Agriculture & Environment
CAES Revitalizes Internship Programme to Boost Students’ Field Experience & Community Impact
In an effort to enhance practical learning and support community and government initiatives, the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at Makerere University has taken significant steps to revitalize its internship programme. The renewal offers students immersive field experiences, allowing them to develop crucial skills, gain first-hand insight into industry challenges, and make meaningful contributions to agricultural development. It equally fosters stronger collaborations with agricultural industries, research institutions, and community organizations.
This year, 51 students from various departments within the College engaged in diverse agricultural activities on farms across Mpigi and Masaka Districts, with a strong focus on the Parish Development Model (PDM) and the 4-Acre Model. In Mpigi, the training took place in Kasamu village, while in Masaka, the students were assigned to farms located in the Kyesiiga, Buwunga, and Kyanamukaka sub-counties. The primary host farms were Mbulamu Integrated Farm in Mpigi District and Green Valley Farm in Masaka District. Coordinated by Dr. Emmanuel Opolot from the Department of Soil Science and Land Use Management and Dr. Gabriel Karubanga of the Department of Extension and Innovation Studies, the internship aimed to provide hands-on learning in sustainable farming practices while sharing innovations with local farmers. The students engaged in multiple agricultural enterprises, including coffee, poultry, banana, and maize farming. They also acquired and shared expertise in modern irrigation techniques, production of renewable energy, and record keeping.
Key Enterprises and Training Areas
- Coffee Production
Over 60% of coffee quality is influenced by the method of harvesting, making it a critical focus area for improvement. In collaboration with local farmers, the students engaged in knowledge sharing and capacity building on sustainable farming practices aimed at increasing yields and improving both harvest and post-harvest handling processes. The students emphasized the importance of proper harvesting techniques, highlighting the differences between good and poor practices and how these can directly impact the quality of coffee. Training sessions covered key stages of post-harvest handling, including selective harvesting of ripe cherries, the floating process to remove defective beans, proper drying techniques to avoid mold and fermentation, accurate weighing and packaging, as well as safe storage and transportation methods to maintain bean quality. Additionally, the students gained practical knowledge in establishing and managing high-quality nursery beds. They learned how to produce healthy, disease-free seedlings by avoiding common mistakes in coffee farming, such as poor soil preparation, overcrowding, or inadequate pest control.
- Poultry Farming and Management
The students gained and exchanged knowledge on sustainable poultry farming practices. Key areas of learning included the significance of proper chick brooding, essential components of an effective brooding system, and step-by-step procedures for setting up and managing a successful brooder. Emphasis was placed on the care and management of chicks throughout the brooding period to ensure optimal growth and health. In addition, students acquired practical skills in egg quality assurance and grading based on established standards, which are crucial for market readiness and consumer safety. They also explored innovative and eco-friendly practices such as azolla farming for supplemental feed, and the use of black soldier fly larvae as a sustainable source of high-protein poultry feed. Furthermore, the importance of strict biosecurity measures to prevent disease outbreaks and maintain flock health was emphasized throughout the training.
- Banana Farming
The students acquired skills in the agronomic practices essential for successful banana cultivation. This included learning how to select high-quality planting materials to ensure healthy crop establishment. They were trained in proper planting techniques and maintenance practices such as weeding, mulching, and composting to improve soil health and moisture retention. The training also covered the appropriate application of manure and fertilizers to promote optimal plant growth. Additionally, students gained practical knowledge in pruning, propping, and desuckering to manage plant structure and enhance yield. The students equally attained skills in effective pest and disease management to protect the crop from common threats.
- Maize Farming
The students gained and exchanged valuable insights on the essential conditions necessary for the successful growth and development of maize. Mr. Lubwama Fred, a maize farmer from Mpambire village in Mpigi District, who benefits from support under the Parish Development Model (PDM), highlighted the positive impact of this knowledge-sharing. He explained that the information provided by the students helped him to effectively address several challenges that had been limiting productivity on his farm. These challenges included pest infestations such as monkeys and other pests, crop diseases, unpredictable price fluctuations in the market, and issues related to soil infertility. With the new strategies and techniques learned, Mr. Lubwama has been able to improve crop health and yield, demonstrating the practical value of the internship programme.
- Artificial Insemination and Silage Making
In the livestock sector, students were provided with practical training and hands-on experience in artificial insemination techniques, an essential method for enhancing genetic quality and improving breed performance in farm animals. Additionally, they learned the intricacies of silage making, a vital process for preserving high-quality forage to ensure consistent and nutritious livestock feed during dry seasons.
- Smart Irrigation and Water Conservation in Agriculture
In collaboration with farmers, the students explored advanced and innovative irrigation methods aimed at promoting water conservation in agriculture. They gained hands-on experience with various systems such as drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, solar-powered pumps, and manual watering techniques. Alongside understanding how these technologies function, the students also learned essential maintenance practices to ensure the longevity and efficiency of irrigation equipment. They were introduced to practical water-saving strategies that can help optimize water usage, reduce wastage, and contribute to sustainable farming practices.
- Sustainable Solar Drying for a Bountiful Harvest
During their training, the students acquired valuable skills in sustainable solar drying techniques. This eco-friendly method harnesses the power of the sun to effectively dry agricultural produce, helping to preserve quality while reducing reliance on conventional energy sources. By mastering these techniques, the students are better equipped to promote environmentally responsible practices that contribute to increased food security and reduced post-harvest losses.
- Record Keeping
Students developed a comprehensive understanding of record-keeping practices, recognizing it as a crucial component of modern farming. Accurate and systematic record keeping enables farmers to track crop performance, manage resources efficiently, monitor financial transactions, and make informed decisions to enhance productivity and sustainability in agricultural operations.
- Biogas Production
During their internship, students actively engaged in hands-on training in biogas production. This practical experience allowed them to understand the underlying biological and chemical processes, operate relevant equipment, and appreciate the environmental and economic benefits of renewable energy generation through biogas technology.
CAES Field Days and End of Internship Programme
The 8-week internship programme, which commenced in June 2025, concluded with field day activities held on 22nd and 23rd July at Mbulamu Integrated Farm in Mpigi District and Green Valley Farm in Masaka District, respectively. According to Dr. Emmanuel Opolot, one of the internship coordinators, the event aimed to showcase the students’ work and foster an exchange of experiences between the interns and local farmers. Additionally, the activities provided a valuable opportunity to gather feedback from the farmers on the training gaps. During the event, participants, including the students’ supervisors from CAES, Makerere University, and farmers from the respective districts, toured the various projects the students had been working on.
Students’ Reflections
Sharing their experiences, the students, led by Mr. Mayson Wangusa (Mpigi District) and Mr. Clever Asiimwe (Masaka), explained how the programme had profoundly transformed their mind-set and equipped them with essential skills in modern agriculture. “Initially, when we travelled to these remote villages for our internship, the sheer isolation almost discouraged us from continuing. However, as time passed, we adapted to the environment and began to truly appreciate and enjoy the training. Through this hands-on experience, we acquired invaluable practical skills that have significantly enriched our understanding of agricultural practices. We are deeply grateful to the University and College Management, our dedicated coordinators, the supervisors, and our generous hosts for their unwavering support throughout this journey. Their guidance and encouragement played a crucial role in making this learning experience both meaningful and rewarding.”
Farmers’ Perspectives
According to Mr. Tonda Deogratious, the owner and proprietor of Mbulamu Integrated Farm in Mpigi District, the initiative is highly commendable. “I thank Makerere University for this kind of arrangement. While its primary goal was to equip students with practical skills, we as farmers have benefited immensely. The students have been incredibly resourceful and we have learned a lot from working with them. Their presence has broadened our approach to modern farming practices. With our 60-acre coffee farm, a student recommended introducing an Agricultural Production Log (APL) to improve management and is currently drafting for us a proposal in that line. The students also suggested using Indigenous Microorganism (IMO) solutions to enhance piggery management, and we are now collaborating on a proposal in that area. We have also gained valuable skills in tick management and record keeping. Given their expertise, I plan to continue working with the students. I also strongly encourage the University to sustain this partnership.”
Mr. Tonda further praised the students for their discipline and professionalism throughout the training programme.
As a farmer operating within the 4-acre model, Mr. Tonda highly advocates for mixed farming. “By integrating different types of agricultural activities, such as crop cultivation alongside livestock rearing, farm units can mutually support one another, leading to increased efficiency and resilience. This approach not only maximizes the use of available land and resources but also helps reduce overall costs by diversifying income sources and minimizing dependency on a single commodity.”
Mr. James Kabiito, the proprietor of Green Valley Farm located in Kyesiiga Sub County, Masaka District, is equally appreciative of the programme. He emphasized the vital role that universities play in advancing and transforming the agricultural sector. According to Mr. Kabiito, collaborating directly with students on his farm has been a significant benefit. Speaking during the field day activities on 23rd July 2025, he noted that the students had consistently demonstrated resourcefulness, bringing fresh ideas and energy that contributed positively to the farm’s operations. “This hands-on partnership not only supports the students’ practical learning but also enhances the overall productivity and innovation within the agricultural community.”
Remarks by the DPMOs
Mpigi District DPMO, Mr. Patrick Ssserwadda and Masaka District DPMO, Mr. Ssekayi Godfrey expressed gratitude for the programme, emphasizing its role in enhancing the partnership between academic institutions and grassroots communities. They noted that such initiatives not only provide practical solutions to local challenges but also create a platform for mutual learning and knowledge exchange. “The collaboration between the University and local governments is a significant step forward. It allows us to tap into academic research and innovation to improve livelihoods and drive sustainable development in our districts,” Mr. Sserwadda explained. Mr. Ssekayi echoed the sentiment, calling for even deeper collaboration in research and extension services. “Strengthening research partnerships will enable us to address community-specific needs more effectively, and ensure that interventions are both evidence-based and impactful,” he stated.
Remarks by the University officials
Speaking on behalf of the Dean of the School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Dr. Olupot Giregon praised the initiative, describing it as a transformative approach to enhancing the practical dimension of agricultural training. He emphasized that such hands-on experience is essential for bridging the gap between academic training and real-world agricultural practice. Dr. Olupot expressed the School’s commitment to ensuring the continuity and sustainability of the programme, highlighting its potential long-term benefits for both students and host communities. Furthermore, he advocated for the integration of a soil management component within the district production units, noting its critical role in enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability. He thanked the host communities for their invaluable support and hospitality towards the students. He acknowledged the University and College leadership for their foresight and innovation in reshaping the internship programme to better meet the evolving needs of students and the agricultural sector.
On behalf of the Principal of CAES, Dr. Richard Miiro from the Department of Extension and Innovation Studies expressed gratitude to the host farmers for their willingness to train and mentor the students. “Makerere University deeply values this partnership, as farmers play a pivotal role in driving the growth and development of the agricultural sector, which remains the cornerstone of Uganda’s economy.” Dr. Miiro highlighted the significant impact of the programme, noting that it has been instrumental in reshaping the perspectives and attitudes of the students toward agriculture. “Through hands-on experience and direct engagement with farming communities, our students gain practical knowledge and skills, leaving the field better equipped and more confident as future agricultural professionals.” Furthermore, he appreciated the Government of Uganda for its continued support and commitment to advancing agricultural education and development. This collaboration, he noted, is a vital step toward strengthening the sector and fostering sustainable agricultural practices that benefit the nation. He commended the coordinators of the programmes for the guidance and mentorship provided to the students. On behalf of the College, Dr Miiro handed over two irrigation pumps to farmer groups in Mpigi and Masaka Districts. He also handed over a soil testing kit donated to the Masaka District Production Unit.
The coordinators represented by Dr. Opolot expressed gratitude to the College and University Management for their visionary efforts in redesigning the agricultural internship programme. “This thoughtful restructuring will significantly enhance the learning experience and better prepare students for the evolving demands of the agricultural sector.” He further praised the students for their resilience, unwavering dedication, and enthusiastic commitment to learning throughout the internship period. “You have demonstrated great potential to drive transformation in the agricultural sector.”
The LC5 Chairman, Masaka District
The LC5 Chairman of Masaka District, Mr. Andrew Battemyetto Lukyamuzi, appreciated the government for its continued support of internship programmes at the district. He highlighted the importance of establishing soil fertility centres within the district to improve crop productivity and ensure sustainable agricultural practices. Mr. Lukyamuzi also called for increased support in providing affordable agricultural inputs to farmers, alongside initiatives aimed at reskilling and empowering them to enhance agricultural output. He underscored the vital role of partnerships between universities and local communities, noting that such collaborations are essential for driving innovation and boosting agricultural production. He advised students to maintain discipline throughout their studies, and encouraged them to approach the job market with an open and adaptable mind-set.
More photos on the activities at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1EReMonIyk8zHtYdJMaEQVReIb8XXr1lI?usp=sharing
Agriculture & Environment
13th International Working Conference on Stored Product Protection – October 2026
Agriculture & Environment
Mak Launches Phase II of the RUFS Project to Strengthen Climate Resilience & Food Security in Kasese & Mbale Districts
Following the success of its initial phase, Makerere University has launched Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) project, aimed at deepening food security and climate resilience in Kasese Municipality and Mbale City. Funded through the AgriFoSe2030 programme and coordinated by Prof. Frank Mugagga of the Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, the project continues to address urban food system challenges through inclusive, climate-smart, and community-driven solutions.
Achievements registered under Phase I of the RUFS Project
Phase I of the RUFS Project delivered a range of impactful outcomes aimed at building more inclusive and sustainable urban food systems. The achievements included:
- Formation of smallholder farmer platforms
- RUFS established the Kasese and Mbale City Food Systems Platforms, empowering smallholder farmers to actively shape resilient urban food systems.
- Multi-stakeholder collaboration
- The project facilitated dialogue among farmers, civil society, private sector actors, and local governments to improve coordination and governance.
- Exposure and exchange visits
- Learning exchanges and site visits enabled peer learning, spurred innovation, and encouraged the adoption of best practices across urban and peri-urban farming communities.
- Capacity building for local experts
- The project enhanced the technical and organizational capacities of local professionals, empowering them to lead and sustain resilient food system initiatives.
- Resource commitment from local governments
- Tangible commitments from local leaders demonstrated strong political will to support inclusive urban food systems.
- Recognition of smallholder farmers
- The contributions of smallholder farmers gained greater recognition, acknowledging their essential role in ensuring food security and urban resilience.
- Amplification of local voices
- Community stories, practices, and lessons were documented and shared widely, helping to shape urban food policies from a grassroots perspective.
Goals and focus of Phase II
Phase II of the RUFS project sets out to: 1) Strengthen flood and drought resilience in urban communities through strengthened stakeholder collaboration in Kasese and Mbale, 2) Raise community awareness on climate risks and equip residents with preventive and adaptive skills, 3) Integrate indigenous and local knowledge into policy and planning for more context-relevant decision-making, and 4) Co-develop knowledge with both state and non-state actors to promote inclusive and evidence-based decisions.
To achieve these goals, the project will strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Water and Environment, AidEnvironment, and potentially the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). It will engage a range of expertise, including flood and drought modeling, spatial analytics, economic assessment of loss and damage, and the reconstruction of socio-hydrological histories of river flows to inform current debates. Participatory methods will be central to the project’s approach, including charrettes (with role plays), walkshops and transect walks, participatory community mapping (of resources, actors, and hotspots), peer-to-peer learning, and experiential learning activities. The core team will be expanded to include policy actors, and innovative partnerships will be developed with government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Operation Wealth Creation (OWC). The project will also explore opportunities for shared use of limited public land for demonstration purposes, and emphasize co-creation of knowledge among all stakeholders.
RUFS Phase II stakeholder engagement in Kasese
The RUFS project team, led by Prof. Frank Mugagga, conducted a stakeholder engagement in Kasese from 17th to 20th August 2025. The primary objective of the engagement was to formally introduce the extension phase of the project and to foster in-depth discussions with key stakeholders on strategies aimed at enhancing and strengthening the ongoing operations.
The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including representatives from the local government, community leaders, implementing partners, and technical experts. Through collaborative dialogue and knowledge sharing, the team sought to align the project goals with community needs and to ensure effective coordination amongst all parties.
The engagement provided a vital platform for stakeholders to offer insights, address challenges, and contribute to the development of sustainable solutions that will drive the success of Phase II of the project.
Highlights from the workshop
Held at Rwenzori International Hotel in Kasese, the two-day workshop featured targeted presentations on enhancing smallholder farmers’ resilience to climate change, effective emergency response mechanisms in the face of climate extremes, and the role of advocacy in advancing community-led climate adaptation strategies.
In their presentation, Mr. Henry Stanley Mbowa (AidEnvironment) and Mr. Muhindo Assanairi Bukanywa (Kasese Agricultural Officer) shared insights on climate-resilient agronomic practices, covering a number of topics including land preparation, crop management, pest control, water conservation, postharvest handling, and market access.
Mr. Kipurah Gideon briefed participants on the role of the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) in emergency response, offering an insightful overview of the organization’s operations within disaster management frameworks. In relation to the RUFS Project, which focuses on enhancing urban resilience and food security, Mr. Kipurah explained how URCS integrates emergency response strategies to mitigate the impact of crises on vulnerable populations.
In his address, Mr. Lhughabwe Wilson, Principal Community Development Officer, Kasese Municipality, emphasized the pivotal role of advocacy in building climate-resilient communities. He noted that effective advocacy enables local stakeholders to influence policy, mobilize resources, and promote sustainable, community-driven solutions, all critical to developing resilient urban food systems in the context of growing climate uncertainties.
Remarks and success stories by the RUFS Champions
During the workshop, RUFS champions alongside several farmers from Kasese Municipality shared their success stories, highlighting the positive impact their initiatives have had on the community. Ms. Eunice Muyama, a Physical Planner from Mbale City and a committed RUFS Champion, emphasized the need to integrate urban farming into wider infrastructure development plans. She highlighted the challenges brought about by rapid urbanization, which continues to consume valuable land and reduce green spaces. “It is vital that we implement innovative planning strategies to make the most of even the smallest plots of land.” To set a practical example, she personally practices urban farming at her home, demonstrating that it is both feasible and beneficial to cultivate crops within city environments.
Mr. Juma Wephukhulu, a dedicated urban farmer in Mbale City credits the support of the RUFS Project for his transformative journey from a small-scale backyard gardener to a prominent agricultural entrepreneur and community mobilizer. In 2012, inspired by the story of a Kenyan woman who turned her backyard garden into a thriving vegetable supply business for Nairobi’s hotels, Juma made a life-changing decision. He resigned from his job of managing a guest house and embarked on a mission to replicate similar success through urban farming. With only 45,000 Ugandan shillings and a family of six in a rented home, his resolve to succeed was unwavering. “I was driven by the idea that wealth and opportunity can be right on your doorstep,” Juma said.
Starting in 2014, Juma laid out a detailed plan to establish a demonstration farm and training centre, supply fresh vegetables to neighbours, sell seedlings and mature plants, produce organic manure, and train local farmers. Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, his enterprise thrived, gaining traction through media appearances and community workshops.
A significant turning point came in 2021 when Juma was selected to participate in RUFS activities in Mbale. With the involvement of RUFS, Juma’s farm and leadership abilities gained greater recognition. He was elected Chairperson of the Mbale City Food Systems Platform (MCFS), further amplifying his impact in the region. The project support went beyond training and resources; they sponsored Juma and his colleague Mary to attend the prestigious Harvest Money Expo in Kololo, providing funds for food, transport, accommodation, and allowances. The project also facilitated media documentation of Juma’s success story through NBS and Salt TV, helping share his inspiring journey widely.
With RUFS assistance, Juma and his team registered their platform as a Community-Based Organization (CBO) in August 2022, gaining official recognition and access to wider partnerships. He recently completed a book chronicling his farming experiences, supported by RUFS, to inspire and educate others. “The RUFS Project has been instrumental in my growth, not just financially but in exposure, training, and networking. Their support has enabled me to dream bigger, including plans to establish a 10-acre incubator farm integrating crops, fish farming, poultry, and more,” he narrated.
Ms. Eunice Mutooro Sunday, an urban farmer in Kasese and lead smallholder on the RUFS Project, has become a passionate advocate for urban and kitchen farming in her district. Through her active participation in the RUFS Project, Ms. Mutooro gained invaluable exposure to innovative urban farming models and acquired advanced agricultural techniques that have significantly enhanced her farming practices. This experience not only deepened her knowledge but also ignited a strong passion to empower others around her. As a respected leader within her local church, she leverages her influential position to mobilize community members and champion sustainable agricultural practices. She has become the primary ambassador of the RUFS initiative in her congregation, where she leads training sessions focused on kitchen gardening and sanitation. To foster enthusiasm and engagement, she introduced friendly competitions among households, encouraging them to cultivate and consume a minimum of three different types of vegetables from their own gardens. This innovative approach has successfully motivated many families to embrace home-grown produce as part of their daily diet. Through her tireless efforts, she encourages everyone to become proactive agents of change.
Mr. Edrick Bwambale, a smallholder farmer based in Kasese Municipality explained how the RUFS Project inspired him to mobilise fellow youth to establish an organization focused on promoting sustainable agri-food systems. The organization, known as ‘Sustainable Agri-Food Initiative (SAFI)’, is now working to address key challenges in food systems within Kasese District.
Remarks by the district officials
Addressing the participants, the Deputy Mayor of Kasese Municipality, Mr. Mapungo Rabson, together with the Deputy Town Clerk, Mr. Kambasu Zedekiah Kayiri, expressed appreciation for the RUFS project. They commended its forward-thinking and strategic approach in addressing the complex challenges facing the district, particularly those arising from rapid urbanization. Both officials emphasized that initiatives like RUFS are essential for promoting sustainable development, enhancing food security, and building the resilience of urban communities amidst increasing environmental and socio-economic pressures. The Deputy Mayor emphasized the need for a sustainability plan to ensure that the benefits of such initiatives are maintained and enhanced over time.
Assessment of the progress of RUFS Phase II
At the end of the workshop, the RUFS team conducted site visits to assess the progress of Phase I initiatives. One such visit was to Mobuku II Cooperative Society, a farmer group established during Phase I that now includes 385 members, many of them women and youth. The cooperative has successfully secured fair contract farming deals, embraced agribusiness, and adopted climate-smart practices.
During the visit, in-depth discussions were held with cooperative leaders to identify opportunities for RUFS to continue strengthening support for smallholder farmers in Kasese. The dialogue focused on scaling sustainable farming techniques, improving market access, and enhancing the cooperative’s capacity to build resilience against climate-related challenges.
Way forward to ensure sustainability of the RUFS Project
Participants proposed that the municipality allocates land for community demonstration projects. Moving forward, Phase II of the project will focus on establishing and developing local demonstration sites. These sites will serve as key platforms to showcase tangible progress, innovative approaches, and best practices to stakeholders and the broader community. This strategy aims to encourage greater engagement, facilitate knowledge sharing, and promote the replication of successful models, thereby ensuring scalability and sustainability of the RUFS Project.
The project team held a similar engagement in Mbale City from 24th-27th August 2025.
Pictorial of the RUFS Project stakeholder engagement in Kasese Municipality –
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XM64I-bKTvGb-uN_w9jIxaAuOWJwFSZX?usp=sharing
Agriculture & Environment
Combating Child Malnutrition in the Face of Climate Change: Mak’s Healthy Soy Initiative Offers Hope
*****Funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs through DANIDA, the Healthy Soy Project seeks to develop sustainable, affordable, and nutritious soy-based food solutions to help combat stunting in Uganda and other climate-vulnerable regions. The Project inception meeting was held on 15th August 2025 at CAES, Makerere University.
Overview
Child malnutrition remains one of the most pressing public health challenges worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 148 million children under the age of five were affected by stunting in 2023, a condition caused by chronic under-nutrition that impairs both physical and cognitive development. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 aims to end all forms of malnutrition by 2030, but climate change, rising food insecurity, and deepening inequality are making this goal increasingly difficult to achieve.
Expert reports indicate that as the global climate crisis accelerates, its ripple effects are being felt most acutely in the Global South. Prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, and frequent natural disasters are reducing crop yields, diminishing nutrient density in food, and driving up food prices. For smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of food production in many developing countries, these changes are devastating. Without the resources to invest in irrigation or climate-adaptive technologies, they are hit hardest by agricultural losses.
The burden of climate-induced food insecurity and malnutrition is not shared equally. Children are particularly vulnerable, as their growth demands a consistent intake of high-quality nutrients. Women, meanwhile, are doubly impacted. They are often both food producers and the primary caregivers responsible for child nutrition. These gendered and generational inequalities are deepening as food systems falter under environmental stress.
Stunting and the Need for High-Quality Protein
Stunting in children is one of the most visible forms of malnutrition. Once it occurs, reversing it is challenging, though not impossible. For children affected by stunting to catch up in growth, their diets must include high-quality proteins, which are essential for muscle and tissue development.
Animal-source foods such as milk, eggs, and meat provide proteins with the highest biological value. However, in low-income settings, these foods are often prohibitively expensive or unavailable. Soybeans offer a promising alternative – they are a plant-based source of relatively high-quality protein, widely grown and consumed in many parts of the world. However, soy is not without limitations. Its protein bioavailability can be reduced by natural compounds known as anti-nutrients, which inhibit digestion and absorption.
The Healthy Soy Project: A Science-Based Solution for Sustainable Nutrition
In response to this challenge, Makerere University, in collaboration with partners and with funding from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) has launched an innovative research project titled Climate-resilient soybean for improved growth and health of children in Uganda (Healthy Soy). This multi-year project seeks to develop sustainable, affordable, and nutritious soy-based food solutions to help combat stunting in Uganda and other climate-vulnerable regions. The University of Copenhagen, Denmark is leading the project, with Makerere University and RECO Industries Limited as partners. The overall PI of the Project is Prof. Benedikte Grenov from the University of Copenhagen. At Makerere University, the project is coordinated by Prof. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa. Other project members include Assoc. Prof. Nanna Roos and Prof. Inge Tetens from the University of Copenhagen; Assoc. Prof. Dorothy Nakimbugwe and Assoc. Prof. Ezekiel Mupere from Makerere University; Mr. Alex Kisembo from RECO Industries Limited; and Prof. Daniel Tomé from Université Paris-Saclay, France.
The Healthy Soy project is structured around four key work packages
WP1 – Selecting Climate-Resilient, Nutrient-Rich Soybean Varieties
Researchers will identify and develop soybean strains that are both resilient to climate stressors and contain high levels of protein with reduced anti-nutrient content, making them more suitable for vulnerable populations.
WP2 – Enhancing Protein Bioavailability through Food Processing
Advanced food processing technologies will be employed to reduce anti-nutrient levels and improve the bioavailability of soy protein. The project will also evaluate how effectively soy protein supports catch-up growth in children affected by stunting.
WP3 – Developing Local Soy-Based Food Supplements
Working closely with local communities and food producers, the project will design and test new soy-based supplements tailored to local dietary habits. These products will be tested for their impact on child health and growth.
WP4 – Building Local Research Capacity and Sharing Knowledge
Capacity-building is a core element of Healthy Soy. The project will invest in training Ugandan researchers, strengthening local institutions, and disseminating findings to farmers, policymakers, health professionals, and other stakeholders across the region. At Makerere University, the project is supporting 3 PhD fellows namely: Ms. Nashim Nassanga from the Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Mr. Amos Asiimwe from the Department of Food Technology and nutrition, and Ms. Prudence Ainomugisha from the College of Health Sciences. Ms. Nassanga will focus on identifying climate-smart soybean breeding lines for adaptability and farmers’ acceptability under severe climate conditions in Eastern, Northern, and Western Uganda; Mr. Asiimwe will develop soybean processing protocols to reduce anti-nutrients, improve soy protein bioavailability, and estimate its potential to support catch-up growth in children with stunting; and Prudence Ainomugisha will examine the effects of locally produced soy-based LNS on the growth and health of children with stunting.
The Healthy Soy Project Inception Meeting
On 15th August 2025, the project team held an inception meeting to discuss strategies for its implementation. The session brought together representatives from all partner institutions who shared a detailed overview of their respective roles, and expected contributions to the initiative. The discussions focused on aligning stakeholder roles, clarifying project objectives, and ensuring a coordinated approach to execution.
During the meeting, Prof. Benedikte Grenov, the Principal Investigator, delivered a comprehensive overview of the project. She emphasized the collaborative nature of the project and highlighted the importance of each stakeholder’s role in achieving the intended outcomes. Her presentation set the stage for subsequent contributions from each partner institution, outlining their respective roles and planned activities within the project.
Dr Mildred Ochwo Ssemakula, Prof. John Muyonga, and Dr Robert Mugabi from Makerere University Departments of Crop Science and Horticulture, and Food Technology and Nutrition respectively, briefed the team on their (Departments’) role in the soybean value chain, while Dr Ephraim Nuwamanya from the Makerere University Centre for Soybean Improvement and Development (MAKCSID) shared insights into their ongoing research activities, particularly focused on developing climate-resilient soybean varieties and how these efforts align with the goals of the Healthy Soy Project. The meeting also featured a presentation on the activities of the Child Health Development Centre (CHDC) and its role in the project. Based within the College of Health Sciences at Makerere University, the CHDC will support the training of a full-time PhD fellow who will coordinate and implement a randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) involving 300 children affected by stunting.
The representative from RECO Industries Limited, Mr. Alex Kisembo shared their experience in soybean processing and outlined their planned contribution to the project’s product development streams. Additionally, the integration of the Healthy Soy initiative into the national nutrition programming was discussed, with an emphasis on aligning it with priority areas within the health sector. The roles of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) were also presented, particularly focusing on their support for soybean development through policy formulation, quality assurance, and regulatory processes, as well as their planned contributions to the project’s implementation.
Prof. Charles Masembe briefed participants on the reporting and accountability procedures of the Makerere University Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU).
The meeting was moderated by Prof. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa and Dr Jenipher Bisikwa from the Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University.
Link to project inception meeting pictorial:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1oTo8rhX89Nt1uXy3W0vVRUWkz5vi8WGg?usp=sharing
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