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 12^th to 16^th 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.

Makerere University has embarked on an ambitious programme to address the challenges faced by the African continent in accessing climate finance and building green economies.

Makerere University is a member of the Regional Universities for Capacity building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), which consists of 170 African countries and 40 universities in Africa.

RUFORUM seeks to facilitate the creation of vibrant transformative universities catalyzing sustainable development inclusive agricultural development to feed and create prosperity for Africa.

Speaking at the 2^nd RUFORUM Triennial conference, which was held in Windhoek, Namibia from 12-16 August 2024, Makerere University’s research team, led by Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, presented a deliberate action to train and build a pool of professionals in climate finance and green economies development and management.

Makerere University, a research driven institution in Africa, in partnership with the Government of Uganda, the private sector and several regional stakeholders, is in advanced stages of introducing a Regional Programme; Master of Science in Green Economy and Climate Finance. The graduate degree programme scheduled to start next academic year (August 2025) with an initial intake of 40 students, is focused on building a pool of professionals equipped with skills and knowledge to liberate Africa from limited access to global climate finances.

“Through this Master’s degree programme, Makerere University, the Government of Uganda, in partnership with regional and international stakeholders as well as the private sector, will not only be positioned to fill the critical human resources capacity needs that most of the agencies and institutions in Africa are facing, but also train staff to support agencies to access finances,” said Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga.

The Master of Science in Green Economy and Climate Finance is a result of broader engagements in curriculum development involving Makerere University College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the Government of Uganda (Ministry of Agricultural, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Ministry of Water and Environment), GIZ-Uganda, Global Green Growth Institute, Stellenbosch University-South Africa, University of Nairobi-Kenya. Malawi University of Science and Technology, University of Embu-Kenya, University of Juba-South Sudan, John Garang University- South Sudan, University of Maroua-Cameroon and University of USSEIN–Universite du Sine Saloum El-Hadj Ibrahima NIASSE-Senegal.

The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe commended Makerere University researchers for working with reputable partners in the public and private sectors and African Universities to find home grown solutions to Africa’s development challenges.

The Makerere University Research team that participated in the RUFORUM Side Event on Climate Finance, Transparency and Green Growth included:  Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, Dr. Paul Isolo Mukwaya, Dr. Catherine Mulinde, Dr. Patrick Byakagaba, Professor John Baptist Tumuhairwe, Dr. Isa Kabenge, and Dr Alex Nimusiima.

Climate change is said to have significant and varied effects on agriculture in Africa, a continent that is heavily dependent on farming for food security, livelihoods and economic stability.

Adapting to climate change (for example through irrigation, new crop varieties or improved farming techniques) requires investment, which may be beyond the reach of millions of farmers.

In the African Countries Economic Outlet report, the African Development Bank estimates that the continent requires as much as $ 2.8 trillion through 2030 to implement its climate commitments set out in countries’ national targets under the Paris 2015 Agreement.

Whereas there is a huge and diverse global climate finance landscape and portfolio, Africa is yet to effectively tap into this potential. Findings indicate that Africa’s climate finance remains very low, at 3% of global climate finance, and tend to focus on small-scale fragmented and uncoordinated operations primarily in middle-income countries

Prof. Nabanoga noted that Africa’s negotiation in international fora is inadequate and the continent is dis-advantaged when it comes to negotiation for resources to advance climate change initiatives and building green economies.

Ritah Namisango is the Principal Public Relations Officer at Makerere University.

EfD Uganda has celebrated the graduation of its third cohort of the Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) Capacity Building Program. The event, held at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, also included a discussion on promoting clean cooking in rural areas of Uganda. The function brought together IGE Fellows, representatives from various ministries and agencies, academia, the private sector, civil society organizations, and charcoal traders.

The ceremony held on August 7, 2024 was graced by the Swedish Ambassador to Uganda, Maria Hakansson, Minister of State for Energy Hon. Okaasai Opolot Sidronius, and Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.

The Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) in Practice Program is a capacity development initiative for senior civil servants and policymakers in Eastern Africa. It aims to increase the knowledge and use of economic policy instruments to achieve a just green transition. The program, financed by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and implemented by the Environment for Development Initiative (EfD) at the University of Gothenburg, collaborates closely with EfD centers and partners in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda at Makerere University. Since its inception, 25 senior policymakers, including some at the director level, have been trained.

Prof. Edward Bbaale, the IGE Country Lead Uganda and Director of EfD Uganda, explained that the program includes several activities aimed at creating impacts at various levels including high-level dialogues, professional in-service training, Training of Trainers programs, co-creation of solutions for IGE Transformation Initiatives, cross-country learning workshops, initiation and promotion of an IGE community of practice, and the development and maintenance of a digital learning platform.

At the event, six IGE Fellows graduated from the program, including Eng. Ssekitoleko Simon Peter, Assistant Commissioner, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development; Tony Joshua Mwesigwa, Economist, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development; Mr. Kandwanaho Jonan, Senior Planner, Chemical Industry, National Planning Authority; Kebirungi Elizabeth, Planner, Natural Resources and Environment, National Planning Authority; Mr. Paul Byamugisha, Senior Climate Finance Officer, Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development; and Ms. Flavia Namagembe, Climate Finance Officer, Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development. The support team included Prof. Edward Bbaale, Dr. John Sseruyange, Dr. Nicholas Kilimani, and Dr. Peter Babyenda.

“The program will continue until 2027, having received a renewal for five years starting in 2023. For 2024, we will still focus on energy, specifically looking at energy efficiency and emissions reduction, concentrating on promoting the uptake of electric vehicles in Uganda’s transport sector,” Prof. Bbaale reported.

The 2024 IGE Fellows were also introduced. They will undergo a one-year training course, engaging in various activities including both physical and online lectures co-delivered with policymakers and university faculty. They include Lucy Atek, Economist, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development; Charles Ocen, Engineer, Ministry of Water and Environment; Doreen Ankunda, Climate Finance Officer, Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development; Lucky Nabwire, Economist, Kampala Capital City Authority; and Vincent Operimo, Manager, Strategic Planning, National Planning Authority.

“The current group we are celebrating today focused on increasing the uptake of clean cooking in rural areas as their Transformation Initiative. The objectives were to create awareness about transitioning from biomass dependence to cleaner energy sources and to establish factors that can increase the uptake of cleaner energy sources such as LPG, electricity, and biogas,” Prof. Bbaale said.

This initiative included dialogues, a national stakeholders’ workshop, policy briefs, focus group discussions, and awareness-raising campaigns through social media, print media, and TV. It also contributed to developing the National Climate Finance Strategy 2023/24 – 2029/30, guidelines to mainstream climate change in Uganda’s financial sector, the fiscal framework for carbon markets, national green taxonomy, and a just transition framework.

Prof. Bbaale highlighted key lessons from cross-country learning, such as the importance of developing local solutions for local problems, making alternative fuels more accessible, and conducting effective awareness campaigns. He emphasized the need for targeted training programs to empower rural residents with knowledge and skills related to clean energy adoption.

Energy Minister Calls on Makerere University to Lead in Localizing Energy Technology and Human Resource Development

In his opening remarks, Minister of State for Energy, Hon. Okaasai Opolot Sidronius, urged Makerere University to collaborate in localizing and developing technology, laboratories, and human resources for energy systems.

Hon. Opolot expressed his frustration with Uganda’s dependence on foreign consultancies and emphasized the importance of building local capacity. He shared his experiences from visiting advanced energy labs in the United States, highlighting the need for Uganda to develop similar facilities and expertise. “We need to stop relying on foreign experts and start developing our own technologies and human resources. If the Americans can do it, why can’t we?” he said.

The Minister outlined Uganda’s efforts in developing its nuclear energy capacity, including signing multiple MoUs with countries like Russia, China, and Korea, and identifying potential sites for nuclear plants and training centers. He stressed the necessity of developing human resources locally, stating, “We must focus on building our own capacity to train thousands of scientists and technicians. Sending them abroad is not sustainable.”

Minister Opolot called on Makerere University to lead these efforts by establishing energy laboratories and training programs. “Makerere University should be at the forefront of localizing technology, establishing laboratories, and training personnel in energy systems,” he said. He also highlighted the importance of research and collaboration with other universities to transform Uganda’s energy sector.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe Pledges Makerere University‘s Support to Government Initiatives

In his opening and welcome remarks, Makerere University’s Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe expressed gratitude to the Minister for making time to attend the event, indicating the Minister’s appreciation of the university’s collaborative efforts with the government. Prof. Nawangwe emphasized that Makerere University, being a large institution with substantial resources, is underutilized by the government. He pointed out that the government spends significant funds on foreign consultancy for tasks that could be efficiently handled by the university’s lecturers and students.

Prof. Nawangwe highlighted Makerere University‘s commitment to supporting government programs, stating, “We are here for you. We are a government institution, and the people of Uganda have invested heavily in Makerere University, so we must reap from that investment.” He assured the Minister that the university is available to support government initiatives and emphasized that the funds provided for research and innovations should be used to address the government’s development challenges.

He specifically mentioned the university’s capability to conduct mineral testing, which could prevent the need to send samples abroad, thereby saving costs. Prof. Nawangwe expressed excitement about the invitation to collaborate and pledged Makerere University‘s full support for government programs. He also congratulated the Ministry of Energy on its successes, particularly the commissioning of the West Nile plant, which he described as a game-changer for the country’s energy sector.

Prof. Nawangwe acknowledged the importance of the Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) Capacity Building Program, highlighting that the issues addressed by the fellows are crucial for Uganda’s future. He recounted his childhood experience of passing through  a green forest while studying in his village home , contrasting it with the current state of deforestation and urban slums. He stressed the urgency of addressing environmental issues as the population continues to grow, predicting severe consequences if action is not taken.

He commended the government for its active involvement in the IGE program and its collaboration with Makerere University through various initiatives, such as the Climate Resilient Infrastructure Development Facility (CRIC). Prof. Nawangwe congratulated the graduating fellows for their year-long engagement and encouraged incoming participants to take the training seriously, emphasizing that it would empower them and enhance their professional capabilities.

Swedish Ambassador Emphasizes the Importance of Universal Access to Sustainable Energy

Closing the event, Swedish Ambassador to Uganda, Maria Håkansson, highlighted the critical role of universal access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She stressed that energy is essential for economic growth and the provision of social and public services.

Ambassador Håkansson noted Sweden’s ambitious goal to become the world’s first fossil-free welfare state by 2045, aiming for net zero emissions. “We strongly believe this is important for us to keep the planet and life safe,” she said. This transformation requires a profound shift in systems and technology to ensure cleaner air, better urban environments, and safer energy supplies. Sweden has successfully decoupled carbon dioxide emissions from GDP growth since 1997, thanks to a significant reliance on renewable energy, without compromising public welfare or prosperity.

Sweden’s partnership with Uganda in promoting energy access and efficiency is strong. In 2019, the ambassador said, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Ugandan government for energy sector cooperation, which has been extended. Various capacity-building programs have trained energy sector staff in renewable energy and energy efficiency. A partnership with SNV, Makerere University, and the Private Sector Foundation Uganda, supported by Sweden with USD 8.8 million, aims to engage the private sector in designing impactful energy efficiency solutions.

Sweden also reported that supports the Power Africa initiative to double electricity access in sub-Saharan Africa and collaborates with UEGCL and Swedfund on a feasibility study for floating solar panels on water reservoirs. This project aims to enhance the electricity generation capacity of Ugandan hydro power dams.

Additionally, Sweden’s support for the UNCDF Renewable Energy Challenge Fund has resulted in the avoidance of approximately 1,514,787 tons of carbon dioxide emissions through clean cooking initiatives. “The use of effective and clean cooking solutions has clear positive impacts on the daily lives of not least women and children by reducing indoor air pollution and easing the workload of collecting firewood,” Håkansson explained. “At the same time, it reduces deforestation and soil degradation.”

The Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) in Practice program, funded by the Swedish Development Cooperation and conducted in collaboration with Makerere University, focuses on sustainable energy transitions, particularly promoting clean cooking solutions. These solutions according to the ambassador have significant positive impacts, such as reducing indoor air pollution, easing the workload of collecting firewood, and mitigating deforestation and soil degradation.

Ambassador Håkansson concluded by commending the IGE Fellows for their efforts to raise awareness and increase the uptake of cleaner energy sources, congratulating them on their graduation from the program. “Let me conclude by commending the IGE Fellows for their work to raise awareness and increase the uptake of cleaner energy sources as well as congratulate them as they today graduate from the program,” she said.

Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer EfD Uganda