Agriculture & Environment
FoodLAND Project Team Holds Dissemination Meeting for Stakeholders in Wakiso District
******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 In Africa, the use of outdated farming practices and the low adoption rate of improved agricultural technologies have contributed to low productivity.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;
Agriculture & Environment
Makerere Hosts Inaugural Falling Walls Lab Competition as Innovators Pitch Solutions to National Challenges
Students and researchers from Makerere University and other institutions pitched 12 innovations addressing challenges in healthcare, clean energy, agriculture, waste management and community resilience during the inaugural Falling Walls Lab Kampala, held at the School of Public Health Auditorium, Makerere University.
The competition brought together emerging innovators to present solutions to practical challenges through a three minute pitch, followed by questions from a panel of judges.
Modelled on the Falling Walls format that originated in Berlin, the event required each participant to identify a “wall” a problem or barrier, and demonstrate how their innovation seeks to break it down.
Mudhasi wins with newborn jaundice screening device
Andrew Mudhasi of Makerere University emerged as the overall winner with a score of 90 per cent for a low cost medical device designed to improve newborn jaundice screening across different skin tones.
Mudhasi explained that the device uses optical sensor technology and a skin tone targeting algorithm to provide a rapid reading, with the aim of helping nurses and clinicians identify jaundice more efficiently.
During questions from the jury, Mudhasi said the device had not yet been tested on actual babies but had undergone laboratory testing using simulated skin tones.
He reported an accuracy rate of 94 per cent when the device was compared with laboratory spectrophotometers.
The innovation is intended initially for use in clinics and hospitals, with Mudhasi saying the team is also considering a version that could eventually allow mothers to screen babies at home.
Mudhasi’s innovation has previously received recognition at the African Business Concept Challenge and the iF Design Student Award, according to his presentation.
Rhonda’s innovation tackles diaper waste
Rhoda John of the University of Nairobi emerged in second place with 89.6 per cent for an innovation addressing the problem of used diaper waste.
Under the theme “Breaking the wall of diaper waste and drug soils,” Rhonda explained that her team extracts sodium polyacrylate, the absorbent polymer found in diapers, and replaces the sodium with potassium.
The resulting potassium based superabsorbent material is designed to act as a “water battery” in soil by absorbing and retaining water for plants during dry periods.
John said testing showed a 99 per cent increase in germination and a 23 per cent increase in drought resistance.
The innovation also seeks to reduce the amount of used diapers ending up in landfills and the environmental effects associated with their decomposition.
During the question and answer session, John explained that her team was working with government environmental officials in Nairobi on a pilot collection system to address the challenge of gathering used diapers at scale.
Mahera takes third place with herbal peptic ulcer treatment
Stuart Mahera of Makerere University finished third with 86.2 per cent for a herbal formulation targeting peptic ulcers.
Presenting under the theme “Breaking the wall of Nature and Modern Medicine,” Mahera argued that conventional treatment for peptic ulcers can involve multiple medicines and may be associated with side effects and antimicrobial resistance.
His proposed formulation, MARAC capsules, is intended as a monotherapy, combining properties required for peptic-ulcer treatment in a single capsule.
Mahera said his team had carried out quality control work, including characterisation and dose quantification, and had conducted preclinical trials on laboratory mice.
He also told the jury that an application had been submitted to the National Drug Authority as the team awaits the next stage of the regulatory process.
According to Mahera, the proposed seven day treatment would cost about Shs21,000, compared with the existing 14 day treatment approach.
Innovators present solutions to practical challenges
The remaining presentations covered a wide range of challenges.
Esther Nakungu of Utamu University presented Agri-Track, a digital record keeping solution intended to improve visibility, accountability and management of farm operations and financial information.
Dr. Jimmy Chachiga, a Makerere University participant, presented a solar photovoltaic cooker with a heat storage system designed to provide a cleaner and more reliable cooking option during both sunny and non sunny periods.
His presentation focused on reducing dependence on biomass fuels and addressing the challenges associated with intermittent solar energy.
Abdul Noor Luttamaguzi, a PhD student and senior government fisheries officer, presented a mobile application aimed at helping fish farmers and extension officers report, track and manage disease outbreaks.
Henry Duke Tamale presented a herbal cream targeting antibiotic resistant biofilm infections associated with diabetic foot ulcers.
Marvin Seruwu proposed adapting existing near infrared brain monitoring technology to help detect extra-axial brain bleeds in health facilities where access to CT and MRI equipment is limited.
His proposal seeks to repurpose existing technology towards a diagnostic need that could be particularly important in settings where advanced imaging facilities are not readily available.
Kennedy Kisame presented a poultry alert and diagnosis system combining satellite weather information with computer vision disease detection. The proposed system could be accessed through a smartphone application, SMS or USSD, making it potentially usable by farmers with limited internet access.
Frank Atwiine proposed a solar powered mobile diagnostic van designed to bring ultrasound and other diagnostic services closer to rural communities.
Johnson Makmot, a software and blockchain developer, presented a platform that combines GPS tracking and blockchain-based tokens to incentivise and verify plastic-waste collection in Kampala.
Dr. Nelson Ndugu, from a partner university, presented an artificial intelligence tool designed to translate agricultural research publications into local Ugandan languages and generate voice notes for radio-based extension delivery.
The final presentation came from Dr. Juliet Akola, a Ugandan post doctoral researcher at Mangosuthu University of Technology in South Africa.
Akola presented a community digital resilience initiative focused on mapping risks in Kampala’s informal settlements, including flooding, fire, poor sanitation, waste management and inadequate infrastructure.
Her proposal seeks to combine local community knowledge with geographical information systems and link identified risks to action plans involving municipalities and other stakeholders.
Nawangwe calls for more investment in innovation
Closing the event, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated all the participants and described their presentations as an important beginning for Makerere University, Uganda and the wider region.
Drawing on his experience attending the Falling Walls conference in Berlin, the Vice Chancellor said initiatives of this nature are important because innovation will play a major role in determining the future of countries.
He encouraged participants to make their pitches more precise by clearly identifying the problem they are addressing, explaining their proposed solution and demonstrating what they have already achieved.
Prof. Nawangwe also welcomed the participation of innovators from other universities and countries, noting that the Kampala event had attracted participants beyond Makerere.
He thanked the Africa Office of the Falling Walls Foundation for its role in bringing the initiative to Makerere and encouraged continued support for innovation.
The Vice Chancellor further linked innovation to Uganda’s growing youth population and the need to develop home-grown solutions to address challenges such as youth unemployment.
The inaugural Falling Walls Lab Kampala ultimately provided a platform for innovators to move ideas beyond the classroom and laboratory and demonstrate how research, technology and creativity can be applied to challenges affecting communities.
| Position | Winner | Institution | Score |
| 1st | Andrew Mudhasi | Makerere University | 90% |
| 2nd | Rhoda John | University of Nairobi | 89.6% |
| 3rd | Stuart Mahera | Makerere University | 86.2% |
Agriculture & Environment
CAES Freshers Urged to Embrace Academic Excellence to Become Agents of National Transformation
Orientation is an important first step in helping newly admitted students transition into a new academic and social environment. Beyond introducing students to institutional structures and services, orientation provides an opportunity to set expectations, clarify responsibilities and inspire students to approach their university journey with purpose. For the 2026/2027 intake at Makerere University’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), the orientation emphasized the importance of making the most of the university experience, pursuing academic excellence, and developing the knowledge, skills, and values needed to become responsible citizens, innovative professionals, and agents of national transformation.
The CAES Freshers’ Orientation, held on Thursday, 6th August 2026, at the School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS) Quadrangle, provided newly admitted students with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the College’s academic programmes, administrative structures, technological resources, library services, counselling and other student support services. Beyond introducing the freshers to the University environment and the resources available to support their academic journey, the orientation emphasized the broader purpose of university education. Students were encouraged to view their time at Makerere not merely as a pathway to academic qualifications, but as an opportunity to develop relevant competencies, build character, discover their potential and acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to address real-world challenges and make meaningful contributions to society.
CAES: A College of Opportunities
Welcoming the freshers to CAES, the Principal, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, urged them to recognize the significance of the opportunity they had received to study at Makerere University and to use their time at the institution wisely.
Prof. Nabanoga reminded the students that university represents a critical stage in their journey towards becoming responsible and productive citizens. She cautioned them against letting the excitement, newfound freedom and social opportunities distract them from their academic responsibilities.
“You are at the tail end of your journey to becoming important citizens, and therefore you need to use your time at the University effectively,” she said, urging the students to begin thinking about what they wish to become from the very beginning of their university education.
She emphasized that success at university requires discipline, commitment and a clear sense of purpose. The freshers were encouraged to take ownership of their education and make deliberate decisions that would contribute to their personal and professional growth.
According to Prof. Nabanoga, CAES is strategically positioned to prepare graduates who can respond to some of the most pressing challenges facing Uganda and the wider world, particularly in food production, agriculture, environmental sustainability and entrepreneurship.
“CAES is at the centre of national development. No life exists without food and a conducive environment,” she noted, describing CAES as a “college of opportunities” where students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to become change agents.
“At CAES, we focus on skilling you to become change agents to feed nations and to protect the environment, and to become job creators,” she said.
Prof. Nabanoga further encouraged the freshers to take advantage of the expertise available within the College, particularly by actively engaging with their lecturers and seeking guidance whenever they encounter academic or other challenges.
She also underscored the importance of investing in young people as future leaders and contributors to national development, noting that sustainable transformation requires a generation equipped with the skills, values and capacity to take on leadership and other critical responsibilities.
CAES Human Capital Critical to National Development
Speaking on the relevance of CAES to Uganda’s development agenda, the Deputy Principal, Prof. Bamutaze, highlighted the College’s responsibility to produce the human capital required to drive the country’s socio-economic transformation.
He noted that Uganda’s development priorities, including agro-industrialization, tourism and mineral-based development, require innovative, skilled and dynamic human resources capable of turning opportunities into tangible solutions.
“The country desires innovative and dynamic people who can contribute to its socio-economic development,” he said.
Prof. Bamutaze encouraged the freshers to take their education seriously and use their time at Makerere to develop the competencies, creativity and innovative mindset needed to respond to emerging national and global challenges.
Students Urged to Become Problem Solvers
The Dean of the School of Agricultural Sciences, Dr. John Baptist Tumuhairwe, explained that the School is committed to producing graduates capable of identifying challenges and developing practical solutions.
He urged the students to make academic excellence a guiding principle throughout their university journey, emphasizing that consistent effort, discipline and commitment would be critical to their success.
Dr. Tumuhairwe also stressed the importance of respect, encouraging students to respect themselves, their colleagues, lecturers, administrators and the wider University community.
He cautioned the freshers against behaviours and activities that could undermine their academic progress and future prospects, particularly betting, drug abuse and irresponsible sexual behaviour.
The Dean further encouraged the students not to underestimate the programmes they had been admitted to. He noted that every programme presents opportunities for success when students remain committed, focused and willing to work hard.
He urged the freshers to take ownership of their academic journeys rather than judging their programmes solely on the basis of perceived popularity or immediate career prospects.
Freshers Encouraged to Settle Down and Focus on Excellence
Representing the Dean of the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering, Prof. Ivan Muzira Mukisa encouraged the freshers to settle into university life quickly and begin working towards academic excellence from the outset.
He cautioned them against wasting time and urged them to develop productive habits early, noting that the routines and discipline established during the first year can significantly influence their academic performance throughout their university journey.
Prof. Mukisa emphasized the importance of effective time management and encouraged students to strike a healthy balance between academic responsibilities and social activities.
He also highlighted the value of teamwork, noting that the ability to work collaboratively is an important skill both within the University and in the professional world.
The students were further encouraged to seek guidance whenever they encounter difficulties instead of struggling with challenges on their own. They were reminded to make use of the academic and student support structures available within the College and University.
Similarly, the Dean, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Prof. Revocatus Twinomuhangi urged the students to focus on academic and professional success.
Freshers Introduced to University Services and Policies
In addition to the guidance from College leadership, the orientation familiarized the freshers with important administrative, technological and student support services that will shape their experience at Makerere University.
The College Registrar, Ms. Jofrina Kyohairwe, briefed the students on registration procedures and key academic policies. The session aimed to familiarize the freshers with the administrative requirements they are expected to fulfil and help them avoid challenges arising from failure to comply with University regulations and procedures.
The students were also introduced to ICT support services by Mr. Albert Muhumuza, who highlighted the importance of effectively using the University’s digital platforms and technological resources to support their learning.
They were further introduced to library services, which provide access to essential academic resources for coursework, research and independent learning.
The orientation also highlighted counselling and guidance services available to students to support them as they navigate academic, personal and social challenges during their university experience.
Pictorial of the orientation:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DmjNj1pdounFv9juFTDG98p2XQO3tq6b?usp=sharing
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