Agriculture & Environment
Universities urged to embrace AI for climate change adaptation and mitigation
African universities have been challenged to harness the power of emerging digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform the agricultural sector and mitigate the effects of climate change on the African continent.
Agriculture is the major source of livelihood in most African countries yet it is one of those that are most-affected by climate change. Faced with this challenge, universities, farmers and communities should embrace digital technologies in farming and livestock production and management.
In addition, the use of digital technologies would not only contribute to the transformation of the agriculture sector, but also make the sector interesting and attractive to the young people constituting 60% of the total population in Africa.
These deliberations featured prominently at the second RUFORUM Triennial Conference from 12th to 16th August 2024 held in Windhoek, Namibia specifically during the Scientific Session under the theme; ‘AI and Climate Change’ and another scientific session on ‘Emerging Issues-Digitization of Education.’
The Regional Universities for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), which consists of 170 African countries and 40 universities in Africa, seeks to facilitate the creation of vibrant transformative universities catalyzing sustainable development inclusive agricultural development to feed and create prosperity for Africa.
At the strategic level, participants noted that AI was a reality that had come to stay, which necessitates Universities to come up with policies to integrate AI into teaching and learning, research, and knowledge transfer.
This strategic approach was re-echoed by Prof. Patrick Okori, the Executive Secretary of RUFORUM, when he said: “Universities should focus on the integration digital technology in all processes. Digital technology should enable universities, farmers and communities to share information, knowledge and skills to enable the transformation of the agricultural sector.”
Prof. Okori emphasized that digitization of agriculture should be inclusive with the young people, women, persons with disabilities and refugees empowered to participate in the various chains within the agricultural sector.
During these interactive sessions, participants also discussed some fears about digital technologies such as AI. These include: overdependence on AI reduces critical thinking of students and learners in general; AI puts the credibility of the learners in balance-how do you detect lies; using AI and upholding the ethical standards in research, teaching and learning. There was also a serious fear of losing jobs due to AI.
The Vice Chancellor of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in Kenya, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi, reminded participants that there was need to be frank and accept that the young people (Gen. Z) were ahead of their teachers in AI applications and usage.
Responding to the Vice Chancellor’s revelation (real life scenario), the Dean School of the Built Environment at Makerere University College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, Dr. Anthony Gidudu, noted that universities should invest resources to bridge the gap between the digital experts and the digital migrants. This involves committing to a deliberate effort to train and re-tool the human resources in the respective universities.
Noting the niche of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, which is anchored in hands-on training, the Vice Chancellor sought guidance from the researchers, panelists and participants on the viability of applying AI and practical courses in the conduct of hands-on training.
In his response, Dr. Gidudu revealed that AI is not an end in itself as human beings are still in control with ability to conduct research that informs AI applications and processes. He pointed out that in the various presentations focusing on research conducted by researchers from Makerere University, AI applications are informed by researchers. The researchers were on ground, undertook field studies, interacted with the farmers and community leaders. Using a real-life example, Dr. Gidudu explained that whereas an airplane uses technology and AI to advance into space, the pilot (a human being) takes charge.
Responding to the fear of losing jobs, Ketshepileome Matlhoko from the University of Free State, said: “We have to face the reality. AI will not take away your job, but an individual who knows AI will take away your job.”
On the issue of credibility, ethical standards and detection of lies, the participants agreed that universities should come up with policies on using AI ethically. For instance, there should be a point of caution in regard to overdependence on AI. “Humans must not be over dependent on AI. They must be able to make decisions that override the AI decisions,” he said.
Prof. Isa Kabenge, a researcher at Makerere University College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, assured participants that AI presents an opportunity to universities to enhance research and contribute to changing livelihoods. Noting that Makerere University runs an artificial intelligence laboratory under its College of Computing and Information Sciences, Prof. Kabenge disclosed plans by Makerere University researchers to team up to establish an AI Innovations Hub, aimed at integrating AI into agricultural management.
In his presentation, Prof. Kabenge demonstrated research that involved the use of AI to monitor and track livestock production. AI models such as the Cattle Detection Model and the Cattle Identification Model provide real-time information to farmers and researchers. In the area of livestock farming, Prof. Kabenge plans to use AI in livestock health monitoring, pasture characterization and management, livestock behavior monitoring.
Dr. Catherine Mulinde, a researcher from Makerere University College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, explained that maize is one of the crops affected by climate change. She presented research on modelling land productivity and crop yields under changing climate and land use management using AI. Focusing on the maize farmers in the Kyoga Basin, Dr. Mulinde noted that AI informed their research on the productivity of land and the determinants of the productivity of maize. Despite the rampant land fragmentation issues, inorganic and organic fertilizers as well as pesticides application had a positive impact on the maize production.
In a presentation titled; Remote Sensing as an enabling technology for agriculture, Dr. Anthony Gidudu demonstrated the use of satellite imagery to develop products and services through remote sensing to transform the agricultural sector. Focusing on AI and future research prospects, Dr. Gidudu said: “Remote sensing: use satellite imagery and drone data (earth observation) combined with AI to create detailed maps of crop health, soil moisture and nutrient levels. AI algorithms can process this data to provide real-time recommendations for site-specific management.”
Focusing on the digitization of education, Dr. Drake P. Mirembe from Makerere University College of Computing and Information Sciences, rallied universities and participants to change from the traditional methods of learning to embrace the student-centered and problem-based approach, which involves knowledge co-creation by the teacher and learner. Dr. Drake P. Mirembe is also a Member of the National Taskforce on AI.
Prof. John W. Makokha from Kibabii University explained that the North Rift of Kenya has received intensive impacts of climate change. He then demonstrated the use of smart technology to predict climate change effects on terrestrial plant diversity and conservation for sustainable livelihoods in the North rift of Kenya. In this research, AI models through the North Rift Weather prediction system were designed for broader community adoption. It provides consistent data and advice on behavior of agricultural patterns.
As indicated through the presentations and demonstrations, the key message was that advances in technology such as AI should be adopted to contribute to the transformation of the agricultural sector. A multi-disciplinary approach to research should be undertaken to enable the different disciplines to enrich the application and usage of AI research and models. Engagement of farmers, leaders at the different levels and communities in general informs and enriches AI application and usage. Participants were informed that some of the AI areas for further research include: Investigation of how different agricultural practices affect land productivity and crop yields, studying the economic implications of adopting AI-based land use management strategies to farmers, integration of pest and diseases prediction and monitoring using AI; developing AI models for site-specific crop management to optimize inputs like water, fertilizers and pesticides, climate resilience and AI.
Agriculture & Environment
Mak hosts First African Symposium on Natural Capital Accounting and Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling
African economies are increasingly exposed to climate-related shocks that threaten development gains, fiscal sustainability, and macroeconomic stability. From extreme weather events and biodiversity loss to the depletion of natural capital, climate risks are reshaping economic realities across the continent. Yet many macroeconomic frameworks used in public finance and planning continue to overlook climate and nature-related risks and the long-term benefits of resilience and adaptation investments.
To address this emerging reality, over 250 participants from Africa, Europe and beyond, convened at Makerere University – Kampala, on the 12th and 13th of February 2026, to participate in the First African Symposium on Natural Capital Accounting and Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling.
Following the theme, “Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomics: Rethinking Growth in Africa’s Natural Resource Base, the hybrid symposium organized by Makerere University through the Centre of Excellence for Africa Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling (CEACM) within the School of Economics, under the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), the Environment for Development Initiative (EfD), and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) in Uganda, brought onboard ministers, leading economists and planners, researchers, policy makers, the academia, development partners, climate change experts and the media.
The Symposium being the first of its kind on the continent, reflected Africa’s growing determination to work collectively in confronting shared development challenges, building on recent momentum such as the formation of Pan-African Finance Ministers Forum for Climate Action (PAFMCA).
Featuring speeches and presentations from notable speakers and partners, a keynote address on Natura Capital Accounting and Climate Change Nexus in Africa and their impact on Fiscal Policy, panel discussions, expert opinions, and exhibition kiosks (World Café), the symposium presented a platform to strengthen Africa’s analytical and institutional capacity to integrate climate and natural capital considerations into macroeconomic and fiscal policy.
Vice Chancellor underscores the role of universities
Welcoming the delegates to Makerere University, the Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe emphasized that universities must lead innovation and collaborative research efforts to support collective climate change mitigation across the continent.
In the same vein, he advocated for strong collaboration between universities in Africa and government Ministries. “Makerere’s collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, stands as a shining example of how academia and government can strengthen economic management,” he said.
Prof. Nawangwe revealed that the collaboration between Makerere University and the Ministry, has strengthened macroeconomic modelling, fiscal policy analysis, and technical capacity within government. In addition, the partnership led to the establishment of the Centre of Excellence for Africa Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling, bridging academic scholarship with real-world policy application.
“We have jointly established the Centre of Excellence for Africa Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling. The Centre (established in August 2025) is anchored within the School of Economics in the Department of Policy and Development Economics, under the Master of Science in Economic Policy and Investment Modelling, a program jointly facilitated by Makerere University, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and the Bank of Uganda,” he mentioned.
Climate and Economic transformation are inseparable
The Vice Chancellor highlighted the critical intersection between economic transformation and environmental sustainability, noting that economies in Africa, heavily dependent on natural resources, face unprecedented pressures from climate shocks, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. Convinced that economic growth cannot be pursued in isolation from climate and environmental realities, he stressed the importance of integrating natural capital accounting and climate considerations into national development strategies.
Prof. Nawangwe advocated for shared responsibility of universities, research institutions, and policymakers to develop innovative analytical tools, responsive policy frameworks, and strong institutional capacities that promote sustainable growth while safeguarding environmental assets for future generations.
The Vice Chancellor commended UN PAGE and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) for funding the symposium, as well as, other stakeholders namely the European Union and the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action (CoFMCA), Ministry of Water and Environment (MoWE), National Planning Authority (NPA), Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for being reliable partners.
Integrating Climate into Fiscal Policy
During the opening ceremony, the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Matia Kasaija underscored the urgency of embedding climate considerations into economic planning.
“As Ministers of Finance, we are often confronted with difficult trade-offs. Our task is to balance the needs of today with sustainability for future generations,” said Hon. Kasaija, in a speech read by Hon. Henry Musasizi, the Minister of State for Finance (General Duties).
The Minister guided that traditional macroeconomic models focusing only on growth, inflation, and fiscal balance are inadequate in an era of climate shocks. He affirmed that African economies are facing interconnected challenges which directly impact economic growth. He stressed that traditional macroeconomic frameworks must evolve to systematically incorporate environmental degradation and climate shocks, whose consequences can no longer be ignored in policy analysis.
“For countries such as Uganda, whose development prospects are closely linked to natural resources and the climate-sensitive sectors, these challenges are not abstract. They affect livelihoods, public finances and long-term economic resilience,” he mentioned.
The Minister emphasized that natural capital accounting and climate-sensitive macroeconomic modelling are vital for valuing natural assets, assessing environmental costs, and guiding sound investment decisions.
Protecting Africa’s Natural Capital
Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar, Minister of State for Environment, emphasized the urgent need to protect Africa’s ecosystems. “Africa stands at a defining crossroads. Our economies remain anchored in natural capital—forests, water resources, biodiversity, land, and ecosystems—which sustain life, generate fiscal revenue, and underpin development,” she said.
She warned that climate-related shocks are already undermining growth and public investment. “Floods, droughts, land degradation, biodiversity loss, and water stress are no longer distant risks. They are present realities, already affecting productivity and macroeconomic stability,” she said.
She emphasized the need for improved economic models that account for environmental and climate risks: “Traditional macroeconomic frameworks have not adequately captured climate risks or the long-term economic benefits of resilience and adaptation. This limits our ability to make informed policy decisions as Africa pursues economic transformation, energy security, and fiscal stability,” she stated.
Hon. Anywar highlighted collaboration with GIZ, Makerere University, and government ministries, which led to the development of the MONCAP (Model for Natural Capital Policy Assessment). “This tool is being used to assess natural capital assets for climate change, energy transition, and their linkages to the macroeconomy. It supports budgeting by estimating the cost of depleted natural capital assets,” she said.
“Water security, forest conservation, ecosystem restoration, and climate adaptation are not costs. They are investments in Uganda’s long-term economic stability, productivity, and prosperity.”
Stakeholders urged to transform climate threats into opportunities
Adam Sparre Spliid, the Deputy Head of Mission, Danish Embassy said: “Integrating climate risk and natural capital into our macroeconomics frameworks is not only academic exercise, it is a massive de-risking strategy for private investment. By bridging the gap between government policy and planning, academia and research, and the private markets, we transform climate threats into tangible opportunities.”
Sustainability includes youth, jobs and human well-being
Dr. Steven Stone, Chair of the UN PAGE Management Board, emphasized that sustainability extends beyond the environment to encompass youth, jobs, economic growth, and human well-being. “While the environment is Africa’s foundational source of wealth, sustainable development requires balancing ecological stewardship with economic progress, including income and employment for the youth which are critical priorities for countries such as Uganda.”
Dr. Stone highlighted that UN PAGE, originating from the Rio+20 Conference, supports climate-sensitive economic policy in Africa, emphasizing that dialogue, scenario-building, cross-sector collaboration, and strong partnerships are key to advancing sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient development.
Africa’s Wealth Declining
In the keynote address titled, Natural Capital Accounting and Climate Change Nexus in Africa and their Impact on Fiscal Policy, Paul Jonathan Martin, Manager of Environmental Operations at the World Bank for Eastern and Southern Africa, and a specialist with over 30 years in climate and natural resources, warned that Africa’s overall wealth is under threat due to declining renewable natural capital.
“Produced capital has increased by 20%, human capital by a third, but renewable capital has declined by 30%,” Martin said. “When combined, Africa’s overall wealth trajectory has been weakening since 2010.”
He stressed that natural resources must be treated as economic assets requiring systematic accounting: “Africa’s rich natural resources are fundamental for sustainable development,” he said.
Citing examples from Ethiopia and Kenya, he highlighted successful integration of natural capital into public investment and budget decisions. “In Ethiopia, there are payments for ecosystems and investment prioritization tools. In Kenya, natural capital accounting integration into budgets has strengthened public investments. Climate change has deep, cascading effects across sectors, but Africa has major potential to lead climate solutions,” he said.
Martin also highlighted the economic benefits of climate adaptation: “From 2020–2050, the cumulative effect of adaptation on Uganda’s GDP is positive. Without action, under a dry/hot climate future, GDP could significantly deviate from projected growth paths.”
Drawing on insights from over 70 country climate and development reports produced by the World Bank, the keynote speaker highlighted the profound macroeconomic impacts of climate change across Africa. He stressed the importance of integrating climate and natural capital into macroeconomic planning. He noted that Africa’s forests, water systems, and biodiversity are vital for sustainable development but face growing threats from climate change, environmental degradation, and climate-related disasters that undermine productivity, public investment, and economic stability.
He observed that traditional macroeconomic models often fail to capture the value of natural assets and regulating ecosystem services, which are critical to both economic stability and resilience but are largely excluded from GDP calculations.
Africa-Led Solutions
Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), stressed the importance of developing African-led solutions. “We need to champion the Africa-led model. We need approaches that fit our unique context. Africa is not here to take in other frameworks blindly,” he said.
By supporting research, training, policy dialogue and modelling innovation, the Centre of Excellence for Africa Climate Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling (CEACM) positions Makerere University as a regional hub for advancing climate-sensitive macroeconomic policy across Africa.
He highlighted CEACM’s capacity-building programs: “Our goal is to ensure African Ministries of Finance have home-grown expertise to integrate climate and natural capital considerations into fiscal and macroeconomic policy. This is critical for long-term resilience and sustainable development,” he said.
The Principal explained that establishment of independent research centres enables Makerere University to go beyond traditional academic instruction and focus deeply on societal challenges, particularly those related to climate change, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss.
He reported that the Centre of Excellence for Africa Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling is structured to advance methodological innovation, develop new data systems, and strengthen climate-sensitive macroeconomic tools that are tailored to the African context.
MONCAP Model for Policy Assessment
Dr. Peter Babyenda, a member of faculty at CoBAMS, demonstrated MONCAP (Model for Natural Capital Policy Assessment), which integrates climate and natural capital variables into fiscal and macroeconomic planning.
“MONCAP allows policymakers to estimate the economic cost of depleting natural assets such as forests, wetlands, and water resources. It helps simulate policy options and determine how investments in natural capital yield long-term benefits,” Babyenda said. “We came up with this model to aid the Ministry of Water and Environment. This model is open—you can extend it,” he added.
He highlighted capacity-building initiatives, including short courses and the Master of Science in Macroeconomic and Investment Modelling, designed to train economists to incorporate natural capital and climate into policy planning.
International Perspectives
Sweetman Liam, Ireland’s Finance Minister, highlighted the economic value of ecosystems: “There is a deeper value of landscapes in flood prevention and biodiversity. Decision-making was informed, and people started understanding economic value,” he said.
Prof. Chukwuone Nnaemeka of the University of Nigeria emphasized collaboration with national statistical agencies: “We coordinate with the National Bureau of Statistics to develop natural capital accounting metrics. Increase the use of Natural Capital Accounting in decision-making,” he stated.
Technical and Parallel Sessions
The afternoon session featured three parallel sessions focusing on Natural Capital Accounting Methodologies and Best Practices, Climate-Sensitive Fiscal and Economic Modelling, and Natural Capital Accounting and Model Uptake and Use.
Drawing on diverse expertise, the panels highlighted innovative approaches and demonstrated that natural capital is not an environmental afterthought, but a central pillar of sustainable economic and policy planning.
The first day of the African Symposium drew to a close with interactive exhibitions at the World Café, where case studies and practical demonstrations highlighted innovative approaches to integrating climate and natural capital into economic planning. Participants actively engaged in discussions and networking, forging collaborations that promise to advance climate-sensitive fiscal and development strategies across Africa, setting a strong and optimistic tone for the days ahead.
Agriculture & Environment
Uganda Martyrs Namugongo Students Turn Organic Waste into Soap in an Innovative School Project on Sustainable Waste Management
*****The students were supervised by researchers from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at Makerere University, led by Prof. Fred Kabi.
The garbage challenge
With urbanization rates rising rapidly across Uganda, municipal solid garbage generation in the country’s cities is projected to increase by more than 40 percent by 2050. The growing burden of unmanaged garbage, particularly organic garbage, continues to pose environmental and public health risks, underscoring the urgent need for innovative and sustainable solutions.
It is against this backdrop that Senior Four students of Uganda Martyrs Secondary School Namugongo undertook a project to demonstrate how local market garbage challenges can be transformed into opportunities for sustainable development.
Addressing the garbage Challenge
As part of their academic project under the competence-based curriculum, the students were tasked with identifying real-world challenges within their communities and developing practical solutions using locally available resources. Through research and field observations, they identified poor garbage management, particularly the accumulation of organic waste at major dumping sites such as Kiteezi Landfill, as a critical issue.
At these sites, unsorted solid garbage often accumulates uncontrollably, sometimes leading to collapses that pose serious environmental and public health risks including water contamination by leachates, persistent foul odors, and disease outbreaks.
Rather than solely viewing solid market garbage as a problem, the students recognized its untapped potential within the biodegradable fraction of market garbage streams. Their innovative solution was to convert organic solid market waste (biodegradable garbage) into an industrial raw material for soap production by utilizing saprophagous Black Soldier Fly larvae (BSFL) to accumulate lipids and applying the scientific process of saponification.
Makerere University Support to the project
The students’ project was supervised by Prof. Fred Kabi together with technicians from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at Makerere University. Prof. Kabi and his team have been actively researching on Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) as a bio-waste management technology capable of converting biodegradable solid municipal garbage and farm waste into valuable by-products such as organic fertilizers, animal feeds, soap, and biodiesel.
Working in collaboration with Ento Organic Farm Uganda Ltd, the researchers have demonstrated how insect-based waste conversion systems can support a circular economy by transforming biodegradable waste into industrial raw materials.
According to Prof. Kabi, the five young garbage entrepreneurs (students) began their project by collecting information on household garbage management practices. After analyzing the data, they engaged stakeholders along the garbage value chain to brainstorm all-inclusive, source-based waste management strategies.
“The students developed a solution that links efficient waste management at garbage generation source to support production of organic fertilizer, insect protein for animal feeds, and soap, which is only possible with biodegradable garbage,” Prof. Kabi explained. “This approach of the Competence Based Curriculum (CBC) for lower secondary schools supports the concept of taking Makerere University to the community of budding scientists while promoting sustainable community development through a circular economy.”
From Market Waste to Soap Bars
The Team leader, Ms. Ivy Stephanie Kitali explained the step-by-step scientific process behind the project. The students began by collecting organic waste from local markets, which was then shredded to prepare it for the larvae as a substrate. “Black Soldier Fly larvae were then introduced to the prepared waste. The larvae efficiently consumed the organic matter, greatly reducing its volume while accumulating lipids (fats) in their bodies. After maturation, we separated the larvae from the remaining waste, euthanized through blanching and dried it. Oil was then extracted from the dried larvae using ethanol as a solvent. This lipid-rich oil became the primary ingredient or raw material for soap production. To enhance the final product, the larvae oil was blended with minute quantity of sunflower oil before adding sodium hydroxide, initiating saponification, the chemical reaction that transforms fats and oils into soap,” she explained. The process ultimately yielded usable bars of soap derived entirely from what had once been discarded as unwanted market waste/garbage.
Building Skills and Sustainable Innovation
Beyond producing soap, the project provided students with hands-on training in scientific research, waste management techniques, bio-chemistry, and sustainable innovation. They gained practical exposure to insect-based biotechnology and learned how environmental challenges can be addressed through science-driven by entrepreneurship.
The National Variety Release Committee (NVRC) has officially approved Maksoy 7N, the latest soybean variety developed by the Makerere University Centre for Soybean Improvement and Development (MAKCSID) in the Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at Makerere University. The approval was announced during the committee’s 47th meeting at the National Agricultural Research Laboratories (NARL) in Kawanda on 13th February 2026.
The NVRC, chaired by Dr. Joseph Kikafunda, is composed of stakeholders from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF), research institutes, seed regulatory agencies, farmers’ organizations, and private seed companies. The committee evaluates new crop varieties for performance and traits before official release, helping to enhance national food security.
Rigorous Testing Confirms Superior Performance
MakSoy 7N, a cross between 6N and SG underwent extensive Distinctive, Uniformity, and Stability (DUS) testing across multiple seasons and locations in Uganda, including Kabanyolo (Wakiso), Nakabango (Jinja), Ngetta ZARDI (Lira), Abi ZARDI (Arua), Bulindi ZARDI (Hoima), and Mubuku Irrigation Scheme (Kasese).
The trials were conducted in accordance with the Seeds and Plant Act, Cap. 41 and the UPOV guidelines.
Results showed that the variety is clearly distinct from its closest reference, Maksoy 3N, in pod color, stem hair, and seed hilum, with uniformity meeting the 1% off-type standard, and stability confirmed across locations and seasons. On-farm trials were conducted to test performance under farmers’ management and to determine farmer preferences. Following these findings, the National Seed Certification Service (NSCS) recommended Maksoy 7N for release, providing farmers with a high-yielding and soybean rust-resistant variety.
Key Reasons Behind the Development of MakSoy 7N
Soybean plays a critical role in nutrition and income generation, offering 40% protein and 20% oil. It is used in human food, livestock feed, agro-industrial applications, and soil fertility improvement, supporting climate-smart agriculture and reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. It also breaks pests life cycle if included in the cropping system.
Maksoy 7N was developed to address yield stagnation, rising disease pressure (including soybean rust), and growing national and regional demand for high-performing varieties. Advanced yield trials across six locations – Kabanyolo (Central), Nakabango (Eastern), Bulindi (Mid-West), Ngetta (Northern), Abi (West Nile), and Mubuku (Western) – demonstrated the variety’s strong performance in both multi-environment trials and participatory on-farm evaluations.
According to Prof. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa, Principal Investigator and Director of MAKCSID, Maksoy 7N demonstrates strong resistance to soybean rust and outstanding agronomic performance. The variety yields between 3-3.5 tons per hectare and matures in approximately three months. Maksoy 7N is expected to enhance national soybean productivity, increase smallholder farmer incomes, and strengthen Uganda’s soybean value chain.
Maksoy 7N joins six previously released high-yielding varieties (Maksoy 1N–6N). Impact studies by the Vegetable Oil Development Project (VODP) reveal that 93% of Ugandan soybean farmers plant Maksoy soybean varieties.
Appreciation to the partners
Prof. Tukamuhabwa expressed gratitude to the local and international development partners for their invaluable support to the project. These partners include the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), the National Oil Seeds Project(NOSP) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) who funded the research. Other research partners include the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), Integrated Seed and Sector Development Uganda (ISSD Uganda), Soybean Africa Ltd, Makerere University Animal Science Laboratory, Soybean Innovation Lab, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), and the host farmers who participated in the on-farm trials.
He also appreciated the Makerere University administration for the support extended to MAKCSID.
Honoring the Research Team
Addressing the meeting, Dr. Kikafunda, Chair of the National Variety Release Committee, praised the research team for their exceptional achievements and steadfast dedication to enhancing the nation’s food security. He emphasized the importance of their work in driving agricultural innovation and urged them to prioritize the rapid multiplication and widespread distribution of the new varieties, ensuring they reach the farmers and contribute to increased productivity and improved livelihoods across the country.
In her remarks, Dr. Mildred Ochwo Ssemakula, Head of the Department of Crop Science and Horticulture at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, and member of the National Variety Release Committee, lauded the team for their commitment in developing the new variety, MakSoy 7N. “This is the result of over eight years of dedicated effort. The previous variety, MakSoy 6N, was released in 2017. I deeply appreciate the team’s dedication to field activities. I also commend the former Principal of CAES, Prof. Bashaasha, for his contribution in making the MakCSID a reality, and the current Principal, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, for her continued support to the Centre.”
Dr. Ochwo further recognized the pivotal role of Makerere University, particularly CAES, in training critical human resources for the country, noting that most innovators and personnel in key agricultural organizations are graduates of CAES.
The Soybean research team includes:
- Prof. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa – Breeder & Team Leader
- Dr. Tonny Obua – Breeder
- Prof. Jeninah Karungi – Entomologist
- Dr. Geoffrey Tusiime – Pathologist
- Dr. Thomas Odong – Data Scientist
- Dr. Dennis Okii – Data Scientist/Germplasm Research
- Ms. Mercy Namara – Seed Scientist
- Mr. Alex Malaala – Agronomist
- Mr. George Yiga – Nursery Manager
- Mr. Jordan Uworthrwoth – Germplasm Maintenance
Approval of the Sweet Potato and Sorghum Varieties from NARO and NASECO
At the same event, the Committee approved three purple-fleshed sweet potato varieties – NAROSPOT 8P, 9P, and 10P – developed by the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO). These varieties are credited for their high yields, strong disease resistance, and abundant provitamin A content. With a short growing period of just three to four months, these sweet potatoes allow farmers to achieve multiple harvests annually, boosting both productivity and profitability.
The committee also approved two high-yielding sorghum hybrid varieties, NS1 (Tongo) and NS5 (Tara), from NASECO (1996) (U) Ltd. These varieties are versatile, suitable not only for food consumption but also for livestock feed, bioethanol production, and brewing. Early reports indicate strong adoption rates among farmers, which is expected to reduce dependence on imported hybrid seeds and strengthen the local agricultural seed industry.
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