moderating one of the sessions during the workshop. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, DANIDA-funded Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems and Climate Change (AfPEC) project (March 2024-April 2029) focusing on Mt. Elgon Highlands in Eastern Uganda Inception Meeting in Mbale City, 25th-26th September 2024.
Dr Josephine Esaete moderating one of the sessions during the workshop.

Dr Vincent Muwanika from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University moderating one of the sessions during the workshop. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, DANIDA-funded Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems and Climate Change (AfPEC) project (March 2024-April 2029) focusing on Mt. Elgon Highlands in Eastern Uganda Inception Meeting in Mbale City, 25th-26th September 2024.
Dr Vincent Muwanika from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University moderating one of the sessions during the workshop.

Dr Kellen Aganyira, member of the AfPEC project from Makerere University at the workshop. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, DANIDA-funded Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems and Climate Change (AfPEC) project (March 2024-April 2029) focusing on Mt. Elgon Highlands in Eastern Uganda Inception Meeting in Mbale City, 25th-26th September 2024.
Dr Kellen Aganyira, member of the AfPEC project from Makerere University at the workshop.

Dr Poul Kroijer (Seniors without Borders) addressing participants at the workshop. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, DANIDA-funded Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems and Climate Change (AfPEC) project (March 2024-April 2029) focusing on Mt. Elgon Highlands in Eastern Uganda Inception Meeting in Mbale City, 25th-26th September 2024.
Dr Poul Kroijer (Seniors without Borders) addressing participants at the workshop.

Dr James Johns from Forests of the World delivered a presentation on biomass and carbon sequestration in Uganda’s smallholder agroforestry systems. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, DANIDA-funded Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems and Climate Change (AfPEC) project (March 2024-April 2029) focusing on Mt. Elgon Highlands in Eastern Uganda Inception Meeting in Mbale City, 25th-26th September 2024.
Dr James Johns from Forests of the World delivered a presentation on biomass and carbon sequestration in Uganda’s smallholder agroforestry systems.

Prof. Mugagga addressing farmer groups in Bufumbo Sub County about the project. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, DANIDA-funded Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems and Climate Change (AfPEC) project (March 2024-April 2029) focusing on Mt. Elgon Highlands in Eastern Uganda Inception Meeting in Mbale City, 25th-26th September 2024.
Prof. Mugagga addressing farmer groups in Bufumbo Sub County about the project.

Project team with farmer groups in Bufumbo, Mbale after their interaction. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, DANIDA-funded Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems and Climate Change (AfPEC) project (March 2024-April 2029) focusing on Mt. Elgon Highlands in Eastern Uganda Inception Meeting in Mbale City, 25th-26th September 2024.
Project team with farmer groups in Bufumbo, Mbale after their interaction.

Hasifa Kabejja

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