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Agriculture & Environment

Two Slots For Student Study Exchange Programme at University of Padova, Italy

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1 year ago

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Makerere University Students arrive at the Bigodi Community Tourism Project Centre in Kamwenge District, adjacent to Kibaale National Park on 3rd May 2023.
Makerere University Students arrive at the Bigodi Community Tourism Project Centre in Kamwenge District, adjacent to Kibaale National Park on 3rd May 2023.

Agreement Overview

An inter-institutional cooperation agreement was signed between the University of Padova, Italy and the Makerere University, Uganda, under the umbrella of the Erasmus+ mobility program. This agreement includes a bi-lateral exchange of teaching staff and students aimed at sharing knowledge and technologies, to explore the degree to which invasive alien plants are modifying the ecosystem services provided by complex agricultural and forest landscapes, using invasive trees as model species. Researchers at the University of Padova have explored the biodiversity of several ecosystem components, and related functions of woodlands composed of important alien trees (the black locust tree – Robinia pseudoacacia) in several biomes of Europe. This tree is spreading due to historical plantation and recent land use changes. The impacts brought by this tree are contrasting and not straightforward, particularly when analyzed from different perspectives. We expect that similar patterns could exist, currently or in the near future, in several regions of Uganda. The research will also investigate how changing landscapes and related ecological processes, as a result of plant invasion, affect the ecotourism opportunities and the aesthetics of tourism destinations with specific focus on Ruboni Community Camp and Rwenzori Mountains National Park. We believe that this cooperation could help in the understanding of this phenomenon and explain how different stakeholders perceive the novel values that come with invasive alien trees.

Student study exchange opportunity in Italy

The ERASMUS + International Credit Mobility Programme (KA171) will support two students for year 2024 for study exchange programme in Italy at the University of Padova, Department of Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry. The exchange programme targets Masters or PhD students in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at Makerere University who have finished their first year of study for Masters or fully Registered for PhD. Prospective students must be ready to do research on topics related to the major focus of the agreement i.e. Forestry (forest soils) and Ecosystem services (agroecosystems, landscapes and tourism). They should have skills in processing of data on soil and social data analysis. Masters Students should have normal progress in their coursework. Together with University of Padova team supervised by Professor Tommaso Sitzia, successful applicants will attend term courses, attend field excursions with other students and get involved in analysis of soil samples and social data collected from Ruboni Community at the foothills of Rwenzori Mountains. The travel and stay in Italy will take a period of about 4 months.

Benefits

The exchange programme will cover travel expenses to and from Italy, living costs and accommodation while in Italy.

Expected deliverables from the student

Upon securing this opportunity, the students will be required to;

  1. Analysis of soil samples and social data (agroforestry tourism)
  2. Analysis of data collected from tourists on agroforestry landscapes in Mubuku Valley and drafting of manuscript (to be collected between May and August, 2024)
  3. Participate in term courses and excursions with Forestry Science students
  4. Attend workshops and make presentations on their research activities
  5. Any other study activities related to the research topics of the study group

Criteria

Interested candidates should submit their application to the Departmental Flow Co-ordinator, Makerere University. Include a detailed CV, testimonial showing current progress, copy of admission letter, a letter of motivation, a recommendation letter, copies of the academic documents. Applications must be submitted by 22, April, 2024 to: kamunyu.muhwezi@gmail.com, copied to deus.muhwezi@mak.ac.ug. Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply. Only applications that include ALL the required documentation (highlighted above) will be considered. Successful applicants will be called for oral interviews. Successful applicants will be nominated to the exchange programme by the Departmental Flow Co-ordinator at Makerere University by 30th April, 2024. The final decision on admission and subsequently acquiring the study exchange opportunity will depend on fulfilment of the requirements for admission for exchange at University of Padova.

Contact details for further information
Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi
Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism,
Makerere University
kamunyu.muhwezi@gmail.com

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Agriculture & Environment

CAES Annual Report 2024

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21 hours ago

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May 30, 2025

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Cover page of the CAES Annual Report 2024. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga

It is with profound pride, reflection, and vision that I present the 2024 Annual Report for the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at Makerere University. This report is more than a summary of the milestones in 2024 – it is a powerful testament to what is possible when a dedicated academic community rallies behind a common purpose. It encapsulates the collective effort, ingenuity, and resilience of our faculty, researchers, administrators, technical teams, students, alumni, and partners – each of whom has contributed meaningfully to advancing our threefold mandate: Teaching and Learning, Research and Innovation, and Knowledge and Technology Transfer Partnerships.

Throughout 2024, we deepened our resolve to nurture not only competent graduates, but also purpose-driven leaders capable of shaping the future of agriculture, environmental stewardship, and food systems across Uganda, Africa, and beyond. Through transformative curricula, cutting-edge facilities, and a strong commitment to STEM-based experiential learning, CAES continues to empower a new generation of innovators – technically sound, ethically grounded, and globally aware.  

Our academic programs continued to evolve in both quality and relevance. We offered 48 academic programs—including 15 undergraduate, 19 masters, 11 PhD, and 3 postgraduate diploma programs. A total of 2,339 students were enrolled in 2024, with 60% of undergraduate learning delivered through hands-on, field-based instruction. At the 74th graduation ceremony, 638 students graduated, including 20 PhDs, 104 masters, and 511 bachelor’s degree recipients. Notably, we celebrated 25 first-class graduates who represent academic excellence across disciplines.

Through over 100 partnerships, we translated knowledge into impact. Initiatives like CURAD, FTBIC, and MaRCCI empowered communities in agribusiness, food safety, and climate resilience.

I thank our entire community for your commitment and collaboration. Together, we are not only advancing knowledge but shaping sustainable futures across Uganda and beyond.

Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga
Principal, CAES

Follow the link below to access the full report;

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dF3s_8A0dDpzdRoNltGTlkrvTukV7SAK/view?usp=sharing

Hasifa Kabejja

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Agriculture & Environment

Climate Resilience and Sustainability Collaborative: 30 Masters, 6 PhD Scholarships 2025/2026

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2 weeks ago

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May 19, 2025

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Some of the 19 PhD graduates from CAES at the 75th graduation ceremony. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 5, CAES, CEDAT and CHUSS. 17th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University is pleased to announce 30 Masters’ and 6 PhD Scholarships for students joining Makerere University (Main Campus) for Academic Year 2025/2026. An applicant must belong to one of the following categories: Persons with Disabilities, Internally Displaced young people, Refugees, other Ugandan National with financial constraints, and, youth from other African countries.

ELIGIBILITY

For Master’s Applicants

  1. The applicant must have applied for admission to Makerere University‘s main campus for the academic year 2025/2026.
  2. The Applicant must have completed their undergraduate education in an African country.
  3. The Applicant should be experiencing financial hardships to pursue higher Education.
  4. The Applicant should not be a holder of any other scholarship.
  5. The Applicant should not be pursuing or have completed any Master’s degree studies.
  6. The applicant should have engaged in leadership responsibilities and/ or community service.
  7. The Applicant should not be over 30 years at the application deadline.
  8. Applicants in the Refugee and Students with Disabilities categories should be under 40 years at the application deadline.
  9. A refugee applicant MUST hold a Refugee Identity card or Family Attestation.
  10. The applicant should have applied for any of these degree programs MSc. in Soil Science and Agrology, MSc. in Crop Science, MSc. in Environment and Natural Resources Management, M.A. in Economic Policy and Planning, MSc. in Agricultural Engineering.
  11. The Applicant should have an interest in research, innovation and entrepreneurship in climate resilience and sustainability, and committed to complete the degree in 2 years.

For PhD Applicants

  1. The applicant must have applied for admission to Makerere University‘s main campus for the academic year 2025/2026.
  2. The applicant must have completed their undergraduate education in an African country.
  3. The applicant should be experiencing financial hardships to pursue higher Education.
  4. The applicant should not be a holder of any other scholarship.
  5. The applicant should not be pursuing or have completed any PhD degree studies.
  6. The applicant should have engaged in leadership responsibilities and/ or community service.
  7. The applicant should not be over 35 years at the application deadline.
  8. The applicants in the Refugee and Students with Disabilities categories should be under 45 years at the application deadline.
  9. A refugee applicant MUST hold a Refugee Identity card or Family Attestation.
  10. The applicant should have an interest in research, innovation and entrepreneurship in climate resilience and sustainability, and committed to complete the degree in time.
  11. The prioritised research themes are indicated in the application form.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Friday, 6 June 2025 at 11:59 PM EAT.

Access and complete the Application Form at NO COST through the online application portal https://apply.caes.mak.ac.ug/

MORE INFORMATION:

Tel: +256-744-773-237
Email: climateresilience@mak.ac.ug

Mak Editor

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Agriculture & Environment

Call For Submissions: 2025 Farmer Field Schools Innovation Award

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3 weeks ago

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May 8, 2025

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Apply now! 2025 Farmer field schools innovation award is now open for submissions!

Organized by FAO’s Global FFS Platform with the collaboration of the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS) and Prolinnova and launched in 2024, the Award shines the spotlight on impactful solutions that can help shape the future of sustainable agri-food systems.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to:

  • Showcase your innovation at the Science and Innovation Forum at FAO HQ in Rome from 14th to 17th of October 2025
  • Receive support and mentorship from global experts
  • Inspire other producers and practitioners to become innovators too

Who can apply?

Anyone involved in Farmer Field Schools (FFS) can apply including

  • Producers and producer groups;
  • FFS facilitators or master trainers;
  • Project and programme teams;
  • Development organizations;
  • Social entrepreneurs;
  • Private sector participants

How to Apply?

It’s simple – just follow these steps!

  1. Fill out the application form – Submit your innovation in writing or with a 5-minute video.

At least one of the two must be submitted through the official form.

  1. Simplified & Multilingual – The form is designed to be easy to use, short, and available offline, with multilingual support for broader accessibility
  1. Pitch Coaching – Shortlisted applicants will get coaching on pitching for the FAO Science & Innovation Forum.
  2. Tailored Support – Awardees will receive personalized support to boost their innovation.

The call for submission is now open until the 15th of June 2025

Apply now  

Mak Editor

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