Outreach activities
Outreach comprises of among other things consultancy, internships, scientific talks and demonstrations to schools/societies, action research and offering short-term non-academic training programmes to a wide-range of clients. Besides teaching and research, therefore, I have been involved in a number of these outreach activities either independently or with other colleagues. I have also been engaged over the years in supervision of student’s interns outside Makerere University. Highlighted below are some of outreach experiences over the years:
1. Training advisor to Katende Harambee Rural-Urban Training Center, Namungongo, Nsawo, Box 21040 Kampala, Uganda; 2005- present. The Katende Harambe Rural-Urban Training Centre is a registered non-political organization whose core values guides members, volunteers of diverse occupations, most of them professionals with considerable experience, to practically enhance sustainable integrated farming to accelerated wealth through selfless quality training and extension services in integrated farming to urban and rural communities, small-scale farmers and partner organizations.
2. Role modeling- Participated in the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) 2nd Annual National Science Week (15th -19th Sept., 2008) as school visitation Role Model in which the Certificate for role modeling was presented. This School Visit Programme (SVP) was delivered from 16th to 18th September, 2008 to different schools chosen from five regions of Uganda. Schools were visited by role models and UNCST staff (including scientists, technologist, researchers, engineers and S&T related entrepreneurs) to share their experiences about S&T based careers and interact with students especially senior 2 and 3, which are the levels at which they start to choose their careers. The schools visited included Uganda Martyrs S.S- Namugongo; Mvara SS- Arua; Lira Town College- Lira; Pongdwong SS- Gulu; Bukoyo SS- Iganga; Tororo Girls School- Tororo; Masindi SS- Masindi; Bweranyangi Girls School- Bushenyi; Katikamu SS- Wobulenzi; Mariam High School- Kisaasi; Everlight College- Kampala; St. John Secondary School- Busia & Teso College Aleot- Soroti.
3. In-Service Training of District Service Providers in Appropriate Agroforestry Intervention (Innovation at Makerere University), 2003 - 2007. Coordinated and participated in the training as well as development of training modules for service providers under decentralized district structures. Agroforestry (AF) is an innovation promoted for efficient and increased farm productivity, overcoming adverse soil, climatic changes, and exploiting market opportunities. Six-module training manual for AF service providers were developed and published by Fountain Publishers, Kampala Uganda in 2007. Module 1 deals with AF systems and practices. Module 2 deals with soil conservation. Module 3 covers gender aspects of AF. Module 4 is about policy and laws that impact of AF. Module 5 focuses on agribusiness while module 6 is training and extension. You can buy this book (Design of Appropriate Agroforestry Interventions in Uganda (An Agroforestry In-Service Training Manual), ISBN 978-9970-02-677-7 from online book stores or contact FountainPublishers Limited, at Fountain House 55 Nkrumah Road, P.O.Box 488 Kampala, Uganda. Email: [email protected].
AF Extension Manual as well as In-Service Training Curriculum for Agroforestry in Uganda were also developed and submitted to Innovation at Makerere Committee ([email protected]) for subsequent publication. The curriculum booklet consists of six modular curricula. The training in each module has been divided into units indicating topics, objectives, contents, methods of delivery and training materials required. Time allocated for each topic has been indicated to enable the trainer to do the detailed planning. For detailed information refer to [email protected], At C5 & C6 Lincoln Flats, Makerere University, P.O Box 7062, Kampala Uganda. Other team members included Dr. Sara Namirembe, Mohamed Bukenya, Ahmed Zziwa, Daniel Waiswa & Dr. Susan Tumwebaze.
1. Training advisor to Katende Harambee Rural-Urban Training Center, Namungongo, Nsawo, Box 21040 Kampala, Uganda; 2005- present. The Katende Harambe Rural-Urban Training Centre is a registered non-political organization whose core values guides members, volunteers of diverse occupations, most of them professionals with considerable experience, to practically enhance sustainable integrated farming to accelerated wealth through selfless quality training and extension services in integrated farming to urban and rural communities, small-scale farmers and partner organizations.
2. Role modeling- Participated in the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) 2nd Annual National Science Week (15th -19th Sept., 2008) as school visitation Role Model in which the Certificate for role modeling was presented. This School Visit Programme (SVP) was delivered from 16th to 18th September, 2008 to different schools chosen from five regions of Uganda. Schools were visited by role models and UNCST staff (including scientists, technologist, researchers, engineers and S&T related entrepreneurs) to share their experiences about S&T based careers and interact with students especially senior 2 and 3, which are the levels at which they start to choose their careers. The schools visited included Uganda Martyrs S.S- Namugongo; Mvara SS- Arua; Lira Town College- Lira; Pongdwong SS- Gulu; Bukoyo SS- Iganga; Tororo Girls School- Tororo; Masindi SS- Masindi; Bweranyangi Girls School- Bushenyi; Katikamu SS- Wobulenzi; Mariam High School- Kisaasi; Everlight College- Kampala; St. John Secondary School- Busia & Teso College Aleot- Soroti.
3. In-Service Training of District Service Providers in Appropriate Agroforestry Intervention (Innovation at Makerere University), 2003 - 2007. Coordinated and participated in the training as well as development of training modules for service providers under decentralized district structures. Agroforestry (AF) is an innovation promoted for efficient and increased farm productivity, overcoming adverse soil, climatic changes, and exploiting market opportunities. Six-module training manual for AF service providers were developed and published by Fountain Publishers, Kampala Uganda in 2007. Module 1 deals with AF systems and practices. Module 2 deals with soil conservation. Module 3 covers gender aspects of AF. Module 4 is about policy and laws that impact of AF. Module 5 focuses on agribusiness while module 6 is training and extension. You can buy this book (Design of Appropriate Agroforestry Interventions in Uganda (An Agroforestry In-Service Training Manual), ISBN 978-9970-02-677-7 from online book stores or contact FountainPublishers Limited, at Fountain House 55 Nkrumah Road, P.O.Box 488 Kampala, Uganda. Email: [email protected].
AF Extension Manual as well as In-Service Training Curriculum for Agroforestry in Uganda were also developed and submitted to Innovation at Makerere Committee ([email protected]) for subsequent publication. The curriculum booklet consists of six modular curricula. The training in each module has been divided into units indicating topics, objectives, contents, methods of delivery and training materials required. Time allocated for each topic has been indicated to enable the trainer to do the detailed planning. For detailed information refer to [email protected], At C5 & C6 Lincoln Flats, Makerere University, P.O Box 7062, Kampala Uganda. Other team members included Dr. Sara Namirembe, Mohamed Bukenya, Ahmed Zziwa, Daniel Waiswa & Dr. Susan Tumwebaze.
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4. Have been active in field supervision of Bachelor of Community Forestry & Extension students through community focused internship attachments from 2002 to 2007. From 2008 till present, I am on three-year study leave. The community focused internships is expected among other things to provide students with the opportunity to: a) work with prospective employers to obtain “hands-on” experience, b) get to know forestry and other natural resource professionals and key stakeholders outside the University, and c) appreciate earlier the challenges that awaits them after the University.
5. A Private Consultant with CTA. Developed on behalf of the ACP-EU Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA), Practical Guide Series “Establishment of a tree nursery” (CTA Practical Guide Series, No. 10), sponsored by Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA)-Netherlands. This was after participations in CTA write-shops on Practical Guides Series for Agro-Business in East Africa held in Mada Hotel, Jinja Uganda and Kenya Commercial Bank Training Centre, Nairobi Kenya, 2006. The output of the work is freely availbale for download and reproduction for non-commercial uses under the Reports page.
6. Evaluation of Rural Energy and Environment Conservation of Atur (REECA) project, 2006. RECCA, a project in Dokolo district- formerly part of the greater Lira district of Uganda is an integrated community based renewable energy and environmental conservation project Yele Ikom Can Atur Farmers Association (YICAFA) and funded by Small Grant Programme (SGP) of the UNDP Uganda; with a leveraged funding from the FAO Telefood Uganda Project for the Bee keeping component. The objectives of the project were to (a) mobilize and sensitize the local community on the best practice to conserve and protect the environment in which they live, (b) promote agroforestry with multipurpose trees, (c) promote household food security, and (d) promote sustainable energy saving technologies in homes and institutions. Together with Dr. JBL Okullo, we evaluated this project based on consultancy TOR (Terms of Reference).
In summary the scope of the evaluation included: assessment of the project’s impact on the general environmental management within the project areas; assessment of the impact of the project on the livelihoods of the beneficiaries; documentation of the key outstanding lessons, constraints and challenges that would help in future planning and implementation of project activities; assessment of the project’s performance (efficiency and cost effectiveness) in light of the goals and objectives stated in the proposal and adherence to the project cycle; assessment of the sustainability plan of the project’s activities, which are intended to be continued with financial support from other sources secured by YICAFA; suggestion feasible recommendations for future project interventions. Evaluation reports were submitted to YICAFA, & UNDP/GEF/SGP Uganda Country Office, Kampala.
7. Analysis of forest and land resource utilization, management and their impact on livelihoods in Teso and Lango farming systems. Financed by NARO/DFID COARD Project fund and implemented by Uganda Project Implementation and Management Centre (UPIMAC) and Forest Resources Research Institute (FORRI-Uganda), 2004. The work analyzed natural resource (water, forests and land) use and management and their interactions with livelihoods in Teso and Lango farming systems. It was designed to understand the link between natural resource utilization and management and their impact on livelihoods. The Teso and Lango farming systems were selected because for past five years they remained the focus of NARO/DFID project that aimed at improving the livelihoods of the people in these areas through client oriented agricultural research. Other team members included Dr. John Okorio, Prof. Joseph Obua, Dr. JBL Okullo, Bernard Obaa, Jude Sekatuba, Vincent Opolot & Jude Mike Mudoma.
5. A Private Consultant with CTA. Developed on behalf of the ACP-EU Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA), Practical Guide Series “Establishment of a tree nursery” (CTA Practical Guide Series, No. 10), sponsored by Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA)-Netherlands. This was after participations in CTA write-shops on Practical Guides Series for Agro-Business in East Africa held in Mada Hotel, Jinja Uganda and Kenya Commercial Bank Training Centre, Nairobi Kenya, 2006. The output of the work is freely availbale for download and reproduction for non-commercial uses under the Reports page.
6. Evaluation of Rural Energy and Environment Conservation of Atur (REECA) project, 2006. RECCA, a project in Dokolo district- formerly part of the greater Lira district of Uganda is an integrated community based renewable energy and environmental conservation project Yele Ikom Can Atur Farmers Association (YICAFA) and funded by Small Grant Programme (SGP) of the UNDP Uganda; with a leveraged funding from the FAO Telefood Uganda Project for the Bee keeping component. The objectives of the project were to (a) mobilize and sensitize the local community on the best practice to conserve and protect the environment in which they live, (b) promote agroforestry with multipurpose trees, (c) promote household food security, and (d) promote sustainable energy saving technologies in homes and institutions. Together with Dr. JBL Okullo, we evaluated this project based on consultancy TOR (Terms of Reference).
In summary the scope of the evaluation included: assessment of the project’s impact on the general environmental management within the project areas; assessment of the impact of the project on the livelihoods of the beneficiaries; documentation of the key outstanding lessons, constraints and challenges that would help in future planning and implementation of project activities; assessment of the project’s performance (efficiency and cost effectiveness) in light of the goals and objectives stated in the proposal and adherence to the project cycle; assessment of the sustainability plan of the project’s activities, which are intended to be continued with financial support from other sources secured by YICAFA; suggestion feasible recommendations for future project interventions. Evaluation reports were submitted to YICAFA, & UNDP/GEF/SGP Uganda Country Office, Kampala.
7. Analysis of forest and land resource utilization, management and their impact on livelihoods in Teso and Lango farming systems. Financed by NARO/DFID COARD Project fund and implemented by Uganda Project Implementation and Management Centre (UPIMAC) and Forest Resources Research Institute (FORRI-Uganda), 2004. The work analyzed natural resource (water, forests and land) use and management and their interactions with livelihoods in Teso and Lango farming systems. It was designed to understand the link between natural resource utilization and management and their impact on livelihoods. The Teso and Lango farming systems were selected because for past five years they remained the focus of NARO/DFID project that aimed at improving the livelihoods of the people in these areas through client oriented agricultural research. Other team members included Dr. John Okorio, Prof. Joseph Obua, Dr. JBL Okullo, Bernard Obaa, Jude Sekatuba, Vincent Opolot & Jude Mike Mudoma.
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8. Development of component 4 (Capacity building, Training Needs Assessment, Dissemination and Replication Strategy for Invasive Plant Management in Uganda) for a project on Removing Barriers to Invasive Plant Management in Africa (funded by CAB International under the PDF-B Phase of the UNEP/GEF through the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), 2004. Invasive Plant Species (IPS), those plants that spread naturally in natural or semi-natural habitats, pose one of the biggest threats to the conservation of biodiversity in terms of their effects on the composition and structure of ecosystems. This consultancy that was undertaken as part of the GEF project development phase, addresses one of the four major barriers identified, that of insufficient capacity for IPS management. A capacity building/training needs assessment was undertaken and a dissemination and replication strategy developed. Outputs areas for intervention under the full GEF project were also identified. Other team members included Prof. Joseph Obua, Dr. JBL Okullo, Dr. Eilu Gerald, Ms. Carol Kagaba, Geoffrey Muhanguzi, William Tayeebwa & Polycarp Mwima.
9. Baseline survey on biodiversity usage & conservation in relation to the local communities’ socio-economic livelihoods for Rural Energy & Environmental Conservation Project, Dokolo District, January-March 2004. This survey was financed by Yele Ikom Can Atur Farmers Association (YICAFA) through Small Grant Programme (SGP) of the UNDP Uganda. The survey was aimed at: (a) assessing the demographic characteristics of the population within the project area, (b) assessing socio-economic and poverty profile of the local communities in project areas, (c) determining tenure systems under which land is owned by local people in area, (d) assessing the household energy and income sources in the area, (e) assessing the level of environmental awareness, biodiversity usage, threat and conservation, (f) identify principal livelihood strategies, how they have changed over time and lastly; (g) identifying various resources local communities are endowed with. The baseline report was submitted to both YICAFA, and UNDP/GEF/SGP Uganda Country Office, Kampala.
10. Training of Trainers (TOT) of Rural Energy & Environmental Conservation of Atur (REECA) Project on Agroforestry and Environment Protection at Pole Pole Guest House, Dokolo District, 2004. RECCA, a project in Dokolo district- formerly part of the greater Lira district of Uganda is an integrated community based renewable energy and environmental conservation project implemented by Yele Ikom Can Atur Farmers Association (YICAFA) and funded by Small Grant Programme (SGP) of the UNDP Uganda; with a leveraged funding from the FAO Telefood Uganda Project for the Bee keeping component. The project is promoting an integrative community led conservation process for sustainable development, poverty eradication and environmental conservation. YICAFA, a local CBO implements the project. “YICAFA is a local dialect word (in Langi) for struggle against ‘poverty’. Other team members included Prof. Joseph Obua and Dr. JBL Okullo.
11. Training and awareness campaigns on domestication issues of indigenous fruit trees (IFTs) for increased food security and household incomes at Adwari Sub-County, Lira District, 2004. This training Training of Trainees (TOT) and awareness campaign were part of our phase III of NURRU (Network of Ugandan Researchers and Research Users) research strategy at scaling up information on potential of domesticating IFTs for improved food security and household incomes in Lira district. Training, posters and broadcasts FM Radios in local languages were conducted. The radio broadcast lasted for 1.5 hours which time listeners asked questions about IFTs and we responded to them. Local communities at Adwari were also guided to come up with their by-laws about promotion and conservation of IFTS in their locale. A training and awareness report were submitted to NURRU and Local Government at Adwari, Lira District. f Trainees (TOT) in domestication of indigenous fruit trees were conducted and training report was made. By-laws and policy briefs were also produced. Other team members were Prof. Joseph Obua, Mr. Jaspher Okello and Ms. Grace Akullo.
12. Development of Curriculum (DACUM) for training NGOs in Sustainable Agriculture & Natural Resource Management; Kampala February 2004. Developed a training module “Gender and Natural resource Management” using a DACUM approach for used in training NGOs & CBOs in Sustainable Agriculture & Natural Resource Management. The work was financed and facilitated by Environmental Alert (EA) (http://www.envalert.org/general/index.php)- a Non Governmental development Organization born out of the need to address the alarmingly low levels of agricultural productivity in the country, high levels of food insecurity and low incomes in both rural and urban poor communities, in addition to protecting against rapid degradation of natural resources on which community livelihood depends.
13. Global Forest Information Service (GFIS), April-June 2003. Gathered well over 300 unpublished (gray literature) on forest related research work carried out in Uganda. The work involved abstracting the literature, identifying the author & the place where the material is lying. The output was then included in GFIS database. GFIS provides the framework to share forest-related data and information through a single gateway. It promotes the dissemination and sharing of these information and knowledge among the global forestry community by developing common information exchange standards, building capacity and enhancing partnerships among forestry information providers & users. GFIS can be accessed at http://www.gfis.net/gfis/home.faces.
9. Baseline survey on biodiversity usage & conservation in relation to the local communities’ socio-economic livelihoods for Rural Energy & Environmental Conservation Project, Dokolo District, January-March 2004. This survey was financed by Yele Ikom Can Atur Farmers Association (YICAFA) through Small Grant Programme (SGP) of the UNDP Uganda. The survey was aimed at: (a) assessing the demographic characteristics of the population within the project area, (b) assessing socio-economic and poverty profile of the local communities in project areas, (c) determining tenure systems under which land is owned by local people in area, (d) assessing the household energy and income sources in the area, (e) assessing the level of environmental awareness, biodiversity usage, threat and conservation, (f) identify principal livelihood strategies, how they have changed over time and lastly; (g) identifying various resources local communities are endowed with. The baseline report was submitted to both YICAFA, and UNDP/GEF/SGP Uganda Country Office, Kampala.
10. Training of Trainers (TOT) of Rural Energy & Environmental Conservation of Atur (REECA) Project on Agroforestry and Environment Protection at Pole Pole Guest House, Dokolo District, 2004. RECCA, a project in Dokolo district- formerly part of the greater Lira district of Uganda is an integrated community based renewable energy and environmental conservation project implemented by Yele Ikom Can Atur Farmers Association (YICAFA) and funded by Small Grant Programme (SGP) of the UNDP Uganda; with a leveraged funding from the FAO Telefood Uganda Project for the Bee keeping component. The project is promoting an integrative community led conservation process for sustainable development, poverty eradication and environmental conservation. YICAFA, a local CBO implements the project. “YICAFA is a local dialect word (in Langi) for struggle against ‘poverty’. Other team members included Prof. Joseph Obua and Dr. JBL Okullo.
11. Training and awareness campaigns on domestication issues of indigenous fruit trees (IFTs) for increased food security and household incomes at Adwari Sub-County, Lira District, 2004. This training Training of Trainees (TOT) and awareness campaign were part of our phase III of NURRU (Network of Ugandan Researchers and Research Users) research strategy at scaling up information on potential of domesticating IFTs for improved food security and household incomes in Lira district. Training, posters and broadcasts FM Radios in local languages were conducted. The radio broadcast lasted for 1.5 hours which time listeners asked questions about IFTs and we responded to them. Local communities at Adwari were also guided to come up with their by-laws about promotion and conservation of IFTS in their locale. A training and awareness report were submitted to NURRU and Local Government at Adwari, Lira District. f Trainees (TOT) in domestication of indigenous fruit trees were conducted and training report was made. By-laws and policy briefs were also produced. Other team members were Prof. Joseph Obua, Mr. Jaspher Okello and Ms. Grace Akullo.
12. Development of Curriculum (DACUM) for training NGOs in Sustainable Agriculture & Natural Resource Management; Kampala February 2004. Developed a training module “Gender and Natural resource Management” using a DACUM approach for used in training NGOs & CBOs in Sustainable Agriculture & Natural Resource Management. The work was financed and facilitated by Environmental Alert (EA) (http://www.envalert.org/general/index.php)- a Non Governmental development Organization born out of the need to address the alarmingly low levels of agricultural productivity in the country, high levels of food insecurity and low incomes in both rural and urban poor communities, in addition to protecting against rapid degradation of natural resources on which community livelihood depends.
13. Global Forest Information Service (GFIS), April-June 2003. Gathered well over 300 unpublished (gray literature) on forest related research work carried out in Uganda. The work involved abstracting the literature, identifying the author & the place where the material is lying. The output was then included in GFIS database. GFIS provides the framework to share forest-related data and information through a single gateway. It promotes the dissemination and sharing of these information and knowledge among the global forestry community by developing common information exchange standards, building capacity and enhancing partnerships among forestry information providers & users. GFIS can be accessed at http://www.gfis.net/gfis/home.faces.
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