Agriculture & Environment

Call for Applications: Four (4) PhD Positions – BOLDER Project

Published

12 months ago

December 4, 2024

Mak Editor

CAES faculty cheering on the PhD graduates during the 74th graduation ceremony. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 2, 30th January 2024, Collge of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — CAES faculty cheering on the PhD graduates during the 74th graduation ceremony.

Building Opportunity for Lesser-known Diversity in Edible Resources (BOLDER) of the Crop Trust
Opportunity Crop Scholarships

Call for applications for four PhD positions

Makerere University Regional Centre for Crop Improvement (MaRCCI),
Makerere University & The Norwegian University of Life Sciences

1st December 2024

Background

One of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals is to attain zero hunger by 2030, but whether most of African countries are on track towards this ideal is questionable, While the continent is projected to be the most populous one by the year 2100, a critical mass of its population is already food-insecure, a situation that is being exacerbated by climate change and environmental degradations.

Coping with these complex issues require adopting an integrated approach of disrupting overreliance on major commodities such as rice, maize, and wheat over the opportunity crops also called neglected and underutilized species (NUS). These species are nutrient-dense, hold the ability to help diversify both the agricultural and the food system and constitute a security net that filters pest and disease-caused damages3. However, the current organizational architecture of these species suggests they cannot compete with the so-called major crops because of several limitations including: the paucity of established data (e.g., production statistics, nutritional data), the poorly organized value chains (when they exist), and the low flow of knowledge, technology and products among the value chains actors, among others.

The ‘Building Opportunities for Lesser-known Diversity in Edible Resources’ (BOLDER) project, an extended work package of the larger ‘Biodiversity for Opportunity, Livelihoods and Development’ (BOLD) initiative is designed to promote opportunity crops in West African countries (Benin and Ghana) and East African countries (Uganda and Tanzania). BOLDER is a three-phase project dedicated to improving nutritional security in West and East Africa through the increased use and value of nutritious but currently underutilized, climate-resilient and environmentally friendly crops.

BOLDER will work towards exhibiting the potential for four opportunity crops in each of the four target countries and operates through three pillars namely: i) increasing the availability of the target opportunity crops diversity; ii) improving the production, marketing, and/or consumption of these opportunity crops, and iii) enhancing the capacity of researchers, practitioners, and food system actors to improve use and value of opportunity crops. Under this third pillar, a total of eight PhDs students (four in East Africa and four in West Africa) will be trained in Plant Sciences, Food Systems and Value Chain R4D. The PhD training in East Africa will be coordinated by MaRCCI, Makerere University, in collaboration with The Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU).

Objectives of this call

This call for applications is open to citizens of Uganda and Tanzania to fill four PhD positions: two in Plant Sciences and two in Food Systems.

All four PhD candidates will register at Makerere University and will be supervised by a panel of scientists from MaRCCI, Department of Agricultural Production (DAP), Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology (PMB), and Department of Agribusiness & Natural Resource Economics (DANRE), The Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT (ABC) and the World Vegetable Center (World Veg). Decisions about supervisory arrangements will be made based on research proposals of successful applicants.

Expectations from the recruited PhD candidates

The two Plant Science PhD candidates through their research will contribute to the BOLDER project output of characterizing opportunity crops’ diversity and participatory evaluations using the TRICOT approach, while the other two students will contribute to the BOLDER Output of deepening our understanding of opportunity crops food systems and value chains and pursuing opportunities for greater contributions to livelihoods and diets.

Plant Science Applicants

The two Plant Science PhD student research projects will focus on the genetic and low-cost phenotypic characterization of farmer collection/landraces, genebank, and breeding materials for opportunity crops (stakeholder selected opportunity crops for Uganda i.e. cowpea, pumpkin, and amaranth, while for Tanzania the pre-selected crops are Bambara groundnuts and sweet potato). The aim is to generate key information on the adaptive traits of opportunity crops, their nutritional value, and their suitability for different uses, such as food, feed, and fiber. The research will further identify unique genotypes and suitable breeding strategies for improving desirable traits.

Another aspect of the PhD research will involve conducting a performance evaluation of opportunity crops traits using the citizen science approach known as triadic comparisons of technology options (tricot). This approach applies to an incomplete block design to assign randomized incomplete blocks of three technologies (out of larger number) to many farmers from different gender and socioeconomic groups for on-farm assessment in diverse agro-ecologies. Combining this approach with digital tools makes it possible to obtain insights for both local adaptation and a scale of reach compared to earlier participatory plant breeding/variety selection approaches. This approach has shown promising results recently and it is on the scale in East Africa. The planned PhD research and training will be critical in building local capacity for demand-led breeding and evaluation of opportunity crops using data science at a low cost in East Africa. The goal is to improve the identification and selection of opportunity crops varieties with desirable traits, ultimately leading to the mainstreaming of NUS in sustainable food systems in Africa.

In summary, the PhD projects will combine genomics research and on-farm tricot experiments and provide evidence on how this approach can lead to a demand-driven breeding of different NUS, accelerate trait discovery for climate adaptation, strengthen seed systems, increase use of NUS, and create links to the value chain.

We invite PhD research concept note focusing on one of the pre-selected crops in one of the countries.

Food Systems Applicants

The two PhD research projects in Food Systems will focus on two main areas, also in relation to the selected species for the two countries. The first area will be value chains of the focal crops. Specifically, this aspect of the research will characterize the current state of value chains and explore bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities, including related to production, processing, distribution, marketing and consumption.

The research will also analyze the demand for opportunity crop products, the preferences and behaviors of consumers (including consumer preference trials using the tricot approach), and the most effective interventions for promoting opportunity crops in food systems.

The second area of focus in Food Systems will be the nexus between traditional knowledge on the cultivation and consumption of NUS (local food culture) and the broader political and economic factors affecting the development and promotion of opportunity crops in inclusive and equitable food systems. This project will examine the interconnection between the cultural practices of local communities regarding the cultivation and consumption of opportunity crops and the wider economic and political systems that shape the food systems in which these communities operate. On the one hand, local food cultures have evolved over generations and reflect the specific ecological, social, and cultural contexts in which they are situated. This traditional knowledge often includes cultivation practices, processing methods, and culinary traditions associated with opportunity crops. Such traditional knowledge is important for
understanding opportunity crops nutritional, cultural, and economic significance and how they can be integrated into sustainable food systems. On the other hand, development and promotion of opportunity crops in inclusive and equitable food systems is shaped by broader political and economic factors, including government policies, global trade agreements, corporate influence, and consumer preferences. These factors can create barriers to the promotion and development of opportunity crops, which can impact the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and the availability of diverse and nutritious foods for local communities. By understanding these factors, the research will aim to identify opportunities to promote the development and promotion of opportunity crops in inclusive and equitable food systems in Africa.

We invite PhD research concept note that addresses one of the two food system areas outlined above. The proposal can focus on or several of the pre-selected crops in one or both of the countries.

Scholarship: financial support and duration

The scholarship includes subsistence allowances, contribution to research costs,
insurance cost, contribution to conference attendance cost and cost related to the
participation in BOLDER-organized training relevant to the various PhD topics. The PhD
candidate will also benefit from a three-month mobility (once) to conduct parts of his/her
research at NBMU.

a) The PhD duration is 48 months.
b) PhD students will receive a monthly stipend of $600 for Ugandans and $700 for
Tanzania Nationals (when in Uganda) and 1,500 Euros when in Norway. This amount
includes settling allowance.
c) Additional benefits are available on a case-by-case basis.

Eligibility

Applicants should meet the following criteria at the time of their scholarship application:
a) be a citizen of Uganda or Tanzania.
b) be proficient in written and spoken English.
c) not be currently enrolled or have a running scholarship in another PhD program.
For Plant Science Students:
d) hold a MSc degree in agronomy, plant breeding, genetics, biotechnology, crop protection or another relevant discipline.
e) demonstrate knowledge of or prior experience with tricot methodology and genomics research.
For Food Systems Students:
f) hold a MSc degree in Agricultural and Applied economics, Agribusiness, Agricultural economics, or another relevant discipline.
g) demonstrate experience of prior research on value chains, consumer behavior, or political economy of food systems.
Applicants who have working experience on the listed NUS crops will have an added
advantage.

Submission

The Scholarship application file is to be submitted as PDF attachment by the deadline to the emails indicated in section, and should include the following:
a) Cover or motivation letter.
b) Student research concept note that clearly indicates the topic to which the candidate applies (3 pages maximum).
c) National ID or Copy of Passport Bio Data page.
d) Certificate of previous degree(s) /or a Proof that the degree(s) has been completed;
e) All transcripts/academic records.
f) A support letter from home Higher Education Institution (from the MSc supervisor);
g) Two recommendation letters.
h) Curriculum Vitae.
i) Any other supporting documents (e.g., first page of publications).

Deadline

Applications should be submitted to Ms. Candia Alice on e-mail cndlc95@gmail.com and copy in Dr. Ozimati Alfred Adebo: ozimatialfred@gmail.com and Dr. Dramadri Isaac Onziga onzigaisaac@gmail.com not later than December 20^th, 2024. All applications received will be acknowledged, however only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited for an interview.

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Agriculture & Environment

Strengthening Capacity and Shaping Policy: Makerere University Reviews Progress of MERIT and Environmental Risk Research Programs

Published

1 week ago

November 18, 2025

Caroline Kainomugisha

A group photo showing participants of the review meeting for the MERIT project in front of the Main Building. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) comprehensive impact review of the Environmental Risk Management Under Increasing extremes and Uncertainty (MERIT) Project, bringing together faculty, researchers, students, and partners from Ugandan and Norwegian institutions, 17th November 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University, this week, through the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), hosted a comprehensive impact review of the Environmental Risk Management Under Increasing extremes and Uncertainty (MERIT) Project, bringing together faculty, researchers, students, and partners from Ugandan and Norwegian institutions. The discussions highlighted the transformational impact of collaborative research, student engagement, and capacity development in shaping policy, strengthening community resilience, and advancing Makerere’s contribution to national development.

A Cross-Continental Partnership Driving Change

The MERIT Project, focusing on Environmental Risk Management and the Increasing Extremes and Uncertainty, is a five-university collaboration funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) under the Norwegian Programme for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED) programme. The project, which runs from 2021 to 2026 (with a one-year extension due to COVID-related delays), seeks to enhance mutual collaboration between universities in Sub-Saharan Africa and Norway. The project grant is worth 20 million Norwegian kroner and is being implemented across four Universities, namely, Makerere University, Uganda Martyrs University, University of Dar es Salaam, and Haramaya University in Ethiopia, with a strong involvement of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and the Western University of Science and Technology.

Its core components include:

Curriculum review and development
Staff and student training (Master’s and PhDs)
Joint research and publications
Community-based environmental risk interventions
Student and staff exchange programs
SDG integration and gender mainstreaming

So far, 20 staff and 15 mainstream students have benefited from and participated in the project initiatives, with 13 Master’s and 2 PhD candidates progressing through specialised training in environmental risk management, geohazards, and disaster risk studies.

Student Research Driving Evidence-Informed Policy and Practice

The MERIT and NORHED-supported projects have empowered graduate students and early-career researchers at Makerere University to undertake cutting-edge research that directly informs Uganda’s environmental risk management agenda. Although the full findings are yet to be published, the projects have catalyzed important scientific inquiry in several key areas.

Some of the students are currently working on:

Improving environmental data and modelling to strengthen flood forecasting, hydrological planning, and climate-related risk assessment in high-risk regions.
Assessing disaster risk reduction practices at the local government level and examining how global frameworks such as the Sendai Framework and the SDGs are being implemented on the ground.
Exploring nature-based solutions, including sustainable approaches to land restoration, riverbank stabilization, and ecosystem protection.
Studying climate impacts on agriculture and food systems, with a focus on supporting vulnerable households and smallholder production.
Mapping urban ecological systems, including forest patches and carbon stocks, to guide sustainable urban planning.
Documenting community-led adaptation strategies and traditional ecological knowledge to strengthen locally grounded resilience approaches.
Evaluating the role of non-state actors, such as NGOs and community groups, in environmental risk reduction and recovery efforts.

Together, these research efforts are generating practical insights that can shape policy development, inform district and national planning, and strengthen community resilience. The projects are also building a new cohort of scientists equipped with the skills to bridge academic work with real-world environmental management challenges.

A photo of the synopsis of the research being done by one of the master’s students funded under MERIT at CAES. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) comprehensive impact review of the Environmental Risk Management Under Increasing extremes and Uncertainty (MERIT) Project, bringing together faculty, researchers, students, and partners from Ugandan and Norwegian institutions, 17th November 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***A photo of the synopsis of the research being done by one of the master’s students funded under MERIT at CAES.***

Community Engagement and Local Knowledge at the Centre

The Environmental Risk Management component of the MERIT project has contributed to impactful knowledge and research vital for community interventions in highland and mountainous areas such as Mbale, Bududa, Sironko, and other districts that are prone to environmental risks, like landslides, flooding, and geohazards.

Key community-focused activities highlighted in the meeting included digitizing households in high-risk areas, using remote sensing and GIS to develop contextual warning systems, documenting and integrating traditional ecological knowledge, assessing community resilience and vulnerabilities, and generating data for localized environmental risk planning. Such engagements not only strengthen community preparedness but also provide students with rich field experience and data for their research.

Student Exchanges and a Global Learning Experience

In an Interview, Prof. Harald Aspen,the Head, Department of Geography and Social Anthropology at NTNU, and Dr. Charlotte Nakakaawa Jjunja, the administrative co-ordinator of the project at NTNU, noted that, so far, five students from NTNU are currently undertaking research and internships in Uganda, immersing themselves in local challenges and contributing to joint innovations. Ugandan students have also benefited from exposure to Norway’s systems, creating a two-way flow of knowledge and experience.

They further noted that the exchange program, supported by the CostClim project under the Norpart project, helps students appreciate the complexities of implementing SDGs in diverse contexts, turning theory into practical, actionable insights.

Strengthening Makerere’s Institutional Capacity

Makerere University has benefited significantly from the MERIT collaboration. In his remarks, Prof. Yazhidi Bamutaaze, the Deputy Principal, CAES, noted that the College had acquired a Land Cruiser to support fieldwork, funding for curriculum review and SDG evaluation, support for gender mainstreaming initiatives, research funding for senior academic staff, enhanced visibility through joint publications and innovations, competence development trainings for college staff and students and co-supervision arrangements among others.

Such partnerships reinforce the University’s strategic commitment to cutting-edge research, global collaboration, and community impact.

Sustainability, Student Energy, and the Path Forward

A major segment of the meeting focused on the operationalization of sustainability principles across the University. Dr. Paul Mukwaya, the Head, Department of Geography, Geo-informatics and Climatic Sciences at CAES, emphasized leveraging student enthusiasm, building sustainability clubs, and avoiding passive “mainstreaming” in favour of proactive sustainability actions.

Key recommendations included:

Training students on how to develop policy briefs
Ensuring every student project reflects the SDGs
Creating a central repository or map of all student work
Strengthening academic supervision to grow student confidence
Building systems that ensure research outputs influence actual practice

Dr. Mukwaya further highlighted the importance of student self-confidence, continuous reflection, and mentorship in shaping future academic and professional careers through the MERIT project.

A photo of one of the student beneficiaries of the MERIT project making a presentation of her research findings. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) comprehensive impact review of the Environmental Risk Management Under Increasing extremes and Uncertainty (MERIT) Project, bringing together faculty, researchers, students, and partners from Ugandan and Norwegian institutions, 17th November 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***A photo of one of the student beneficiaries of the MERIT project making a presentation of her research findings.***

Challenges and Opportunities

While the project has achieved significant milestones, several challenges remain, such as administrative and IT-related delays, balancing donor expectations with academic timelines and bureaucracies, maintaining strong collaborations across multi-university partnerships and ensuring sustainability initiatives are integrated and action-driven

Conclusion: A Growing Ecosystem of Impact

The review meeting affirmed that the MERIT and related research programs are not just academic exercises; they are shaping the future of environmental resilience, policy development, and capacity building in Uganda. The University’s commitment to student growth, collaborative innovation, and evidence-based policy influence underscores the central role Makerere continues to play in national and global development conversations.

As the project enters its final years, the focus now shifts to consolidating gains, scaling successful interventions, and ensuring that the research produced today continues to transform lives tomorrow.

Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.

Agriculture & Environment

SFTNB-MIIC Partnership Nurtures Entrepreneurial Learners & Change Agents

Published

2 weeks ago

November 12, 2025

Eve Nakyanzi

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe with Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha and officials pose for a group photo with student entrepreneurs on 12th November 2025. School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering (SFTNB), in partnership with the Makerere Innovation and Incubation Center (MIIC), third edition of Entrepreneurship Exhibition on 12th November 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering (SFTNB), in partnership with the Makerere Innovation and Incubation Center (MIIC), held the third edition of its Entrepreneurship Exhibition on 12^th November 2025, bringing together student innovators to showcase a semester’s worth of creativity, research, and product development. The exhibition is a key milestone under the SFTNB Entrepreneurship Program – Cohort 3, a structured model that guides students through the full innovation journey — from idea generation and business training to prototyping, testing, and market access. Supported by MIIC with a UGX 7 million innovation fund, the program has empowered more than 60 students across 15 innovation groups to develop practical, sustainable, and market-ready solutions in food technology, nutrition, and engineering. This year’s exhibition provided a platform for students to present their prototypes, share their business concepts, and engage with university leaders, industry partners, and potential investors, further strengthening Makerere University’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of entrepreneurial change-makers.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd Right) flanked by Left to Right: Mr. Yusuf Kiranda and Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha inspects one of the student exhibitions. School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering (SFTNB), in partnership with the Makerere Innovation and Incubation Center (MIIC), third edition of Entrepreneurship Exhibition on 12th November 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd Right) flanked by Left to Right: Mr. Yusuf Kiranda and Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha inspects one of the student exhibitions.***

The Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe commended the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering for nurturing innovations that reflect both creativity and commercial potential. He observed that many of the student products exhibited could be patented, scaled up, and exported, provided their shelf life, packaging, and branding are further improved. Emphasizing that innovation must go beyond classroom projects, Prof. Nawangwe urged students to view their work as viable enterprises capable of transforming communities and creating employment. He also pledged the university’s support in helping innovators register companies and access product certification, even suggesting that Makerere could subsidize related costs. He further called for closer collaboration with economists and marketers to assess product feasibility, adding that the university’s innovation ecosystem should include a dedicated marketing unit. He concluded by reminding students that their ideas hold the power to reshape Uganda’s economy and uplift livelihoods. “Don’t think what you’re doing is small. You’re contributing to transforming a whole society,” he said, adding that “You will not need to go out looking for jobs; you will be creating them.”

Dr. Julia Kigozi (2nd Right) joins the Vice Chancellor on an inspection of the Agri Farm Team's exhibit. School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering (SFTNB), in partnership with the Makerere Innovation and Incubation Center (MIIC), third edition of Entrepreneurship Exhibition on 12th November 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Dr. Julia Kigozi (2nd Right) joins the Vice Chancellor on an inspection of the Agri Farm Team’s exhibit.***

The Dean of the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering, Prof. Julia Kigozi, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Vice Chancellor and the university management for their continued support toward the school’s initiatives. She noted that the exhibition was a reflection of the hard work and creativity of students who are being equipped not only with technical skills but also with the mindset to innovate and contribute meaningfully to industry. Prof. Kigozi highlighted that the school’s projects have significant potential for commercialization and industry collaboration, made possible through ongoing support and funding. She reaffirmed the school’s commitment to nurturing practical, industry-relevant training that empowers students to apply their knowledge beyond the classroom. “When you see the students out here working hard, they are very encouraged,” she said, adding that “what they are doing demonstrates a lot of potential for products to go out for commercialization and for creating training platforms that can support industry in various ways.”

Mr. Gilbert Buregyeya. School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering (SFTNB), in partnership with the Makerere Innovation and Incubation Center (MIIC), third edition of Entrepreneurship Exhibition on 12th November 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Mr. Gilbert Buregyeya.***

Mr. Gilbert Buregyeya, Programs Lead of the Makerere Innovation and Incubation Centre (MIIC), commended the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering for its commitment to innovation and practical learning. He noted that the partnership between MIIC and the school has been instrumental in redesigning the curriculum to emphasize commercialization and market readiness of student projects. Highlighting ongoing efforts to make the certification process more accessible for young inventors, he revealed discussions with the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) aimed at developing flexible, lower-cost certification pathways that allow students to test their products in the market.

Prof. Nawangwe (Left) interacts with the Green Farm Tractor Team. School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering (SFTNB), in partnership with the Makerere Innovation and Incubation Center (MIIC), third edition of Entrepreneurship Exhibition on 12th November 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Nawangwe (Left) interacts with the Green Farm Tractor Team.***

Mr. Buregyeya further emphasized the importance of cross-college collaboration within the university, pointing to successful engagements with other colleges such as COFA and Queensland College. He expressed optimism that Makerere’s innovation ecosystem will soon produce groundbreaking, market-ready products capable of competing globally. “We are happy that the journey is underway this semester,” he said, adding that “our goal is to support young innovators to move from small markets to compete with the bigger ones outside, and to make certification and commercialization more attainable for students.”

Prof. Edward Bbaale makes closing remarks. School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering (SFTNB), in partnership with the Makerere Innovation and Incubation Center (MIIC), third edition of Entrepreneurship Exhibition on 12th November 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Edward Bbaale makes closing remarks.***

Representing the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Prof. Edward Bbaale commended the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering for integrating innovation and entrepreneurship into academic training. He described the student exhibition as a celebration of “innovation, action, purpose and science that transforms,” noting that such initiatives align with national goals of value addition, sustainability, and community transformation. Prof. Bbaale emphasized that the showcased projects — spanning food, nutrition, and engineering — demonstrate how students are emerging as entrepreneurial learners and change agents addressing real-world challenges.

Prof. Bbaale and officials present the Best Overall award to Team Agri Farm. School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering (SFTNB), in partnership with the Makerere Innovation and Incubation Center (MIIC), third edition of Entrepreneurship Exhibition on 12th November 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Bbaale and officials present the Best Overall award to Team Agri Farm.***

He acknowledged the Makerere Innovation and Incubation Centre (MIIC) for supporting student-led research and urged innovators to remain focused, ethical, and community-oriented in their ventures. Commending the mentors and staff for their guidance, he reaffirmed the university’s commitment to building a research-intensive, innovation-driven ecosystem that supports ideas from concept to commercialization. “Never involve yourself in a business when you are not serving a community problem,” he advised, adding that “you have shown resilience, creativity and passion — proving that innovation knows no bounds. The future belongs to those who are ready to build it.”

Prof. Bbaale and officials present the First Runner-Up award to Team Green Farm Tractor. School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering (SFTNB), in partnership with the Makerere Innovation and Incubation Center (MIIC), third edition of Entrepreneurship Exhibition on 12th November 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Bbaale and officials present the First Runner-Up award to Team Green Farm Tractor.***

The exhibition concluded with the recognition of the top-performing student innovation groups, celebrating their creativity, technical skill, and market potential. Umoja Lacto Blend emerged as the Second Runner-Up, impressing judges with its unique product concept and strong value-addition focus. The First Runner-Up, Green Farm Tractor, showcased an innovative engineering solution designed to improve agricultural efficiency and accessibility for smallholder farmers. Taking the top spot was Agri Farm, whose outstanding innovation, clear business model, and readiness for market positioned them as the overall winners of the 2025 cohort. Their achievements reflected the high caliber of talent within SFTNB and the transformative potential of student-led entrepreneurship.

Prof. Bbaale and officials present the Second Runner-Up award to Team Umoja Lacto Blend. School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering (SFTNB), in partnership with the Makerere Innovation and Incubation Center (MIIC), third edition of Entrepreneurship Exhibition on 12th November 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Bbaale and officials present the Second Runner-Up award to Team Umoja Lacto Blend.***

Agriculture & Environment

Vice Chancellor Closes International Conference on Food Systems Transformation for Climate Action

Published

4 weeks ago

October 29, 2025

Betty Kyakuwa

Right to Left: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Dr. Logan Cochrane, Dr. Haris Akram, and Dr. Julia Kigozi at the closing ceremony on 29th October 2025. Makerere University hosts the International Conference and Training Workshop on Food Systems Transformation for Climate Actions (ICTW-FSTCA 2025) under the COMSTECH Forum for Environment and Ecosystem Restoration (CFEER). Closing Ceremony, 29th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Certificates awarded to participants as Makerere reaffirms commitment to climate-smart agriculture

Makerere University has today October 29, 2025 closed the International Conference on Food Systems Transformation for Climate Action, with participants awarded certificates for their contribution and completion of the intensive two-day engagements. The conference brought together researchers, policymakers, students, and international partners to deliberate on how to transform food systems in the face of growing climate challenges.

Speaking at the closing ceremony held at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe commended the organizers and participants for their active engagement and commitment to addressing challenges in food systems and climate change.

“This training has been very useful. Every conference I attend teaches me something new, and I can see that this has been a rich learning experience for everyone here,” said Prof. Nawangwe. “We must continue to innovate and work closely with smallholder farmers to ensure that even the smallest pieces of land are used productively. Technology, artificial intelligence, and affordable irrigation systems can make a real difference.”

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. Makerere University hosts the International Conference and Training Workshop on Food Systems Transformation for Climate Actions (ICTW-FSTCA 2025) under the COMSTECH Forum for Environment and Ecosystem Restoration (CFEER). Closing Ceremony, 29th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.***

The Vice Chancellor emphasized the importance of turning university research into practical solutions that benefit communities, noting that Makerere’s scientists must go beyond publications to create commercial products and start enterprises that add value to their innovations.

“Our professors should not only retire on government pension but also on royalties from their innovations,” he added. “We must transform our research into products and services that create jobs and wealth.”

He further highlighted the importance of protecting intellectual property and promoting collaboration between universities and industries, drawing lessons from global examples such as Malaysia and China, where research and innovation have powered industrial growth.

Dr. Julia Kigozi. Makerere University hosts the International Conference and Training Workshop on Food Systems Transformation for Climate Actions (ICTW-FSTCA 2025) under the COMSTECH Forum for Environment and Ecosystem Restoration (CFEER). Closing Ceremony, 29th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Dr. Julia Kigozi.***

Representing the Principal of CAES, Dr. Julia Kigozi, the Dean of the School of Food Technology, Nutrition, and Bioengineering, appreciated the Vice Chancellor for gracing the conference and commended participants for their enthusiasm.

“We explored challenges, trends, and opportunities in food systems and climate change, and this conference has given our researchers and PhD students valuable insights,” she said. “It reminded us that while challenges are shared across countries, we can each start small and still make a difference.”

Dr. John Baptist Tumuhairwe, one of the conveners, emphasized the importance of integrating climate action into food systems transformation, noting that the conference had strengthened Makerere’s networks in food and agricultural sciences.

Dr. John Baptist Tumuhairwe. Makerere University hosts the International Conference and Training Workshop on Food Systems Transformation for Climate Actions (ICTW-FSTCA 2025) under the COMSTECH Forum for Environment and Ecosystem Restoration (CFEER). Closing Ceremony, 29th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Dr. John Baptist Tumuhairwe.***

“This meeting has expanded our collaborations and reaffirmed the university’s leadership in advancing sustainable food systems,” he said. “It was also deliberate in engaging the youth, who are our next generation of innovators.”

On behalf of the OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH), Dr. Haris Akram, the Program Manager, thanked Makerere University for hosting the international gathering and reiterated the need for continued collaboration.

“We must ask ourselves whether this workshop will make a difference in our lives and practices,” he remarked. “The real success lies in how we apply the knowledge gained to improve food security and sustainability.”

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Right) presents a certificate to Dr. Haris Akram (Left). Makerere University hosts the International Conference and Training Workshop on Food Systems Transformation for Climate Actions (ICTW-FSTCA 2025) under the COMSTECH Forum for Environment and Ecosystem Restoration (CFEER). Closing Ceremony, 29th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Right) presents a certificate to Dr. Haris Akram (Left).***

The conference, organized by Makerere University’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences in partnership with OIC-COMSTECH, brought together experts from across Africa and Asia to share experiences on sustainable food production, agro-processing, and climate-smart innovations.

Officially closing the conference, Prof. Nawangwe in his remarks reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to leading research and innovation in agriculture, food systems, and climate resilience.

“Agriculture remains the backbone of our country and the most important driver of our future,” he concluded. “Let us put our heads and hands together to transform this sector and build a sustainable future for our people.”