Agriculture & Environment
New CAES Project to Improve Tea Production in Uganda
*****Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Denmark, the Project, Nature-based Solutions for Climate-Resilient Tea Production in Uganda (NbS4Tea), is envisaged to sustainably bridge the tea yield gap in Uganda by developing research-based NbS for enhanced climate resilience of tea production systems.
Overview
Tea is a widely consumed and one of the oldest beverages in the world ranked second after water. Reports indicate that in Uganda, tea is the second-largest export crop after coffee, grown by both large-scale (32%) and smallholder farmers (68%). Tea production is increasing in rural areas due to its high demand and associated benefits in the provision of jobs, incomes, and health. The third National Development Plan (NDPIII) 2020/21-2024/25) identifies tea as a key agricultural crop to contribute to the national Vision 2040 of a higher middle-income country with sound food security. Yet, current tea production in Uganda is neither optimal in terms of field management, sustainable intensification, and biodiversity potential, nor climate-resilient under increasingly erratic weather patterns. Farmers in Uganda still grow colonial-era (old) tea varieties that are not climate resilient or properly managed, resulting in low yields of 6 tea hectares per year. Tea production is negatively impacted in yield and quality by climate change impacts on soil quality, disease and pest incidence, drought and heat waves. About 75% of Ugandan soils, upon which 68% of smallholder farmers derive their livelihoods, are predominantly Ferralitic, with excellent physical, but poor chemical properties (low organic matter and nutrient levels, high phosphorus fixing potential). Some farmers circumvent these challenges of soil infertility by applying expensive inorganic fertilizers that consequently pollute the environment and increase greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Soil interventions that can sustain the cultivation, productivity, and quality of tea by improving soil fertility are needed. Also, weather variability, increased temperature and erratic rainfall significantly reduce crop yield and tea is no exception. Compared to the 1960s, the temperature in Uganda is expected to increase by 1.8°C by 2050 and rainfall will be more erratic. These abiotic climate stresses act directly and negatively on the tea plants, and increase outbreaks of tea pests and diseases, including arthropods such as mites and mealybugs. Developing methods for detection of plant growth dynamics and stress, improving soil status, and identifying climate-resilient tea varieties resistant to pests and diseases is crucial. There is also a wide knowledge gap in Africa regarding the impacts of the current climate, its variability and expected climate change on tea production systems, especially for smallholder farmers and their sustainability. Bridging this gap can be done by a combination of surveys, modelling, and field experiments.
Fixing the problem through NbS4Tea
A new project by Makerere University College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) in collaboration with NARO, Aarhus University (Denmark), Uganda Tea Association, and Kickstart International is envisaged to address the challenge and improve tea production and productivity in Uganda. Launched by Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 16th January 2024, the project titled; Nature-based Solutions for Climate-Resilient Tea Production in Uganda (NbS4Tea) will identify and quantify climate change impacts on tea yield and quality in Uganda. Through the project, the research team will identify and recommend climate resilient tea varieties, develop new methods and knowledge on locally available organic resources and NbS, innovate and deploy affordable irrigation technologies, empower vulnerable communities in tea production and processing, and identify export market strategies to substantially increase tea production and productivity in Uganda.
Funded by the Danish Fellowship Centre under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Denmark and led by Dr Emmanuel Arthur from Aarhus University, the overall objective of the project is to sustainably bridge the tea yield gap in Uganda by developing research-based NbS for enhanced climate resilience of tea production systems.
Specific objectives:
- The project team will identify and quantify climate change impacts on tea yield and quality based on historical and newly obtained data and novel data mining methods;
- Screen, select and recommend tea varieties adapted to abiotic (drought and heat) and biotic stresses (diseases and pests);
- Develop new knowledge on the potential of local waste biomass (tea prunings, banana pseudostems and peels) as soil amendments- mulch, compost, biochar, to recycle nutrients, improve soil fertility, increase carbon sequestration and alleviate drought;
- Reveal NbS through agroforestry combined with organic mulch, irrigation and resilient tea varieties that increase biodiversity and tea yield;
- Innovate new methods to enhance tea production under climate change through rainwater harvest and climate-smart irrigation infrastructure
- Empower vulnerable groups (women, youth, people with disabilities) in tea production and processing to ensure multi-actor involvement and socio-economic benefit outreach of the proposed NbS in tea cultivation and production.
- Identify export market strategies for NbS tea products, aligned with consumer preferences.
Expected outcomes and outputs
The expected outcomes tackle both knowledge and tools. These include: (1) Increased tea production, productivity, and biodiversity through the adoption of NbS in an integrated plant-soil management system, (2) Increased research and technical capacity of Makerere and R-ZARDI for (i) irrigation science (ii) remote sensing campaigns and application to tea physiology studies, and (iii) crop simulation modelling, (3) Holistic stakeholder insight on economic feasibility, consumer acceptance and market access strategies, especially for vulnerable groups in the tea value chain, (4) Increased job prospects for youth and women in tea production sub-sectors, (5) Improved social status and increased incomes of tea farmers, traders, and exporters, and (6) Improved economic and environmental quality by recycling biomass waste into value-added products dedicated to soil enhancement. The expected outputs are quantifiable and include: (1) 15+ scientific articles, conference presentations, national reports, and policy briefs informing on climate impact on tea production, resistant varieties, and NbS effects on soil quality, GHG emissions, biodiversity, tea yields and quality, (2) Five PhDs and Five MSc degrees, (3) 4+ high-yielding tea genotypes adapted to drought and heat, diseases and pests, (4) Historical trends and rates in rainfall and temperature changes in major tea-growing areas of Uganda, (5) Future suitability of tea-growing areas in Uganda based on projected climate; Impact of climate parameters on tea production in Uganda, (6) Models for tea net primary production based on canopy reflectance, (7) Model for calculating tea transpiration from canopy temperature data, (8) Chlorophyll fluorescence-based model for identifying most virulent pathogens and effects of disease on resistant tea clones, (9) Catalog of NbS combining agroforestry, mulch-biochar, irrigation and resilient tea varieties to increase biodiversity and tea yield for improved climate resilience of tea farmers in Uganda with documented effects, (10) Smart sprinkler and drip irrigation system with solar-pump, (11) 1 novel climate-smart technology for supplementary irrigation, (12) Co-creation through multi-stakeholder innovation networks for economic feasibility, (13) Market access assessment and empowerment, and (14) Consumers’ valuation of NbS tea from Uganda.
Project team at Makerere
At Makerere University, the project is coordinated by Dr Alex Nimusiima from the Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics and Climatic Sciences at CAES. Other Project members are; Dr Grace Nakabonge from the Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism; Dr Prossy Nakawuka from the Department of Agricultural and Bio-systems Engineering; Dr Twaha Ali Basamba from the Department of Agricultural Production; and Dr Alice Turinawe from the Department of Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics.
Remarks by the VC
In his address, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University expressed excitement about the project and pledged Management support towards the realization of the objectives. “The project aligns well with our Strategic Goal 1 that aims to transform Makerere University into a research-led university, responding to national, regional and global development challenges, as well as contributing to global knowledge generation. It also speaks to our goal of increasing graduate enrolment at Makerere, and supports the agro-industrialisation agenda. This is a commendable initiative. As you aim to improve tea production and productivity, you should also plan to transform some to the yields into products that can be commercialised as one of the measures to improve the livelihoods of our people.” The Vice Chancellor appreciated Denmark for the support extended towards various development initiatives at Makerere.
The Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga commended the research team, noting that the project is in tandem with the aspirations of the University Strategic Plan (2020-2023) and the CAES Pact for Transformational Change that aims to strengthen research and innovation, and to improve graduate enrolment. “In our bid to contribute to national transformation, we want to ensure that no aspect of development is left behind. We want to form an agenda that will cause transformational change and our focus will be translational research, research that creates positive impact on the lives of our people.”
Agriculture & Environment
FoodLAND Project Research Dissemination: Nakaseke District Farmers Sensitized on Modern Agricultural Practices & Proper Nutrition
******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.
Experiences of Nakaseke District farmers
Farmers in Nakaseke District are indebted for the support and training received from the FoodLAND Project. Although many had been engaged in the activity, they lacked knowledge and skills of modern farming. Connected to FoodLAND through VEDCO, a non-governmental and not for profit agricultural organization, the farmers have acquired skills on value addition, precision irrigation/fertigation, smart storage systems, gardening and hydroponics systems, biodegradable mulching, precision crop protection systems, precision harvesting systems and agro-ecological intensification practices.
According to Ms. Nakawuba Sarah, a widow and tomato farmer in Kapeeka Sub County, Nakaseke District, the knowledge acquired has enabled her to expand, and gain more profits. “I extend my gratitude to FoodLAND and the funders of the project. The knowledge acquired over time has enabled me to expand my farm and earn more money. Due to ignorance, we used to be exploited – people would buy our products cheaply because we lacked knowledge of preservation. The training on value addition has helped us learn how to preserve our products and we are now benefiting more from them. At the time my husband died, we had just a small house built on his father’s land. I am happy that with the support received from VEDCO and FoodLAND, I have bought a plot of land, built a house, and I am able to pay school fees for my children. I once again thank VEDCO and the FoodLAND. Although the FoodLAND project is ending soon, I request that they do not leave us. They should continue training us so that we further improve our skills.”
Mr. Lubowa Samuel Sunday, also a farmer in Kapeeka Sub County, Nakaseke District is equally grateful. Through FoodLAND, several farmers in Nakaseke District have acquired knowledge of climate smart agriculture. “Farming in the dry season is no longer a challenge. Our harvest has increased and we are now earning more. However we still face a number of challenges including the high cost of fertilizers and pesticides. We appeal to the project team to conduct more research on natural remedies for the challenges we are experiencing.”
Ms. Nankya Jane, a coffee and banana farmer Semuto Sub County, Nakaseke District, the irrigation skills acquired through the project have greatly improved her farm. “The place where I do my farming was so dry, and this, in many cases, affected my yields. Through VEDCO, we were taken to the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK) where we acquired skills on proper irrigation and value addition using technologies developed by the FoodLAND Project. If I had acquired these skills when I started 7 years ago, I would be very far. My appeal is that you continue offering training to us. There is a lot more that we need to learn.”
About the FoodLAND project
Launched in 2020, the main objective of the FoodLAND project was 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.
Funded to the tune of 7 million euro by the European Commission within the Horizon 2020 programme, and led by Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna (Italy), the project 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 aimed 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. 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.
In Uganda, the project was implemented in 6 districts namely; Masaka, Nakaseke, Kamuli, Lwengo, Mukono and Wakiso, and was led by Prof. John Muyonga from the Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University. Other members on the project were: 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.
To date, the project team in Uganda has registered a number of achievements including;
- New nutrient enhanced food products – Noodles containing orange fleshed sweet potatoes and biofortified beans; instant flours containing orange fleshed sweet potatoes, 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 bio-based 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.
Dissemination of the project findings and achievements to farmers and district leaders in Nakaseke
On 16th July 2024, the project team held a dissemination workshop for Nakaseke District leaders and farmers to sensitize them on different aspects including the research findings and recommendations for improved farming practices. Coordinated by Ms. Josephine Kisakye, and conducted at Butalangu District Headquarters, the workshop was attended by representatives of farmer groups in Nakaseke as well as the district officials, including the CAO, DHO, DPMO and RDC. On behalf of the Project Coordinator, Dr Richard Bukenya, also a member of staff in the Department of Food Technology and Nutrition briefed the farmers on the findings of the project, highlighting the project objectives and progress made thus far, including the technologies, novel raw materials, ingredients and food products developed. Under the project, a number of technologies for smart farming have been developed and are being tested. These include: Digital tools for precision agriculture, farming management systems like the rodent control system as part of smart storage systems, and the food processing systems like the solar drier.
During the workshop, Mr. Barak Price, a student on the project sensitized participants on the rodent control system. He also trained the farmers on precision irrigation/fertigation. The farmers were also taken through the processes of value addition. Ms. Josephine Kisakye, a researcher on the project discussed the nutrition recommendations developed by the project. In the course of the project activities, it was noted that diets in Uganda are mainly composed of starchy staples, especially cereals, roots, tubers and bananas, with legumes constituting the main protein source. Intake of micronutrient-rich foods is low, despite various interventions to promote consumption of fruits, and vegetables. Ugandan adult and elderly population in both rural and urban areas were found to be at risk of under-nutrition and micro-nutrient deficiencies. Nutritional recommendations included: i) Daily consumption of locally available fruits and vegetables, whole starchy staples, and protein-rich foods; including beans, peas, nuts, fish, eggs, and meat; ii) Limiting the consumption of fried foods, salt, alcohol, and sweetened beverages; iii) Hydrate with fluids, preferably water; Regular engagement in moderate-intensity physical activity like brisk walking, digging, swimming, aerobics, and cycling; vi) Undertaking medical examination at intervals of no longer than 6 months to facilitate timely detection and treatment of ailments like diabetes, hypertension, high plasma cholesterol and cancers.
Appreciation by the District officials
Butalangu Town Clerk, Ms. Rashida Mutebi on behalf of the Chief Administrative Officer appreciated the project for reaching out and working with the local communities to improve their livelihoods. “The trainings on value addition will go a long way in saving our farmers losses,” she noted, calling for resilience and cooperation amongst the farmers. “It is important that you work together. Always share best practices if you are to improve yourselves and gain more from farming. I also implore you to always keep records of your farming activities.”
In his remarks, Nakaseke District Health Officer, Dr Alija Simon noted that the challenge of non-communicable diseases was on the raise due to poor feeding habits. He expressed gratitude to the project for incorporating the important aspect of nutrition in its research.
DPMO Wandera James appreciated the Government of Uganda for investing in farming. He also appreciated the project team for the trainings offered to the farmers in the district, noting that value addition was a key area of focus in the Parish Development Model. “Nakaseke is now becoming a food hub. I thank Makerere University for working with the communities. Initially, research was done but stopped in the shelves of the University. We are happy that you are now working with the communities to identify solutions to the challenges undermining agriculture. Research should be conducted for development.”
Addressing participants, the Assistant RDC, Nakaseke District, Mr. Muhoozi Michael appreciated Makerere University, specifically the FoodLAND Project, calling for more innervations to support farmers in the district out of poverty. He implored the farmer groups to form a cooperative, noting that the latter forms a better platform for soliciting support.
A similar dissemination exercise was conducted in Kamuli District in Eastern Uganda.
More photos from the FoodLAND project Nakaseke Dissemination
Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 19th 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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