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Agriculture & Environment

PhD Scholarship Announcement (1 Position): Sustainable Energy Transitions in EA

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Makerere University, through the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Climatic
Sciences and the School of Social Sciences & Makerere University Business School, in
collaboration with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Norway), University of
Stavanger (Norway), University of Juba (South Sudan) and Technical University of Kenya
(Kenya) received a grant from NORAD under NORHED II projects to implement activities for
Project QZA-21/0159 – Programme 2021-2026 entitled “Capacity building for socially just
and sustainable energy transitions in East Africa”
. This project aims at building the capacity of the workforce within the East African region to implement a just and sustainable low-carbon energy agenda by imparting the relevant skills and knowledge through education, research and outreach. To this end, this project is now inviting suitable candidates among Makerere University Staff to submit applications for a PhD scholarship tenable at Makerere University for a period of 3 years.

About the project
The East African region has embraced the global drive to transition to low carbon economies and clean energy. However, a key challenge is the persistent lack of knowledge, capacity and skilled personnel to support the transition. The project focuses on building capacity and competence through education, research and outreach to ensure that the region has a workforce with the relevant skills set and knowledge required to implement and demand for a just and sustainable low-carbon energy transition agenda.

The PhD position at the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Climatic Sciences,
Makerere University will focus on the theme: Energy infrastructure, environmental impacts
and changing social practices
.

About the theme: Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy is fundamental for halting anthropogenic climate change. However, both non-renewable and renewable energy infrastructure associated with onshore wind, hydropower and solar photovoltaic generation can be land use intensive and impact conservation areas (Rehbein et al., 2020). For instance, in Uganda, petroleum resources are located on shore within the Albertine Graben – a global biodiversity hotspot (Plumptre et al., 2017). Renewable energy infrastructure projects such as hydropower dams and support infrastructure (power lines) have traversed protected areas including national parks. So far, limited attention has been given to whether the aggregated effect of energy transitions poses a substantial threat to national, regional and global biodiversity. Hence, this project will address the environmental impacts of energy infrastructure and how social practices are affected by it.

Main tasks

  • The successful candidate will be admitted to the PhD program in Geography at Makerere University. The student must complete the PhD program consisting of mandatory and elective courses and a major research component.
  • Collect and analyse data.
  • Produce a PhD thesis, preferably based on 3-4 peer-reviewed articles published in key international journals.
  • Disseminate results at national and international conferences.
  • Be an active participant in the day-to-day project activities.

How to apply: Interested applicants should submit applications by e-mail to Prof Frank Mugagga (frank.mugagga@mak.ac.ug / fmugagga@gmail.com) and Dr. Charlotte Nakakaawa Jjunju (charlotte.jjunju@ntnu.no), including:

  1. a brief statement of interest or cover letter describing your motivation to apply (max 1 page);
  2. a concept note or description of research ideas of not more than 4 pages, outlining the focus, possible research questions, and the methodological and theoretical focus;
  3. a curriculum vitae (CV) of max 4 pages;
  4. A copy of the master’s thesis.
  5. publications if any; and as it is often difficult to judge the applicant’s contribution to publications with multiple authors, a short description of the applicant’s contribution must be included.
  6. contact information (with phone numbers and e-mail addresses) for two persons who may act as referees.

Application deadline: Soft copies of the applications must be received by 21st February 2025 to the above indicated email addresses.

Eligibility requirements, qualifications and experience: The applicant should have completed a Master’s Degree in any of the following Disciplines; – Geography/Geographical Sciences, Land use and Regional Development, Disaster Risk Management or any other closely related subject. Applicants should have an excellent academic and educational record (Minimum: Upper Second for undergraduate and an average of B for the Masters) and strong analytical and writing skills (any peer-reviewed publications or previous research experience will be an advantage). Successful applicants will be expected to contribute to the project’s publication targets and will be encouraged to publish in international, peer-reviewed ISI journals. The candidates should be able to work independently but also as part of the project team.

Age limits: Not more than 40 years (female applicants) and 35 (male applicants) at the time of
application.

PhD study conditions: The successful applicant is expected to register on the PhD-program at the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University. The candidate will be jointly supervised by Scholars from Makerere University, supported by colleagues from the Project Team.

The selection process: Applications will be evaluated by an independent evaluation committee. The Project Team will make the final selection of successful candidates based on recommendations from the evaluation committee.

Expected start date: The planned starting date is 15th March 2025. After that, they are
expected to further develop their research proposals with guidance from the supervisors and to
follow Makerere University’s admission procedure to apply for admission to the PhD Programme in Geography. The PhD scholarship period starts when candidate is formally admitted to the PhD Programme.

PhD Duration and Scholarship: The PhD candidate will be expected to complete studies within 3 years. The successful candidates will have a competitive scholarship covering tuition, functional fees and research costs.

For specific inquiries about the scholarship, please contact Prof Frank Mugagga Email:
frank.mugagga@mak.ac.ug / fmugagga@gmail.com; or Dr. Charlotte Nakakaawa Jjunju
(charlotte.jjunju@ntnu.no).

This call is subject to equal opportunities for all and qualifying women and candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Mak Editor

Agriculture & Environment

Climate Resilience and Sustainability Collaborative: 30 Masters, 6 PhD Scholarships 2025/2026

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Some of the 19 PhD graduates from CAES at the 75th graduation ceremony. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 5, CAES, CEDAT and CHUSS. 17th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University is pleased to announce 30 Masters’ and 6 PhD Scholarships for students joining Makerere University (Main Campus) for Academic Year 2025/2026. An applicant must belong to one of the following categories: Persons with Disabilities, Internally Displaced young people, Refugees, other Ugandan National with financial constraints, and, youth from other African countries.

ELIGIBILITY

For Master’s Applicants

  1. The applicant must have applied for admission to Makerere University‘s main campus for the academic year 2025/2026.
  2. The Applicant must have completed their undergraduate education in an African country.
  3. The Applicant should be experiencing financial hardships to pursue higher Education.
  4. The Applicant should not be a holder of any other scholarship.
  5. The Applicant should not be pursuing or have completed any Master’s degree studies.
  6. The applicant should have engaged in leadership responsibilities and/ or community service.
  7. The Applicant should not be over 30 years at the application deadline.
  8. Applicants in the Refugee and Students with Disabilities categories should be under 40 years at the application deadline.
  9. A refugee applicant MUST hold a Refugee Identity card or Family Attestation.
  10. The applicant should have applied for any of these degree programs MSc. in Soil Science and Agrology, MSc. in Crop Science, MSc. in Environment and Natural Resources Management, M.A. in Economic Policy and Planning, MSc. in Agricultural Engineering.
  11. The Applicant should have an interest in research, innovation and entrepreneurship in climate resilience and sustainability, and committed to complete the degree in 2 years.

For PhD Applicants

  1. The applicant must have applied for admission to Makerere University‘s main campus for the academic year 2025/2026.
  2. The applicant must have completed their undergraduate education in an African country.
  3. The applicant should be experiencing financial hardships to pursue higher Education.
  4. The applicant should not be a holder of any other scholarship.
  5. The applicant should not be pursuing or have completed any PhD degree studies.
  6. The applicant should have engaged in leadership responsibilities and/ or community service.
  7. The applicant should not be over 35 years at the application deadline.
  8. The applicants in the Refugee and Students with Disabilities categories should be under 45 years at the application deadline.
  9. A refugee applicant MUST hold a Refugee Identity card or Family Attestation.
  10. The applicant should have an interest in research, innovation and entrepreneurship in climate resilience and sustainability, and committed to complete the degree in time.
  11. The prioritised research themes are indicated in the application form.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Friday, 6 June 2025 at 11:59 PM EAT.

Access and complete the Application Form at NO COST through the online application portal https://apply.caes.mak.ac.ug/

MORE INFORMATION:

Tel: +256-744-773-237
Email: climateresilience@mak.ac.ug

Mak Editor

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Agriculture & Environment

Call For Submissions: 2025 Farmer Field Schools Innovation Award

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Apply now! 2025 Farmer field schools innovation award is now open for submissions!

Organized by FAO’s Global FFS Platform with the collaboration of the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS) and Prolinnova and launched in 2024, the Award shines the spotlight on impactful solutions that can help shape the future of sustainable agri-food systems.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to:

  • Showcase your innovation at the Science and Innovation Forum at FAO HQ in Rome from 14th to 17th of October 2025
  • Receive support and mentorship from global experts
  • Inspire other producers and practitioners to become innovators too

Who can apply?

Anyone involved in Farmer Field Schools (FFS) can apply including

  • Producers and producer groups;
  • FFS facilitators or master trainers;
  • Project and programme teams;
  • Development organizations;
  • Social entrepreneurs;
  • Private sector participants

How to Apply?

It’s simple – just follow these steps!

  1. Fill out the application form – Submit your innovation in writing or with a 5-minute video.

At least one of the two must be submitted through the official form.

  1. Simplified & Multilingual – The form is designed to be easy to use, short, and available offline, with multilingual support for broader accessibility
  1. Pitch Coaching – Shortlisted applicants will get coaching on pitching for the FAO Science & Innovation Forum.
  2. Tailored Support – Awardees will receive personalized support to boost their innovation.

The call for submission is now open until the 15th of June 2025

Apply now  

Mak Editor

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Agriculture & Environment

New Project to Improve Relevance of CAES PhD Graduates

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Participants together with the Project Coordinators, Prof. Heinrich Schüle and Prof. John Tabuti (2nd & 3rd R) during the conference at CAES, Makerere University on 17th March 2025. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.

Working with potential future employers of PhD students in Kenya and Uganda, Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project aims to develop curricula that best prepare academic specialists in agricultural sciences for their careers.  

Overview

The lack of skills-oriented training significantly undermines the relevance of doctoral graduates in today’s rapidly evolving job market, particularly within industries such as agriculture, where practical expertise and adaptability are essential. While doctoral programmes traditionally emphasize research and theoretical knowledge, they often fail to equip graduates with the hands-on, industry-specific skills needed to address real-world challenges. In agricultural value chains, for instance, the ability to apply advanced research to optimize production, supply chain management, sustainability practices, and technological advancements is crucial. Without a strong foundation in these practical areas, doctoral graduates may struggle to effectively contribute to innovation and efficiency in agricultural systems. From improving crop yields through data analysis to enhancing logistics and distribution methods, agricultural value chains require professionals who can seamlessly integrate research with practical application.

Prof. John Tabuti, ADVALUE Project Coordinator in Uganda addressing participants during the conference. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. John Tabuti, ADVALUE Project Coordinator in Uganda addressing participants during the conference.

What the ADVALUE Project targets to address

Co-funded by the European Union, the ADVALUE Project—Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education—seeks to modernize doctoral education in agricultural and agro-environmental sciences at universities in Uganda and Kenya. This initiative aims to enhance trans-disciplinary skills to promote the development of sustainable agricultural value chains, addressing pressing challenges such as food insecurity, unemployment, and climate change.

Project partners include; Nuertingen-Geislingen University, Germany (NGU); German Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture (DITSL); Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU); Swedish University of Agricultural Science (SLU); Makerere University, Uganda; Uganda Christian University (UCU); University of Nairobi, Kenya (UoN); Pwani University Kenya (PU); Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture, Uganda (RUFORUM). Associated Partners: European Alliance in Agricultural Knowledge for Development, Belgium (AGRINATURA); National Agricultural Research Organization, Uganda (NARO); National Council of Higher Education, Uganda (NCHE); Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO); Ministry of Education Science and Technology Kenya (MoEST). The project PI is Prof. Dr. Heinrich Schüle. In Uganda, the project is coordinated by Prof. John Tabuti.  

Prof. John Tabuti, ADVALUE Project Coordinator in Uganda addressing participants during the conference. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. John Tabuti, ADVALUE Project Coordinator in Uganda addressing participants during the conference.

Project objectives

  1. Develop innovative courses on trans-disciplinary research methodologies and value chain analysis within doctoral programmes.
  2. Strengthen collaboration with key stakeholders to ensure research is demand-driven and fosters innovation.
  3. Enhance the expertise of both academic staff and doctoral students.
  4. Improve quality assurance frameworks and development processes in doctoral education.

To achieve these goals, ADVALUE is developing four modules for PhD students that will be integrated into the curricula of the partner universities in Kenya and Uganda, taking into account the experiences and expectations of local stakeholders and potential future employers. The modules will include topics on scientific work, trans-disciplinary research, rangeland management, and agricultural value chains. The collaboration and exchange between the universities and representatives from the working environment, government organisations and international partners aims to strengthen the career prospects of postgraduate students in East Africa and promote their expertise with regard to the local requirements for achieving the SDGs.

The Deputy Principal of CAES, Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze offered valuable insights into the challenges hindering doctoral training. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.
The Deputy Principal of CAES, Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze offered valuable insights into the challenges hindering doctoral training.

The ADVALUE interim conference

The project team held an interim conference at Makerere University on 17th-19th March 2025 to evaluate the state of PhD education in agriculture, incorporating diverse insights from both European and East African perspectives. The conference brought together academic staff, students, and leaders from partner institutions, associated organizations, and key stakeholders in the Agricultural sector.  

The conference aimed to highlight the progress and findings of the project, offering a platform for discussing PhD research on agricultural value chains within higher education institutions (HEIs). A key focus was on trans-disciplinary approaches, as well as fostering dialogue on quality criteria for PhD programs. Additionally, the event served as a formal meeting for the project’s Steering Committee and provided an opportunity for partners to refine their assessments of doctoral education in line with established quality standards and institutional contexts.

Some of the participants at the workshop. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the participants at the workshop.

Presentation by Mr. Joseph Nkandu on the Agricultural Value Chains in E.A

In his address on the sustainability of agricultural value chains in East Africa, Mr. Joseph Nkandu, Executive Director of NUCAFE (Uganda’s national umbrella organization for coffee farmers), emphasized the vital role that higher education plays in strengthening and advancing agricultural value chains. He stressed the importance of aligning education with the region’s broader development goals to ensure that future generations of agricultural professionals are equipped with the necessary skills for sustainable growth. “Education must become more practical and closely integrated with the region’s development objectives,” he noted. He praised the initiative, noting that the project would greatly enhance doctoral training at partner institutions, empowering students with advanced knowledge and skills to support and sustain agricultural value chains across East Africa. “The sustainability of Africa’s value chains is essential if we are to meet the demands of the growing population,” he added.

Mr. Joseph Nkandu, Executive Director of NUCAFE emphasized the vital role that higher education plays in strengthening and advancing agricultural value chains. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Joseph Nkandu, Executive Director of NUCAFE emphasized the vital role that higher education plays in strengthening and advancing agricultural value chains.

Uganda’s agricultural value chains are a cornerstone of its economy. However, several challenges threaten their sustainability, including climate change, which affects crop yields and water availability; inadequate infrastructure, which hinders market access; limited access to finance for smallholder farmers; land degradation; and insufficient technology adoption. Moreover, pest outbreaks and post-harvest losses further undermine the efficiency and profitability of agricultural systems. Tackling these challenges is essential to improving the sustainability and resilience of Uganda’s agricultural sector.

Mr. Joseph Nkandu addressing participants on agricultural value chains in East Africa. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Joseph Nkandu addressing participants on agricultural value chains in East Africa.

Remarks from NCHE

In her remarks, Prof. Mary Okwakol, the Executive Director of the National Council for Higher Education, emphasized the critical role of doctoral training in driving societal progress. She explained that advanced research and innovation resulting from doctoral programmes not only contribute to academic advancement but also pave the way for ground-breaking discoveries. “These discoveries, in turn, play a pivotal role in shaping and transforming nation-states by addressing pressing challenges, fostering economic growth, and improving the quality of life for communities.” Prof. Okwakol called for continued investment in doctoral education to harness its potential for national development and global competitiveness.

The representative of the Executive Director of the National Council for Higher Education, Prof. Mary Okwakol addressing participants. She emphasized the critical role of doctoral training in driving societal productivity. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.
The representative of the Executive Director of the National Council for Higher Education, Prof. Mary Okwakol addressing participants. She emphasized the critical role of doctoral training in driving societal productivity.

Highlighting the challenges related to Doctoral training, the Deputy Principal of CAES, Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze, noted that the project was timely and would greatly strengthen the research capabilities of doctoral students, ensuring that their skills are more aligned with current academic and industry needs, ultimately improving the overall relevance and impact of their research outputs. “As Makerere University strives to become a research-intensive institution, the importance of collaboration cannot be overstated. This project will make a substantial contribution to this goal.”

A participant sharing his views on the project. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.
A participant sharing his views on the project.

Engagement with smallholder farmer in Matugga

During the conference, the project team had the opportunity to visit the farm of Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, within Nansana Municipality. The visit allowed the team to gain first-hand insight into Mr. Mpiira’s farming practices, observe the challenges he faces, and better understand the impact of various agricultural initiatives in the region. This experience was an important part of the conference, as it provided a real-world context to the discussions on smallholder farming and rural development.

Participants following the proceedings of the workshop. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.
Participants following the proceedings of the workshop.

Key Issues Arising from the Workshop

  1. Overemphasis on theoretical science: While science is extensively studied, its practical application remains problematic.
  2. Outdated supervision: Many PhD supervisors are not up-to-date with current research trends. There is a need for educational frameworks that align with the latest development agendas.
  3. Technician mentality among graduates: A significant number of PhD graduates tend to think like technicians rather than innovators. Many struggle to apply the knowledge they’ve acquired and lack the ability to think creatively.
  4. Lack of innovation: There is a notable absence of innovation among doctoral graduates, which hinders progress.
  5. Evolving skillsets in value chains: There is an urgent need to address the changing skillsets required across different value chains.
  6. Unrealistic PhD programme durations: The prescribed durations for PhD programmes are often unrealistic and fail to reflect the complexity of the research process.
  7. Competing priorities: The multiple demands on students’ time hinder their ability to complete doctoral studies in time.
  8. Financial barriers: Limited funding continues to undermine the success and sustainability of doctoral training programmes.
  9. Lack of student commitment: Some doctoral students exhibit a lack of commitment and dedication to their studies, impacting their success.
  10. Negative student attitudes: Students often display an underestimation of the role and guidance of their supervisors, which affects their academic progress.
  11. Inadequate research facilities: Limited access to essential research facilities hampers the quality of doctoral research.
  12. Weak analytical skills: Many doctoral students lack the necessary analytical skills to perform at the required level of their academic discipline.
  13. Gender-based challenges: Gender roles negatively impact the performance and progression of female doctoral students, limiting their academic potential.
  14. Supervisory workload: Excessive workload on supervisors affects the quality and effectiveness of their mentorship.
  15. Need for relearning in value chains: Achieving sustainability in value chains demands continuous relearning and adaptation.
A participant from the University of Nairobi sharing ideas at the conference. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.
A participant from the University of Nairobi sharing ideas at the conference.

Recommendations

  1. Dedicated study leave: Doctoral students should be granted leave from other responsibilities to focus fully on their research.
  2. Creating research spaces: Institutions must create dedicated, conducive workspaces for doctoral students to foster collaboration and focus.
  3. Increase funding opportunities: More scholarships and financial support should be made available to PhD students to ease financial barriers.
  4. Research-oriented supervision: Supervisors must establish and maintain active research agendas to ensure they remain relevant and effective in guiding students.
  5. Strengthen institutional collaboration: Encouraging greater collaboration between Higher Education Institutions can foster exchange of ideas and resources to enhance doctoral research outcomes.

Photos from conference activities

In the course of the conference, the project team visited the farm of Mr. Sam Mpiira, a smallholder farmer in Matugga, Nansana Municipality. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.
In the course of the conference, the project team visited the farm of Mr. Sam Mpiira, a smallholder farmer in Matugga, Nansana Municipality.

The Project team interacts with Mr Sam Mpiira at his farm in Matugga. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.
The Project team interacts with Mr Sam Mpiira at his farm in Matugga.

The Project team interacts with Mr Sam Mpiira at his farm in Matugga. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.
The Project team interacts with Mr Sam Mpiira at his farm in Matugga.

The Project team after touring Mr. Mpiira's farm in Matugga. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.
The Project team after touring Mr. Mpiira’s farm in Matugga.

The project team in group discussions on the different work packages. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.
The project team in group discussions on the different work packages.

The project team in group discussions on the different work packages. Interim Conference of the Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project co-funded by the European Union, 17th-19th March 2025, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala and farm visit to Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Uganda, East Africa.
The project team in group discussions on the different work packages.

More photos at:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cZwlLXt5YBWoeMfO0wVbdva0NLIQ5sHr

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/107GJR6nCZJwKjmfrwveGXw7As2AhAQWt

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