On 1^st April 2026, the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) at Makerere University, Professor Edward Bbaale hosted a delegation from the World Bank for a strategic partnership engagement ahead of the African Meeting of the Econometric Society scheduled to take place in June 2027. The International engagement will be preceded by the Econometric Society Summer School.

Focusing on macroeconomic stability, productivity, climate resilience, and youth employment, the African Meeting is expected to attract over 400 national and international participants. The Meeting has been deemed critical in advancing research and policy dialogue as well as planning and development across the continent.

The World Bank delegation consisted of Hassan Zaman-Regional Director for East Africa, Cyril Desponts-Country Senior Economist, and Liz Mukasa Samula-Country Economist. During the introduction, Liz Mukasa Samula stated that she is a proud alumnus of Makerere University, specifically, the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS).

At the College level, the meeting brought onboard, Professor Edward Bbaale, Associate Professor Eria Hisali, Associate Professor Ibrahim Mike Okumu, and Ritah Namisango.

Presentation by Mak CoBAMS

Welcoming the delegation, Prof. Bbaale presented the College of Business and Management Sciences as a centre of excellence in teaching and learning, research, policy engagement, knowledge transfer, and entrepreneurship.  Prof. Bbaale informed the delegation about the great works under the School of Economics, School of Business, and the School of Statistics and Planning.

Highlighting the purpose of Mak CoBAMS in line with the strategic meeting, Prof. Bbaale explained that the World Bank is a leader in applied research, policy design, and capacity building, and therefore, as partner, they would enrich the discussions aimed at hosting a successful and impact-driven African Meeting of the Econometric Society. In addition, the partnership would present an opportunity to shape policy dialogue and engage Africa’s next generation of economists.

He added that at the national level, the Bank of Uganda, National Planning Authority, and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development had agreed to be partners.

Acknowledging that scholars, researchers and participants in general, would be delighted to engage with an authority in the discipline, Prof. Bbaale proposed a Policy Round Table moderated by the World Bank.

Building on Prof. Bbaale’s remarks, the Dean of the School of Economics, and a Member of the Global Organizing Committee, Associate Professor Ibrahim Mike Okumu, highlighted that partnership with the World Bank would strengthen the research-policy interface at scale.

At the strategic level, the Dean of the School of Economics, articulated that the partnership would establish a lasting platform to strengthen the role of economic research in development policy across Africa. He noted that some of topics, papers and research, would focus on African economics and development. He pointed out that the international engagement with participants from across the globe provides an opportunity to inform policy briefs on a wide range of topics

Contributing to the discussion, Associate Professor Eria Hisali, submitted that the Journal Publications under the World Bank would provide possible outlets for the dissemination of information and knowledge generated during the African Meeting of the Econometric Society.

Presentation by the delegation from the World Bank

The Regional Director for East Africa, Hassan Zaman, was pleased to visit Makerere University, an institution that has significantly contributed to knowledge creation and transfer as well as development.

Responding to the presentation from the College of Business and Management Sciences, Zaman welcomed the idea of potential collaboration. “Based on our knowledge bank perspective, it is of interest to engage.”

Specific to Africa, Zaman emphasized the need for topics on econometrics to be presented by experts from the continent. He welcomed the proposals on a Policy Round Table, Impact-driven Policy briefs, participating in the summer school, and representation of the World Bank on the Global Organising Committee.

Presentation on the Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence

During the Strategic Partnership Meeting, the delegation expressed interest in collaborating with the Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence based at Makerere University.  “The World Bank will undertake a public investment review. Does the PIM Centre at Makerere University undertake analytical work?”

In response, the College team expressed readiness for collaboration with the World Bank. Consequently, the Principal of CoBAMS and his team, briefed the delegation on the PIM Centre of Excellence:

• Its main focus is capacity building through training of government officials along the entire project cycle.
• PIM Centre kicked off with seed funding from the World Bank. When the grant came to an end, Bank of Uganda came onboard to support.
• The Centre undertakes capacity building, research, and policy engagements.
• Every year in the month of August, Makerere University, College of Business and Management Sciences, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), and the National Planning Authority (NPA), hold a PIM Conference.
• Associate Professor Ibrahim Mike Okumu and Associate Professor Eria Hisali shared some of the ongoing research in the area of public investment management.

The Strategic Meeting concluded on a high note, with both parties not only acknowledging but receptive of the various prospects future collaboration and partnership presents.

March 26, 2026 – Soroti, Uganda  

Environmental and natural resource officers from Eastern Uganda have undergone intensive training on economic valuation, evaluation, and accounting of natural resources, in a move aimed at strengthening evidence-based environmental management at district level.

The training, held at Jasmine Hotel in Soroti, brought together district environmental officers, forestry officers, agricultural officers, planners and natural resource managers from at ten districts, including Palisa, Butebo, Busia, Bukedea, Jinja, Mbale, Kapchorwa, Iganga, and Soroti.

Organised by Environment for Development (EfD) Uganda and funded by the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), the capacity-building initiative seeks to equip local government officers with practical tools to better manage natural resources amid growing environmental pressures.

Speaking at the opening of the training, Dr. Peter Babyenda, representing the EfD Centre Director and Principal Investigator Prof. Edward Bbaale, emphasized the importance of continuous skills development among environmental practitioners.

He noted that while many officers already possess foundational knowledge, refresher training is essential in a rapidly evolving field. “Capacity building is critical. We must keep reminding ourselves and sharing experiences so that we remain relevant and effective in our roles,” he said.

The training focused on key areas including environmental valuation and evaluation, environmental accounting, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. According to Babyenda, the programme was informed by a prior survey that revealed significant skills gaps among district officers, particularly in valuing natural resources such as wetlands and forests.

Babyenda stressed that the ability to quantify the economic value of natural resources is crucial for informed decision-making. “If districts can assess and assign value to resources like swamps and forests, it strengthens national planning and ensures these resources are not undervalued or degraded,” he said.

He further highlighted the importance of cost-benefit analysis in guiding policy decisions. “When policymakers ask for alternatives to resource exploitation, officers must be equipped to present evidence-based scenarios that balance conservation and development,” he explained.

The training also introduced participants to emerging concepts such as circular economy practices, where waste is transformed into valuable resources. Dr. Babyenda cited examples of innovations in waste management, including the conversion of human waste into energy and organic fertilizer.

“Gone are the days when waste was simply discarded. Today, every form of waste has value from energy generation to carbon credit opportunities,” he noted, urging officers to embrace such innovations in their districts.

Participants were also being encouraged to leverage their new skills to attract funding for local environmental projects, including climate financing opportunities. Small grants, he noted, can support community-driven solutions to environmental challenges.

In addition, the programme underscored  the role of district officers in generating data for national development frameworks. Accurate environmental data, including biodiversity indicators, is increasingly critical for Uganda’s reporting on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and national planning instruments such as the National Development Plan IV (NDP IV).

“We cannot develop national indices like biodiversity indicators without your input. You are central to data collection and reporting,” Dr. Babyenda said.

He urged participants to act as change agents by sharing knowledge gained from the training with colleagues in their respective districts. “When you go back, ensure that this knowledge is cascaded. Let us leave here transformed and ready to make an impact,” he said.

The training in Soroti marks the final session in a series that has been conducted in various regions across the country, including Jinja, Masaka, Entebbe, and Arua. Babyenda  expressed hope that additional funding will be secured to extend similar capacity-building initiatives to more districts.

Facilitators at the training include Dr. Nick Kilimani, who led a sessions on environmental accounting, and Ms. Alice Nalweera, who covered climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.

As environmental challenges intensify due to population growth and increased demand for natural resources, experts say such trainings are essential in promoting sustainable resource use while supporting local economic development.

Environment at the Center of Uganda’s Development Agenda

Environmental economist Dr. Peter Babyenda has called for stronger efforts to value and protect Uganda’s natural resources, warning that failure to do so could undermine the country’s long-term development.

Presenting on Environmental valuation and evaluation  Dr. Babyenda emphasized that the environment—defined as both living and non-living surroundings remains the backbone of economic activity and human survival.

He noted that the environment provides essential resources such as water, minerals, forests, and oil, which support livelihoods and national growth. Uganda’s recent gains in gold exports and ongoing oil developments, he said, demonstrate the economic importance of natural resources.

“The environment sustains life, supplies resources, and even determines the quality of life,” he explained, adding that areas with clean water, forests, and scenic beauty often command higher land values.

Dr. Babyenda pointed out that many people prefer living in well-preserved environments, citing high property prices near water bodies like Lake Victoria as evidence of nature’s economic value.

Poverty and Environmental Degradation

However, he stressed that poverty remains a major driver of environmental destruction. Communities often resort to deforestation and unsustainable farming practices in search of survival. “You cannot stop someone from cutting a tree for charcoal when they have nothing to eat,” he said.

Participants highlighted key environmental challenges in eastern Uganda, including poor agricultural practices, deforestation, climate change, landslides in highland areas, and flooding in low-lying regions. Many of these, he noted, are largely human-induced.

Beyond economic benefits, Dr. Babyenda underscored the importance of ecosystem services, including cultural and spiritual values. He explained that many communities derive identity, medicine, and traditions from natural resources.

Natural systems also support agriculture through soil fertility and pollination. He warned that misuse of chemicals could threaten pollinators like bees, potentially affecting food production.

With Uganda’s rising population, demand for land, food, and energy is increasing, placing pressure on forests, wetlands, and wildlife. Expanding agriculture, urbanization, and illegal logging are among the key threats.

Dr. Babyenda also noted emerging global policies requiring environmental accountability, such as traceability in coffee production to ensure crops are not grown on deforested land.

Why Environmental Valuation Matters

A central theme of the presentation was environmental valuation, the process of assigning monetary value to natural resources.

Dr. Babyenda explained that valuation helps policymakers make informed decisions, especially when balancing conservation with development. For instance, a forest may generate more long-term economic benefits than short-term gains from clearing it for agriculture.

He introduced key valuation methods such as Willingness to Pay (How much individuals would pay to access or preserve environmental resources) and Willingness to Accept: (Compensation required for losing environmental benefits).

These approaches, he said, can help quantify both direct uses like timber and tourism and indirect or non-use values, such as preserving resources for future generations.

Dr. Babyenda urged environmental officers to document and report risks proactively, noting that failure to act early often leads to severe consequences when disasters occur.

He cited Uganda’s policy framework, including Vision 2040 and environmental laws, as critical tools for sustainable management. However, he stressed that implementation requires proper data, budgeting and justification.

“Once you know the value of something, you are more likely to protect it,” he said.

The presentation concluded with a call for collective responsibility in safeguarding Uganda’s biodiversity, which includes forests, wetlands, savannahs, and national parks.

Dr. Babyenda encouraged innovation in land use, better planning, and increased investment in environmental protection, warning that the country’s future depends on how well it manages its natural wealth.

“Development and environmental protection must go hand in hand,” he said.

Environmental Accounting Key to Sustainable Development

Environmental accounting is critical for Uganda’s sustainable development, with district-level officers playing a pivotal role in safeguarding natural resources, according to environmental expert Dr. Nicholas  Kilimani.

Presentation to technical officers, Dr. Kilimani emphasized that environmental management is no longer an auxiliary function but a central component of national development. “The environment in which we live affects the economy, human health and our livelihoods,” he said, warning that failure to account for natural resources could have far-reaching consequences

Dr. Kilimani highlighted the connection between ecological health and economic outcomes. “When forests are cleared or wetlands polluted, agricultural yields fall, water resources degrade, and diseases increase. This affects the economy in ways that conventional indicators like GDP often fail to capture,” he explained.

He cited examples such as unsustainable fish harvesting, pollution from industrial effluents, and deforestation, which can reduce Uganda’s revenue from exports and compromise public health. “If investors pollute water resources, fish stocks die, and we lose both income and markets,” he said, stressing the need for vigilant oversight by environmental officers.

Understanding Environmental Accounting

Central to Dr. Kilimani’s message was the United Nations System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA), a framework designed to integrate environmental data with economic indicators.

“This system allows us to track resources like water, forests, fish, and energy, showing both their contribution to the economy and how human activity affects them,” he said. By combining social, economic, and environmental data, policymakers and technical officers can develop evidence-based interventions and set sustainable extraction and pollution limits.

Dr. Kilimani also emphasized ecosystem accounting, which captures the benefits of natural systems beyond direct economic output. Forests, rivers, and urban parks provide services such as recreation, water purification, disease regulation, and stress relief. “These services contribute to human well-being and quality of life, even if they are not directly traded in the market,” he explained.

He stressed that understanding and communicating these services is crucial when interacting with policymakers and community leaders, including mayors and district officials, to ensure that development decisions do not compromise environmental integrity.

Concluding his presentation, Dr. Kilimani urged environmental officers to strengthen their monitoring and reporting systems, emphasizing that accountability and proper documentation are essential. “You are the gatekeepers of Uganda’s natural wealth. Proper environmental accounting ensures that resources are used sustainably, benefiting both the economy and the people,” he said.

He further emphasized that environmental protection and development must go hand in hand, warning that neglecting natural resources today could lead to irreversible losses tomorrow.

Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation: Practical Solutions Urged for Districts

Climate change is no longer a distant threat, but a reality already affecting Uganda, with unpredictable rains, crop failures, floods, and droughts impacting communities, says Alice Nalweera, an environmental expert.

Speaking to district officers, Nalweera emphasized the need for practical action in policies, plans and budgets to address both the causes and effects of climate change. “We are already experiencing the impacts. Delayed rains, extreme heat, and changing planting seasons are clear signs that climate change is here,” she said.

Nalweera distinguished between weather – the short-term state of the atmosphere and climate, which refers to long-term patterns over at least 30 years. She cited local experiences in districts such as Bulisa, where traditional planting indicators have become unreliable due to shifting rainfall patterns.

Human activities, including deforestation, industrialization, methane emissions from livestock, transport, and resource extraction, have compounded natural factors, contributing to rising temperatures, land degradation, loss of biodiversity, food insecurity, and increased vulnerability to diseases.

Mitigation and Adaptation Approaches

To address climate change, Nalweera outlined two main strategies. Mitigation tackles the root causes by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving forests, creating carbon sinks, and promoting energy-efficient technologies while Adaptation focuses on adjusting to the impacts, including the use of drought-resistant crops, resilient infrastructure, early warning systems for disasters and climate-smart agriculture.

“Uganda is moving toward adaptation because climate change is already a reality. Adaptation reduces vulnerability, enhances resilience, and supports sustainable livelihoods,” she said.

Nalweera highlighted climate-smart agriculture as a key tool for both adaptation and mitigation. Techniques such as agroforestry, improved composting, energy recovery from waste, and drought-resistant crops help communities maintain productivity while reducing environmental impact.

“Through climate-smart agriculture, farmers can increase productivity, protect the environment, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve household incomes,” she said.

The session concluded with participatory exercises, where officers were encouraged to reflect on climate changes in their districts, identify local adaptation measures, and propose policy interventions. Nalweera stressed the importance of integrating climate risks into district development plans to ensure that communities are prepared for both current and future impacts of climate change.

“Adaptation and mitigation must go hand in hand. Practical solutions, community engagement and informed policy decisions are key to safeguarding livelihoods, enhancing resilience, and promoting sustainable development,” she said.

District Officers Laud Training

District environmental officers praised the training highlighting the relevance of the training to their day-to-day responsibilities and the need to integrate environmental considerations into district development planning.

Nakayenze Anna, Head of Natural Resources in Mbale District, noted, “This training has been very beneficial. It has highlighted the government’s commitment to integrating environmental reporting into our frameworks. For local governments, we now understand the importance of having the right data to inform reporting and service delivery. The challenge, however, remains in building capacity to collect and manage such data across sectors. This training is an opportunity to rethink our structures and strengthen environmental management at the district level.”

Similarly, Maganda Moses, Principal Environment Officer from  Jinja District, emphasized the need to attach economic value to natural resources. “We have forests, wetlands, and Lake Victoria, but for a long time, we haven’t attached economic value to these resources. This training has shown us the importance of valuing natural resources to convince policymakers and funders to support their protection. Local governments must step forward to mobilize resources to safeguard these critical assets,” he said.

In Kapchorwa District, Chelimo Salim, Environmental officer, reflected on applying the knowledge in the field. “We have learned about environmental evaluation, valuation, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. I will take this knowledge back to Kapchorwa to encourage communities to conserve the environment, plant trees and protect wetlands,” he said.

Florence, District Environment Officer in Iganga, also appreciated the practical approach of the training. “I have learned more about adaptation responses to climate change. The training was very appropriate, though I wish it could have been a little longer to allow more in-depth learning,” she said.

Edwin Masheta, a Planner in Iganga District, added that the training clarified the distinction between weather and climate. “Communities often confuse weather with climate change. This training has given me a long-term perspective, particularly on mitigation and adaptation measures. While adaptive behaviors are still limited in many communities, I believe initiatives like this will drive meaningful change at the local level,” he said.

Participants agreed that the training will inform their future planning and implementation of environmental policies, emphasizing the need for more structured capacity-building initiatives to strengthen local government roles in environmental governance.

End

Study Finds Farmers Prefer Boundary Tree Planting, Challenging Conventional Afforestation Programs

UK-based Duke University Postdoctoral Scholar Dr. Danny Tobin has highlighted the crucial role of farmers’ preferences in shaping successful tree-planting programs. Speaking at Makerere University’s Environment for Development (EfD) Centre, Tobin presented findings from a study on smallholder farmers in southern India, exploring why they choose certain tree species and planting systems within an NGO-led afforestation program.

The study  titled, “Guiding Private Afforestation to raise public-Goods Provision : Exploring Farmers preferences for trees within an NGO Tree planting program in Southern India” was presented to a research seminar at Makerere University on March 9, 2026.

Dr. Tobin presented what drives communities to take up different kinds of tree species, and even the planting system that they use, either planting on the boundary, intercropping, or cluster planting these different trees, either forest trees, timber trees, or the fruit and medicinal plants.

The study revealed that smallholder farmers strongly prefer planting trees along farm boundaries rather than within their crop fields, a finding that could significantly reshape the design of afforestation and agroforestry programs aimed at addressing climate change and biodiversity loss. The research examined how farmers make decisions about tree planting on private agricultural land and found that preferences vary widely depending on farmers’ economic conditions, farming practices, and environmental challenges. The study emphasizes that tree-planting initiatives must be carefully designed to align with farmers’ priorities if they are to deliver both environmental and livelihood benefits.

The research focused on smallholder farmers living within five kilometers of two protected areas in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. Using a structured survey method known as a discrete choice experiment, the study collected responses from 400 farmers who were presented with different tree-planting options, including timber, fruit, mixed species, and medicinal trees arranged in various planting patterns such as farm boundaries, intercropping within fields, or clustered plots. The results showed a clear preference for planting timber trees along farm boundaries, which farmers viewed as the least disruptive to crop production and farm management.

According to the study findings, most farmers were willing to adopt boundary planting even without financial incentives. In contrast, options that required planting trees within crop fields such as fruit intercropping or clustered mixed-species plantations generally required compensation to encourage adoption. Programs that aimed to create dense clusters of mixed trees to support biodiversity would require the highest level of incentives, as these arrangements compete directly with agricultural land use.

The study also identified several factors that influence farmers’ willingness to plant trees. Farmers with better resources such as higher income levels, irrigation systems, and higher education were generally more willing to adopt tree planting. Conversely, farmers with smaller land holdings, lower incomes, and harsher environmental conditions were less likely to adopt tree planting options. These results highlight how economic capacity and farm productivity shape decisions about integrating trees into agricultural landscapes.

Another important finding relates to human-wildlife conflict, a major challenge for farmers living near protected areas. The study found that farmers experiencing frequent wildlife damage were significantly less interested in planting fruit trees along their farm boundaries because fruit trees could attract animals such as elephants and wild boar. Instead, these farmers preferred timber trees, which they believed might help shield crops from wildlife intrusion.

Despite the overall preference for boundary planting, the research also revealed a surprising opportunity for biodiversity-focused interventions. About one-third of the farmers surveyed indicated that they would be willing to plant fruit trees inside their fields through intercropping or orchard-style arrangements without requiring compensation. This group represents a key target for programs seeking to increase tree cover and habitat connectivity in agricultural landscapes.

Based on these findings, the study recommends that afforestation programs avoid rigid, one-size-fits-all approaches. Instead of targeting farmers based on observable characteristics such as age, income, or land size which the study found to be unreliable predictors of preferences the research suggests offering farmers a menu of tree-planting options. This flexible approach would allow farmers to choose arrangements that best fit their land, resources, and risk tolerance while still contributing to environmental goals.

The study concludes that successful tree-planting programs must balance environmental objectives with farmers’ economic realities. By incorporating farmers’ preferences into program design and offering flexible participation options, policymakers and environmental organizations can increase adoption rates, improve tree survival, and enhance the long-term benefits of afforestation initiatives for both rural livelihoods and the environment.

In his welcome remarks the Director EfD Makerere Centre, Prof. Edward Bbaale, underscored the importance of aligning environmental programs with farmers’ needs if afforestation initiatives are to succeed.

Prof. Bbaale said the EfD committed to rigorous research at the intersection of environment, natural resources, and economic development. He noted that the centre regularly organizes research seminars to create a platform for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to exchange ideas, present ongoing research, and engage in constructive academic dialogue on pressing development challenges.

Welcoming Dr. Tobin to the seminar,  Bbaale highlighted the longstanding collaboration between the EfD Mak Centre and Jeffrey Vincent, Professor of Forest Economics and Management at the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University. He explained that the partnership has produced important research on forestry, land use, and rural livelihoods over the past several years.

He pointed to a recent joint study conducted under the leadership of Patrick Byakagaba, a Senior Research Fellow at the EfD MakCentre, which examines the livelihood impacts of forest plantations on state-owned land. The research, titled Differential Livelihood Impacts of Eucalyptus and Pine Plantations on State-Owned Land, has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Forest Economics, marking what Prof. Bbaale described as the culmination of more than four years of collaborative work involving data collection and analysis.

According to Bbaale, the seminar by Dr. Tobin builds on this strong partnership and reflects the growing collaboration between Makerere researchers and international scholars. He said the study being presented was co-authored with Prof. Vincent and addresses an issue of growing global and regional importance—how tree-planting programs can be designed to meet both environmental goals and the livelihood needs of farmers.

“The topic is highly relevant, not only to the global agenda on climate change mitigation and landscape restoration, but also to policy discussions taking place in Africa and Uganda in particular,” Prof. Bbaale said. He explained that as countries expand afforestation and reforestation initiatives, it is essential to understand farmers’ incentives, preferences, and livelihood realities to ensure that such programs achieve their intended ecological and social outcomes.

He noted that research like Dr. Tobin’s provides valuable insights into how private land-use decisions can be guided to generate both private benefits for farmers and broader public goods such as carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and improved ecosystem services.

Prof. Bbaale also emphasized that the seminar reflects Makerere University’s growing focus on internationalization and research partnerships as the institution strengthens its position as a research-led university. He said collaborations with global institutions such as Duke University are critical for advancing knowledge, producing impactful research, and addressing complex environmental and development challenges.

He welcomed Dr. Tobin’s visit to Uganda as an important opportunity for knowledge exchange and engagement with students and researchers at the university. Prof. Bbaale concluded by expressing appreciation for the continued collaboration with Duke University scholars and said the centre looked forward to further joint research initiatives in the future.

Call for Stronger Research–Private Sector Linkages in Environmental Conservation

The Deputy Director of the EfD Mak Centre, Dr. Alice Turinawe, emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between researchers, the private sector, and other stakeholders to ensure that environmental conservation research translates into practical solutions.

Speaking during the closing session, Dr. Turinawe thanked participants for their active engagement and highlighted the importance of sharing research widely so that it can be improved through feedback and dialogue. She noted that meaningful environmental solutions emerge when research findings are openly discussed and refined by diverse stakeholders.

Dr. Turinawe also commended the seminar presentation by visiting researcher Dr. Tobin, which explored conservation approaches and partnerships with farmers. She said the presentation underscored the importance of examining both private and public benefits in environmental interventions. According to her, such partnerships are essential for ensuring that conservation initiatives are both economically viable and socially beneficial.

She stressed that the EfD Mak Centre places strong emphasis on research that bridges the gap between academic work and real-world application. “One of our key goals is to ensure that the research conducted in our offices and in the field is connected to the private sector and other stakeholders who can implement the findings,” she said.

Dr. Turinawe further encouraged researchers to ensure that their findings are disseminated widely through platforms that can influence policy, development programs, and community practices. She noted that the impact of research depends largely on how effectively the results are shared and utilized.

She concluded by appreciating the scholars and participants who attended the seminar despite their busy academic schedules, noting that their engagement keeps the centre’s research community vibrant and productive.

The EfD Mak Centre, based at Makerere University, focuses on generating evidence to support environmental and natural resource policy decisions. The centre brings together academia, policymakers, and practitioners to strengthen the use of economic evidence in addressing environmental challenges.

Practical and Policy-Relevant Insights Appreciated

Overall, participants noted that the seminar provided both practical and policy-relevant insights into understanding farmers’ preferences, improving tree-planting programs,and supporting sustainable environmental and economic outcomes.

EfD-Mak Centre Manager Gyaviira Ssewankambo said the study offered valuable insights into what motivates farmers to adopt different tree species such as forest trees, timber varieties, and medicinal plants. He explained that the research also addressed challenges faced by farmers, including the risks posed by wildlife. In some cases, farmers living near game parks avoid planting fruit trees for fear that animals such as elephants could destroy their crops. According to Ssewankambo, these experiences mirror situations in communities near protected areas in Uganda, suggesting that lessons from India could help shape local strategies for promoting afforestation.

“Dr. Danny Tobin presented a very insightful study from India about forestry—what drives communities to take up different tree species, and the planting systems they use, whether on boundaries, intercropping, or cluster planting. We hope our Ugandan community can learn lessons, especially on issues like wildlife affecting fruit tree planting near game parks.”

He added that the study also examined the economic trade-offs farmers face when allocating land to trees rather than crops. While tree planting offers environmental and long-term economic benefits, farmers must weigh these gains against the immediate need for space to grow food crops. Ssewankambo expressed optimism that once the research is fully completed, it could provide important lessons for Uganda, just as EfD previously drew inspiration from forestry experiences in Nepal.

For Joab Wamani, an assistant lecturer at the School of Economics, the seminar was particularly valuable for its methodological insights. He noted that beyond the presentation’s clear communication, the research design and conceptualisation stood out. Wamani said the way the study framed its research questions and selected methods offered important learning points for researchers seeking to conduct rigorous environmental economics studies.

“His slides were clear and inspiring, but what really interested me was the research design—the way he conceptualised the topic, developed his research questions, and chose his methods. That was the main knowledge I took away.”

Students who attended the seminar also reflected on practical lessons for farming and environmental management. Nyeko Francis, a Master’s student in Economic and Investment Modelling, said the discussion encouraged him to view tree planting as a routine agricultural activity rather than something done only for environmental protection.

“I learned that tree planting can be normalised like any other crop activity. For example, planting mangoes or oranges in a designated area can be planned and managed like a crop garden. Tree planting is more than just protecting boundaries—it can be integrated into regular farming for better yield.”

Similarly, doctoral student Mansur Sewali, a development economist specialising in economic policy and planning, said the seminar highlighted the broader benefits of afforestation. While tree planting brings direct returns to farmers, he noted that the environmental benefits extend to society as a whole, illustrating the connection between private investment and public good.

“Despite tree planting benefiting the individual farmer, these benefits can also pass on to society at large. That was the key point I took from the seminar.”

EfD research fellow Aisha Nanyiti emphasised the importance of incentives in promoting tree planting. She explained that countries like Uganda, where forests are rapidly being depleted, can benefit from policies that encourage farmers to adopt sustainable practices. Nanyiti said the study showed that many farmers prefer planting trees along farm boundaries, though some also favour intercropping trees with other crops. She added that continuous training and community sensitisation are essential to ensure both the adoption and survival of trees.

“Farmers in India appreciated planting trees along boundaries and in intercropping systems. The key takeaway is that incentivising farmers is essential for adoption, but ongoing training and community sensitisation are equally important to ensure tree survival and environmental restoration.”

Another student, Nichirange Edida, said the seminar reinforced the importance of tree planting in addressing climate change and environmental conservation. He noted that boundary planting and intercropping allow farmers to maintain crop production while also protecting the environment. Inspired by the discussion, Edida said he hopes to apply these practices in his own farming activities.

“This seminar taught me how farmers can address climate change through planting trees, especially on boundaries and through intercropping. It conserves the environment while allowing farmers to grow fruit and timber trees. I believe I can apply this in my own farming.”

Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer, EfD-Mak Centre