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RUFORUM 19th AGM Urges Africa to Take the Lead on Climate Action

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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.

Dr. Florence Nakayiwa Mayega welcomes attendees. 19th RUFORUM AGM, Theme: “Transforming Higher Education to Sustainably Feed and Create Prosperity for Africa”, 28th October-2nd November 2023 “Accelerating and Scaling-Up Africa’s Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Actions: Experiences and Lessons” side-event 1st November 2023 at Palais de Congrès, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Africa.
Dr. Florence Nakayiwa Mayega welcomes attendees.

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 delivered the keynoted address. 19th RUFORUM AGM, Theme: “Transforming Higher Education to Sustainably Feed and Create Prosperity for Africa”, 28th October-2nd November 2023 “Accelerating and Scaling-Up Africa’s Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Actions: Experiences and Lessons” side-event 1st November 2023 at Palais de Congrès, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Africa.
Dr. Robert Zougmore delivered the keynoted address.

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.

Dr. Ackim Mwape, from the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA). 19th RUFORUM AGM, Theme: “Transforming Higher Education to Sustainably Feed and Create Prosperity for Africa”, 28th October-2nd November 2023 “Accelerating and Scaling-Up Africa’s Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Actions: Experiences and Lessons” side-event 1st November 2023 at Palais de Congrès, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Africa.
Dr. Ackim Mwape, from the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA).

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.

Prof. James Hansen a Senior Research Scientist at IRI underscored Africa's need for climate information services. 19th RUFORUM AGM, Theme: “Transforming Higher Education to Sustainably Feed and Create Prosperity for Africa”, 28th October-2nd November 2023 “Accelerating and Scaling-Up Africa’s Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Actions: Experiences and Lessons” side-event 1st November 2023 at Palais de Congrès, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Africa.
Prof. James Hansen a Senior Research Scientist at IRI underscored Africa’s need for climate information services.

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.

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Agriculture & Environment

Mak Unveils Key Findings on Urban Development Challenges in Kampala, Proposes Reforms for Improvement

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Some of the researchers with the Chief Guest, Hon. Mario Obiga Kania, Minister of State for Urban Development and the representative of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Edward Bbaale at the launch of the report at Fairway Hotel. Makerere University Urban Action Lab, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) launch of comprehensive report, part of the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC) program, detailing key challenges affecting urban development in Kampala, one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, annual population growth rate of 5.6%, by Hon. Mario Obiga Kania, Minister of State for Urban Development, 13th February 2025, Fairway Hotel, Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University has released a comprehensive report detailing the key challenges affecting urban development in Kampala, one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities. With an annual population growth rate of 5.6%, Kampala faces significant pressure on its infrastructure and urban systems. The report, part of the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC) program, aims to provide actionable insights to improve the living conditions and urban services for all residents, especially marginalized communities.

Launched by Hon. Mario Obiga Kania, the Minister of State for Urban Development, on 13th February 2025, the report explores the political, social, and infrastructural dynamics that have shaped urban development in Kampala. The analysis covers critical domains, including informal settlements, youth and capability development, land and connectivity, and health, wellbeing, and nutrition.

Uganda's Minister of State for Urban Development, Hon. Mario Obiga Kania (in green) officially launched the report. Makerere University Urban Action Lab, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) launch of comprehensive report, part of the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC) program, detailing key challenges affecting urban development in Kampala, one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, annual population growth rate of 5.6%, by Hon. Mario Obiga Kania, Minister of State for Urban Development, 13th February 2025, Fairway Hotel, Uganda, East Africa.
Uganda’s Minister of State for Urban Development, Hon. Mario Obiga Kania (in green) officially launched the report.

A Holistic Approach to Kampala’s Urban Challenges

The findings are based on extensive research by Makerere University‘s Urban Action Lab, with contributions from scholars, practitioners, and experts both local and international. The report identifies the most pressing challenges facing the city, particularly for its disadvantaged communities, and provides a framework for addressing these issues in a way that is equitable, sustainable, and inclusive. Key contributors to the research include: Dr. Paul Isolo Mukwaya, lead author and Head, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University; Ms. Judith Mbabazi, Researcher, Urban Action Lab, Makerere University; Prof. Henrik Ernstson, Honorary Senior Research Fellow, The University of Manchester, UK; Dr. Peter Kasaija, Dr. Daniel Ochieng Ologe, Dr. Ritah Nakanjako, and Dr. Kareem Buyana, Researchers, Urban Action Lab, Makerere University; Ms. Hasifa Namuli, Wakiso Town Council Planner; Dr. Gloria Seruwagi, School of Public Health, Makerere University; Dr. Nansozi K. Muwanga, and Patricia Liola Tona Katto, Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre; Dr. Henry Bazira, Ms. Maria Ssematiko, Dr. Eria Serwajja, Mr. Muhamed Lunyago, and Dr. Doreen Kobusingye.

The ACRC Report. Makerere University Urban Action Lab, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) launch of comprehensive report, part of the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC) program, detailing key challenges affecting urban development in Kampala, one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, annual population growth rate of 5.6%, by Hon. Mario Obiga Kania, Minister of State for Urban Development, 13th February 2025, Fairway Hotel, Uganda, East Africa.
The ACRC Report.

Key Findings

  1. Infrastructure Deficits: The city is struggling with significant deficits in infrastructure and service provision, which are further exacerbated by rapid population growth.
  2. Governance Challenges: Multiple actors, including the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and the central government, often fail to coordinate effectively on service delivery. This lack of coordination leads to inefficiencies and contestations within city systems.
  3. Inequality in Service Delivery: Informal settlements are disproportionately affected by poor service delivery, including inefficient transport, inadequate electricity distribution, and insecure neighbourhoods.
  4. Privatization and Market-Driven Approaches: Privatization of services has led to a fragmented system, where gaps in service delivery are filled by private actors, resulting in unreliable and inaccessible services for many, particularly in informal settlements.
  5. Mistrust and Governance Issues: Political struggles, corruption, and ineffective governance slow down reform efforts and hinder sustained investment in key urban sectors.
  6. Political Elites and Informality: The influence of political and business elites operating informally impacts critical decisions on urban development, particularly regarding land, infrastructure, and public services.
  7. Health and Nutrition Gaps: Despite abundant food, low incomes and poor nutrition knowledge contribute to poor health outcomes. A more informed and accessible approach to nutrition is needed.
  8. Youth and Vulnerability: Kampala’s youth, who represent 46% of the population, are underserved by policies and face high rates of teenage pregnancies and drug abuse, perpetuating cycles of poverty.
  9. Land Market Exploitation: Land brokers take advantage of information gaps in the land market, complicating efforts to address housing and land tenure issues.
  10. Informal Settlements and Political Capital: Informal settlements in Kampala are becoming significant for economic rents and political leverage, which further complicates efforts to address urban challenges.
The Lead Author, Dr Paul Isolo Mukwaya briefs participants about the project. Makerere University Urban Action Lab, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) launch of comprehensive report, part of the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC) program, detailing key challenges affecting urban development in Kampala, one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, annual population growth rate of 5.6%, by Hon. Mario Obiga Kania, Minister of State for Urban Development, 13th February 2025, Fairway Hotel, Uganda, East Africa.
The Lead Author, Dr Paul Isolo Mukwaya briefs participants about the project.

Proposed Reforms

The report suggests several priority reforms to improve Kampala’s urban development, including:

  1. Upgrading Informal Settlements: Addressing poor housing conditions and infrastructure in informal settlements.
  2. Proper Land Registration: Enhancing land tenure security through improved registration systems.
  3. Waste Management and Public Health: Implementing sustainable waste management systems and promoting healthy diets through public health campaigns.
  4. Youth Skills Development: Creating apprenticeship programs, vocational training, and life-skills initiatives for youth.
  5. Improving State Capabilities: Strengthening the capacity of local and central governments to manage urban challenges, with a focus on financing, human resource development, and forging productive partnerships with non-state actors.
  6. The authors stress the importance of community participation in governance and propose that economists, urban researchers, and other stakeholders provide urban policy advice without being seen as political opposition.
  7. Other proposed initiatives include: i) the Kawenja Plastic Waste Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub aims to improve a slum upgrading project in Kisenyi III, focusing on flood control and livelihood enhancement. It will create a network of plastic waste collectors, conduct a situation analysis, and collaborate with Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and other agencies. The initiative will involve procuring and installing equipment to formalize recycling efforts. ii) Improved Hygiene and Sanitation at Ggaba Market: To address hygiene and sanitation challenges faced by food vendors, the report proposes the installation of a sludge transfer tank and a three-wheeler vehicle at Ggaba Market. This intervention aims to enhance sanitation standards and create a healthier environment for both vendors and customers.
Hon. Mario Obiga Kania addresses participants. Makerere University Urban Action Lab, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) launch of comprehensive report, part of the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC) program, detailing key challenges affecting urban development in Kampala, one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, annual population growth rate of 5.6%, by Hon. Mario Obiga Kania, Minister of State for Urban Development, 13th February 2025, Fairway Hotel, Uganda, East Africa.
Hon. Mario Obiga Kania addresses participants.

Remarks from Key Stakeholders

The meeting was attended by representatives from government and non-government organizations, as well as leaders from the Kampala Capital City Authority, who shared insights into the city’s development challenges and proposed several reforms for improvement.

Some of the participants at the workshop at Fairway Hotel in Kampala. Makerere University Urban Action Lab, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) launch of comprehensive report, part of the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC) program, detailing key challenges affecting urban development in Kampala, one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, annual population growth rate of 5.6%, by Hon. Mario Obiga Kania, Minister of State for Urban Development, 13th February 2025, Fairway Hotel, Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the participants at the workshop at Fairway Hotel in Kampala.

Hon. Mario Obiga Kania, Minister of State for Urban Development

In his address, Hon. Mario Obiga Kania, Minister of State for Urban Development encouraged city leaders to view Kampala’s challenges as opportunities for growth. He highlighted the city’s potential to generate revenue for Uganda and emphasized the need for systemic improvements in service delivery.  The Minister commended the researchers and committed to supporting the implementation of their recommendations. “Research should be viewed as a tool for solving issues, not just lamenting over them. Our leaders need to recognize Kampala as an integral part of Uganda’s governance due to its vital role in the country’s development. We must prioritize making Kampala thrive, as it is the central hub for commercial activity. City planning should accommodate and support informal trade effectively. Moving forward, we must focus on reducing youth unemployment through life-skills programs. Additionally, there is an urgent need to improve waste management, enhance financial literacy, and better regulate refugee affairs.”

Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences, Makerere representing the Vice Chancellor, highlighted the University's critical role in reforming the city. Makerere University Urban Action Lab, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) launch of comprehensive report, part of the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC) program, detailing key challenges affecting urban development in Kampala, one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, annual population growth rate of 5.6%, by Hon. Mario Obiga Kania, Minister of State for Urban Development, 13th February 2025, Fairway Hotel, Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences, Makerere representing the Vice Chancellor, highlighted the University’s critical role in reforming the city.

 The Lord Mayor of Kampala

Briefing participants on the city development challenges, the Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago expressed concern over the growing political interference and the lack of funding for planned activities. “On several occasions, we have struggled to address issues of physical planning, yet Kampala still lacks a structural plan. The Directorate of Physical Planning at KCCA is the least funded. While Kampala boasts of the best natural environment, its built environment is among the worst. There is a pressing need to transform the city’s vast slums into the ‘Garden City of Africa’.”  He expressed gratitude to ACRC for the report, noting that its findings would be crucial in guiding the implementation of reforms in the City.

The Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago briefed the participants on the City's development plans and challenges. Makerere University Urban Action Lab, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) launch of comprehensive report, part of the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC) program, detailing key challenges affecting urban development in Kampala, one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, annual population growth rate of 5.6%, by Hon. Mario Obiga Kania, Minister of State for Urban Development, 13th February 2025, Fairway Hotel, Uganda, East Africa.
The Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago briefed the participants on the City’s development plans and challenges.

Vice Chancellor’s address

 In his address, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, represented by Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, expressed appreciation to the ACRC research team for dedicating their time and resources to investigate the challenges hindering progress in the city. “As Vice Chancellor, I acknowledge the significant role our university plays in shaping the future of Kampala and Uganda. Our mission to foster innovation, research, and education must address the challenges of urban development, enabling us to create sustainable solutions for growth. A key issue is the growing demand for housing, driven by Kampala’s rapid population growth. However, the supply of affordable, quality housing has not kept up, resulting in overcrowded slums and poor living conditions. As an academic institution, we are well-placed to contribute by researching affordable building technologies, promoting sustainable urban planning, and collaborating with policymakers to ensure equitable housing for all.”

Dr Patrick Byakagaba from the Department of Environmental Management, Makerere University, moderated the workshop. Makerere University Urban Action Lab, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) launch of comprehensive report, part of the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC) program, detailing key challenges affecting urban development in Kampala, one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, annual population growth rate of 5.6%, by Hon. Mario Obiga Kania, Minister of State for Urban Development, 13th February 2025, Fairway Hotel, Uganda, East Africa.
Dr Patrick Byakagaba from the Department of Environmental Management, Makerere University, moderated the workshop.

Commenting on the challenges posed by the city’s population growth, the Vice Chancellor pointed out the inadequacies in transport infrastructure and waste management. He stressed the importance of collaborating with researchers to develop alternative transportation models, smart mobility solutions, and urban planning that prioritizes walkability while reducing reliance on private cars. Additionally, he highlighted the need for further research into waste-to-energy technologies, the creation of sustainable waste management systems, and the promotion of environmentally responsible practices.

Hon. Mario Obiga Kania appending his signature on the report. Makerere University Urban Action Lab, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) launch of comprehensive report, part of the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC) program, detailing key challenges affecting urban development in Kampala, one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, annual population growth rate of 5.6%, by Hon. Mario Obiga Kania, Minister of State for Urban Development, 13th February 2025, Fairway Hotel, Uganda, East Africa.
Hon. Mario Obiga Kania appending his signature on the report.

“As Kampala expands, we must also consider the preservation of its natural environment. Green spaces, parks, and urban forests are essential for the well-being of the city’s inhabitants. They provide recreational areas, improve air quality, reduce urban heat, and contribute to the overall aesthetic of the city,” he explained.

Prof. Shuaib Lwasa, Founder of the Urban Action Lab at Makerere University highlighting critical areas for intervention including the land and youth question, informal settlements and economic development. Makerere University Urban Action Lab, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) launch of comprehensive report, part of the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC) program, detailing key challenges affecting urban development in Kampala, one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, annual population growth rate of 5.6%, by Hon. Mario Obiga Kania, Minister of State for Urban Development, 13th February 2025, Fairway Hotel, Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Shuaib Lwasa, Founder of the Urban Action Lab at Makerere University highlighting critical areas for intervention including the land and youth question, informal settlements and economic development.

Mr. Joseph Walter Pade, the Commissioner, Urban Development at the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, emphasized the need to involve the entire country in addressing the challenges facing Kampala. He also highlighted the importance of changing mindsets to tackle the city’s development issues.

Makerere University Urban Action Lab, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) launch of comprehensive report, part of the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC) program, detailing key challenges affecting urban development in Kampala, one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, annual population growth rate of 5.6%, by Hon. Mario Obiga Kania, Minister of State for Urban Development, 13th February 2025, Fairway Hotel, Uganda, East Africa.
The research team with key stakeholders at the workshop.

The Dean of the School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Dr. Revocatus Twinomuhangi, commended the research team for the excellent work and called for the wider dissemination of the findings to maximize their impact.

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Advanced training course in Deforestation-Free Supply Chain Management

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The road leading to Makerere University's Bundongo Conservation Field Station (BCFS), Budongo Forest, Masindi District, Uganda. Date taken: 6th October 2010

Deforestation and degradation of forest resources are among the primary drivers of the climate crisis and the accelerating loss of biodiversity on a global scale while also contributing to social inequalities.

Under the European Union Regulation on deforestation-free products, commonly known as EUDR, European companies are required to verify—through due diligence procedures—that raw materials and specific forest-risk commodities (FRCs) placed on or exported from the EU market are “deforestation-free.

This course aims to bridge the skills gap between market demands and available expertise by equipping participants with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in deforestation-free supply chain (DFSC) management.

Duration

125 hours – March to May 2025 – Classes start on 03/03/2025

Click link below for details

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Agriculture & Environment

Mak, CGIAR GENDER Impact Platform drive equitable & inclusive agricultural development through enhanced gender & agriculture curricula

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Coffee drying. Photo: Kimbugwe Fredrick. Efforts to enhance the gender and agriculture curriculum as an avenue to drive equitable and inclusive agricultural development. This work was done through a partnership between the Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and the CGIAR GENDER Impact Platform.

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

Overview

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

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

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

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

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

A section of CAES Masters graduates at the 74th graduation ceremony of Makerere University. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 2, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), 30th January 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
A section of CAES Masters graduates at the 74th graduation ceremony of Makerere University.

A consultative approach to gender and agriculture curriculum development

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

Stakeholders during the Physical consultation workshop in Kampala. Credit: Geoffrey Kasujja. Efforts to enhance the gender and agriculture curriculum as an avenue to drive equitable and inclusive agricultural development. This work was done through a partnership between the Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and the CGIAR GENDER Impact Platform.
Stakeholders during the Physical consultation workshop in Kampala. Credit: Geoffrey Kasujja.

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

Revised materials hosted on the Makerere University e-learning portal. Efforts to enhance the gender and agriculture curriculum as an avenue to drive equitable and inclusive agricultural development. This work was done through a partnership between the Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and the CGIAR GENDER Impact Platform.
Revised materials hosted on the Makerere University e-learning portal.

Longer-term postgraduate programs Vs short- term courses

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

Proposed structure and next steps

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

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

Resources:

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

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

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

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

For more information, please contact:

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

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