Agriculture & Environment
RUFS Project Team Trains Smallholder Farmers in Mbale City in Smart Agronomic Practices
Overview
Following stakeholder engagements in Mbale City and Kasese Municipality to introduce Phase II of the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) Project, it became evident that farmers in both regions face a range of challenges that significantly impact agricultural productivity. Among the most pressing issues are frequent floods, landslides, waterlogging, and prolonged periods of drought, all of which threaten food security and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
In response, the RUFS Project team has designed a series of targeted interventions aimed at addressing these climate-related challenges. Central to these efforts is the provision of specialized training to enhance farmers’ capacity to adapt and thrive in the face of environmental stressors. Through these trainings, smallholder farmers in Mbale City and Kasese Municipality will be equipped with practical knowledge and skills in climate-smart agronomic practices that promote sustainability and resilience. Smart Agronomic Practices, as promoted in the training, focus on techniques that improve yield while conserving natural resources. This includes composting, pest control using natural extracts, crop rotation, intercropping, and the adoption of drought-resistant crop varieties. By prioritizing ecological balance and resource efficiency, the RUFS project aims to protect urban communities from the effects of climate change, price volatility, and food insecurity.
Training on smart agronomic practices in Mbale City
As part of this initiative, over 20 smallholder farmers in Mbale City recently received extensive training on Smart Agronomic Practices. The training, conducted from 6th to 7th October 2025 at Emilna Royal Mixed Farm in Industrial City Division, Mbale City, forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen urban food systems by empowering farmers with sustainable, adaptive, and cost-effective farming techniques tailored to the realities of a changing climate.
Led by Prof. Frank Mugagga from the Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, and funded through the AgriFoSe2030 Programme, the RUFS project aims to create a ripple effect of knowledge transfer, particularly in informal and peri-urban communities where agriculture remains both a livelihood and a cornerstone for food security. Phase II of the RUFS project sets out to: 1) Strengthen flood and drought resilience in urban communities through strengthened stakeholder collaboration in Mbale and Kasese, 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.
Training in the production of organic fertilizers and pesticides
During the two-day training, farmers were introduced to practical techniques for producing organic fertilizers and pesticides using affordable, locally available materials. Emilna Royal Mixed Farm, the training venue, and home of one of the project beneficiaries, Ms. Emily Namalwa, served as a practical learning hub where theory met practice. Led by Mr. Henry Stanley Mbowa, Head of Research at AidEnvironment and a member of the RUFS Project, and backed by the Mbale City technical team, the hands-on sessions demystified the process of creating environmentally friendly agricultural inputs such as compost and bio-pesticides.
Step by step, the enthusiastic farmers were trained to formulate effective organic fertilizers and pesticides using locally available materials such as cow dung, animal and human urine, ash, onions, pawpaw leaves, pepper, tobacco, luwoko (Phytolacca dodecandra), and muluuku (Tephrosia vogelii). These natural alternatives provide a sustainable response to the rising cost and environmental impact of synthetic inputs. They not only enhance soil health and increase crop productivity, but also reduce chemical residues in food, promoting safer and more resilient farming practices.
While conducting the hands-on sessions, Mr. Mbowa emphasized that these solutions are not only effective but scalable. “These are techniques that require no expensive inputs. Farmers can adopt them right away using the resources they already have at their disposal,” he said.
As part of the training, Mr. Whepukulu Juma, a dedicated urban farmer and President of the Mbale City Food Systems Platform, briefed the farmers on the critical steps and best practices for preparing a food nursery bed. Drawing from his experience, Mr. Whepukulu highlighted the significance of proper soil preparation, emphasizing soil health and nutrient management as foundational to successful seedling development. He also stressed the importance of selecting high-quality seeds suited to local conditions and demonstrated effective maintenance techniques such as regular watering, timely weeding, and shading to protect young seedlings from excessive sun or rain.
According to Prof. Mugagga, the trainings that will be conducted over the next 18 months are a response to the urgent need for cities to reimagine their food systems amid rapid urbanization. “Urban agriculture is no longer an option, it is a necessity. Our goal is to empower smallholder farmers with knowledge that makes their practices not only productive but also sustainable and adaptive to climate stress,” Prof. Mugagga stated.
Farmers’ views on the Training
- Ms. Emily Namalwa, an urban farmer and proprietor of Emilna Royal Mixed Farm, expressed appreciation for the training. Her farm, located within Mbale City, produces a wide range of crops including tomatoes, sukuma wiki (collard greens), eggplants, matooke (plantains), and passion fruit, alongside poultry farming.
- Reflecting on the impact of the training, Ms. Namalwa said: “This has been eye-opening. I have learned that many of the resources we need to feed and protect our crops are readily available in our surroundings. What we once considered as waste can actually be transformed into valuable inputs for farming. This approach not only reduces costs but also promotes sustainability.”
- She further narrated how the RUFS training reshaped her perspective on land use for farming: “Before this, I focused solely on cultivating coffee on a one-acre piece of land located far from my home. I never imagined that I could turn the small 100 by 100 plot around my house into a productive farm. Thanks to the training on urban agriculture, I now understand how to make the most of even limited space for food production.”
- Citing the benefits, Ms. Namalwa expressed gratitude for the continued support RUFS extends to smallholder farmers. “RUFS has given us the knowledge and tools to make urban farming not just possible, but profitable. I am truly grateful for their efforts in empowering farmers like me in Mbale City.”
- According to Mr. Mudoma Cassim, Chairman of the Nabuyonga Horticulture Farmers’ Association in Industrial City Division, Busamaga, Mbale, the training provided by the RUFS project was both timely and impactful. “For a long time, our farmers have heavily depended on inorganic fertilizers purchased from commercial outlets. Unfortunately, these fertilizers are not only expensive but also contribute to the degradation of soil health over time, leading to reduced productivity in the long run. The training we received on the production and use of organic fertilizers and pesticides has opened our eyes to a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative. By learning how to produce organic fertilizers and pesticides locally, we can significantly reduce the cost of inputs while improving soil fertility and overall yields.”
- “I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the RUFS project team and their funders for this valuable initiative. It is my earnest appeal that such trainings continue, not only on the production of organic fertilizers and pesticides but also on other important aspects of sustainable farming practices. Additionally, I humbly request that the project considers supporting farmer groups like ours with irrigation equipment, such as spray pumps. This would greatly enhance our capacity to maintain consistent production even during dry spells, ensuring food security and stable incomes for our members.”
- Mr. Ssenkoto Julius, a dedicated farmer from Industrial City, Masaba in Mbale District, is equally grateful for the support provided by the RUFS Project. He specifically commended the hands-on training he received on producing organic fertilizers and pesticides using locally available materials, a skill he believes is not only cost-effective but also environmentally sustainable. “I primarily grow tomatoes, but I also cultivate sukuma wiki (collard greens),” he stated. “The knowledge imparted during the training was incredibly valuable. I have already begun applying the organic methods on my farm, and I am keen to observe the difference in performance between these natural products and the conventional ones purchased from agro-shops.” Mr. Ssenkoto also appealed to the RUFS Project to consider extending similar training opportunities in animal husbandry. “Many of us are mixed farmers,” he explained. “Equipping us with skills in livestock management would greatly enhance our productivity and improve our livelihoods.”
- Ms. Nekesa Josephine, a horticulture farmer from Northern City in Nkoma, Mbale District, appreciated the RUFS Project team for the training, highlighting its potential to transform farming practices in the region. “I am truly grateful for this opportunity. The training has opened my eyes to more sustainable and cost-effective methods of farming. I have already started experimenting with the production of organic fertilizer using cow dung, a practice I had not considered seriously before. If it proves successful, it will greatly reduce our dependence on expensive chemical fertilizers bought from agro-vet shops, which many of us struggle to afford. This kind of knowledge is not only practical but empowering, especially for smallholder farmers like myself. I sincerely hope that these trainings can be scaled up and extended to cover livestock management. Training in animal husbandry would go a long way in helping us improve both crop and animal productivity, ultimately boosting our incomes and food security.
During the training programme, participants were tasked to document the current status of their farms and agricultural activities. Coordinated by Mr. Peter Kasaija, a member of the RUFS Project, the exercise was intended to support monitoring and assessment of the impact of the RUFS Project initiatives.
The team will hold a similar engagement in Kasese Municipality from 12th-15th October 2025.
More photos from the training
Pictorial on the training:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17NeSVJvLn6wJjtzodL25XtN5arnXXNdz?usp=sharing
Agriculture & Environment
Makerere University, Global Partners Strengthen Biodiversity Education & Research Through Innovation & Field-Based Learning
*****Through a project titled “Strengthening Education and Research Capacity for Enhancing Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Natural Resources Use,” Makerere University, in partnership with Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences (Germany) and the Central University of Technology (South Africa), has achieved significant milestones in advancing biodiversity conservation education, research capacity, and sustainable natural resource management. The project team disseminated their findings and achievements on 31st July 2026.
Purpose of the project
Biodiversity loss, environmental degradation and the unsustainable use of natural resources continue to pose significant threats to ecosystems, livelihoods and sustainable development worldwide. Addressing these challenges requires a new generation of professionals equipped with scientific knowledge, practical skills, interdisciplinary perspectives and the ability to develop innovative, evidence-based solutions.
In response to this need, Makerere University, in partnership with Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences (Germany) and the Central University of Technology (South Africa), in 2023 launched a project to strengthen higher education and research capacities to advance biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource management.
Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15 – Life on Land, the project focused on developing innovative teaching and learning approaches, promoting experiential and field-based learning, strengthening international research collaboration, and generating evidence-based knowledge to address complex environmental challenges.
Beyond its primary focus on SDG 15 (Life on Land), the project contributed to a range of interconnected Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 4 (Quality Education) through strengthening education and research capacities, and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Furthermore, the project supported SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting sustainable practices and SDG 13 (Climate Action) through efforts aimed at enhancing the sustainable management and conservation of natural resources and ecosystems.
The project was supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) through its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Partnerships Programme, and led by Prof. John Tabuti from the Department of Environmental Management at Makerere University, and Ms. Nele Vahrenhorstfrom Rhine Waal University of Applied Sciences.
End of Project Workshop
On 31 July 2026, the project team convened key stakeholders at Makerere University for a dissemination workshop aimed at sharing the achievements, lessons learned, and experiences gained throughout the three-year implementation period. The workshop provided a platform to reflect on the project’s contributions to strengthening biodiversity conservation education and research, while also discussing strategies for sustaining collaborations and building on the progress achieved.
The workshop was coordinated by Prof. John Tabuti, who provided an overview of the project journey, highlighting the major milestones, achievements, challenges encountered, and valuable insights gained during implementation. His presentation underscored the importance of continued partnerships, innovation, and capacity strengthening in advancing biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource management.
Achievements Registered
- Strengthening Education Through Innovative Teaching Approaches
One of the major achievements of the project was the integration of real-world conservation and natural resource management challenges into university teaching through the development of case studies.Three Makerere University scientists – Drs. Vincent Muwanika, Josephine Esaete and Kenneth Balikoowa – received specialized training and certification from The Case Centre in the United Kingdom on the development and use of case studies in university teaching and learning. Building on this training, they developed three case studies in collaboration with local small and medium enterprises involved in natural resource value chains.
The cases provide practical learning materials that enable students to engage with real-life challenges, strengthen problem-solving abilities and move beyond theoretical learning towards applying knowledge in real-world contexts. A case development workshop held at Esella Country Hotel brought together more than 30 participants from industry and academia to promote collaboration in curriculum development and product innovation.
Through these initiatives, the project strengthened university-industry linkages while supporting the development of graduates equipped with creativity, innovation and practical skills required to address emerging environmental challenges.
- Building International Collaboration and Academic Capacity
The project created opportunities for staff and students from Makerere University and Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences to participate in exchange programmes, fostering intercultural learning and strengthening academic networks.
Junior staff members Drs. Kayendeke, Juuko, Erima, Ssekuubwa and Mugizi travelled to Germany, where they received training in interactive and digital teaching approaches and developed new teaching materials. The knowledge gained continues to enhance learner-centred teaching practices at Makerere University.
The project also facilitated participation in international SDG workshops in Tanzania and South Africa, while stakeholder engagements held in Uganda strengthened collaboration between universities, private sector actors, non-governmental organizations and local communities. These engagements created opportunities for future research partnerships, joint funding proposals and continued collaboration in support of sustainable development goals.
To support modern teaching and research, the project improved institutional infrastructure through the acquisition of three laptops and video conferencing equipment to enhance e-learning and academic collaboration. Plans are also underway to install a weather station to support student research and data collection.
- Field Courses Transforming Students into Emerging Conservation Researchers
A key highlight of the project was the implementation of interdisciplinary field courses at Kibale National Park, which provided students with hands-on experience in biodiversity research and conservation practice.
Two joint graduate field courses were conducted in June 2024 and June 2025, bringing together 98 students, including 90 from Makerere University and eight from Rhine-Waal University. Working in intercultural teams under the guidance of lecturers from both institutions, students identified conservation challenges, developed research ideas, designed data collection tools, conducted fieldwork and analyzed data.
The field courses equipped students with advanced tropical biodiversity data collection skills while strengthening teamwork, cross-cultural collaboration and scientific communication. Students gained first-hand experience studying ecosystems, including forest regeneration, indigenous tree species, primates, birds, insects and human interactions with protected areas.
- From Field Experience to Advanced Research: Students Share Their Success Stories
The field experiences also generated valuable research ideas and conservation insights, with some students developing their field course projects further into postgraduate research.During the dissemination workshop, two students shared how their field experiences shaped their research interests, strengthened their professional skills and inspired them to contribute to biodiversity conservation.
For Makerere University student Vincent Mbahinzireki, the Kibale field course was a transformative experience that connected classroom knowledge with real-world research. Through collaborative research activities, community engagement and field data collection, he gained practical skills in research design, data analysis and scientific communication.
The experience also broadened his understanding of conservation as a complex relationship involving ecosystems, wildlife and human communities. Through interactions with local communities, including household interviews, focus group discussions and key informant interviews, Vincent gained valuable insights into human-wildlife conflicts, community reliance on natural resources and the importance of inclusive, community-centred approaches to conservation.
Similarly, Oweka Jenifer, a Master of Science in Environment and Natural Resources Management student at Makerere University, shared how the field course became the foundation for her ongoing research on human-wildlife coexistence around Kibale National Park.
During the field course, Jenifer and her colleagues identified conservation challenges within the landscape and developed research proposals addressing issues emerging from their observations and community interactions. Her initial field study on community coexistence strategies in Kanyawara Ward later evolved into a broader MSc research project titled “Assessing Locally Driven Strategies for Human-Wildlife Coexistence around Kibale National Park, Uganda.”
The expanded study, which involves 333 households and key informants from conservation organizations and local leadership structures, aims to generate evidence that can strengthen community-driven conservation initiatives, support policy development and promote sustainable coexistence between people and wildlife.
Jenifer’s research journey highlights the value of experiential learning in nurturing independent research, building scientific capacity and preparing the next generation of conservation professionals to develop practical solutions to complex environmental challenges.
Appreciation from Mak’s Director of Research, Innovation, and Partnerships
In his remarks, Makerere University Director of Research, Innovation and Partnerships, Prof. Robert Wamala, expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Germany, for the generous financial support provided to the project. He noted that the investment had significantly strengthened research capacity, fostered international collaboration, and contributed to efforts aimed at conserving and sustainably managing biodiversity and natural resources.
Prof. Wamala also commended the implementing partners, highlighting the value of cross-border and interdisciplinary collaborations in generating knowledge and innovative solutions that address challenges affecting both local and global communities.
Emphasizing the importance of the project, he observed that for Uganda, where livelihoods and economic development are closely linked to natural resources, protecting biodiversity is not only an environmental responsibility but also an economic and social necessity. “Universities therefore have a critical role to play in generating evidence, developing innovative technologies, training highly skilled professionals, and informing policies that advance sustainable development. The project has made significant contributions towards fulfilling this mandate by going beyond research outputs to strengthen postgraduate education, enhance research capacity, promote international academic partnerships, and equip emerging researchers with the knowledge and practical skills required to address evolving environmental challenges. These achievements align with Makerere University’s commitment to producing graduates and research outcomes that respond to national priorities and global development needs.”
Prof. Wamala further noted that the knowledge generated, partnerships established, and capacities built through the project provide a strong foundation for future collaborative research, innovation, policy engagement, and community outreach. “As biodiversity conservation challenges continue to evolve, collective efforts must remain dynamic, innovative, and sustained. There is need for continued efforts to identify practical pathways for sustaining partnerships, scaling successful interventions, mobilizing additional resources, and translating research findings into policies and practices that enhance environmental stewardship and improve livelihoods.
He re-affirmed the Directorate’s commitment to supporting multidisciplinary research, strengthening international partnerships, promoting research excellence, and ensuring that research undertaken at Makerere University delivers meaningful and lasting impact for society.
Remarks from the Head, Department of Environmental Management
Addressing participants, the Head of the Department of Environmental Management at Makerere University, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, appreciated the funders and project team for their unwavering commitment, which culminated in the successful implementation of the project.
“It is one thing to start a project and another to complete it successfully,” she said, explaining that many projects begin with great enthusiasm but require sustained commitment, teamwork and effective leadership to achieve their intended outcomes.
Prof. Namaalwa paid special tribute to Prof. John Tabuti for his exemplary leadership throughout the project, describing him as a dedicated researcher who has consistently spearheaded several impactful initiatives within the Department. “Such leadership has strengthened the Department’s research profile, expanded collaborations, and contributed to addressing critical environmental and biodiversity challenges.”
Highlighting the Department’s contribution to Makerere University‘s research agenda, Prof. Namaalwa noted that although the Department has a relatively small number of academic staff, it continues to make a remarkable impact through high-quality research, innovation and community engagement. She attributed this success to the commitment, resilience and collaborative spirit of the staff, who continue to attract competitive research funding and implement projects that generate knowledge and inform policy and practice.
She also briefed the project team on Makerere University‘s Safeguarding Policy, emphasizing its importance in fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all staff, and project partners. She encouraged all staff to familiarize themselves with the policy and uphold its principles, reaffirming the University’s commitment to ethical conduct, accountability and the protection of vulnerable individuals.
Issues Arising from the Dissemination Workshop
The dissemination workshop provided an opportunity for participants from Makerere University and representatives from partner institutions to reflect on the project’s achievements while identifying priority areas for strengthening biodiversity conservation education, research and practice. The following key issues emerged during the discussions:
- Strengthen Field-Based Learning and Practical Training: Participants emphasized that universities need to be more deliberate in increasing opportunities for fieldwork and practical learning. While classroom instruction provides essential theoretical knowledge, field experiences expose students to real conservation challenges, strengthen problem-solving skills and improve their ability to apply scientific concepts in diverse ecological settings. Participants further recommended that practical components should be integrated into all academic programmes through structured in-semester field activities rather than being limited to occasional field courses.
- Integrate Learners’ Perspectives into Curriculum Review: The workshop highlighted the importance of giving students a stronger voice in curriculum development and review processes. As the primary beneficiaries of university education, learners can provide valuable insights into emerging skills gaps, learning experiences and industry expectations. Their participation would help ensure that curricula remain relevant, responsive and better aligned with contemporary conservation challenges.
- Address Political Dimensions of Conservation: Participants noted that biodiversity conservation is often affected by political interests, competing development priorities and governance challenges. Political interference can undermine conservation initiatives and limit effective management of natural resources. The workshop therefore recommended integrating political economy perspectives into conservation planning and strengthening collaboration between political leaders, policymakers and conservation managers to ensure that conservation decisions are supported by sound governance and long-term sustainability objectives.
- Generate Evidence to Influence Policy: The workshop underscored the need for research to produce credible, well-packaged and policy-relevant evidence capable of informing decision-making. Participants observed that meaningful policy change can only be achieved when research findings are communicated in ways that clearly demonstrate their practical value. Universities and researchers were therefore encouraged to strengthen knowledge translation efforts so that scientific evidence effectively informs environmental policies and conservation strategies.
- Promote Community-Centred Conservation: Participants emphasized that successful conservation initiatives must take into account the livelihoods and interests of communities living around protected areas and biodiversity hotspots. Conservation interventions should provide alternative livelihood opportunities where access to natural resources is restricted and actively involve local communities in planning and implementation. Such inclusive approaches are essential for fostering community ownership, reducing conflicts and ensuring the long-term sustainability of conservation programmes.
- Harness Digital Technologies for Conservation Education: Drawing from his training experience in Germany, Dr. Charles Juuko highlighted the growing availability of digital resources that can transform conservation education. He encouraged universities to make greater use of online learning platforms, automated analytical tools and open data repositories to enrich teaching and research. He also recommended strengthening Geographic Information Systems (GIS) training at the master’s level and expanding student exposure to emerging technologies such as drone applications, air-quality monitoring sensors and geospatial data analysis for environmental monitoring and decision-making.
- Strengthen Practitioner Engagement in Teaching and Learning: According to Tumwebaze Adson, Environment Innovations Officer at NEMA, practitioners should play a greater role in developing case studies and practical learning experiences for students. He noted that involving professionals from government, industry and conservation organizations would expose learners to real-world environmental challenges and improve the relevance of university training. He also encouraged students to design research projects that respond directly to contemporary environmental and conservation issues.
- Foster Stronger Academia-Industry Partnerships: The workshop reaffirmed the importance of strengthening collaboration between universities, government agencies, conservation organizations and the private sector. Such partnerships can enhance research, facilitate knowledge exchange, provide internship opportunities, support innovation and improve the application of research findings to address biodiversity conservation challenges.
- Strengthen Environmental Law Education: Participants expressed concern that many students graduate with limited knowledge of environmental legislation, conservation policies and regulatory frameworks. They recommended integrating environmental law and policy more comprehensively across relevant academic programmes to equip graduates with the legal and institutional knowledge required to support sustainable natural resource management.
- Prioritize Solution-Oriented Research: Participants called on universities to place greater emphasis on research that generates practical solutions to conservation challenges rather than focusing primarily on academic publications. While scholarly outputs remain important, research should increasingly translate into innovations, technologies, management practices and policy interventions that create measurable environmental and societal impact.
- Through strengthened teaching approaches, international partnerships, experiential learning and applied research, the project has laid a strong foundation for producing a new generation of professionals committed to protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable use of natural resources.
Sustaining the Achievements
While the project recorded significant achievements, implementation was not without challenges. The team navigated disruptions associated with the COVID-19 and Ebola outbreaks, which affected planned activities, including the cancellation of the 2026 joint field course due to an Ebola outbreak reported in some parts of Uganda.
As the funding period comes to an end, partners expressed commitment to sustaining the collaboration. Future areas of cooperation include joint research projects, student co-supervision, continued academic exchanges and pursuit of additional funding opportunities.
Pictorial of the workshop:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UHmVkq8Hl-g1QQJwR6IieqrBzoijLqHK?usp=sharing
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