Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) held an impactful three-day refresher training for farmer citizen scientists across Rubanda, Isingiro, and Rubirizi districts from August 12 to 16, 2024. This was led by the MUST IUC – UCoBS Sub-Project 2 titled “climate change adaptation for food production” that brought together experts and farmers in a joint effort to safeguard food production amidst growing climate risks.
Local government leaders and farmers coordinated by District Production Officers (DPOs) from the respective districts, participated actively. The DPOs who participated were; Mr. Kahangi Benon from Rubanda, Mr. Mwesigye Musasizi Baker from Rubirizi and Mr. Karugaba Aloysius from Isingiro. The farmers were from the sub-counties of Muko, Bubaare, and Kichwamba among others.
Left: A plant with a disease displayed during the training in Isingiro District for consultation
Right standing: The District Agricultural Officer – Rubanda giving his views on resolving the climate risks
Prof. Grace Kagoro, the team leader of Sub-Project 2, rallied the participants, reminding them of the project’s core objectives: identifying climate hazards, implementing climate-smart agriculture, and empowering farmers with the tools to monitor crops and climate conditions.
The other team members were; Dr. Raphael Wagalwa, PhD students Ms. Dina Nabasumba and Mr. David Mubiru, Mr. Zaake Francis from Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA), Dr. John Ssekajugo team member from Mountains of the Moon, Dr. Muzira Robert the supervisor of the PhD students, Ms. Sheila Niinye Twinamatsiko the International Relations Officer MUST, Ms. Fortunate Tukamushaba MUST IUC – UCoBS support member and Mr. Bukenya Hakim the project assistant, all working in tandem to support the farmers.
Above: Prof. Grace Kagoro and District officials handing over certificates to farmers
One of the highlights of the training was giving updates about the recently installed weather stations and rain gauges in key areas, designed to provide real-time climate data to inform farming decisions. Prof. Kagoro urged farmers to use this data to improve crop yields and manage resources like fertilizers more effectively.
A report on the outcomes of the farmers using the Kobo Toolbox, a user-friendly data collection application and simplified notebooks in local languages for those unfamiliar with digital tools was given by Mr. Hakim Bukenya. Ms. Dina Nabasumba presented an analysis of the results of the farmers performance and led a discussion on how to improve the following seasons. The emphasis was on empowering them to track weather patterns, crop productivity, and market trends to maximize profits and reduce losses. The training also addressed gaps in data collection and challenges such as droughts, floods, and pest invasions.
In Rubirizi, Mr. Akampurira Baker the Chief Administrative Officer praised the hands-on approach stating, “This is the first-time science has become practical for our farmers.” He recounted the challenges of climate change, from reduced crop yields to the devastating impact of floods. With MUST’s support he promised continued collaboration to help farmers adapt.
Through this project, MUST is not just educating farmers; it is equipping them with the skills and resources to become climate champions in their communities, as Resident District Commissioner Mr. Sylvester Agubashongorela concluded, “Utilize what you have today, and it will save you tomorrow.
The citizen farmers appreciated MUST and the district leaders for empowering them with knowledge and skills. The refresher trainings provided a platform for the farmers to present their challenges to the local leaders during their discussions. This network bridges the gap between the farmers and the local government which results in the improved control of pests and diseases on their farms while increasing the yield production.
In each district, outstanding farmer citizen scientist champions were honoured for their year-long dedication and received awards. All the farmers got certificates. The refresher trainings set grounds for re- energized efforts to improve farming.
SUCCEED WE MUST
Above: Group photo of participants in Rubirizi District
Below: Group photo of participants during the citizen scientists in Rubanda District
Above: Farmers in Isingiro after the refresher training
