The Programme organized PhD defense (in the form of a workshop) for REFOREST Programme students who had met the requirements as of early October, 2024. This activity started on Monday 7th and continued for 3 days to Wednesday 9th October, 2024 (starting from 09.00 EAT daily). Students, staff and the general public based in Morogoro were invited and attended physically and those from outside SUA (including supervisors at Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Makerere University, Hawassa University, University of Rwanda and Eduardo Mondlane University) attended virtually via Zoom.
A total of nine students successfully defended their theses; the results were discussed and approved by relevant SUA committees paving way to their graduation at the 44th Graduation Ceremony held at Sokoine University of Agriculture on Thursday 17th October, 2024. During the Graduation Ceremony, nine REFOREST Programme candidates were among 25 who were conferred with their PhD degrees. These academic events were rewarding, exciting and colorful. Abridged information on the PhD graduates is provided below:
1. Dr. Christine Kalembe Mwanja (Ugandan, female)
Academic qualification in 2021: BSc Wood Science and Technology (2007) Makerere University, Uganda; MSc Forestry (2014) Makerere University, Uganda.
Title of the thesis: Preservative Treatment of Bamboo: Analyzing the Effectiveness of Traditional and Modern Methods in Uganda
Supervisors: Prof. R.C. Ishengoma (SUA); Prof. Banana Abwoli (MU); Prof. Nasko Terziev (SLU).
Publications from PhD research work:
(i) Christine Kalembe Mwanja, Romanus Ishengoma, Nasko Terziev, Abwoli Banana & Fred Kalanzi. 2023. Perception of artisans towards bamboo preservation for improved product durability in Uganda. Journal of Advances in Bamboo Science 3 (2023) 100020. https://www.journal.elsevier.com/advances-in-bamboo-scinence
(ii) Christine Kalembe Mwanja, Romanus Ishengoma, Nasko Terziev, Abwoli Banana, Fred Kalanzi Scolastica Justin Ntalikwa & Paul MUGABI. Effect of preservative treatments on retention and strength properties of Oxytenanthera abyssinica, Oldeania alpina, and Bambusa vulgaris Journal of Pro Ligno https://www.proligno.ro/en/articles/2024/2/MWANJA_corrected.pdf
(iii) Christine Kalembe Mwanja, Nasko Terziev, Romanus Ishengoma, Abwoli Banana & Fred Kalanzi. Fungal degradation of bamboo treated with crude lake salt and a mixture of borax and boric acid. Journal of Advances in Bamboo science. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bamboo.2024.100092
(iv) Christine Kalembe Mwanja, Romanus Ishengoma, Abwoli Banana, Nasko Terziev & Fred Kalanzi. 2024. Effectiveness of Selected Preservatives in Protecting Bamboo Against Termite Attack. Journal of East African Journal of Forestry & Agroforestry. DOI: https://doi.org/10.37284/eajfa.7.1.2089
2. Dr. Scolastica Justin Ntalikwa (Tanzanian, female)
Academic qualification in 2021: Bsc Forestry (2016) Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania;Msc Forest Engineering (2019) Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania.
Title of the thesis: Harvesting and Wood Products Processing Systems Development: An Integrated Approach in Tanzania
Supervisors: Prof. D.T.K. Shemwetta (SUA); Prof. W.S. Abeli (SUA); Prof. Thomas Nordfjell.
Publications from PhD research work:
(i) S. J. Ntalikwa, D. T. K. Shemwetta, T. Nordfjell & W. S. Abeli. 2024. Stem Recovery and Harvesting Productivity of Two Different Harvesting Systems in Final Felling of Pinus patula. Journal of International Journal of Forest Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1080/14942119.2024.2370212
(ii) Ntalikwa S.J., Nordfjell T., Abeli W, Shemwetta D.T.K. and Mwanja C. K. 2024. Integrated processing: An approach towards small diameter logs utilization and product diversification for commercial forestry in Tanzania. Journal of Horticulture and Forestry.Vol.16(2) DOI: 10.5897/JHF2024.0721
Submitted Paper
Economic Analysis of Integrated Harvesting Relative to Conventional Harvesting on a Pinus paula Stand in Tanzania. Submitted to Journal of Development and Sustainability in Economics and Finance
3. Dr. Gaudence Nishimwe (Rwandese, female)
Academic qualification in 2021: BSc Horticulture Science (2014) University of Rwanda, Rwanda; MSc Horticulture Science (2019) Jomo Kenyata University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya.
Title of the thesis: Tapping the Potentials of under-utilized Indigenous Fruit Trees from selected two Districts in Rwanda.
Supervisors: Prof. S. Augustino (SUA); Prof. Fidèle Niyitanga (UR); Prof. Sigrun Dahlin (SLU).
Publications from PhD research work:
(i) Gaudance Nishimwe, Suzana Augustino, Anna Sigran Dahlin & Fidele Niyitanga. 2024. Characterization of Yield and Physico-Chemical Parameters of Selected Wild Indigenous Fruits in Rwanda. Journal of MDPI. http://doi.org/10.3390/resources13070101/.
(i) Gaudance Nishimwe, A. Sigran Dahlin, Fidele Niyitanga & Suzana Augustino. 2024. Domestication of wild indigenous fruits trees in Rwanda: Perspectives from rural communities. Journal of Trees, Forests and people. www.sciencedirect.com/journal/trees-forests-and-people.
Accepted Paper
(i) Pre-sowing treatments for a better germination of Myrianthus holstii seeds. Journal of Forests, Trees and Livelihoods
4. Dr. Jacquline George Kajembe (Tanzanian, female)
Academic qualification in 2021: BSc Forestry (2010) Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania; MSc Science in Agro-Environmental Management (2014) Aarhus University, Denmark.
Title of the thesis: Spices and Agroforestry System in the East Usambara and Uluguru Mountains: Value Chains Analysis
Supervisors: Prof. Y.M. Ngaga (SUA); Prof. Jumanne Abdalllah (SUA); Prof. Göran Bostedt (SLU).
Publications from PhD research work:
(i) Jacquline George Kajembe, Goran Bostedt, Yonika M. Ngaga & Jumanne M. Abdallah. 2024. Following in the footsteps of the successful spice farmers: Determinants of spice income in Tanzania. Journal of International Development WILEY.DOI: 10.1002/jid.3892.wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/jid
(ii) Jacqueline George Kajembe, Göran Bostedt, Yonika M. Ngaga & Jumanne M. Abdallah. 2024. Assessing Livelihood Strategy Choices Among Spice Farmers in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania. Journal of Development and Agricultural Economics 16(2): 54 – 68 (2024).
Submitted Papers
(i) Selected Spices Value chains in Tanzania: Understanding the Journey from to Market. Submitted to the International Journal of Value chain Management.
(ii) Prevalence of Aflatoxin Levels in Selected Spices in Muheza District, Tanzania. Submitted to the Journal of Food Protection
5. Dr. Hadia Seid Ally (Ethiopian, female)
Academic qualification in 2021: BSc Forestry (2005) Hawassa University, Ethiopia; MSc Tropical Land Resources Management (2013) Makelle University, Ethiopia.
Title of the thesis: Effect of Improved Avocado Tree integration on Soil Fertility, Livelihoods, Food Security and Farmers’ Perceptions in Central Ethiopia
Supervisors: Prof. J.F. Kessy (SUA); Prof. Zebene Asfaw (HU); Prof. Sigrun Dahlin (SLU).
Publications from PhD research work:
(i) Hadia, S., John, K., Zebene, A. & Sigrun, D. 2024. Soil Physicochemical Properties Under Selected Avocado Cultivars in Ethiopian Smallholder Agroforestry. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition. 24(3):1-13. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-024-01925-4
(ii) Hadia, S., John, K., Sigrun, D. & Zebene A. 2024. Exploring farmers’ perceptions on improved avocado on-farm integration and factors influencing tree-crop interactions in Central Ethiopia. Journal of Forests, Trees and Livelihoods. 33(3): 1-17. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14728028.2024.2374255
Submitted Paper
(i) Hadia, S., John, K., Sigrun, D., Zebene A. Improved Avocado Growing and its Impact on Income Diversity and Food Security of Rural Households in Central Ethiopia. Submitted to the Journal of Cogent Economics &.
6. Dr. Nanyika Kingazi (Tanzanian, female)
Academic qualification in 2021: BSc Forestry (2013) Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania; MSc Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management (2020) – Nelson Mandela – African Institution of Science and Technology, Tanzania
The title of the thesis: The Role of Agroforestry in Supporting Insect Pollinators and Enhancing Crop Pollination in Northern Tanzania
Supervisors: Prof. R.P.C. Temu (SUA); Dr. A. Sirima (SUA); Prof. Mattias Jonsson (SLU)
Publications from PhD research work:
(i) Kingazi, N.; Temu, R.P.C.; Sirima, A.; Jonsson, M. Tropical agroforestry supports insect pollinators and improves bean yield. 2024. Status: Published in Journal of Applied Ecology, https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.14629
(ii) Kingazi, N.; Temu, R.P.C.; Sirima, A.; Jonsson, M. Pollination knowledge among local farmers in northern Tanzania and the role of traditional agroforestry practices in promoting pollinator forage plants. Journal of Environmental and Sustainability Indicators, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indic.2024.100435
(iii) Kingazi, N., Temu, R.P.C., Sirima, A., & Jonsson, M. (2023). Woody plants supporting insect pollinators in Chagga home. Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences. https://innspub.net/woody-plants-supporting-insect-pollinators-in-chagga-home-gardens-northern-tanzania/
7. Dr. Elias Nelly Bapfakurera (Rwandese, male)
Academic qualification in 2021: BSc Agricultural Engineering and Environmental Sciences (2012) University of Rwanda; MSc Soil and Agroforestry Management (2019) University of Rwanda.
Title of the thesis: The Potential of Smallholders’ Tree-Based Systems in Agricultural Landscape for Bioenergy Production and Consumption in Northern and Eastern Rwanda
Supervisors: Dr. C. Kilawe (SUA); Prof. J. Nduwamungu (UR); Prof. Gert Nyberg (SLU).
Publications from PhD research work:
(i) E.N.Bapfkurera, C.J.Kilawe, G.Nyberg & J.Nduwamungu.2023. Bioenergy perspective in Rwanda: The potential of the tree-based system in the agricultural landscape for fuelwood supply. Rwanda Journal of Agricultural Sciences,Vol3No. 1.
(ii) Elias Nelly Bapfakurera. Charles Joseph Kilawe, Gert Nyberg & Jean Nduwamungu. 2024. Assessment of Stocking, productivity, and aboveground biomass of tree species used as fuelwood in Rwanda’s agricultural landscapes. Journal of Trees, Forests and People. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
(iii) Elias Nelly Bapfakurera, Charles Joseph Kilawe, Jean Nduwamungu & Gert Nyberg. 2024. Fuelwood use and household appreciation of improved and traditional cooking stoves in Rwanda. Journal of Biomass and Bioenergy. www.elevervier.com/locate/biombioe
(iv) Elias Nelly Bapfakurera, Charles Joseph Kilawe, Valens Uwizeyimana, Judith Uwihirwe, Guillaume Nyagatare, Jean Nduwamungu, Gert Nyberg. 2024. The challenges associated with firewood supply and analysis of fuel quality parameters of the tree species used as firewood in Rwanda. Journal of Biomas and Bioenergy. https://www.elsevier.com/locate/biombioe
8. Dr. Sintayehu Tamene (Ethiopian, male)
Academic qualification in 2021: BSc Applied Biology (2009) Hawassa University, Ethiopia; MSc Plant Biology and Biodiversity Management (2011) Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia.
Title of the thesis: Local Communities Perception, Practices, and Ethnobotanical Knowledge on Traditional Medicinal Plants among Three Ethnic Groups in Peri-Urban Areas of Southcentral Ethiopia
Supervisors: Prof. F. Makonda (SUA); Dr. Mesele Negash (HU); Prof. Linley Chiwona-Karltun (SLU).
Publications from PhD research work:
(i) Sintayehu Tamene, Mesele Negash, Fortunatus Bulabo Makonda, Linley Chiwona Karltun & Kafyalew Sahle Kibret. 2023. Ethnobotanical study on medicinal plant knowledge among three ethnic groups in peri-urban areas of south-central Ethiopia. Journal of Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine. http://doi.org/10.1168/s13002-023-00629-w
(ii) Sintayehu Tamene, Mesele Negash, Fortunatus Bulabo Makonda & Linley Chiwona Karltun. 2024. Influence of socio-demographic factors on medicinal plant knowledge among three selected ethnic groups in south-central Ethiopia. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine. http://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-024-00672-1
(iii) Sintayehu Tamene, Mesele Negash, Fortunatus Bulabo Makanda, Linley Chiwona Karltun. 2024. Local community perception on medicinal plant knowledge use and influencing variable among three ethnic groups in peri-urban areas of south-central Ethiopia. Journal of Plants and Applied Research. http://dx.doi.org/10.32859/era.29.36.1-16
9. Dr. Solange Uwingabire (Rwandese, female)
Academic qualification in 2021: BSc Soil and Environmental Management (2012) National University of Rwanda; MSc Soil Science and Land Management (2016) Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania.
Title of the thesis: Agroforestry for Sustainable Bioenergy and Improved Soil Fertility in Two Agro-Ecological Zones, Rwanda
Supervisors: Prof. S.A.O. Chamshama (SUA); Prof. Jean Nduwamungu (UR); Prof. Gert Nyberg (SLU).
Publications from PhD research work:
(i) S. Uwingbire, S.A.O. Chamshama, G. Nyberg & J. Nduwamungu. 2024. Gasifier use for cooking and biochar production by smallholder farmers in Rwanda. Journal of Biofuels. http://doi.org/10.1080/17597269.2024.2381164.
(ii) Solange Uwingabire, Shaban Athuman Omar Chamshama, Jean Nduwamugu & Gert Nyberg. 2024. French Bean Production as Influenced by Biochar and Biochar Blended Manure Application in Two Agro-Ecological Zones of Rwanda. Journal of MDPI. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14092020.
(iii) S. Uwingabire, J. Nduwamungu, G. Nyberg & S.A.O. Chamshama. 2024. Farmer-managed French bean biochar trials in Rwanda: Effects on yield and soil nutrients. Rwanda Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Vol 3, No. 2 106
It is interesting that out of nine students who graduated, seven are females, and only two are males. Three of the seven female students are nursing mothers who received special support from the Programme. The Programme congratulates the nine graduates, who were conferred PhD degrees and received their certificates at recently held Graduation Ceremony on the 17th October, 2024.
SUA through the REFOREST Programme will continue to organize Viva Voce examinations (workshops) for the remaining nine students as soon as they meet the requirements. Most of the students are expected to complete their studies by 31st December, 2024 and return to their home countries and work places. The next Graduation Ceremony will be in May 2024; hopefully the remaining nine will receive their PhD certificate at that event.
Finally, we are very grateful to Sida for the grant through Sida Contribution No.13394 used to implement REFOREST Programme activities. Additionally, I would like to express my special appreciation to Sida Officers especially Dr. Claes Kjellström (retired) and Mr. Daniel Tiveau (Current) for their commitment and continuous guidance and support to the Programme which contributed to its successful implementation.
R C Ishengoma
Programme Coordinator
