Agriculture & Environment
Makerere University renews partnership with the CGIAR to enhance equitable agrifood systems
By Elizabeth Asiimwe
Makerere University and the CGIAR, in August 2024, renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate efforts to create more inclusive agricultural systems in Africa. With funding of US$ 99,935 through the CGIAR GENDER Impact Platform, Makerere University will implement the activities through the Gender-responsive Researchers Equipped for Agricultural Transformation (GREAT) Project, co-implemented by the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the School of Women and Gender Studies.
This renewed partnership focuses on developing and enhancing postgraduate training and research in gender and agrifood systems at Makerere University. This is in line with the broader aim of nurturing a cadre of gender-responsive agricultural researchers (both social and biophysical scientists), equipped to contribute to inclusive and effective agricultural systems that address the priorities of both women and men in Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.
Dr. Florence Kyazze, the GREAT Principal Investigator, emphasized the significance of the MoU, stating that, “This renewed partnership is an opportunity to enhance the curriculum in gender and agriculture and align it with changing needs, the latest knowledge, and best practices in gender and agrifood systems”.
In the new partnership, Makerere will initiate the development of a Masters program with an intermediary postgraduate diploma in gender and agricultural development. The interdisciplinary program taught by faculty members in the fields of agriculture, gender studies, rural development, and sociology, drawn from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the School of Women and Gender Studies, other relevant units of Makerere University, and other universities, will emphasize the integration of theory and practice.
The proposed program will embrace a blended and more flexible learning environment to enable learners to maneuver the multiple roles that balance school, work in gender and agrifood systems, and other spheres of life. “It is important to equip students with the necessary tools and skills that can be used in real-life agricultural programming situations; from research to community interventions and policy levels using flexible approaches to drive gender equality in agriculture ”, remarked Dr Kyazze.
The MoU marks a critical step in reinforcing the commitment of both institutions to promote gender-responsive agricultural innovations, ultimately fostering a more equitable and sustainable future for all, contributing to Sustainable Development Goals 2, 4, and 5.
About GREAT:
GREAT started as a 5-year collaborative capacity-building program between Makerere University and Cornell University in the USA with core funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (2015-2020). Co-led by Prof. Margaret Najjingo Mangheni (Makerere) and Prof. Hale Ann Tufan (Cornell), GREAT later transitioned into a broadened tripartite two-year partnership to include the OneCGIAR through the GENDER Impact Platform (2021-2023).
At Makerere University, GREAT is implemented by the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and the School of Women and Gender Studies (SWGS), with the secretariat at CAES.
Vision and strategy:
GREAT equips researchers to create more inclusive and effective agricultural systems by addressing the priorities of both women and men in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). From inception, the strategy to achieve this vision was through i) supporting Makerere University to become a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for gender-responsive agricultural research and training in sub-Saharan Africa (evidenced by adequate staff capacity, visibility, and high reputation in the region), ii) capacity building of researchers to conduct gender-responsive agricultural research, ii) fostering information exchange, dialogue and collaboration on gender-responsive research; and, iv) triggering support of gender-responsive research in the National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) and building a cadre of champions – all which have been achieved to a larger extent.
Towards this vision, GREAT has:
- Strengthened ample technical capacity of 14 staff at Makerere University to conduct gender-responsive agricultural research and training;
- Established a track record for delivering high-quality courses evidenced by growing demand for fee-paying short courses beyond the BMGF grant.
- Established connections with renowned international scholars and experts in gender and agriculture who contribute to course offerings as short-term consultants based on need.
- Established strategic partnerships with various institutions such as the One CGIAR, US Universities- Cornell, Michigan State, University of Georgia, and National Agricultural Research Institutions of Uganda, Burundi, and Burkina Faso
- Delivered five (5) mainstream gender-responsive plant breeding (Level 1) courses, One (1) Level 2 course, One (1) gender-responsive plant breeding and seed systems in South Asia course, and 10 custom courses (tailored to suit clients’ needs)
- Trained a pool of 362 fellows drawn from Africa, South Asia, Latin America on gender-responsive agricultural research
- Published three special journal issues with over ten articles, and two trainers’ manuals on gender-responsive plant breeding
- Contributed to the enhancement of the curriculum on gender and agriculture-related course units at Makerere University taught by GREAT trainers
- Created various knowledge products and communication channels to amplify the visibility of the work on gender-responsive agriculture research.
- Raised 3.58 million US Dollars in grants to Makerere University
For more information, please contact:
Dr Florence Birungi Kyazze, GREAT P.I Email: fbirungikyazze@gmail.com
Dr Losira Nasirumbi Sanya, GREAT Associate P.I: losira.nasirumbi@mak.ac.ug
Ms Elizabeth Asiimwe, GREAT Program Manager: alizeff@yahoo.com
Ms. Elizabeth Asiimwe is the Programme Manager, GREAT.
Agriculture & Environment
Launch of the MUJAES Online Submission System & Call for Manuscripts for Volume 15 (Issue 1)
Makerere University students have once again demonstrated academic excellence and commitment to environmental conservation after emerging as the overall winners in the Uganda Wildlife Authority Tertiary Institutions Conservation Competitions held during the national celebrations to mark the World Wildlife Day.
On 25th February, a team of eight students, including members of the Makerere University Tourism Association (MUTA), proudly represented the university at the competitions organized by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The event took place at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe and brought together students from various tertiary institutions across the country to showcase knowledge and innovation in wildlife conservation.
The competitions formed part of the activities marking World Wildlife Day and were held under the theme “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conservation, Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.” The theme highlighted the importance of protecting plant biodiversity, particularly species that support traditional medicine, cultural heritage, and sustainable livelihoods.
After a highly competitive contest that tested participants’ knowledge of conservation, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability, Makerere University emerged as the overall winner. The Uganda Wildlife Research and Training College finished as the first runner-up, while Nkumba University secured the second runner-up position.
The team’s achievement was officially recognized during the national World Wildlife Day celebrations held on 3rd March at the Entebbe Works Grounds. During the ceremony, the students were awarded a trophy in recognition of their outstanding performance.
The award was presented by Uganda’s Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, alongside the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Tom Butime, and the State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Martin Mugarra. The leaders commended the students for their remarkable achievement and emphasized the critical role young people play in promoting conservation and protecting Uganda’s natural heritage.
The winning team comprised students from diverse academic disciplines as follows:
- Iradikunda Jemimah – Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Technology
- Nankabirwa Edith Mirembe – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Agenrwoth Brenda – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Joel Kibirango – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Elvis Mujuni Kamara – Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (Botany/Zoology)
- Kamyuka Ben – Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (Botany/Zoology)
- Karisa Geofrey – Bachelor of Science in Forestry
- Nyangoma Caroline – Bachelor of Science in Forestry
According to Prof. Jim Ayorekire, Head, Department of Tourism at Makerere University, the win not only highlights Makerere University’s continued leadership in conservation education but also underscores the importance of empowering young people to take an active role in protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable use of natural resources.
Agriculture & Environment
From Campus to Community: Universities Lead Teso in Fight Against Greenhouse Gas Emissions
By John Omoding
When Immaculate Acom inhaled smoke from traditional firewood stoves, it was a daily struggle. Her eyes watered, her lungs ached, and cooking became a source of illness rather than nourishment.
Today, Acom’s home in Aten Village, Odudui Parish, Arapai Sub-county, Soroti District, has transformed into a living laboratory for green energy solutions, a hub where university researchers, students, and local farmers collaborate on practical strategies to combat climate change.
“I used to cough every time I cooked. Now, with a biogas digester built by my husband, I can cook and light our home safely,” she says, pointing to the small green dome beside her house. “This is a relief for all the mothers in the community.”
Bringing Academia to the Grassroots
Acom’s story is part of the TORCH Project, a multi-university initiative involving Makerere University, Busitema University, Kabale University, and the University of Juba. The project seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable practices at the community level.
Unlike conventional environmental campaigns, the TORCH Project emphasizes direct engagement with local communities. Role models within villages are identified and trained in modern agricultural practices, clean energy use, and environmentally friendly living standards.
Dr. Jolly Akullo Oder, TORCH Project Coordinator at Busitema University, explains:
“Our mandate is to go to the community, share knowledge, listen to their challenges, and co-create solutions. This is not about lecturing – it’s about learning together.”
The project’s operational area spans a ten-square-kilometer zone around Busitema University’s Arapai campus, where researchers, students, and community members meet regularly to exchange ideas and implement practical solutions.
A Living Lab for Green Growth
The initiative, branded as a living lab, aims to achieve green growth, rural carbon credits, and the adoption of affordable green technologies.
Dr. Patrick Musinguzi, Principal Investigator from Makerere University, emphasizes the community-centric approach: “We are here to sit at the table with the community, discuss the challenges of global warming and greenhouse gas emissions, and chart a path forward together. Awareness is the first step to action.”
The project focuses on tangible interventions, including biogas digesters, sustainable tree planting, and energy-efficient farming methods, to reduce carbon emissions at the household and community level.
Community Voices: From Awareness to Action
For local farmers like John Michael Elebu, the university outreach is both eye-opening and practical. “I’ve never seen academics come to the community and engage with us so openly. I hope they can provide free improved tree seedlings to support our farming and fight climate change,” Elebu said.
Acom urges men in the community to take an active role in adopting clean energy technologies. Her husband, David Okwi, is among those championing the integration of green technologies into everyday agricultural practices.
“Promoting renewable energy and sustainable farming isn’t just about protecting the environment,” Okwi says. “It also improves health, saves money, and strengthens the resilience of our families.”
Universities as Catalysts for Environmental Change
The TORCH Project represents a unique model of academic-community collaboration, where research and practical application intersect.
Universities provide expertise, training, and access to modern technologies.
Community members contribute local knowledge, labor, and willingness to adopt change.
Together, they tackle climate change, energy poverty, and environmental degradation at the grassroots.
Dr. Akullo notes that the initiative will expand its activities continuously, monitoring outcomes, adapting approaches, and scaling up best practices across Teso and neighboring regions.
Way forward
By turning households into living laboratories, the TORCH Project aims to bridge the gap between knowledge and action.
For residents like Acom and Okwi, the benefits are immediate: cleaner air, reduced health risks, and practical solutions for everyday life. For Teso, the project could serve as a blueprint for climate-smart rural development across East Africa.
“Change begins at home,” Dr. Musinguzi says. “When communities understand the challenges of green gas emissions and know how to respond, the impact spreads far beyond one village or household.” In Aten Village, the hum of a biogas stove and the sight of thriving tree seedlings offer a glimpse of what is possible when universities partner with communities, creating hope for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.
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