Kabale University Strengthens Global Research on Food System Governance and Agricultural Policy

Kabale University Strengthens Global Research on Food System Governance and Agricultural Policy

On March 21, 2025, Kabale University welcomed Professor Anne Mette Kjær from Aarhus University, Denmark, for high-level discussions on the ongoing research project, “The Political Economy of Food System Governance around Lake Victoria.” This collaborative initiative, funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to examine how political and institutional frameworks influence food system governance, exclusion, and poverty, particularly in climate-sensitive communities. ​

The meeting was attended by key university leaders, including the Acting Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and the University Secretary. Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration and enhancing the project’s impact. Associate Professor Mesharch Walto Katusiimeh, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and principal investigator at Kabale University, provided insights into the university’s role in the initiative. ​

A significant aspect of the project is its support for two PhD students pursuing doctoral studies in Public Administration at Kabale University. Their involvement underscores the project’s commitment to academic development and capacity building in governance research. ​

This five-year research endeavor (2024-2029) is a collaborative effort between Kabale University (Uganda), REPOA in Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), and Aarhus University (Denmark). It seeks to deepen understanding of how governance structures in food systems impact poverty dynamics and the inclusion or exclusion of vulnerable communities in food value chains. By analyzing governance approaches at local and national levels in Uganda and Tanzania, the project aims to generate insights to inform policy interventions that promote poverty reduction and climate resilience. ​

In alignment with Denmark’s Strategy for Development Cooperation, “The World We Share,” which prioritizes addressing poverty and climate challenges, this project will contribute valuable knowledge to global discussions on climate adaptation and sustainable food systems through a systematic comparative analysis of governance structures in the Lake Victoria region.​

Continuing this collaborative spirit, on March 22, 2025, Kabale University’s Faculty of Social Sciences hosted a public lecture titled “The Political Dynamics Influencing Uganda’s Productive Sectors, Particularly Agriculture,” delivered by Professor Anne Mette Kjær. The event, held at the New Teaching Facility, was attended by the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and the Academic Registrar, who emphasized the importance of public lectures in fostering intellectual discourse. ​

In her presentation, Professor Kjær explored the intricate relationship between governance, policy frameworks, and the performance of Uganda’s agricultural sector. She examined how political decisions influence agricultural productivity, investment, and market access, drawing comparisons with other developing nations to highlight lessons that Uganda could learn to enhance its agricultural sector’s sustainability and competitiveness. ​

Professor Wilson Bamwerinde, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, provided an insightful response, acknowledging challenges such as inconsistent policies, climate change, and limited access to modern farming technologies. He emphasized the need for greater policy coherence, increased funding for agricultural research, and enhanced stakeholder collaboration to drive sectoral transformation. ​

The lecture concluded with an engaging session where students and faculty members interacted with Professor Kjær, discussing topics such as land tenure systems, agricultural subsidies, and the role of international donors in Uganda’s agricultural sector. Professors Mesharch Katusiimeh and Johnie Mugisha expressed gratitude to the guest speaker and participants for their active engagement, reaffirming Kabale University’s commitment to hosting academic events that bridge research and policy discourse. ​