Agriculture & Environment
FoodLAND Project Team Holds Dissemination Meeting for Stakeholders in Wakiso District
Published
2 years agoon

******Funded by the European Commission within the Horizon 2020 programme, the main aim of the project was to develop, implement and validate innovative, scalable, and sustainable technologies to support the nutrition performance of local food systems in Africa. Held at Makerere University, the meeting served as a platform to sensitize stakeholders on the different products developed by the project, including smart farming technologies, nutrient-rich foods, and the nutritional recommendations for adults and the elderly. The meeting featured clinical screening, and the launch of a 30-day healthy diet challenge.
Overview
Africa’s food system is dominated by a number of challenges ranging from primary and seasonal production to poor quality produce, and limited access to markets. In Africa, the use of outdated farming practices and the low adoption rate of improved agricultural technologies have contributed to low productivity. Issues such as monoculture, lack of crop rotation, and poor soil management are still prevalent across the Continent. Poor infrastructure in terms of roads, storage, and processing facilities limits access to markets and increases post-harvest losses. Moreover, many African farmers and other food systems-related businesses lack access to finance and credit facilities that would enable them to invest in improved agricultural technologies and inputs. (John Ulimwengu, FARMINGFIRST 2023).

In his presentation delivered at the AU Summit in Addis Ababa in 2023, FAO Director General, Dr. QU Dongyu highlighted the need for collective effort to support vulnerable communities with multiple and innovative solutions to build their resilience and transform agri-food systems to deliver better nutrition. Dr QU Dongyu warned that 1 billion people in Africa could not afford a healthy diet in 2020, and the impacts of the climate crisis, conflicts, the pandemic, and the war in Ukraine were raising levels of malnutrition and hunger. According to a joint report on the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, led by FAO, 281 million people in Africa are undernourished, nearly 60 million African children under 5 suffer from stunting, and 14 million suffer from wasting.
Solutions to Challenges facing Africa’s food system
Launched in 2020 with the aim of developing, implementing and validating innovative, scalable, and sustainable technologies to support the nutrition performance of local food systems in Africa, Food and Local, Agricultural, and Nutritional Diversity (FoodLAND) Ugandan project team has come up with a number of initiatives that have tremendously transformed farming in rural communities in the country. Led by Prof. John Muyonga from the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-engineering at Makerere University, the team has developed technologies for precision irrigation and fertigation, smart storage, rodent control, and value addition. Additionally, the team has established infrastructure at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK) for research and training, and has trained over 100 farmers in the different technologies developed, supported the application of ecological principles to ensure sustainable agricultural production, developed nutrient enhanced food products such as noodles containing orange fleshed sweet potatoes and biofortified beans; instant flours containing orange fleshed sweet potatoes, biofortified beans and grain amaranth; and dry eggplant. The team has also developed nutritional guidelines for adults and the elderly. Uganda’s project team: Prof. John Muyonga and Prof. Johnny Mugisha from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University; 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.

Funded to the tune of 7 million euros by the European Commission within the Horizon 2020 programme, and led by Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna (Italy), FoodLAND project is committed to developing a range of innovations for local agriculture and aquaculture development, as well as to nudging consumers towards healthier eating behaviour in six African countries: Morocco, Tunisia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. The project specifically aims to empower smallholder farmers and food operators, foster nutrition responsive and sustainable agro-biodiversity, reinforce the productivity and resilience of food supply chains, and create new market opportunities at both the local and global scales, thereby encouraging the flourishing of rural communities. These achievements are envisaged to benefit both African and European consumers by providing them with traditional-based, healthy, nutritious foods, while encouraging the diffusion of African diets and aiding the fight against malnutrition, particularly in women and children.
Project dissemination workshops
In July 2024, the team held workshops in the project areas of Kamuli and Nakaseke districts to sensitize farmers on the research recommendations, and train them on the technologies developed to support smart farming.

Stakeholders’ engagement/dissemination meeting in Wakiso District
On 29th August 2024, the project team held a dissemination meeting for stakeholders within Wakiso District to sensitize them on the challenges affecting Africa’s food systems, particularly Uganda, and the measures undertaken by the project to address them. Held at Makerere University and attended by staff and students, representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) and NARO, and representatives of farmer groups, the meeting discussed a number of issues including the engineering innovations for precision irrigation and fertigation, smart storage (charcoal cooling blankets to prolong shelf-life), and rodent control system developed by the research team. The meeting also discussed producer and consumer behaviours, value addition, integrated aquaculture and bio-based packaging, and nutritional recommendations to minimize under-nutrition, malnutrition, and non-communicable diseases.

Presentations by the project team
Briefing participants on the project goal and objectives, Prof. John Muyonga, project coordinator in Uganda emphasized the need to address production and nutritional challenges along the entire value chain.
Delivering a presentation on producers and consumers’ behaviour, Prof. Johnny Mugisha noted that fear of risks was undermining uptake of innovations by the farmers. He highlighted the need for incentives to farmers to promote uptake, and called for support initiatives to reduce risks associated with long term investments such as climate change mitigation strategies. Additionally, Prof. Mugisha explained that the price of food or affordability was associated with consumer food choices, advocating for innovative models to distribute quality food to consumers at fair prices. The research also established that diets of rural women were greatly affected by their level of income, calling for initiatives to improve women’s income, and sensitization on good nutrition.

On behalf of Nutreal Ltd that led the value addition component on the project, Dr Dorothy Nakimbugwe, from the Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, presented to participants the different nutrient-rich products developed. These include; orange fleshed sweet potato, bio-fortified beans, noodles, composite flours, and snacks/daddies. According to Dr Nakimbugwe, food processing improves nutrition and health and reduces post-harvest losses. “Consumption of the nutrient-enhanced foods contributes to higher dietary intake of key nutrients (protein and micronutrients e.g. iron and zinc), and can greatly reduce malnutrition. Reports from UNICEF indicate that malnutrition poses a significant barrier to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), affecting not only health but also education, economic prosperity, and societal well-being. In sub-Saharan Africa, over 30% of children under the age of five suffer from stunted growth due to chronic malnutrition. Uganda’s adult population also faces a malnutrition burden. In adults, under-nutrition and nutritional deficiencies lead to low productivity, poor health, and poor pregnancy outcomes.

Presenting the nutritional recommendations, Dr Richard Bukenya from the Department of Food Technology and Nutrition at Makerere University indicated that the causes of malnutrition were largely behavioural. According to the Global Nutrition Report of 2022, Uganda has shown limited progress towards achieving the diet-related non-communicable disease (NCD) targets. 10.4% of adult (aged 18 years and over) women and 2.3% of adult men are living with obesity. Uganda’s obesity prevalence is lower than the regional average of 20.8% for women and 9.2% for men. At the same time, diabetes is estimated to affect 5.6% of adult women and 5.6% of adult men. The 2018 Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) survey by the World Health Organization (WHO), also indicates an increase of diet related health conditions including obesity, diabetes, Cardio Vascular Disease, Coronary Heart Disease, and Cancer with up to 33% of deaths in Uganda related to these non-communicable diseases. The FoodLAND project has worked to supplement efforts by Government to reduce malnutrition. Following desk reviews and stakeholder engagements, the project developed 30 nutritional recommendations for adults and the elderly. These include; 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; iv) Regular engagement in moderate-intensity physical activity like brisk walking, digging, swimming, aerobics, and cycling; v) 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.

Remarks by the Vice Chancellor
On behalf of the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, the Deputy Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma commended the project team for the initiative. “The research focus of the FoodLAND project is extremely important, especially for us as a country that is highly reliant on agriculture and yet faced with malnutrition, poor market access from agricultural products and the challenge of climate change. While Africa has potential to grow diversity of food, the continent suffers high levels of under-nutrition, nutritional deficiencies, food poisoning and has in recent decades also registered marked rise in prevalence of over-nutrition and associated non-communicable diseases,” he noted. He commended the project for being in line with the University’s 2020-2030 strategic plan, which seek, among others, to strengthen generation and uptake of knowledge and technologies that contribute to socio-economic transformation of people in Uganda and beyond. He appreciated the European Commission for the support extended to the project.

MAAIF Representative
In his address, Mr. Steven Byantware, MAAIF Director for Crop Resources, who represented the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) appreciated the project team for supporting government programmes intended to foster agro-industrialization and mechanisation of agriculture with the aim of transforming the country from subsistence to commercial farming. He urged the team to popularise the research findings through extensive dissemination programmes.

Director General – NARO
On behalf of the Director General of NARO, Dr. Sadik Kassim, Deputy Director General commended the partnership between Makerere and the organization. Highlighting the challenges posed by climate change and mechanization of agriculture, Dr. Kassim said the project is crucial in promoting agro-bio-diversity and nutrition bio-diversity. Regarding uptake and sustainability, he urged the project team to work with the government and private sector to strengthen the innovations. He equally appreciated the European Commission for funding the project.

In her remarks, the Dean, School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-engineering, Dr Julia Kigozi commended the project team for the initiative, saying it promotes the CAES innovation-intentional agenda.
The meeting featured testimonies by some of the farmers supported by the project who expressed gratitude, noting that their livelihoods had greatly transformed following the application of the knowledge acquired from the project.

Exhibition, clinical screening, and launch of a 30-day healthy diet challenge
On the side-lines of the dissemination meeting was an exhibition of the different products developed by the project team, and clinical screening as well as launch of a 30-day healthy diet challenge.

More about the project;
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Agriculture & Environment
Africa Climate Collaborative: Masters & PhD Scholarship Announcement Academic Year 2026/2027
Published
19 hours agoon
April 15, 2026By
Mak Editor
Makerere University, in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, is implementing Africa Climate Collaborative, an initiative that aims to shape a future where African knowledge, innovation, and leadership drive sustainable, climate-resilient development across the continent.
Makerere University is pleased to announce Fifty [50] Masters and Twelve [12] PhD Scholarship opportunities under the Africa Climate Collaborative for the Academic Year 2026/2027.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS: Friday, 5th June 2026.
Agriculture & Environment
CPUg Project Equips Waste Management Personnel with Essential Skills
Published
2 weeks agoon
April 2, 2026
*****The two-day training, hosted by the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at Makerere University, was conducted under the auspices of the APPEAR Collaborative Research Project, ‘Clean and Prosperous Uganda – Fecal Sludge and Solid Waste Management for Improved Livelihoods (CPUg).
The challenge of waste management in Uganda
Fecal Sludge Management (FSM) and Solid Waste Management (SWM) are essential for building healthy, resilient communities. However, in many parts of Uganda, these systems remain underdeveloped, leaving communities exposed to a wide range of complex challenges.
Improper handling and disposal of fecal sludge and solid waste pose both immediate and long-term public health risks, including the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. When human waste is not safely contained, treated, or disposed of, pathogens can contaminate water, food, and soil, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups such as children and residents of informal settlements.

Environmentally, unmanaged waste degrades ecosystems, pollutes rivers and wetlands, and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Open dumping clogs drainage systems, heightening urban flood risks and facilitating disease transmission. Non-biodegradable materials, including plastics, can persist for decades, blocking waterways, harming wildlife, and weakening communities’ resilience to climate change.
The economic consequences are equally profound. Inefficient waste management undermines productivity by driving up healthcare costs, lowering property values, and limiting tourism and investment opportunities. Informal waste collection systems, often the only coping mechanism for many urban residents, fail to provide adequate protection for workers.

Given these intertwined health, environmental, and economic impacts, the burden of fecal sludge and solid waste in Uganda is not merely a municipal concern but a pressing national development issue. Urgent attention is required to invest in modern FSM and SWM infrastructure, promote behavioral change, and implement regulatory frameworks that ensure safe, sustainable, and inclusive waste management solutions. Without such interventions, the compounded risks to human well-being, ecosystems, and economic growth will continue to escalate.
Addressing the Challenge through the CPUg Project
The Clean and Prosperous Uganda – Fecal Sludge and Solid Waste Management for Improved Livelihoods (CPUg) Project, a collaborative initiative between the CAES, the Institute of Water Quality and Resource Management at Vienna University of Technology in Austria, the Department of Environmental and Livelihood Support Systems at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), and the Uganda Red Cross Society, seeks to tackle Uganda’s most pressing challenges in waste management.

The project set out to explore circularity concepts, test a variety of techniques for utilizing dried fecal sludge, analyze plastic recovery from existing composting plants, and evaluate the social and economic viability of improved FSM and SWM and their influencing factors on regional communities. Supported under the Austrian Partnership Programme in Higher Education and Research for Development (APPEAR), the project aims to examine how best to optimize and integrate FSM and SWM in rural settings in Wakiso District, refugee settlements in Arua District, and Uganda in general.
In addition to the technical aspects, the socio-economic viability of improved fecal sludge and solid waste management is being evaluated in terms of affordability, perceptions, and the willingness to accept and utilize these products. The project aims to contribute towards reshaping Uganda’s landscape through integrated solutions, scientific rigor, and inclusive community engagement. It stands as a model for integrated development.

It is coordinated by Prof. Jeninah Karungi Tumutegyereize from the Department of Crop Science and Horticulture at CAES, Makerere University.
Two-Day Training on Integrated Fecal Sludge and Solid Waste Management
The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at Makerere University, in collaboration with the Uganda Red Cross Society, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, and Vienna University of Technology, Austria, held a comprehensive two-day training on Integrated Fecal Sludge and Solid Waste Management.

The training, conducted on 30th-31st March 2026, at Makerere University was officially opened by the Principal of CAES, represented by Dr. Mildred Ochwo Ssemakula, Head of the Department of Crop Science and Horticulture. Participants included representatives from academia, the private sector, municipal authorities, service providers, and farmers.

The training programme aimed to equip personnel across the waste management value chain with the knowledge and skills to transform fecal sludge and solid waste into valuable, sustainable agricultural and economic resources. It covered topics such as occupational safety, waste management infrastructure, processing and post-treatment methods, composting, carbonization, material flow analysis, service gaps, and economic considerations in Greater Kampala. Participants were also trained in specialized software tools designed to enhance efficiency and manage waste-to-resource processes, promoting both environmental sustainability and economic viability.
Particular emphasis was placed on shifting perceptions of fecal sludge-based products among end users, mainly subsistence and commercial farmers.

Emerging Issues from the Training
- Weak fecal sludge management systems: Existing systems, particularly in refugee settlements, are inadequate.
- Public health risks: Improper sludge handling continues to threaten health – only 44% of fecal sludge is safely managed.
- Limited technical capacity: Practitioners need more training in safe handling and reuse technologies.
- Low adoption of resource recovery: Sludge-to-product innovations are underutilized.
- Environmental pollution: Untreated sludge contaminates soil, water, and surrounding ecosystems.
- Poor integration with agriculture: Opportunities for nutrient recycling are not fully exploited.
- Inadequate equipment: PPE, emptying tools, and treatment facilities are scarce.
- Low composting standards in Uganda: Composting often follows non-scientific methods.
- Behavioral and hygiene gaps: Handwashing and proper waste disposal practices remain weak.
- Underdeveloped waste-based value chains: Compost, briquettes, and fertilizers are not economically leveraged.
- High reliance on on-site sanitation: Sewer network coverage is below 10% in Greater Kampala.
- Insufficient emptying and collection services: Services are limited and costly.
- Limited private sector engagement: Public investment and private participation are inadequate.
- Treatment capacity and cost recovery challenges: Facilities are strained and revenue mechanisms weak.
- Low willingness or ability to pay: Users are reluctant or unable to afford improved services.
- Negative perceptions of fecal sludge products: Public attitudes hinder adoption.
- Regulatory and equity barriers: Awareness is limited, regulations are burdensome, and access is unequal.

Way Forward
Effective waste management is essential for public health, yet remains a significant challenge in Uganda, with few households able to empty their on-site sanitation facilities due to high costs. Experts emphasize the need for increased investment and prioritization of operator safety. Rigorous safety protocols and training are critical to safeguarding workers and ensuring sustainable operations.

Remarks by the CAES Leadership
On behalf of the Principal of CAES, Dr. Mildred Ochwo Ssemakula underscored Uganda’s immense potential to benefit from effective fecal sludge and solid waste management. “In an agriculture-dependent country, converting waste into organic fertilizer and other resources can significantly enhance productivity and generate substantial economic benefits. At the CAES, we are proud to collaborate and support initiatives like CPUg through innovative research and capacity-building programmes that directly address Uganda’s environmental challenges. I extend my sincere gratitude to the researchers and partners for their unwavering commitment to advancing research and environmental management. Makerere University highly values these collaborations, and together, we form a powerful coalition driving positive change in Uganda’s development.”

The CPUg project has contributed to capacity-building by training five PhD students, three from Makerere University and two from Vienna University of Technology, as well as three MSc students from Makerere University. The results are expected to improve knowledge in waste management and strengthen stakeholder capacity across the waste management value chain.
Pictorial of the training:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1B9nUVHhQEsFncLJR3rlHN0Dd2-f7BStR?usp=sharing
Agriculture & Environment
RUFS Project Team Enhances Capacity of Smallholder Farmers in Mbale City in Financial Management & Communication
Published
2 weeks agoon
April 1, 2026
Achieving lasting and sustainable success in agriculture goes far beyond planting and harvesting. It requires a diverse skill set, including financial literacy to manage budgets and make sound investment decisions, as well as effective record-keeping to track performance, inform operations, and identify opportunities for improvement. Equally important is strategic communication, which enables farmers to market their products, build brand visibility, and enhance profitability.
A strong understanding of group dynamics is also essential in helping farmers foster collaboration within cooperatives, community initiatives, and peer networks. By integrating these competencies, agricultural entrepreneurs can maximize productivity, optimize resource use, and build resilient enterprises capable of adapting to evolving environmental, economic, and social conditions.

Despite the vital role urban farmers play in ensuring food security, many still lack the technical knowledge and skills needed to optimize productivity. This gap limits output and undermines the profitability, efficiency, and long-term sustainability of their farming enterprises.
Addressing the Skills Gap Through Phase II of the RUFS Project
Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project aims to address these challenges. Through hands-on training programmes in Mbale City and Kasese Municipality, the initiative seeks to equip urban farmers with practical knowledge, modern techniques, and adaptive strategies to improve productivity.

Led by Prof. Frank Mugagga from the Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climate Sciences at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, and supported by the AgriFoSe2030 Programme, the project focuses on strengthening urban food systems to withstand climate-related shocks such as floods and droughts. By promoting climate-smart agricultural practices, the initiative empowers farmers to sustain productive, profitable, and resilient operations, ultimately improving livelihoods and contributing to stable urban food supplies.
Training Sessions in Mbale City
To enhance their skills, the RUFS Project team held training sessions for smallholder farmers in Mbale City on 26th-27th March 2026. Hosted at the home of Hajji Siraji Kamulegeya, a mixed farmer in Nankusi Cell, Northern Division in Mbale City, the training provided a community-centered setting that encouraged active participation and peer learning.

A total of 25 farmers attended the training, which aimed to strengthen financial literacy and enhance overall farm management practices. The sessions covered essential topics such as effective bookkeeping, farmer group dynamics, systematic documentation of farm activities, and the strategic use of media to share knowledge and promote agricultural products and services.
Farmers actively engaged in the discussions, openly sharing their experiences and the challenges they encounter. Many confessed that they did not maintain proper financial records, citing limited knowledge of record-keeping practices, the busy schedules, and, in some cases, low motivation to adopt structured documentation systems.
Training in Financial Management
In a comprehensive training session focused on bookkeeping, Mr. Mbowa Henry from AidEnvironment, also a member of the RUFS Project, emphasized the critical importance of maintaining accurate, consistent, and systematically organized financial records. He noted that proper record-keeping not only improves financial management but also strengthens farm management and promotes long-term economic sustainability of farming enterprises.

He introduced the farmers to the core components of an effective record-keeping system, including cashbooks, receipt books, expenditure registers, and bank records, tools essential for monitoring income, tracking expenses, and evaluating overall performance.
He encouraged the participants to actively apply the knowledge acquired, stressing that consistent adoption of these practices would empower them to optimize their farm operations, enhance productivity, and secure sustainable financial growth for their agricultural ventures.

Managing Farmer Group Dynamics
In addition to financial skills, the RUFS Project team, led by Mr. Mbowa and Ms. Ritah Pavin Nakanjako, provided guidance on farmer group dynamics. Discussions centered on common challenges affecting collective farming and strategies to address them. Key challenges identified included the lack of shared goals, conflicting individual interests, weak saving culture, leadership gaps, unregistered or family-centered groups, low participation in group activities, uncoordinated initiatives, politicking, and limited financial management skills, all of which hinder the success of farmer groups. The trainers emphasized the importance of unity, clear objectives, and structured collaboration in strengthening group performance.
Climate Change Risks
Another significant topic of discussion was climate change and its devastating effects, as well as the social and hydrological histories, emphasizing the urgent need for adaptive strategies in agriculture. The Elgon region, which spans Eastern Uganda’s highlands and the foothills of Mount Elgon, is particularly vulnerable to extreme rainfall, flash floods, and landslides due to its steep terrain, heavy seasonal rains, and densely settled, erosion-prone slopes. Over the decades, such disasters, most notably in 1997-2004, 2010, 2018, 2022, and 2023, have resulted in displacement, destroyed livelihoods, damaged infrastructure, increased food insecurity, and heightened health risks.

During the training, farmers shared firsthand accounts of the devastating impacts of recurrent floods in the region. Facilitated by Mr. David Luswata, a Masters student supported by the project, and Ms. Patricia Kiggundu, a member of the project, the sessions offered a collaborative platform for participants to explore long-term, sustainable solutions aimed at reducing both the risks and economic losses associated with climate variability. As part of his Masters research on flood risk management among smallholder farmers in Mbale City, Mr. David Luswata engaged the farmers on the impact of floods on crops, livestock, property and livelihoods.
Documentation and Knowledge Sharing
The training also emphasized the critical role of documentation in effective farm management and knowledge sharing. Mr. Juma Wephukulu, a member of the RUFS Project and Chairperson of the Mbale City Food Systems Platform, offered detailed guidance on essential practices for recording day-to-day agricultural activities. Drawing from his own experience, Mr. Wephukulu authored a book chronicling his farming journey. Supported by RUFS, the publication serves as an educational guide and an inspirational resource, equipping other farmers with practical insights, strategies, and motivation to enhance productivity and resilience.

Communication and Media Engagement
Another distinctive feature of the training was its focus on communication and media engagement. Farmers were encouraged to leverage media platforms to amplify their voices and share their experiences with wider audiences. Mr. Wataba Shaban, a talk-show host at IUIU FM in Mbale City, led a simulated radio talk-show session, demonstrating effective techniques for communicating agricultural issues and providing participants with practical skills for public engagement.

Community Perspectives
Many of the factors driving climate change are the result of human activity, frequently stemming from unsustainable agricultural practices and improper construction methods. Representing the farming community, Hajji Siraji Kamulegeya called for more educational programmes and capacity-building initiatives to deepen understanding of the causes of climate change and strategies for mitigating its impact. He expressed gratitude to the funders and the project team for the interventions.
Addressing the participants, Mr. Munowa Hassan, LC1 Chairman of Nankusi Cell in Northern City Division, Mbale City appreciated Makerere University for its numerous initiatives aimed at empowering farmers and enhancing food security. He called for the expansion of such projects.

Action Planning
To translate knowledge into action, participants collectively developed a concrete action plan and a monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress, measure outcomes, and make necessary adjustments to achieve the desired impact.
A similar training will be conducted in Kasese Municipality.
Pictorial of the training:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OLgem3m5Lnnq5b0Nm4giPKcBnZPsZrEF?usp=sharing
More about the RUFS trainings: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2025/10/rufs-project-team-trains-smallholder-farmers-in-mbale-city-in-smart-agronomic-practices/
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