My PhD project focusses on pests and pollinators in the arabica coffee producing hub of Mt Elgon region, Uganda.
Blog by Esther Patricia Adoch, PhD research fellow, AfPEC Project, Makerere University, Uganda
Participating in a field reconnaissance trip organised by Agroforestry for People, Ecosystems and Climate Change (AfPEC) project between 21st and 27th September 2024 in Mt Elgon region was an experience that saw a rich blend of expertise from different stake holders including seniors without borders, forests of the world, Youth Leading Environmental Change (YLEC), Professors from Aarhus University, Professors from Makerere University, Masters AfPEC fellows from Aarhus University, PhD AfPEC fellows from Makerere University and a welcoming local farming community groups. The combined wealth of knowledge and experience was exceptional.
To my surprise gender was well represented with a high number of women of all ages amongst the farmer groups; a situation uncommon among communities across Uganda. A number of ideas were exchanged during this but what caught my attention was the interest of the local community to share their ideas and enthusiasm to learn from all stake holders present. I could feel the spirit of team work in the room which pleasantly brought me joy.
My interest has always been involving my self in research which is aimed at solving a problem within the local community and willingness of the community to participate in finding a collaborative and lasting solutions. As soon as the farming communities mentioned pests and diseases as one of the challenges they were facing on their coffee farms, I felt at home. That was the defining moment for me to realise that I was working on an essential subject of great importance and relevance to the community and all stakeholders, who I believe have the welfare of the local community close to their hearts.
The field visits to farmer’s gardens left me in awe of the admirable coffee agroforestry farms with some intercropped with banana and others intercropped with maize, beans, cassava and even vegetables like cabbage and onions planted on the beautiful, hilly landscape of the Mt Elgon region.
I am excited to learn more about pests and pollinators in arabica coffee agroforestry in Mt Elgon region, understanding their inter-linkages and how management practices applied by farmers influence their interactions. I hope my studies creates an enabling environment to incorporate both local and scientific knowledge to discover sustainable solutions for pests and pollinators.
I look forward to begin my PhD research with guidance of my supervisors from both Makerere University and Aarhus University, investing adequate time in learning, building stronger connections, networking and contributing to creating genuine impact with all the stakeholders of the AfPEC project.
