Agriculture & Environment
RUFORUM 19th AGM Urges Africa to Take the Lead on Climate Action
By Agaba Issa Mugabo
As the impacts of climate change are increasingly being felt across Africa, the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) has reminded African Governments that their climate commitments are key to preserving the continent’s unique natural resources.
The appeal was made on 1st November 2023 in Yaoundé, Cameroon, where higher education leaders, researchers, policy makers, development partners, students, farmers, among others from across the African continent and the world gathered to discuss and lay strategies to transform agricultural higher education to contribute to Africa’s development.
In line with thematic areas of the 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting (AGM), the “Accelerating and Scaling-Up Africa’s Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Actions: Experiences and Lessons” side-event was held. The side-event provided a platform for participants to share experiences and lessons learned from initiatives such as; Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa project (AICCRA), the Global Research Alliance for Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA) and Responsible Artificial Intelligence for Climate Action in Africa (RAINCA). It served as a unifying platform where participants collectively envisioned a future characterized by integration and harmony of solutions.
Furthermore, the side-event emphasized the urgent need for swift and coordinated action to mitigate and adapt to the changing climate. The event featured discussions aimed at fostering efficiency, collaboration, and idea-sharing across various tracks.
Africa by virtue of its overreliance on rain-fed agriculture is vulnerable to climate change impacts. Predictions show that global warming of 1.5°C or 2.0°C, a now more than likely scenario, will shorten crop growth duration, aggravate droughts, and consequently reduce yield for major staple cereals.
Climate change adaptation is therefore necessary to reduce the likely impacts on agricultural productivity. Furthermore, mitigation actions are required to reduce on greenhouse gas emissions and enhance carbon sequestration.
In addition to sharing lessons and experiences, the side-event provided a forum to address challenges in accelerating and scaling up Africa’s climate change adaptation and mitigation actions.
Speakers and discussants emphasized the vital role of climate finance in unlocking Africa’s green energy potential and fostering climate-resilient development, with a call on African governments to allocate more financial resources to address climate challenges effectively.
Dr. Florence Nakayiwa Mayega, the Deputy Executive Secretary of RUFORUM, welcomed the attendees with a powerful message. “Africa can play a bigger role in climate change mitigation” she said, urging that “Governments and their people must mitigate climate change while preparing for climate change”.
The Deputy Executive Secretary said that the main objective of the side event was to explore how universities can play an active role in addressing climate change issues. She added that universities should therefore take keen interest in the climate change initiatives RUFORUM is engaged in.
“Under the AICCRA programme, RUFORUM has developed curricula for enhancing the use of validated climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and/or the climate information services (CIS) knowledge products developed by the CGIAR Centres and other research institutions” added Dr. Nakayiwa Mayega.
The modules and other technologies, practices and innovations developed under the AICCRA programme were showcased at the side-event. The meeting also explored avenues for mainstreaming CSA/CIS into university activities including university curricula, research and outreach.
Dr. Robert Zougmore the AICCRA West Africa Cluster Lead delivered the keynote address on Accelerating and scaling-up Africa’s climate change adaptation and mitigation actions: Experiences and lessons learned from AICCRA. He reported that AICCRA which started in 2012 has reached three million smallholder farmers in six countries including: Senegal, Ghana, Mali, Ethiopia, Kenya and Zambia. This, he said, had been achieved through a number of regional initiatives that complement national activities to deliver benefits for a broader range of stakeholders across East, West and Southern Africa.
“Africa, like other regions, has come to terms with the reality that climate change is already happening. The continent now knows that if left untamed, Africa’s economies, livelihoods and nature will be hit by severe climate-induced pressure,” said Dr. Zougmore.
“AICCRA has 45 packages that support millions of smallholder farmers across Africa to access and use proven innovations in climate information services and climate-smart agriculture,” he said.
Dr. Zougmore added that AICCRA believes that with better access to innovative technology and advisory services—linked to information about effective response measures—farmers are enabled to better anticipate climate events and take preventative action that helps their communities safeguard livelihoods and the environment.
He also said that close to 80 partner organisations across Africa are using AICCRA technologies to help farmers and ten agriculture data (Agdata) hubs have been established with the aim of transforming agriculture decisions in Africa. The hubs integrate data from multiple sources to help farmers make informed decisions about what crops or varieties to plant in a given location and when to sow them.
Addressing the audience on “Championing a transformative mode of Climate Change Action in Africa”, Dr. Ackim Mwape, from the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA) called for the continent’s increased determination to accelerate action on adaptation and finance in order to deliver climate justice that Africa deserves.
Dr. Mwape said that there is need to inject more financial resources in climate action solutions in Africa to ensure that communities can bolster their climate resilience. “Only USD 30 billion in climate financing flows into Africa annually, which is only 11% of the climate financing needs estimated at USD 280 billion a year,” he said.
He said that governments, the private sector, multilaterals and development partners need to do more to help close the climate financing gap on the continent that is not only the hardest hit by climate change but also sleepwalking into a potential catastrophe. Dr. Mwape added that the ongoing initiatives by international partners are still a drop in the ocean compared to financial resources needed to protect the most vulnerable.
He concluded by adding that failure to act now, not only exacerbates immediate risks but also threatens long-term resilience and contributes to social inequality and political instability. He reiterated that access to adequate financial resources is crucial for climate change adaptation and developed countries are expected to scale up climate finance for developing countries with a balanced allocation between adaptation and mitigation.
Discussing Climate Information Services (CIS) Curriculum Development and Research: Experiences from International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI), James Hansen a Senior Research Scientist at IRI, said that Africa requires climate information services that effectively meet African farmers’ decision-making needs in a variable and changing climate.
He said that well-functioning weather and climate information services can save lives and livelihoods. He added that in order for African communities and businesses to adapt more effectively to the inevitable impacts of climate change, CIS must be strengthened as comprehensively as possible.
Prof. Hansen however acknowledged that uptake and use of CIS in Africa is influenced by many factors including the lack of reliable historical observations, coarse scale of future climate projections, and weakly coordinated CIS delivery, among others.
Participants were urged to mitigate the effects of climate-related weather events and manage residual risks through participatory planning and comprehensive service delivery.
The side event concluded with a resounding message to the effect that: Africa is not just a continent facing climate impacts; it is a continent poised to lead the world in climate solutions.
During the same event, the GRA-RUFORUM Alumni Network in Africa was launched.
RUFORUM convenings are held annually and rotationally in countries where its member universities are based.
Agriculture & Environment
Enhancing Food Safety & Nutrition: Mak-CAES Equips Processors & Schools with Vital Skills
In a bid to enhance food safety, nutrition education, and the capacity of small enterprises, the Department of Food Technology and Nutrition (DFTN) at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, implemented a dynamic outreach and training programme during the 2024/2025 recess term. The initiative encompassed a variety of activities, including school-based nutrition awareness campaigns, diagnostic pre-visits to local food processors, and an intensive two-day hands-on training workshop held from 8th–9th September 2025 at the School of Food Technology, Nutrition, and Bioengineering (SFTNB), Makerere University.
The programme sought to address key challenges in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), product formulation, packaging and labelling, certification readiness, and market development for small-scale processors, while also strengthening nutrition knowledge among students and teachers in partner schools.
School trainings and diagnostics with local food processors
The programme commenced with school visits in July 2025 to Zainab Junior School (Makerere-Kavule), Hormisdallen Primary School (Kamwokya), and Makerere Modern Secondary School (Kikoni). Teams from the Department of Food Technology, and Nutrition engaged learners and teachers on balanced diets, hygiene, and the importance of locally available nutritious foods. Sessions also introduced students to career pathways in food science and nutrition.
Backed by student volunteers from Makerere University Human Nutrition Students’ Association (MUHUNSA) and the Makerere University Food Science and Technology Students’ Association (MUFOSTA), with support from NutriQuest, the Department conducted rapid diagnostics with local food processors in the bakery and dairy sectors. The assessments revealed a range of challenges: short shelf-life, poor fermentation control, packaging and labelling gaps, and documentation issues hindering the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) certification. These findings shaped the training curriculum.
From findings to action: Two-day practical training
The findings directly informed a two-day training held at the SFTNB from 8th– 9th September 2025. Attended by processors from across the cereal/grain and dairy value chains, including Calabash Dairies Ltd; True Uganda Adventures; Kikazi Agri Ltd; Sarah’s Cakes; AWAN Group; Green-door Supplies (U) Ltd; Glory Revolution Ltd; Westlink Delicacy Ltd; Mak-Soya Foods & Bakery; and Aleem Bakery, the workshop delivered practical sessions on:
- Good Manufacturing Practices and hygiene
- Product formulation and optimization
- Packaging, labelling, and UNBS compliance
- Equipment sourcing, waste management, and marketing
- Hands-on processing of yogurt (dairy, soy, millet-based), fruit drying, flour blending, and baking.
Outcomes
The initiative showed that simple, targeted improvements in processing practices can lead to significant benefits including enhanced food safety, improved product quality, and increased market confidence. In the classroom, nutrition education not only deepened students’ knowledge but also sparked interest in careers in food science. From small-scale processors to young learners, the initiative delivered broad, practical impact.
Commitments
Participants left with clear 60-day action plans, including:
- Improved batch documentation (e.g., pH, weights, traceability)
- Label standardization to meet UNBS guidelines
- Shelf-life testing and corrective action planning
- Product innovation (e.g., millet-yogurt blends, fortified flours)
- Follow-up visits with progress checklists and certification support
Remarks by the SFTNB leaders
In his remarks, Prof. Ivan Mukisa Muzira, Head of the Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, emphasized the value of academia-industry partnerships and encouraged participants to use the SFTNB’s facilities and expertise. He thanked the technical team – Dr. Robert Mugabi, Dr. Stellah Byakika, and Dr. Richard Bukenya, as well as the student associations that played a key role in delivery.
Dr. Julia Kigozi, Dean of the SFTNB, reaffirmed the School’s commitment to fostering ongoing partnerships and collaboration with food processors. Highlighting the importance of continued engagement, she encouraged all processors to actively utilize the resources and support services provided by the Food Technology Business Incubation Centre (FTBIC). Dr. Kigozi noted that the FTBIC is dedicated to assisting entrepreneurs and businesses in the food technology sector by offering expert guidance, technical assistance, and opportunities for innovation and growth. In the course of the event, Dr. Kigozi presented certificates of attendance to all the participants, acknowledging their commitment to advancing their skills and knowledge within the food processing industry.
Acknowledgement
On behalf of the Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, Dr Robert Mugabi expressed gratitude to Prof. Ivan Mukisa Muzira, Dr. Julia Kigozi, the technical leads, the student teams from MUHUNSA and MUFOSTA, NutriQuest, and all participating schools and enterprises for their partnership and engagement.
More photos about the trainings at: https://shorturl.at/FohFj
Compiled by Dr Robert Mugabi, Senior Lecturer, Department of Food Technology & Nutrition, CAES
Agriculture & Environment
13th International Working Conference on Stored Product Protection – October 2026
Agriculture & Environment
Mak Launches Phase II of the RUFS Project to Strengthen Climate Resilience & Food Security in Kasese & Mbale Districts
Following the success of its initial phase, Makerere University has launched Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) project, aimed at deepening food security and climate resilience in Kasese Municipality and Mbale City. Funded through the AgriFoSe2030 programme and coordinated by Prof. Frank Mugagga of the Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, the project continues to address urban food system challenges through inclusive, climate-smart, and community-driven solutions.
Achievements registered under Phase I of the RUFS Project
Phase I of the RUFS Project delivered a range of impactful outcomes aimed at building more inclusive and sustainable urban food systems. The achievements included:
- Formation of smallholder farmer platforms
- RUFS established the Kasese and Mbale City Food Systems Platforms, empowering smallholder farmers to actively shape resilient urban food systems.
- Multi-stakeholder collaboration
- The project facilitated dialogue among farmers, civil society, private sector actors, and local governments to improve coordination and governance.
- Exposure and exchange visits
- Learning exchanges and site visits enabled peer learning, spurred innovation, and encouraged the adoption of best practices across urban and peri-urban farming communities.
- Capacity building for local experts
- The project enhanced the technical and organizational capacities of local professionals, empowering them to lead and sustain resilient food system initiatives.
- Resource commitment from local governments
- Tangible commitments from local leaders demonstrated strong political will to support inclusive urban food systems.
- Recognition of smallholder farmers
- The contributions of smallholder farmers gained greater recognition, acknowledging their essential role in ensuring food security and urban resilience.
- Amplification of local voices
- Community stories, practices, and lessons were documented and shared widely, helping to shape urban food policies from a grassroots perspective.
Goals and focus of Phase II
Phase II of the RUFS project sets out to: 1) Strengthen flood and drought resilience in urban communities through strengthened stakeholder collaboration in Kasese and Mbale, 2) Raise community awareness on climate risks and equip residents with preventive and adaptive skills, 3) Integrate indigenous and local knowledge into policy and planning for more context-relevant decision-making, and 4) Co-develop knowledge with both state and non-state actors to promote inclusive and evidence-based decisions.
To achieve these goals, the project will strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Water and Environment, AidEnvironment, and potentially the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). It will engage a range of expertise, including flood and drought modeling, spatial analytics, economic assessment of loss and damage, and the reconstruction of socio-hydrological histories of river flows to inform current debates. Participatory methods will be central to the project’s approach, including charrettes (with role plays), walkshops and transect walks, participatory community mapping (of resources, actors, and hotspots), peer-to-peer learning, and experiential learning activities. The core team will be expanded to include policy actors, and innovative partnerships will be developed with government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Operation Wealth Creation (OWC). The project will also explore opportunities for shared use of limited public land for demonstration purposes, and emphasize co-creation of knowledge among all stakeholders.
RUFS Phase II stakeholder engagement in Kasese
The RUFS project team, led by Prof. Frank Mugagga, conducted a stakeholder engagement in Kasese from 17th to 20th August 2025. The primary objective of the engagement was to formally introduce the extension phase of the project and to foster in-depth discussions with key stakeholders on strategies aimed at enhancing and strengthening the ongoing operations.
The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including representatives from the local government, community leaders, implementing partners, and technical experts. Through collaborative dialogue and knowledge sharing, the team sought to align the project goals with community needs and to ensure effective coordination amongst all parties.
The engagement provided a vital platform for stakeholders to offer insights, address challenges, and contribute to the development of sustainable solutions that will drive the success of Phase II of the project.
Highlights from the workshop
Held at Rwenzori International Hotel in Kasese, the two-day workshop featured targeted presentations on enhancing smallholder farmers’ resilience to climate change, effective emergency response mechanisms in the face of climate extremes, and the role of advocacy in advancing community-led climate adaptation strategies.
In their presentation, Mr. Henry Stanley Mbowa (AidEnvironment) and Mr. Muhindo Assanairi Bukanywa (Kasese Agricultural Officer) shared insights on climate-resilient agronomic practices, covering a number of topics including land preparation, crop management, pest control, water conservation, postharvest handling, and market access.
Mr. Kipurah Gideon briefed participants on the role of the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) in emergency response, offering an insightful overview of the organization’s operations within disaster management frameworks. In relation to the RUFS Project, which focuses on enhancing urban resilience and food security, Mr. Kipurah explained how URCS integrates emergency response strategies to mitigate the impact of crises on vulnerable populations.
In his address, Mr. Lhughabwe Wilson, Principal Community Development Officer, Kasese Municipality, emphasized the pivotal role of advocacy in building climate-resilient communities. He noted that effective advocacy enables local stakeholders to influence policy, mobilize resources, and promote sustainable, community-driven solutions, all critical to developing resilient urban food systems in the context of growing climate uncertainties.
Remarks and success stories by the RUFS Champions
During the workshop, RUFS champions alongside several farmers from Kasese Municipality shared their success stories, highlighting the positive impact their initiatives have had on the community. Ms. Eunice Muyama, a Physical Planner from Mbale City and a committed RUFS Champion, emphasized the need to integrate urban farming into wider infrastructure development plans. She highlighted the challenges brought about by rapid urbanization, which continues to consume valuable land and reduce green spaces. “It is vital that we implement innovative planning strategies to make the most of even the smallest plots of land.” To set a practical example, she personally practices urban farming at her home, demonstrating that it is both feasible and beneficial to cultivate crops within city environments.
Mr. Juma Wephukhulu, a dedicated urban farmer in Mbale City credits the support of the RUFS Project for his transformative journey from a small-scale backyard gardener to a prominent agricultural entrepreneur and community mobilizer. In 2012, inspired by the story of a Kenyan woman who turned her backyard garden into a thriving vegetable supply business for Nairobi’s hotels, Juma made a life-changing decision. He resigned from his job of managing a guest house and embarked on a mission to replicate similar success through urban farming. With only 45,000 Ugandan shillings and a family of six in a rented home, his resolve to succeed was unwavering. “I was driven by the idea that wealth and opportunity can be right on your doorstep,” Juma said.
Starting in 2014, Juma laid out a detailed plan to establish a demonstration farm and training centre, supply fresh vegetables to neighbours, sell seedlings and mature plants, produce organic manure, and train local farmers. Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, his enterprise thrived, gaining traction through media appearances and community workshops.
A significant turning point came in 2021 when Juma was selected to participate in RUFS activities in Mbale. With the involvement of RUFS, Juma’s farm and leadership abilities gained greater recognition. He was elected Chairperson of the Mbale City Food Systems Platform (MCFS), further amplifying his impact in the region. The project support went beyond training and resources; they sponsored Juma and his colleague Mary to attend the prestigious Harvest Money Expo in Kololo, providing funds for food, transport, accommodation, and allowances. The project also facilitated media documentation of Juma’s success story through NBS and Salt TV, helping share his inspiring journey widely.
With RUFS assistance, Juma and his team registered their platform as a Community-Based Organization (CBO) in August 2022, gaining official recognition and access to wider partnerships. He recently completed a book chronicling his farming experiences, supported by RUFS, to inspire and educate others. “The RUFS Project has been instrumental in my growth, not just financially but in exposure, training, and networking. Their support has enabled me to dream bigger, including plans to establish a 10-acre incubator farm integrating crops, fish farming, poultry, and more,” he narrated.
Ms. Eunice Mutooro Sunday, an urban farmer in Kasese and lead smallholder on the RUFS Project, has become a passionate advocate for urban and kitchen farming in her district. Through her active participation in the RUFS Project, Ms. Mutooro gained invaluable exposure to innovative urban farming models and acquired advanced agricultural techniques that have significantly enhanced her farming practices. This experience not only deepened her knowledge but also ignited a strong passion to empower others around her. As a respected leader within her local church, she leverages her influential position to mobilize community members and champion sustainable agricultural practices. She has become the primary ambassador of the RUFS initiative in her congregation, where she leads training sessions focused on kitchen gardening and sanitation. To foster enthusiasm and engagement, she introduced friendly competitions among households, encouraging them to cultivate and consume a minimum of three different types of vegetables from their own gardens. This innovative approach has successfully motivated many families to embrace home-grown produce as part of their daily diet. Through her tireless efforts, she encourages everyone to become proactive agents of change.
Mr. Edrick Bwambale, a smallholder farmer based in Kasese Municipality explained how the RUFS Project inspired him to mobilise fellow youth to establish an organization focused on promoting sustainable agri-food systems. The organization, known as ‘Sustainable Agri-Food Initiative (SAFI)’, is now working to address key challenges in food systems within Kasese District.
Remarks by the district officials
Addressing the participants, the Deputy Mayor of Kasese Municipality, Mr. Mapungo Rabson, together with the Deputy Town Clerk, Mr. Kambasu Zedekiah Kayiri, expressed appreciation for the RUFS project. They commended its forward-thinking and strategic approach in addressing the complex challenges facing the district, particularly those arising from rapid urbanization. Both officials emphasized that initiatives like RUFS are essential for promoting sustainable development, enhancing food security, and building the resilience of urban communities amidst increasing environmental and socio-economic pressures. The Deputy Mayor emphasized the need for a sustainability plan to ensure that the benefits of such initiatives are maintained and enhanced over time.
Assessment of the progress of RUFS Phase II
At the end of the workshop, the RUFS team conducted site visits to assess the progress of Phase I initiatives. One such visit was to Mobuku II Cooperative Society, a farmer group established during Phase I that now includes 385 members, many of them women and youth. The cooperative has successfully secured fair contract farming deals, embraced agribusiness, and adopted climate-smart practices.
During the visit, in-depth discussions were held with cooperative leaders to identify opportunities for RUFS to continue strengthening support for smallholder farmers in Kasese. The dialogue focused on scaling sustainable farming techniques, improving market access, and enhancing the cooperative’s capacity to build resilience against climate-related challenges.
Way forward to ensure sustainability of the RUFS Project
Participants proposed that the municipality allocates land for community demonstration projects. Moving forward, Phase II of the project will focus on establishing and developing local demonstration sites. These sites will serve as key platforms to showcase tangible progress, innovative approaches, and best practices to stakeholders and the broader community. This strategy aims to encourage greater engagement, facilitate knowledge sharing, and promote the replication of successful models, thereby ensuring scalability and sustainability of the RUFS Project.
The project team held a similar engagement in Mbale City from 24th-27th August 2025.
Pictorial of the RUFS Project stakeholder engagement in Kasese Municipality –
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XM64I-bKTvGb-uN_w9jIxaAuOWJwFSZX?usp=sharing
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