Agriculture & Environment
FoodLAND Project 4th Annual Meeting Takes Stock of Progress, Discusses Strategies for Future Implementation
Overview
While Africa has potential to grow diversity of food, the continent suffers high levels of under-nutrition, nutritional deficiencies, food poisoning and has in recent decades also registered marked rise in prevalence of over-nutrition and associated non-communicable diseases. Over 20% of Africa’s population face chronic hunger and approximately 30% of children below five years on the continent are stunted as a result of chronic under-nutrition. Prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies is also widespread, especially among children under five years of age and women of reproductive age. The high prevalence of under-nutrition and nutritional deficiencies has been associated with poor mental development among children, leading to low productivity in adulthood. It is also linked to approximately half of mortalities recorded among under-fives. In adults, under-nutrition and nutritional deficiencies lead to low productivity, poor health and poor pregnancy outcomes.
Food and Local, Agricultural, and Nutritional Diversity (FoodLAND) project aims to develop, implement and validate innovative, scalable and sustainable technologies aimed at supporting the nutrition performance of local food systems in Africa, while strengthening agro-biodiversity and food diversity as well as diversity of healthy diets. FoodLAND adopts a bottom-up approach and bases the initiatives to be carried out on producers’ and consumers’ motivations, needs and choices. The starting point is to draw a picture of consumers’ and producers’ preferences and behaviours, to detect food-related decision-making processes and factors. Funded to the tune of 7 million euros by the European Commission within the Horizon 2020 programme, and led by Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna (Italy), the project is committed to developing a range of innovations for local agriculture and aquaculture development, as well as to nudging consumers towards healthier eating behaviour in six African countries: Morocco, Tunisia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. The project specifically aims to empower smallholder farmers and food operators, foster nutrition responsive and sustainable agro-biodiversity, reinforce the productivity and resilience of food supply chains, and create new market opportunities at both the local and global scales, thereby encouraging the flourishing of rural communities. These achievements are envisaged to benefit both African and European consumers by providing them with traditional-based, healthy, nutritious foods, while encouraging the diffusion of African diets and aiding the fight against malnutrition, particularly in women and children. Uganda’s project team includes Prof. John Muyonga and Prof. Johnny Mugisha from CAES; Dr. Cassius Aruho, Dr. Puline Nakyewa, Dr. Margaret Masette, Dr. Getrude Atukunda and Dr. Justus Rutaisire from NARO; Mr. Henry Nsereko from VEDCO; and Prof. Dorothy Nakimbugwe from Nutreal.
Expected outcome
Launched in 2020, the project was envisaged to create a network of 14 local Food Hubs—paired with 14 separate cities in these countries—that would mobilise relevant actors in rural, urban and peri-urban communities and serve as injection points for testing and introducing the innovations. The 28 partners that comprise the FoodLAND consortium (18 of them African institutions while the other 10 are European) were expected to work together to develop, implement and validate 12 technological innovations; which include organizational and technological innovations for both vegetable and fish farming and food processing systems, together with 17 novel local food products, ranging from fresh, dried and processed vegetables and fish to composite flours and therapeutic foods.
Achievements registered thus far
To date, the project team in Uganda has registered a number of achievements including;
- New nutrient enhanced food products – Noodles containing orange fleshed sweetpotatoes and biofortified beans; instant flours containing orange fleshed sweetpotatoes, biofortified beans and grain amaranth; and dry eggplant. Arrangements are in place for commercialization of the technologies by SMEs.
- Establishment of infrastructure at MUARIK for research and training on fertigation (irrigation that supplies water together with manure) and precision irrigation.
- Development of technology for smart cold storage of perishable foods such as fruits and vegetables. The technology allows for remote monitoring of temperature and relative humidity.
- Development of technology for rodent control in stores. This technology has been shown to be effective in preventing of rodent damage to food in stores.
- Promotion of agro-ecological intensification – Applying ecological principles to ensure sustainable agricultural production.
- Testing application of biobased packaging of food
- Training of 100 farmers in different production technologies.
- Training of 3 M.Sc.
- Developing of nutrition guidelines for adults and the elderly.
The 4th Annual Meeting
The 4th Annual Meeting held at Hotel Africana in Kampala from 18th-20th January 2024 and attended by over 70 representatives from partner institutions took stock of the achievements and discussed strategies for future implementation. During the meeting, the partners shared insights on consumer research, specifically focusing on the implications for innovations, and for food and nutrition security. They also deliberated on the progress made in the areas of precision agriculture, farming and food processing systems and food stability and safety, and brainstormed on strategies for reaching out to the urban and rural population, raising awareness among vulnerable groups and promoting the project novel foods. On the meeting agenda were focused group activities and discussions on the innovations that are being developed and tested in the partner countries – validation of technological research and innovation.
Relevance of the project
Addressing participants, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs at Makerere University, Prof. Umar Kakumba commended FoodLAND as an extremely important project for Africa that directly responds to the aspirations of Sustainable Development Goals 1 (No poverty), 2 (Zero hunger), 3 (Good health and wellbeing). “The project also directly addresses goals 3 (healthy and well-nourished citizens), 5 (modern agriculture for increased productivity and production), and 7 (environmentally sustainable and climate resilient economies and communities) of Africa’s agenda 2063. It also aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plan 3 which has agro-industrialisation as the first strategy, and contributes to the three core mandates of Makerere University, which are training, research and knowledge transfer partnerships. The project is well aligned to Makerere University’s 2020-2030 Strategic Plan, which among others, seeks to strengthen generation and uptake of knowledge and technologies that contribute to socio-economic transformation of people in Uganda and beyond.” Commenting on the low level of research uptake, with only 14% of research conducted globally finding some form of application, Prof. Kakumba commended the FoodLAND model which starts with baseline studies to understand the needs and preferences of the target population, participatory technology development and a focus on technology dissemination, noting that the strategy improves likelihood for uptake of research outputs. “Low research uptake translates into enormous waste of financial resources and human effort.” Prof. Kakumba appreciated the EU for the funding extended towards research and other development initiatives at Makerere and Uganda in general.
Way forward on improving production and productivity
Delivering a presentation on the Research and Innovation Strategy for Africa: Challenges and Opportunities, the Executive Secretary of RUFORUM, Prof. Patrick Okori pointed the need to increase and balance investment in Agriculture, and to engage science, technology and innovation in enhancing production and productivity. “Africa still has the largest arable land yet most of our production is less than 50%. We need to leverage science, technology and innovation to enhance production and productivity. There is need to harness the digital revolution to support translation of knowledge. Universities should also move from project-based research to programmes.”
The FoodLAND consortium
Research partners:
- Alma Mater Studiorum – Università Di Bologna (Coordinator), Italy
- Agroscope, Switzerland
- The James Hutton Institute, UK
- Copenhagen Business School, Denmark
- Ecole Nationale d’Agriculture de Meknes, Morocco
- Institut Supérieur Agronomique de Chott-Mariem, Tunisia
- Institut National Agronomique de Tunisie, Tunisia
- Mekelle University, Ethiopia
- University of Nairobi, Kenya
- Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania
- Makerere University, Uganda
- National Agricultural Research Organisation, Uganda
Partners for agriculture/aquaculture promotion and sustainable development in Africa
- Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Agency Tigrai, Ethiopia
- Ministry of Agriculture Livestock and Fisheries, Kenya
- Comitato Europeo per la Formazione e l’Agricoltura, Italy
- Relief Society of Tigray, Ethiopia
- Volunteer Efforts for Development Concerns, Uganda
- Farm Concern International, Kenya
- Helvetas Tanzania, Switzerland
- Groupement d’Intérêt Economique ZoyoutDir Béni Mellal, Morocco
- Groupement de développement agricole HrayerGloubthiran, Tunisia
Small and medium-sized companies in the food sector
- Kitui Enterprise Promotion Company Limited, Kenya
- Tamarillo Kenya Limited, Kenya
- Katundu Traders Limited, Tanzania
- Nutreal Limited, Uganda
- AquaBioTech Limited, Malta
Industrial partner
- NovamontS.p.A, Italy
Communication and IPR management partners
- ElhuyarFundazioa, Spain
- EURICE, Germany
Agriculture & Environment
Launch of the MUJAES Online Submission System & Call for Manuscripts for Volume 15 (Issue 1)
Makerere University students have once again demonstrated academic excellence and commitment to environmental conservation after emerging as the overall winners in the Uganda Wildlife Authority Tertiary Institutions Conservation Competitions held during the national celebrations to mark the World Wildlife Day.
On 25th February, a team of eight students, including members of the Makerere University Tourism Association (MUTA), proudly represented the university at the competitions organized by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The event took place at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe and brought together students from various tertiary institutions across the country to showcase knowledge and innovation in wildlife conservation.
The competitions formed part of the activities marking World Wildlife Day and were held under the theme “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conservation, Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.” The theme highlighted the importance of protecting plant biodiversity, particularly species that support traditional medicine, cultural heritage, and sustainable livelihoods.
After a highly competitive contest that tested participants’ knowledge of conservation, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability, Makerere University emerged as the overall winner. The Uganda Wildlife Research and Training College finished as the first runner-up, while Nkumba University secured the second runner-up position.
The team’s achievement was officially recognized during the national World Wildlife Day celebrations held on 3rd March at the Entebbe Works Grounds. During the ceremony, the students were awarded a trophy in recognition of their outstanding performance.
The award was presented by Uganda’s Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, alongside the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Tom Butime, and the State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Martin Mugarra. The leaders commended the students for their remarkable achievement and emphasized the critical role young people play in promoting conservation and protecting Uganda’s natural heritage.
The winning team comprised students from diverse academic disciplines as follows:
- Iradikunda Jemimah – Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Technology
- Nankabirwa Edith Mirembe – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Agenrwoth Brenda – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Joel Kibirango – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Elvis Mujuni Kamara – Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (Botany/Zoology)
- Kamyuka Ben – Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (Botany/Zoology)
- Karisa Geofrey – Bachelor of Science in Forestry
- Nyangoma Caroline – Bachelor of Science in Forestry
According to Prof. Jim Ayorekire, Head, Department of Tourism at Makerere University, the win not only highlights Makerere University’s continued leadership in conservation education but also underscores the importance of empowering young people to take an active role in protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable use of natural resources.
Agriculture & Environment
From Campus to Community: Universities Lead Teso in Fight Against Greenhouse Gas Emissions
By John Omoding
When Immaculate Acom inhaled smoke from traditional firewood stoves, it was a daily struggle. Her eyes watered, her lungs ached, and cooking became a source of illness rather than nourishment.
Today, Acom’s home in Aten Village, Odudui Parish, Arapai Sub-county, Soroti District, has transformed into a living laboratory for green energy solutions, a hub where university researchers, students, and local farmers collaborate on practical strategies to combat climate change.
“I used to cough every time I cooked. Now, with a biogas digester built by my husband, I can cook and light our home safely,” she says, pointing to the small green dome beside her house. “This is a relief for all the mothers in the community.”
Bringing Academia to the Grassroots
Acom’s story is part of the TORCH Project, a multi-university initiative involving Makerere University, Busitema University, Kabale University, and the University of Juba. The project seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable practices at the community level.
Unlike conventional environmental campaigns, the TORCH Project emphasizes direct engagement with local communities. Role models within villages are identified and trained in modern agricultural practices, clean energy use, and environmentally friendly living standards.
Dr. Jolly Akullo Oder, TORCH Project Coordinator at Busitema University, explains:
“Our mandate is to go to the community, share knowledge, listen to their challenges, and co-create solutions. This is not about lecturing – it’s about learning together.”
The project’s operational area spans a ten-square-kilometer zone around Busitema University’s Arapai campus, where researchers, students, and community members meet regularly to exchange ideas and implement practical solutions.
A Living Lab for Green Growth
The initiative, branded as a living lab, aims to achieve green growth, rural carbon credits, and the adoption of affordable green technologies.
Dr. Patrick Musinguzi, Principal Investigator from Makerere University, emphasizes the community-centric approach: “We are here to sit at the table with the community, discuss the challenges of global warming and greenhouse gas emissions, and chart a path forward together. Awareness is the first step to action.”
The project focuses on tangible interventions, including biogas digesters, sustainable tree planting, and energy-efficient farming methods, to reduce carbon emissions at the household and community level.
Community Voices: From Awareness to Action
For local farmers like John Michael Elebu, the university outreach is both eye-opening and practical. “I’ve never seen academics come to the community and engage with us so openly. I hope they can provide free improved tree seedlings to support our farming and fight climate change,” Elebu said.
Acom urges men in the community to take an active role in adopting clean energy technologies. Her husband, David Okwi, is among those championing the integration of green technologies into everyday agricultural practices.
“Promoting renewable energy and sustainable farming isn’t just about protecting the environment,” Okwi says. “It also improves health, saves money, and strengthens the resilience of our families.”
Universities as Catalysts for Environmental Change
The TORCH Project represents a unique model of academic-community collaboration, where research and practical application intersect.
Universities provide expertise, training, and access to modern technologies.
Community members contribute local knowledge, labor, and willingness to adopt change.
Together, they tackle climate change, energy poverty, and environmental degradation at the grassroots.
Dr. Akullo notes that the initiative will expand its activities continuously, monitoring outcomes, adapting approaches, and scaling up best practices across Teso and neighboring regions.
Way forward
By turning households into living laboratories, the TORCH Project aims to bridge the gap between knowledge and action.
For residents like Acom and Okwi, the benefits are immediate: cleaner air, reduced health risks, and practical solutions for everyday life. For Teso, the project could serve as a blueprint for climate-smart rural development across East Africa.
“Change begins at home,” Dr. Musinguzi says. “When communities understand the challenges of green gas emissions and know how to respond, the impact spreads far beyond one village or household.” In Aten Village, the hum of a biogas stove and the sight of thriving tree seedlings offer a glimpse of what is possible when universities partner with communities, creating hope for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.
-
General2 weeks agoCall for Applications: Diploma Holders under Government Sponsorship 2026/2027
-
General2 weeks agoAdvert: Admissions for Diploma/Degree Holders under Private Sponsorship 2026/27
-
General2 weeks agoExtension of Application Deadline for Diploma/Degree Holders 2026/2027
-
General2 weeks agoMakerere University and World Bank Sign Partnership to Strengthen Environmental and Social Sustainability Capacity
-
Natural Sciences2 weeks agoMakerere University Researchers Awarded UCIF Grant to Tackle Maize Contamination with Innovative Plant-Based Fungicide