Agriculture & Environment

RUFORUM Newsletter 19th AGM Yaounde, Cameroon

Published

7 months ago

December 27, 2023

Mak Editor

H.E. Professor Jacques Fame Ndongo, Cameroon's State Minister, Ministry of Higher Education, representing H.E. Paul Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroon (2nd Right) receives a plaque from the Executive Secretary, Professor Patrick Okori (2nd Left) at the opening ceremony of the 19th RUFORUM AGM. Yaounde, Cameroon, Central Africa. — H.E. Professor Jacques Fame Ndongo, Cameroon's State Minister, Ministry of Higher Education, representing H.E. Paul Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroon (2nd Right) receives a plaque from the Executive Secretary, Professor Patrick Okori (2nd Left) at the opening ceremony of the 19th RUFORUM AGM.

This year, RUFORUM marks 19 years as an apex network for advancing agricultural higher and tertiary education in Africa. It is a milestone in the history of the organization as it progresses in its new journey as an adult organization. Incidentally, this 19^th Annual General Meeting (AGM) having in its side-lines scientific conference and side meetings is also the first time a meeting of this magnitude and scope has been held in Central Africa. The AGM, has been hosted by the Government and People of Cameroon. The RUFORUM network and partners are grateful for the patronage of His Excellency Paul Biya, the President and Head of State and the entire Government machinery who have made the 19^th AGM successful. Thank you, Merci beaucoup.

During the AGM, a number of African Governments and key African and global institutions together with the RUFORUM network were involved. The African Governments included Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Ghana, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The meeting also involved apex continental and global organizations, such as African Union Commission, the African Development Bank, The European Union, and The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Education and research agencies, such as, The Inter-University Council for East Africa, Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa, African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services, Sub-regional Research Organizations – ASARECA, CORAF-WECARD, CCARDESA, AgriNATURA, and One CGIAR, and key R&D programs (WACREN, AICCRA, IOFS, AWARD), also participated in various sessions.

The theme of the conference was “Transforming Higher Education to Sustainably Feed and Create Prosperity for Africa.” This theme was informed by:

First: Africa must become food secure. It must be an equal opportunity employer especially for its young population, being the youngest continent on the globe. It must also create wealth for its peoples, and unlock opportunity for the present and future posterity. These aspirations are summarized in Agenda 2063, and it is our collective duty to turn such key strategies and visions into actions and investments.

Second: Annually our continent generates 10-12 million new job entrants, but the African’s economy can only generate currently about 3 million jobs. We must therefore escalate and or rethink how we conduct training and skilling of our young people. Of importance is the need to address the issue of inclusion. Africa may not reap a demographic dividend, unless it delays the exit of young girls from education to motherhood, a process called demographic transition. Asia achieved its demographic transitions relatively earlier than Africa and has been able to make progress. Accordingly, we are working to increase our gender programming as a network, with an increase in gender inclusion and targeting to benefit more young women and girls. It is important to note that the women of Africa feed the continent and therefore need all our support to benefit themselves, their families and our continent. I invite you all to join us in this journey.

Third: Africa’s higher degree needs, especially doctoral degrees are dire. It is estimated that Africa must graduate 100,000 PhDs over a decade. Yet India with a similar population as Africa, 1.4 billion, graduates 24,000 PhDs annually compared to the projected 10,000 PhDs a year for Africa. We must therefore intensify postgraduate education to improve our scientists per million ratio, which is one of the lowest in the world. Africa’s low science human capital capability therefore affects its science agenda, discovery-to-delivery ecosystem functions, and must be remedied in earnest.

Fourth: Partnerships – Early this year, an Action Plan for engaging Apex Organizations for Education- RUFORUM, Research- FARA and the SROs- CORAF, ASARECA, CCADESSA, International research-One CGIAR and the Extension and advisory services – AFAAS was launched. It is a collective duty of all these apex organizations to leverage each other’s niches and comparative advantage to make agriculture work for Africa.

The RUFORUM network is grateful for the invaluable sacrifices, investments and hard work by its Cameroon member Universities, who through the stellar leadership of the RUFORUM Board Chair, Prof. Theresia Nkuo- Akenji, Vice Chancellor, University of Bamenda, who closely working with the other Rectors and Vice Chancellors in Cameroon, Prof. Horace Manga Ngomo, Rector, University of Buea, Prof. Idrissou Alioum, Rector, University of Maroua, Prof. Roger Tsafack Nanfosso, Rector, University of Dschang, and Prof Mamoudou Abdul Moumini Rector, University of Ngaoundere have made this 19th AGM happen. Thank you. We deeply thank the immediate past Vice Chancellor, University of Ngaoundere Prof. Florence Uphie Chinje who played a major role in hosting this AGM.

To the entire local organizing committee, RUFORUM Staff, partners and Governments who all tirelessly work to deliver a great meeting. Merci beaucoup.

The guidance and leadership provided by RUFORUM Member Universities Vice Chancellors and Rectors, Board Members, Principals and Deans, Academics and Students is highly commendable and speaks of a network that remains laser focused in making agriculture work for Africa.

Thank you everyone for making the 19^th AGM and conference a success. God bless you all, and God bless Africa!

Professor Patrick Okori
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

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Related Topics:19th AfDB Africa AGM AgriNATURA ASARECA Cameroon CGIAR EU food security Higher Education job creation Newsletter partnership PhD R&D RUFORUM Skilling Training Yaoundé

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Agriculture & Environment

Mak, Oregon State University Sign Cooperation Agreement

Published

3 days ago

July 19, 2024

Hasifa Kabejja

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signing the MoU between Makerere University and Oregon State University. Makerere University and Oregon State University MoU Signing to collaborate on i) Exchange of scholars and faculty staff, ii) Exchange of undergraduate and graduate students for research and study, iii) Exchange of academic information and materials, iv) Joint research activities and publications, v) Participation in conferences and academic meetings vi) Joint running of short-term academic programs, vii) Resource mobilization, 19th July 2024, Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 19^th July 2024 endorsed the Memorandum of Understanding between Makerere University and Oregon State University to collaborate in different aspects of academics. The MoU signing ceremony was witnessed by members of staff from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) namely; Dr Revocatus Twinomuhangi, Dean, School of Forestry, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences; Dr Lawrence Orikiriza Head, Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism; and Prof. Jim Ayorekire from the same department. Oregon State University was represented by Dr Ian E. Munanura, an Associate Professor in the Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, College of Forestry, and Ms. Racheal Fahrenbach, Manager International Programs at the College of Forestry. At Makerere, the MoU will be implemented by the Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism under the leadership of Prof. Jim Ayorekire. At Oregon State University, it will be implemented by the College of Forestry.

The VC together with representatives from Makerere CAES and Oregon State University display the MoU after the signing ceremony. Makerere University and Oregon State University MoU Signing to collaborate on i) Exchange of scholars and faculty staff, ii) Exchange of undergraduate and graduate students for research and study, iii) Exchange of academic information and materials, iv) Joint research activities and publications, v) Participation in conferences and academic meetings vi) Joint running of short-term academic programs, vii) Resource mobilization, 19th July 2024, Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — *The VC together with representatives from Makerere CAES and Oregon State University display the MoU after the signing ceremony.*

Under the MoU, the two institutions have agree to mutually promote the following programmes, based on their respective academic and educational needs; i) Exchange of scholars and faculty staff, ii) Exchange of undergraduate and graduate students for research and study, iii) Exchange of academic information and materials, iv) Joint research activities and publications, v) Participation in conferences and academic meetings vi) Joint running of short-term academic programs, vii) Resource mobilization in respect of areas of mutual interest, and any other areas which may promote their mutual interests.

The delegation from CAES and Oregon State University brief the VC about the MoU. Makerere University and Oregon State University MoU Signing to collaborate on i) Exchange of scholars and faculty staff, ii) Exchange of undergraduate and graduate students for research and study, iii) Exchange of academic information and materials, iv) Joint research activities and publications, v) Participation in conferences and academic meetings vi) Joint running of short-term academic programs, vii) Resource mobilization, 19th July 2024, Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — *The delegation from CAES and Oregon State University brief the VC about the MoU.*

During the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor noted that programmes agreed on in the MoU were in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, and would greatly advance Makerere’s aspiration to become a research-led University. “As we move towards becoming a research-led University, we aim to contribute to the realization of Agenda 2063 which seeks to have Africa produce at least one million PhDs as one of the measures to eradicate poverty from the continent. Partnerships like this will help us achieve our target, by building our supervision capacity,” he explained, pledging support towards the implementation of the MoU.

The VC shares insights on the collaboration. Makerere University and Oregon State University MoU Signing to collaborate on i) Exchange of scholars and faculty staff, ii) Exchange of undergraduate and graduate students for research and study, iii) Exchange of academic information and materials, iv) Joint research activities and publications, v) Participation in conferences and academic meetings vi) Joint running of short-term academic programs, vii) Resource mobilization, 19th July 2024, Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — *The VC shares insights on the collaboration.*

Dr Ian Munanura on behalf of Oregon State University expressed gratitude to work with Makerere, noting that the partnership would strengthen research capacity of the two institutions and support the mentorship of the next generation of scientists to deal with the challenges facing humanity including climate change and unemployment.

The VC presents sovernirs to Ms. Racheal Fahrenbach. Makerere University and Oregon State University MoU Signing to collaborate on i) Exchange of scholars and faculty staff, ii) Exchange of undergraduate and graduate students for research and study, iii) Exchange of academic information and materials, iv) Joint research activities and publications, v) Participation in conferences and academic meetings vi) Joint running of short-term academic programs, vii) Resource mobilization, 19th July 2024, Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — *The VC presents sovernirs to Ms. Racheal Fahrenbach.*

About the Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism at Makerere

The Department of Forestry, Biodiversity, and Tourism under the School of Forestry, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University offers programmes namely; Bachelor of Science in Conservation Forestry and Products Technology; Bachelor of Social and Entrepreneurial Forestry; and Master of Science in Agroforestry. Specific courses offered under those programmes include; Agroforestry Systems, Practices And Technologies; Drylands Agroforestry; Advanced Community Forestry; Gender Issues In Forestry; Advanced Biodiversity Conservation; Ecophysiology and Agronomy; Forestry For Rural Development; Natural Resource Management; Tropical Forest Ecology And Management; Forestry Business Management; Entrepreneurship In Forestry; Forestry And Food Security; Indigenous Knowledge in Resource Management; Biomass Energy Production and Conservation; Land Use Planning and Watershed Management; Forest Planning and Development; Forest Ecosystems and Livelihoods; and Forest Planning and Development. The Department also conducts a wide range of research in the fields highlighted above. The training offered exposes graduates from the department to a wide range of employment opportunities.

The VC presents sovernirs to Dr Ian E. Munanura. Makerere University and Oregon State University MoU Signing to collaborate on i) Exchange of scholars and faculty staff, ii) Exchange of undergraduate and graduate students for research and study, iii) Exchange of academic information and materials, iv) Joint research activities and publications, v) Participation in conferences and academic meetings vi) Joint running of short-term academic programs, vii) Resource mobilization, 19th July 2024, Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — *The VC presents sovernirs to Dr Ian E. Munanura.*

About the College of Forestry, Oregon State University

The Oregon State University College of Forestry is an internationally recognized leader that is transforming education, research and policy for managing and sustaining working forest ecosystems in the 21st century. The College offers a world-class education that provides a wide variety of opportunities following graduation. Academic excellence is the hallmark of the College of Forestry programs at Oregon State University. Ranked as one of the premier forestry schools in the world, students find a variety of programs that offer broad education, rigorous depth and professional focus. The College is known for its collaborative research approach to advance knowledge and bring solutions to issues facing forest landscapes and ecosystems. It takes pride in creating new and innovative approaches to help partners enhance people’s lives while improving the health of lands, businesses and vital ecosystems.

A group photo with the VC at the signing ceremony. Makerere University and Oregon State University MoU Signing to collaborate on i) Exchange of scholars and faculty staff, ii) Exchange of undergraduate and graduate students for research and study, iii) Exchange of academic information and materials, iv) Joint research activities and publications, v) Participation in conferences and academic meetings vi) Joint running of short-term academic programs, vii) Resource mobilization, 19th July 2024, Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — *A group photo with the VC at the signing ceremony.*

Agriculture & Environment

Call For Abstracts: 3rd International GORILLA Conference

Published

3 days ago

July 19, 2024

Mak Editor

The 3^rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change (GORILLA) aims to take stock of emerging geographic oriented science and knowledge for advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The GORILLA Conference seeks to harness geographic science to advance knowledge and foster positive change in understanding and addressing sustainable development challenges and opportunities at local, regional, national, and global scales. The specific objectives are to;

Facilitate exchange of contemporary resilience building knowledge and innovations in a transdisciplinary manner.
Enhance dialogue to bridge the science-policy-practice interface to address deficits that are limiting the resolution of pressing resilience challenges and shape policy agendas.
Enhance capacities and capabilities of early career scientists through mentorship and dedicated training focused on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Increase knowledge and scientific outputs from Sub-Saharan Africa by facilitating special issue publications
Provide an opportunity for increased networking and beneficial partnerships from attendees with varied backgrounds and professional affiliations to address complex sustainable development challenges.

Important dates

Conference Dates: 4^th – 6^th December 2024
Deadline for Submission of Abstracts: 30^th August 2024
Latest Notification of Abstract Acceptance: 31^st October 2024

Conference Topics

(a) Geographies of Climate Change, Climate Justice and Just Transition: Spaces and Patterns
(b) Biodiversity Informatics, Sustainable Ecosystems, Landscapes and People
(c) Green Growth and Transitions to Land Degradation Neutrality and Net Zero
(d) Water Governance and Watershed Resilience for Sustainable livelihoods
(e) Interconnected Geohazards and Disasters in a Changing World
(f) Polycrisis: Migration, Displacement, Conflict and Humanitarianism
(g) The changing Geography of Agrifood Systems
(h) Nature Based Solutions for Inclusive and Equitable Development
(i) Emerging and Novel Technologies for Societal Resilience
(j) Sustainable Cities and Urban Systems in SSA
(k) Geographies of Energy and Energy Transitions
(l) Environment and Health

Submission of Abstract

A 250-word abstract on the topics of the conference is required for those intending to make presentations. Both oral and poster presentations in the conference will be accepted. In addition, specific proposals for sessions may also be accepted. Abstracts will be submitted online at https://gorilla.mak.ac.ug.

Please see downloads for Conference Materials

Makerere-CAES-GORILLA-Conference-2024-Brochure Download

Makerere-CAES-GORILLA-Conference-2024-Poster Download

Agriculture & Environment

Mak, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology Sign Collaboration Agreement

Published

3 days ago

July 19, 2024

Hasifa Kabejja

The representative of Makerere University Vice Chancellor, also Dean SFEGS, Dr Revocatus Twinomuhangi handing over signed MoU to the Vice President of NUIST. Makerere University-Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST) MoU Signing to formalize collaboration in teaching and learning, research and publication, technology transfer, and resource mobilization, 12th July 2024, School of Forestry, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences (SFEGS) Board Room, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

*****Under the MoU, the two institutions will among other activities, collaborate in the areas of teaching and learning, research and publication, technology transfer, and resource mobilization in respect of areas of mutual interest.

Makerere University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST) to formalize collaboration. Under the agreement, the two institutions intend to leverage each other’s respective strengths, experience, technologies, methodologies, and resources to achieve shared and complementary goals. Areas of cooperation will include; i) Mobilization of resources in respect of areas of mutual interest, ii) Conducting research, publishing research findings, and promoting outreach to the relevant state and non-state actors, iii) Exchanging academic and technical information including transfer of technology between the two institutions within acceptable institutional structures and policies, iv) Staff and student exchanges, v) Strengthening networking and identifying partnership opportunities between the two institutions/parties, and vi) Organizing and participating in joint academic activities such as seminars, workshops and conferences in respect of areas of mutual interest. The two institutions are also in negotiations to establish an African climate school to strengthen research and training in atmospheric science/ meteorology.

The Representative of Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Dr Revocatus Twinomuhangi and the Vice President of NUIST signing the MoU. Makerere University-Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST) MoU Signing to formalize collaboration in teaching and learning, research and publication, technology transfer, and resource mobilization, 12th July 2024, School of Forestry, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences (SFEGS) Board Room, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — *The Representative of Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Dr Revocatus Twinomuhangi and the Vice President of NUIST signing the MoU.*

On 12^thJuly 2024, representatives from the two institutions met at Makerere University to sign the MoU and further deliberate on the proposed areas of collaboration. Besides the other proposed areas of collaboration, the meeting held at the School of Forestry, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences (SFEGS) discussed the Reverse 2+2 programme proposal, a joint education programme collaboratively designed by both parties. The programme is implemented in two phases. Phase one covers the first two years, during which students undertake full-time studies at a foreign institution, completing prescribed courses (earning transcripts from the foreign institution) and meeting admission requirements of NUIST. Phase two spans the next two years, with students studying full-time at NUIST. Upon completing the required courses, practical activities, and graduation projects offered by NUIST, students will receive a graduation diploma from NUIST and a bachelor’s degree from both institutions. At Makerere University, the MoU will be implemented by the School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, and will be coordinated by Dr Alex Nimusiima, Senior Lecturer and Coordinator of the Meteorology Unit. At NUIST, the programme will be managed by Dr. Yueyue Yu, Professor of school of Atmospheric Science.

Dr Revocatus Twinomuhangi briefing the NUIST delegation about Makerere, and specifically the School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences. Makerere University-Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST) MoU Signing to formalize collaboration in teaching and learning, research and publication, technology transfer, and resource mobilization, 12th July 2024, School of Forestry, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences (SFEGS) Board Room, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — *Dr Revocatus Twinomuhangi briefing the NUIST delegation about Makerere, and specifically the School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences.*

In his remarks presented by the Dean, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Dr Revocatus Twinomuhangi, Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe pledged support to ensure successful implementation of the programme. “The field of atmospheric science/ meteorology, the main focus of this cooperation, is very important especially for our country Uganda which depends mainly on rain-fed agriculture and also in this era of climate change where strengthening this discipline will be important for successful adaptation and mitigation of climate change,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of partnership in fostering Makerere’s aspiration of becoming a research-University.

The NUIST delegation during the MoU signing ceremony at Makerere. Makerere University-Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST) MoU Signing to formalize collaboration in teaching and learning, research and publication, technology transfer, and resource mobilization, 12th July 2024, School of Forestry, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences (SFEGS) Board Room, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — *The NUIST delegation during the MoU signing ceremony at Makerere.*

Commenting on the MoU, the Vice President Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology committed to support the programme with hope that it will serve as a role model in the educational cooperation between Uganda and China.

Prof. Dr. Yueyue Yu briefs the team about NUIS. Makerere University-Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST) MoU Signing to formalize collaboration in teaching and learning, research and publication, technology transfer, and resource mobilization, 12th July 2024, School of Forestry, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences (SFEGS) Board Room, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — *Prof. Dr. Yueyue Yu briefs the team about NUIS.*

About NUIST

Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST), founded in 1960 and renamed from Nanjing Institute of Meteorology in 2004, was designated as one of the national key institutions of higher education in 1978. NUIST is co-constructed by the Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government, the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), the State Oceanic Administration (SOA) and the Ministry of Education. In 2017, NUIST was on the list of China’s “Double First-class” construction universities and disciplines as well as Jiangsu high level universities. Currently, NUIST has about 35800 full-time students, including 28,300 undergraduate students, 6,200 postgraduate students and 1,300 international students. There are more than 2,000 full-time faculty members, with more than 120 high-end scholars including academicians of Chinese, EU, French, and Russian Academies of Sciences, MOE Special Professors and National Distinguished Young Scholars.

Prof. Dr. Yueyue Yu addressing the team on the cooperation agreement. Makerere University-Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST) MoU Signing to formalize collaboration in teaching and learning, research and publication, technology transfer, and resource mobilization, 12th July 2024, School of Forestry, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences (SFEGS) Board Room, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — *Prof. Dr. Yueyue Yu addressing the team on the cooperation agreement.*

NUIST has established cooperative relationship with over 100 overseas universities and colleges from over 30 countries and regions including Yale University, Harvard University, the University of Reading, the University of Manchester, South East Technological University, Carlton University, Delft University of Technology, Macquarie University and Monash University. To date, the WMO Regional Training Centre Nanjing at NUIST has trained over 4,300 senior meteorological and hydrological professionals for 158 countries and regions and become the world’s largest training centre of top quality. Diversified cooperation modes with worldwide first-class universities is a characteristic of NUIST’s international cooperation, among which to establish joint research institutes is the most effective one.

More photos from the event