On 16^th November 2023, national and international stakeholders participated in the kick off workshop hosted at Makerere University to further consolidate various schools of thought aimed at producing a holistic and relevant graduate student equipped with practical skills, research and problem solving abilities aligned to Sustainable Development Goals.

The blended kick off workshop, which brought on board the academia, researchers, private sector, civil society, business community and graduate students set the pace for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Partnership Project titled: Strengthening Education and Research Capacity for Enhancing Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Natural Resources Use.”

Expected to benefit over 350 graduate students and 20 members of staff, the SDG Partnership project that will be implemented by Makerere University (Mak) through the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) in collaboration with Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences (HSRW), and Central University of Technology (CUT) is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

Welcoming the stakeholders to the kick off workshop, the research project team represented by Prof. John Tabuti from Makerere University and Ms Nele Vahrenhorst from Rhine Waal University of Applied Sciences highlighted that the project seeks to contribute to the following SDGs:

• Poverty Eradication (SDG 1), Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Quality Education (SDG 4), Economic Growth (SDG 8), promoting sustainable consumption and production through developing business opportunities in natural resources use (SDG 12), Climate action through better management technologies and protection on natural resources and ecosystems reducing carbon emissions (SDG 13), as well as protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably managed forests, combat desertification and halt reverse land degradation and halt bio diversity loss (SDG 15).

Prof. Tabuti stated that the mode of delivery will prioritise the student using an approach referred to as ‘Student-centred learning.”

The main objective of the project is to enhance SDG research and teaching through a strong North-South-South partnership between HSRW, Mak, and CUT, so as to prepare graduate students for the societal challenges ahead, and the requirements of the job market. The SDG project partnership will ensure that university graduates are highly equipped with the necessary competencies to develop appropriate resource management responses, and implement optimum biodiversity conservation strategies as well as dealing with dynamic and complex business problems. The project will address the issue of environmental degradation hence poverty reduction, food insecurity, natural resource depletion, and climate change.

The project will focus on mainly Uganda, being the most bio-diverse country in Sub-Saharan Africa, with over 70% of its population relying on agriculture and use of natural resources. In addition, the loss of substantial parts of the natural habitat used in infrastructure development and extension is a major issue of concern. The research project states the urgent need to encourage the youths and students to foster their passion for SDGs premised on the rapid population growth in Uganda, with 50% of the population being under 16 years old.

Officially opening the kick off workshop for the SDG partnership project, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, represented by Associate Prof. Robert Wamala from the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training commended the physical and online participants for accepting to engage in this highly interactive workshop. He further underscored the need to conduct research aligned to the SDGs, national development goals, and global challenges.

The Vice Chancellor pointed out that biodiversity, despite sustaining the planet, faces unprecedented challenges including: Climate change, habitat loss, pollution, and unsustainable resource use. He highlighted education and research as the most formidable tools in addressing these challenges. He noted the role played by Makerere University through its 5-year Strategic Plan that aligns with the National Development Plan III (2020/21-2024/25), by contributing to our transformation into a “research-led” institution with a multi-faceted research agenda and enhanced engagement with industry players.

Associate Professor Robert Wamala concluded by informing the audience that DAAD has been instrumental in his career growth, having sponsored both his Masters’ and PhD studies. Currently serving as Deputy Director (Research Innovations and Partnerships) at Makerere University, he applauded DAAD for supporting research and capacity building programmes at Makerere University.

According to the Acting Head, Department of Environmental Management at Makerere University, Associate Professor Vincent Muwanika, the project will support practical training of students on problem identification, and staff in identifying and publishing local cases that are key in enhancing growth, not only at Makerere University but also in the private sector.

Associate Prof. Muwanika observed that the project’s alignment with SDG 15 will be guided by and greatly benefit from partnerships. He noted that partnerships are key in enabling us share and cross fertilize academic ideas and experiences, a feat that has kept Makerere University among top-tier research institutions.

Highlighting the importance of policies in churning out relevant products, Associate Prof. Muwanika commended the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe for spearheading and overseeing policies and programmes that recognize, incentivize, and promote partnerships with industry, people and institutions outside Makerere University.

To further onboard the stakeholders, the project team leads namely Prof. John Tabuti and Ms Nele Vahrenhorst specified that the main activities of the project would include:  improving the teaching material on courses that assemble natural resources for use, socio-ecological issues, data analysis, genetics, entrepreneurship, and sustainable tourism. The project will focus on capacity building of teaching and research staff on various methods, develop case studies on sustainable natural resources use, develop networks with non-academic actors, enhance student mobility to strengthen international perspectives, as well as promote inter-country inter-disciplinary learning exchange, incorporate higher education management, internationalization, digitalization as well as monitoring and evaluation.

Prof. Tabuti advocated for a strong stakeholder engagement for content development, research undertakings and case studies. “We have brought you on board because you are key people in the field. You are going to play an instrumental role in the development of case studies. Stakeholders will work with the academic staff to develop the content and teach our students,” said Prof. Tabuti.

In a highly interactive session involving a plenary and group sessions, the stakeholders contributed to the discussion on their needs and expectations regarding the graduate competencies and skills in biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resources.

Matters arising from the stakeholder workshop:

1. With regard to the kind of graduates’ employers would wish to have, participants presented a number of qualities including: good communication skills, practical orientation, humility, openness to diversity, readiness to learn and unlearn, ability to adopt to work ethics, problem solving skills, articulateness, confidence with ability to collaborate, design thinking mindset, and innovativeness.
2. In response to a question on how the partnership with stakeholders to support teaching and research shall be made possible, the participants presented proposals including: Identification of case studies linking to the lecture to be delivered, identification of key stakeholders, stakeholder engagement, identification of valid course content, design access and agreement on methodological approach to be used during the teaching and learning process, compilation of issues to be addressed before they are presented, design of a working document that can guide who does what, coming up with a team to develop a framework for developing the curricular.
3. Responses to a question on how partners can collaborate in development of case studies included: contribution of knowledge to case study development, establishment of linkages with the community, identification of research gaps, sharing of available resources in public domain, documentation of intellectual property rights, collaboration in teaching and training of students, provision of internship opportunities, giving notifications for advance preparation.

During the presentations, stakeholders indicated the readiness to partner with Makerere University to contribute to the development of case studies and content production for lectures and community outreach.

Closing the kick off workshop, Prof. Tabuti conveyed his gratitude to Makerere University management for supporting the project. He acknowledged Ms Ritah Namisango, the Principal Public Relations Officer of Makerere University for moderating the workshop. He thanked Dr. Dorothy Nampanziira, Ms Ritah Namisango, Ms Aziidah Namatovu and Dr. Godfrey Mayende for the excellent coordination of activities leading to the successful hosting of the workshop. He also thanked the physical and online participants for actively contributing to the stakeholders’ workshop.

Makerere University Council has appointed Dr Bernard Obaa Acting Head, Department of Extension and Innovation Studies, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES). Dr Obaa takes on from Prof. Nelson Turyahabwe who has held the position for the last four years starting 2^nd November 2019. Dr. Obaa is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Extension and Innovation Studies at CAES. He holds a PhD in Rural Sociology (Food systems, Agriculture and Environment and Social Change and Development) from Iowa State University, USA, and an MSc in Agricultural Extension and Education from Makerere University.

During the official handover ceremony held on 13^th November 2023 at CAES, the Principal, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga appreciated the outgoing Head for his contribution. She congratulated the new Head and implored him to further strengthen the Department in line with the new strategic direction intended to transform Makerere into a research-led University, with more innovations to foster the country’s development.

In Prof. Turyahabwe’s four-year term of office, the Department of Extension and Innovation Studies has continuously registered improvement in the performance of students on the Bachelor of Agricultural and Rural Innovations programme. There has also been increased enrolment of students into the Masters of Science in Agricultural and Extension Education and PhD in Agricultural and Rural Innovations (PARI). Other achievements include; improvement in the completion rate of PARI students with the highest number of PhD students at CAES being from PARI. The Department has also reviewed curriculum for several programmes to meet the requirements of the Uganda National Council for Higher Education and Makerere University.  These include; the Master of Science in Agricultural Extension and Education that has been renamed Master of Science in Agricultural Extension and Rural Innovation and approved by Senate. Both the Bachelor of Agriculture and Rural Innovation (Internal- BARI) and the Bachelor of Agriculture and Rural Innovation (External – BAXI) were reviewed and renamed Bachelor of Agricultural Extension and Rural Innovation.

The Department staff have won several research grants namely: Enhancing the Capacity of Faculty and Students on the Bachelor of Agricultural and Rural Innovation, External Degree Programme for E-Learning at Makerere University; the CAES Innovation Scholars Programme run in collaboration with Michigan State University’s (MSU) Borlaug Higher Education for Agriculture Research and Development (BHEARD) with support from MSU’s Global Centre for Food Systems Innovation. Other projects include; Diversity and Inclusion in Leadership Training between Makerere University and MSU’s African Studies Centre and Michigan Fellows Agribusiness Initiative (MFAI), supported by the Alliance African Partnership (AAP); and SECA (2019-2021) with support from Carnegie Cooperation of New York titled – Strengthening academic supervision and mentorship for enhanced completion rates of graduate students in the Department of Extension and Innovation Studies. There is also an ongoing project – Enhancing the Capacity of the Department of Extension and Innovation Studies to Facilitate E-learning and research through installation of the state of the art video conferencing system- Under consolidating Early Career Academic Programme (CECAP) at Makerere University. It is supported by Carnegie Cooperation of New York.       

In his remarks, the outgoing Head, Prof. Nelson Turyahabwe appreciated the College leadership and staff, as well as programme coordinators for the support extended to him during his term of office. He also appreciated the incoming Head, Dr Bernard Obaa for accepting to take on the leadership of the Department, and pledged continued support to further strengthen the Department. Similarly, Dr Obaa appreciated Prof. Turyahabwe for his outstanding contribution towards the development of the Department and committed to build on the achievements registered thus far.

The handover ceremony was witnessed by the Dean, School of Agricultural Sciences, Dr John Baptist Tumuhairwe; the College Human Resource Office, Ms. Hawa Harriet; the representative from the Directorate of Internal Audit,   Mr. Aggrey Luwuliza; and members of staff form the Department.

The Honorary Consul of Israel in Uganda, Mrs. Ishta K. Muganga on 7^th September 2023 flagged off 50 students for the Agrostudies Apprenticeship programme in Israel. 37 of the students are from Makerere University and 13 from Busitema University. The first group of students left on Monday, 11^th September 2023. The event held at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility at Makerere University was graced by among others, the Commissioner, Directorate of Planning and Development at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Mr. Walter Anguzu; the Commissioner, Directorate of Agricultural Extension Services at MAAIF represented by Mr. Steven Magume; the Coordinator of the programme at Busitema University, Dr Godfrey Lubadde; the Principal, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University represented by the Deputy Principal, Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze; and the Head, Department of Agricultural Production at CAES, Dr Mildred Ochwo- Ssemakula. In Uganda, implementation of the programme commenced in 2013 but was institutionalised in 2021. Coordinated by Makerere University through the Department of Agricultural Production, CAES, the programme has over the years benefited about 2,000 students. 

About the Agrostudies programme

The Agrostudies programme, built with the support and oversight from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Agriculture, focuses on capacity building through practical and professional knowledge transfer in the field of agriculture, and promotes food security around the world by providing the participants with a creative, practical and dynamic educational framework.

The programme, operating since 2005, trains interns from Southeast Asia and Africa on carefully selected farms throughout Israel, as part of Israel support for developing countries. The programme is an integral part of the agricultural studies of the participants in their home countries, with the goal of providing an opportunity for practical experiential learning in advanced, modern agricultural methods.

The programme combines frontal instruction and theoretical studies with work in practical agricultural internships on farms around Israel. The internships are based on the “Learning by Doing” method, by which the participants gain first-hand experience of advanced agricultural technologies and methods at an international standard in various specializations. The goal of the programme is to directly connect the theoretical knowledge the participants study to the implementation of modern agriculture. At the end of the programme, the participants leave with professional experience and knowledge, allowing them to develop and promote the agricultural sector in their country. The Agrostudies Institute in Israel, which is the international centre for agricultural interns, coordinates the programme.

The flag off ceremony

During the flag off ceremony, the 2021-2022 alumni of the Agrostudies programme shared their experiences and guided the 2023 cohort on the activities and appropriate code of conduct while in Israel. Activities carried out during the one-year internship programme include working on different crop, poultry and dairy production farms. While on the farms, the students acquire skills in land preparation, green house management, drip and sprinkler irrigation, planting, weeding, grafting and seedling production, disease management, harvest and post-harvest management, packaging, value addition and marketing, hatchery management, vaccination, feeding and feed formulation, slaughtering and dressing, calf management, machine milking, artificial insemination, and waste management. The students are also exposed to theoretical studies about different agricultural fields and the diverse cultures of the people of Israel and the countries of the trainees. In their presentation, the alumni led by Mr. Dancan Mugizi, Mr. Oketch Jacob, and Mr. Bua Morris appreciated the governments of Israel and Uganda, noting that the trainings had exposed them to knowledge and skills in modern agricultural systems and technologies. “Overall, the programme changed our mind-set about agriculture as a rewarding enterprise. We also acquired a number of soft skills and became more resilient. We thank the governments of Uganda and Israel, the University Management, and the national programme coordinators for the tremendous work that has made the programme so enjoyable to students and a success.”

Remarks

In her remarks, the Honorary Consul of Israel in Uganda, Mrs. Ishta K. Muganga congratulated the students for having emerged successful out of over 600 applicants. Briefing the students on Israel, she cautioned them to show commitment to the programme and project a good image of Uganda. “Do what is right to avoid closing the opportunity for others. Israel has some of the best farmers in the world. Maximise your time to acquire knowledge and skills in different fields. There are numerous opportunities in Israel but for only those who are organized. You need to work as a team if you are to make significant strides, and when you return, deploy the knowledge acquired skilfully.”

Briefing the students on NDP III that seeks to make Agriculture profitable and sustainable, the Commissioner, Directorate of Planning and Development at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF), Mr. Walter Anguzu said a lot still needed to be done to improve the sector. “Many of our people are still in subsistence farming, grappling with challenges of low production, limited knowledge and skills, limited access to finances and market, and post-harvest losses. Our target is increase exports. Without exposure, we cannot reach where we need to be. We are grateful for this programme and I implore all of you beneficiaries to fully utilize this opportunity and acquire skills that will contribute to the transformation of agriculture in our country.”

On behalf of the Commissioner, Directorate of Agricultural Extension Services at MAAIF, Mr. Steven Magume congratulated the students upon acquiring a ‘golden’ opportunity to practice in one of the best agricultural countries. He appealed to the students to project a good image of the country when they go to Israel, and to work towards improving their soft skills. “Hard skills enable you to get a job but soft skills that include self-esteem, confidence, good attitude, and time management will keep you there.”

Highlighting the different national and global development programmes, the Deputy Principal of CAES, Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze emphasized the importance of Agriculture in the transformation nation states, and the need to improve investment in the sector. He appreciated the governments of Israel and Uganda for presenting an opportunity to Ugandan students to improve their Agrostudies skills. “As a University, we have a duty to develop human capital. The notion of producing graduates that are skilled is paramount in the transformation agenda of our country. The Agrostudies programme has played a vital role in changing the mind-set and enhancing the skills of many of our students.”

Dr Narisi Mubangizi, Lecturer in the Department of Extension and Innovation Studies, also part of the coordination team, urged the students to be good ambassadors and avoid engaging in activities that will tarnish the image of the country. “Focus on what you are going for, acquisition of knowledge and skills, and ensure you successfully complete the programme. The diploma you get at the end of the programme is very marketable worldwide.” Similarly, Dr Mildred Ochwo- Ssemakula, Head of the Coordination team implored the students to appreciate the importance of the programme and focus on acquiring knowledge and skills that will enable them make an impact on the agricultural sector back home.

Related link: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2022/10/mak-flags-off-50-students-for-agrostudies-internship-in-israel/

See details on the 2021-2022 cohort in Israel in the document below;