Agriculture & Environment
Prof. John H. Muyonga Delivers Professorial Inaugural Lecture
Theme: Circular Bio-economy: Applications to the Agri-food Sector
In his Lecture, Prof. John H. Muyonga highlighted the nutritional value of waste from agri-food products and explained the measures that can be taken to minimize wastage
The Inaugural Lecture
A lot of what is thrown away as waste from agri-food products contains nutrients that are crucial for the body’s immunity. This was revealed by Prof. John H. Muyonga during his Professorial Inaugural Lecture held on 23 June 2023 at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University. Organized under the theme: Circular Bio-economy: Applications to the Agri-food Sector, the lecture was graced by the University Top Management led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, and attended by academics and administrators from the 10 Colleges of Makerere, as well as the family of Prof. Muyonga. Prof. Muyonga.
The health benefits of waste from agri-food products
In his presentation, Prof. John H. Muyonga, a Professor of Food Science at the Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University revealed that waste of plant origin contains nutrients and a wide diversity of non-nutrient compounds (phytochemicals), that are associated with health benefits. “The non-starch polysaccharides from fruits, vegetables and whole cereals help prevent cancer, hypertensive, hypoglycemic, and hypochloresterol. Carotenoids found in coloured fruits and vegetables equally prevent hypertensive, cancer, obesity, and support vision. The phytosterols in cereals and legume cereals bran serve as antioxidants and help in the prevention of colon cancer and hypochloresterol effect, hypertensive, pytic acid, and kidney stone formation,” Prof. Muyonga explained, further highlighting valuable components of waste from selected food crops. Citrus peels and seeds contain Pectin, essences, ethanol, D-limonene, limonoids and flavonoids. Mango peels and kernels contain fibre, vitamins, carotenoids and polyphenols, kernal fat and pectin. Passion fruit seeds and rind contain pectin and linoleic acid. Banana peels have phenolics, beta-carotenoids, anthocyanins, fiber, amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, flavonoids and potassium, whereas Avocado seeds and peels contain carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, fibres, minerals, phenolics, flavonoids, and fatty acids. Prof. Muyonga also highlighted a number of valuable components in waste from animal-based foods emphasizing the need to minimize wastage. According to Prof. Muyonga, increased adoption of circular bio-economy principles can help minimise wastage. Circular bio-economy entails reuse of as much bio-waste as possible, resulting in multiple value added products from a given volume of harvested biomass. Circular bio-economy can be used to explore the use of waste streams as raw materials for products such as new food products, feed, fuel, industrial ingredients, bio-plastics, biopharmaceuticals, bio-cosmetics, enzymes, nutritional supplements, nutraceuticals, materials for tissue repair, plasma substitutes, microbes and adsorbents. Circular bio-economy decreases dependency on natural resources by encouraging sustainable goods that generate food, feed, materials and energy using biological resources.
Minimising wastage of agri-food products
During his 26 years at Makerere University, Prof. Muyonga has been key in developing research capacity on previously under researched foods including grain amaranth, jackfruit, pumpkins, Solanum anguivi (katukuma), and Nile perch, among others. Working with a number of partners, he has conducted research and come up with various technologies to minimize wastage in agri-food products. Given the Nutraceutical properties of jackfruit pulp, he has conducted research and developed protocols for drying jackfruit pulp using the Refractance Window Drying technology. He has conducted studies on pumpkin and produced shelf stable flours from seed and pulp of pumpkins. Flour from the seeds is high in phytochemicals and it is recommended for weight control. Together with his research team, they have processed sweetpotato products into shelf-stable value added products. He has also conducted research on jackfruit pectin. The work entailed extracting pectin from jackfruit and assessing its properties. He also worked on the production and utilisation of passion fruit powder. Other key activities included; Tamarind seed analysis and utilisation- Tamarind seed powder was found to be suitable for use as ingredient to enhance nutraceutical properties of juices and cookies; Nile Perch collagen and gelatin studies – Collagen has a unique amino acid profile that gives it peculiar properties, including the ability to form gels when dissolved in water; Nile Perch oil extraction and Characterisation- Fish oils are rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids contribute to brain development and protection against cardiovascular diseases, breast, colon and prostate cancer, inflammation, depression, pain and psychosis. He also worked on characterisation of cassava leaf, processing and utilisation. Cassava leaves were found to be high in proteins, carbohydrates, beta-carotene, polyphenols and ascorbic acid.
Future plans
In future, Prof. Muyonga intends to work on the characterization of by-products from more agri-food materials produced in Uganda. He also hopes to work on the application of novel and sustainable technologies in agri-food waste valorisation to improve extraction efficiency, efficacy and limit environmental impact; and to evaluate new applications of components of agri-food waste – e.g. in bio-based packaging and bio-preservation. Prof. Muyonga also plans to undertake policy and techno-economic analysis of valorisation options.
Remarks by the Vice Chancellor
According to Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, an inaugural lecture is an occasion of significance in an academic staff member’s career at the university. It provides professors with the opportunity to share their achievements in research, innovation, engagement and teaching activities before an audience of members of the University community and the general public.
In his address, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated Prof. Muyonga for making all necessary preparations to deliver his Professorial Inaugural Lecture. “This is the way to go as we continue to boost our scholarship, image and reputation. The Professorial Inaugural Lecture should act as an inspiration to all of us as scholars to not only learn but also continuously disseminate our work. I want to implore other colleagues at the rank of Professor in the University to emulate Prof. Muyonga and also deliver their Professorial Inaugural Lectures.” The Vice Chancellor commended CAES for spearheading the initiative leading to Prof. Muyonga’s presentation and applauded the Professorial Inaugural Lectures Organising Committee (PILOC) led by Prof. David Bakibinga for a job well done in preparing for this event. Highlighting the significance of Prof. Muyonga’s lecture focus, “Circular bioeconomy: Applications to the agri-food sector”, the Vice Chancellor noted that it was quite novel and contemporary, testifying that Makerere University possesses the competencies and capacities to substantially address the national and global development challenges. “Our science, creation of new knowledge and innovations in this field will be crucial for national stability cognizant of Uganda’s rapid population growth and high levels of youth unemployment. As a premier university, we should harness the emerging opportunities including artificial intelligence which appears to be a game changer to find practical solutions to complex societal challenges at multiple scales,” he explained.
Remarks by the DVCAA
In his remarks, the First Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, also host of the Professorial Inaugural Lectures, Prof. Umar Kakumba said Prof. Muyonga’s research works had demonstrated Makerere’s commitment and contribution to the realization of the national and global development agendas. “As academics, we have a duty to think and address the needs of the growing population, projected to reach 60 million in 2030 and 102 million in 2060. The research done by Prof. Muyonga contributes to the realization of the SDGs2,3,9,12 aimed at reducing hunger; ensuring good health and wellbeing, generating employment and income through innovation; and reversing the current consumption trends as well as promoting a more sustainable future.”
Prof. Muyonga’s biography
Prof. Muyonga holds a PhD in Food Science from the University of Pretoria, M.Sc. Food Science from Cornell University and a B.Sc. Food Science and Technology from Makerere University. He became full Professor of Food Science of Makerere University in 2010, and has served as Faculty at Makerere University since 1997. Prof. Muyonga was Head of the Department of Food Science and Technology from 2006 to 2011, during which period the Department transformed to the now School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering and served as the pioneer Dean of the School. He has published over 80 peer reviewed journal articles, mainly in areas of nutraceutical and physico-chemical properties of traditional Ugandan foods, improvement of traditional food handling and processing methods, extrusion technology, novel drying techniques and agri-food waste valorisation. Prof. Muyonga serves as Associate Editor of two (2) international journals and his work has been cited in over 3,900 articles.
Prof. Muyonga has played critical roles in the development of capacity for food science and nutrition research and research translation in Uganda. He has led more than twenty (20) research and consultancy projects and raised over 20 million US$ for research, technology translation and institutional development. He has been key in developing research capacity on previously under researched foods including grain amaranth, jack fruit, pumpkins, Solanum anguivi (katukuma), and Nile perch, among others. As a university administrator, Prof. Muyonga coordinated the implementation of several institutional development initiatives, including a NORAD funded institutional development project for Makerere University’s Department of Food Science and Technology and the setting up of a Technology and Business Incubation Centre at Makerere University.
Under his leadership, the Department of Food Science and Technology and the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering initiated four (4) new degree programmes, registered great improvement in research infrastructure, greatly increased graduate students’ enrolment and graduation rates, markedly increased output of peer reviewed research articles and supported commercialisation of dozens of new food products. He has served on several boards, advisory and technical committees, and is currently Chair of the Management Committee of the National Agricultural Research Laboratories, as well as board member of Volunteer Efforts Development Concerns. Prof. Muyonga is a Fellow of the Uganda Academy of Sciences and professional member of the Institute of Food Technologists (USA). He was the 2009 TWAS young scientist, is an alumnus of the Global Young Academy, UN University and TWAS affiliate programme. He was previously member of the scientific advisory committee of the Bill and Melinda Gates funded Banana Biotechnology Programme and served as Technical Evaluator for the World Bank African Centres of Excellence for Central and Western Africa and for the European Commission research programmes. Prof. Muyonga is also a Rotarian and has served in several roles in his club (Rotary Club of Kampala North). He is a Paul Harris Fellow (PHF+3) and is actively engaged in numerous Rotary projects supporting the underserved.
With utmost delight, I am honoured to present the Annual Report of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) for the year 2023. As we look back on the accomplishments and obstacles of the past year, I extend my deepest appreciation to each and every one of you who contributed to our collective achievements. It has truly been a year of fulfilment and progress. In 2023, CAES proudly celebrated the graduation of 592 students, of whom 48% were female, at the 74th Graduation Ceremony. Among them were 14 PhD, 94 MSc, 5 Post Graduate Diplomas, and 479 BSc graduates across various disciplines in agricultural and environmental sciences. My sincere congratulations to all the graduates and the dedicated staff who supported them throughout their journey.
Reflecting on the commitments made in 2022 for the year 2023, we have made substantial strides. I am pleased to report that our faculty and students successfully adapted to the blended mode of teaching and learning. We remain steadfast in our dedication to a learner-centered, practical-oriented, and gender-responsive approach, with the goal of nurturing skilled, entrepreneurial, and innovative graduates capable of addressing challenges in the Agricultural and Environmental sectors.
Furthermore, we have revised the curriculum for approximately 15 programs, enriching content to include skills relevant to entrepreneurial green economies. This underscores our commitment to fostering innovation within CAES and equipping our graduates with the tools they need to thrive in dynamic professional landscapes.
Moreover, our college continues to advance knowledge, tackle critical challenges, and make a positive impact on society. Notably, the Makerere University Regional Centre of Excellence for Crop Improvement (MaRCCI) has been elevated to an “African Host Centre (AHU/C) for training high-quality PhDs in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology.” This initiative aims to address the human resource gap in highly qualified specialists in these fields across Africa, reaffirming our commitment to excellence and leadership in agricultural education and research. For the reporting year, CAES has registered several achievements as highlighted.
Teaching and Learning for improving learner experiences
The introduction and implementation of the CAES-GRADCARE Management System represents a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance graduate management processes within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. This innovative system was meticulously crafted to streamline operations, optimize workflow, and elevate overall efficiency and effectiveness. Its primary objectives include improving supervision mechanisms, reducing lead times, and minimizing costs associated with thesis examination. Moreover, the system empowers stakeholders with invaluable data insights, facilitating informed decision-making across various levels of academic administration.
Research and Innovation for impacting society
In our relentless pursuit of ethical research practices, we are proud to announce the establishment and full operationalization of the CAES Research Ethics Committee/Institutional Review Board (CAES-REC/IRB). This critical initiative underscores our commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and transparency in our research endeavors. Our dedication to innovation is exemplified by the introduction of the MakSol Cooker—a solar-powered marvel poised to revolutionize cooking practices while significantly reducing carbon footprints within households. This transformative solution not only addresses environmental concerns but also promotes sustainable living on a tangible, everyday level. Furthermore, our research efforts have yielded remarkable breakthroughs in agriculture and food security. Through the development of bio-fertilizer formulations, we aim to unlock crop productivity while simultaneously addressing soil nitrogen deficiencies, thereby enhancing household food security and bolstering agricultural sustainability. In tandem with our agricultural innovations, we have successfully bred resilient Mak Soybean, Cowpea and Sorghum varieties, capable of withstanding drought, disease, pests, and climate stress while boasting shortened maturity periods. These advancements provide a vital protein source, particularly in regions prone to agricultural challenges, and enable the production of value-added products, contributing to enhanced food security and resilience, further enhancing the agricultural value chain. In our quest for sustainable agricultural practices, we have developed innovative solutions such as the Soil Test Kit, facilitating simplified soil management by offering rapid semi-quantitative evaluations of essential elements crucial for optimal plant growth. This tool empowers farmers with actionable insights to optimize crop yields and promote sustainable land stewardship. Additionally, our Hybrid Refractance Window Drying equipment represents a game-changer in post-harvest handling, ensuring consistent drying of perishable agricultural produce. By preserving the quality of fruits and vegetables, this technology enhances the value chain, thereby maximizing agricultural productivity and reducing post-harvest losses. Furthermore, our efforts extend beyond crops to encompass livestock management and nutrition. Through the development of protocols for Banana Tissue Culture and value addition to Sweet Potato-Sorghum enterprises, we aim to improve agricultural livelihoods and economic resilience among farming communities. Innovative solutions such as rearing and utilizing blue flies, maggots, and earthworms as alternative protein sources for poultry and fish feeds demonstrate our commitment to sustainable feed production. These efforts not only diversify protein sources but also promote circular economies by utilizing agricultural by-products effectively. Moreover, our research endeavors have yielded transformative solutions to combat malnutrition and poverty. The development of a livestock milk booster, derived from sugarcane industrial waste, addresses nutritional deficiencies while enhancing dairy production, thereby improving livelihoods and food security. Our commitment to research and innovation for societal impact is unwavering. From ground-breaking agricultural technologies to transformative solutions for nutrition and food safety, we remain dedicated to advancing sustainable development and improving livelihoods across communities. Through collaborative efforts and relentless innovation, we strive to create a brighter, more resilient future for all.
Knowledge transfer and Community engagement
This 2023 Annual Report highlights several impactful knowledge sharing initiatives undertaken by CAES: i) NARO-Makerere Third Joint Scientific Conference, ii) Summer School on Landscape Ecology, iii) International Collaboration in Soybean Research, iv) Policy Dialogue on Climate Science, v) Recognition at the 29th Source of the Nile National Agricultural Show, vi) Youth and Innovation Expo 2023, vii) Training Programs for Capacity Building, viii) Capacity Building in Seed and Agronomic Practices, and ix) Soybean Seed Distribution. These initiatives underscore CAES’ commitment to knowledge transfer, community engagement, and sustainable agricultural development, reflecting our dedication to fostering innovation and driving positive change in Uganda and beyond. The accomplishments detailed in this report are a testament to the unwavering dedication and collaborative efforts of our esteemed staff, students, and partners.
Throughout this reporting year, we have witnessed remarkable growth and achievement among our faculty members, with several individuals being promoted and duly recognized for their outstanding contributions.
Looking ahead, we are presented with a multitude of opportunities to further our impact and achieve even greater heights of excellence. As we embark on the next chapter of our journey, we remain steadfast in our commitment to academic excellence, research, innovation, and societal impact. In the coming year, we will continue to focus on strengthening our academic programs, fostering interdisciplinary and multi-stakeholder collaboration, and expanding our innovative research initiatives to address pressing challenges in agriculture, environmental sustainability, and food security. We will also prioritize initiatives aimed at enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within our college community, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. As we navigate the path ahead, I am confident that together, we will overcome any challenges that may arise and continue to make significant contributions to the advancement of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. As Winston Churchill stated, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts”.
I invite you to explore the pages of this Annual Report to learn more about our achievements, challenges, and aspirations for the future.
Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga
PRINCIPAL, CAES
Agriculture & Environment
The Joint ClimSMART-NORHED II CSA Summer School Second Edition 2024 Kicks Off at Mak
By Brian Ogenrwoth
Makerere University, in collaboration with Gulu University, has inaugurated the 2024 edition of the ClimSMART-NORHEDII CSA Summer School. Funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) and the Norwegian Research Council, the program began with a series of theory sessions from May 27th to 28th, 2024. This year’s event has drawn 23 postgraduate students (MSc and PhDs) from 7 countries studying at 5 African universities namely; Makerere University, Gulu University, University of Zambia, Hawassa University and University of Juba, and the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU). Additionally, 16 scientists and three postdoctoral researchers from the participating institutions have joined the initiative.
Prof. Jackline Bonabana, the Principal Investigator of the ClimSMART project and Co-Principal Investigator of the NORHED II CSA project who coordinated the Summer School, emphasized the comprehensive and multifaceted nature of the program. She highlighted that the sessions would cover critical topics in climate-smart agriculture, biochar, climate change, and food security. Prof. Samuel Kyamanywa, the Principal Investigator of the NORHED II CSA project, applauded the collaborative efforts of the Climsmart/NORHED II partners and delivered an engaging presentation on insect pests and their management in the context of climate change.
Prof. Vegard Martinsen from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) underscored the vast research opportunities in climate-smart agriculture on the African continent. He noted the region’s unique context and the increasing impact of climate change as pivotal factors for continued need for meaningful research and empirical evidence.
Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, Principal of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at Makerere University, presented on critical thinking and officially welcomed participants, stressing the urgent need to upscale such collaborative efforts to tackle food insecurity and climate change. She affirmed that such programmes align to the Makerere University agenda and strategic direction.
The sessions also featured a variety of expert presentations, including:
- Food Security in SSA by Prof. Jan Mulder (Norwegian University of Life Sciences)
- Site Assessment and Sampling for Agriculture by Prof. Lydia Chabala (University of Zambia)
- Aqua Crop Model for Land Management by Prof. Elijah Phiri (University of Zambia)
- Understanding Basic Concepts in Soil Fertility by Dr. Patrick Musinguzi and Prof. Twaha Basamba Ali (Makerere University)
- Weed Management by Dr. Sylvester Katuromunda (Makerere University)
- Co-Composting Organic Wastes with Biochar by Prof. Fantaw Yimer (Hawassa University)
- Socio-Economic Topics like personal branding and marketing by Prof. Basil Mugonola and Dr. Walter Odongo, climate resilience governance and management practice by Dr. Patrick Byakagaba (Makerere University), and communication and presentation skills by Mr. Edward Gita (Rural Enterprise Development Solutions). Very insightful presentations were made by the Post Doc and PhD students as well.
The practical sessions, scheduled from May 29th to June 9th, 2024, will include farmer field visits, laboratory sessions, group discussions, data analysis, and presentations at Gulu University.
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