On 21 March every year, we celebrate the International Day of Forests. This year, the theme is “Forests and health”, which draws our attention to the crucial importance of forests to human and ecosystem health in Africa, especially in a post-pandemic world. It is common knowledge that forests cover a
Located in north-western Uganda, bordering South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo, with a culturally diverse population and livelihood activities, West Nile region can be seen as a microcosm of sub-Saharan Africa. Smallholder farming is one of the main economic and subsistence activities in the region. However, smallholder farmers in
Smallholder farming systems in Sub-Saharan Africa are the backbone of food production in the region, providing food and livelihoods for millions of people. However, post-harvest losses are a significant challenge for these farmers, leading to wasted resources, reduced income, and food insecurity. Post-harvest losses occur during the period between harvest
Agroforestry is a holistic approach to land use that combines agriculture with forestry to create a synergistic system. It involves the integration of trees into agricultural landscapes, which creates a unique and diverse ecosystem that offers multiple benefits. This practice has been shown to be effective in addressing some of
Agrochemicals have long been used in agriculture to increase crop yields and protect crops from pests and diseases. However, their widespread use has had a significant impact on the environment and human health. In Uganda, the use of agrochemicals has increased in recent years among commercial farms and smallholder subsistence
As we celebrate the World Wetlands Day, we reflect on their uniqueness and the crucial role these ecosystems play in supporting agricultural food systems and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Wetland ecosystems, rich in water, support diverse range of plant and animal life and provide a wide array of
Climate action and the just transition are two critical issues that are necessary for creating sustainable food systems in sub-Saharan Africa. Climate change is already having a significant impact on food production, distribution and consumption in the region, hence the imperative for action to ensure continued availability of food now
West Nile region in Uganda is home to nearly 800,000 refugees who have fled from conflict and violence in neighbouring countries of South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo. These refugees are often forced to settle in areas with limited access to basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter.
Regenerative and productive landscapes are emerging as important concepts in the effort to develop sustainable agricultural systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. These concepts aim to enhance the natural capital of the landscape, while at the same time improving the productivity and livelihoods of local communities. Regenerative agriculture is an approach to
Rural landscape restoration in Sub-Saharan Africa is a crucial aspect of conserving the environment, promoting sustainable development, and improving the livelihoods of communities. The region is characterized by vast expanses of arid and semi-arid lands that are prone to degradation, desertification, and loss of biodiversity. Restoration efforts aim to reverse
