A desert locust on a tree

However, Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda has assured the country that government has made preparations to ensure the imminent locust invasion is prevented.

He described it as an emergency that requires immediate intervention during an Inter-Ministerial meeting comprising Ministries of Agriculture, Finance, Internal Affairs, Defence, Security, Environment, Local Government, East Africa Community Affairs, Presidency and Disaster Preparedness and Uganda Wild Life Authority.

He urged the public to stock food reserves as a precautionary measure.

“With an imminent threat of locusts invading our country from our neighbors in Kenya, I would like to assure the public that the Government is taking this matter seriously and consequently, different agencies of Government have been instructed to work together and collectively heighten our preparedness to prevent and handle the invasion,” the Prime Minister said in a statement on January 21.

He said the Ugandan government is in contact with authorities in Kenya to explore ways of jointly addressing the challenge.

Locusts invasion

What experts in the region say

According to The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the severe Desert Locust outbreak in the region is threatening rural food security across East Africa.

IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu while calling on member states, the East African Community and partners to pull resources together to prevent, control and possibly eradicate the Desert Locust, said the desert locusts is a threat to livelihood in the Horn of Africa.

“IGAD calls on Member States, the East African Community and partners to pull resources together to prevent, control and possible eradicate the Desert Locust threat to the food security of the region,”said Dr.Workneh Gebeyehu,IGAD’s Executive Secretary and added, “Prevention and control measures must be scaled up to contain further spread of the Desert Locust”.

Locals take to chasing locusts from the fields

In a statement, Dr. Gebeyehu said the invasion is a threat to food security of the region. He called for scaling up of prevention and control measures to contain further spread of the Desert Locust.He urged member states to act urgently to avoid a food security crisis in the region.

The Executive Secretary urged for increased ground surveillance for early detection. He called for use of wind forecasts, to help pre-empt trajectory of desert locust bands and swarms as well as immediate regional mapping of current invasion and forecast trajectory.

Dr. Gebeyehu urged countries to act urgently to avoid food security crisis in the region through aggressive targeted aerial and ground spraying and immediate up scaling of aerial control operations.

IGAD is appealing to governments to make use of the mass media especially Radio to disseminate and educate the public in order to aid early detection and reporting.

Map showing the spread of the desert locusts that started from the Greater Horn of Africa

“Encourage citizens to report any incidences of desert locusts,” said Dr. Gebeyehu in the statement.

Dr. David Phiri, FAO Sub regional Coordinator for the Eastern Africa and Representative of the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa warned that the locust invasion is worsening the food security situation in the region.

“The locust is making a bad food security situation worse in the sub-region, exacerbating the existing dire food insecurity and malnutrition in the sub-region,” said Dr. David Phiri, FAO Sub regional Coordinator for Eastern Africa.

Dr. Phiri further warned that the weather seems favorable for the locust breeding in high probability that the locust will continue to breed until March-April 2020.

The United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has warned that the large immature swarms are spreading from the initial invasion areas of Mandera County, south of Wajir and Garissa, west along the Ethiopian border in Marsabit county and southwest into central areas of Isiolo, Samburu, Meru and Laikipia counties.

The UN body says one immature swarm is 60 kilometers wide. FAO further warns that the swarms are expected to move into the Rift valley’s Baringo County and move northwest into Turkana County.

Other swarms are expected to move to Tana River County, while others will move to the northeast Uganda and southeast South Sudan. When the swarms mature, they will begin to lay eggs in the sandy moist soils giving rise to numerous hopper bands in February.

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Omalango made the call today Monday 25 July, while speaking to journalists in Kampala. She said such a move will save the environment by providing a suitable atmosphere for farming and drive the economy to the desired levels.

“Many farmers across the world have time and again practiced poor agricultural methods which have in the long run degraded the environment thus causing climate change problems. We need to change this trend in Africa including Uganda in order to save our environment from destruction due to climate related problems,” she noted.

A farmer practicing modern agriculture with his tomato yields.

Omalango says today’s poor environment is a result of climate change which has ushered in a lot  hunger in many African countries  and that this still remains a challenge to most countries which then leads into insecurity.

She warned Uganda on the fast increasing population which she says is strongly and aggressively encroaching on the existing ecological features like wetlands, lakes, rivers, forests among others yet these are the features that are supposed to provide a brighter environment tomorrow for the coming generations.

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However, the Lands and Environment minister, Miria Mutagamba acknowledges that as an individual she has nothing to do because these investors claim to be having ‘orders’ from above. She was questioning what she should do for the environment if people are receiving orders from above to destroy it.

However she promised to work hand in hand with the local communities and the ministry of lands to stop giving land tittles to areas located in wetlands.

Ends

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John Bicknell Research Scholarship, Australia: AMC sponsors a John Bicknell Research Scholarship, funded by AMC’s commercial subsidiary, AMC Search. This scholarship provides stipendiary support (approximately $19,500 tax free per year) for three years of a Doctor of Philosophy, and two years of a Masters by research program.

The scholarship may be made available to an Australian / New Zealand OR international student, as AMC Search and/or AMC so determine.

To be undertaken at Australian Maritime College.

Study Subject:

Maritime Engineering, Fisheries & Marine Environment, Maritime & Logistics Management

Availability:

This scholarship is offered annually to one person.

Payment Information:

The value of this scholarship is AUD19500 (per annum). This award is to be used for living expenses. This scholarship is paid fortnightly for the period of 3 years.

Research Information:

This scholarship is for one of the following fields of research: Agricultural, Veterinary and Environmental Sciences, Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services or Engineering and Technology.

Scholarship Application Eligibility Criteria:

This scholarship is for study in Australia for those who have achieved Honours 1 or equivalent, Honours 2a or equivalent, or Masters or equivalent.

To apply for this scholarship you must apply directly to the scholarship provider.

Open for applications until October 31.

Main Contact: Professor Neil Bose, Australian Maritime College,Phone: 03.6335.4807,Email: N.Bose[at]amc.edu.au, Maritime Way, Newham, Launceston, TAS, Australia, 7248.

For further details, and application materials, contact: John Bicknell Research Scholarship – Australia

John Bicknell announces Research Scholarship in Australia

John Bicknell Research Scholarship, Australia: AMC sponsors a John Bicknell Research Scholarship, funded by AMC’s commercial subsidiary, AMC Search. This scholarship provides stipendiary support (approximately $19,500 tax free per year) for three years of a Doctor of Philosophy, and two years of a Masters by research program.

The scholarship may be made available to an Australian / New Zealand OR international student, as AMC Search and/or AMC so determine.

To be undertaken at Australian Maritime College.

Study Subject:

Maritime Engineering, Fisheries & Marine Environment, Maritime & Logistics Management

Availability:

This scholarship is offered annually to one person.

Payment Information:

The value of this scholarship is AUD19500 (per annum). This award is to be used for living expenses. This scholarship is paid fortnightly for the period of 3 years.

Research Information:

This scholarship is for one of the following fields of research: Agricultural, Veterinary and Environmental Sciences, Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services or Engineering and Technology.

Scholarship Application Eligibility Criteria:

This scholarship is for study in Australia for those who have achieved Honours 1 or equivalent, Honours 2a or equivalent, or Masters or equivalent.

To apply for this scholarship you must apply directly to the scholarship provider.

Open for applications until October 31.

Main Contact: Professor Neil Bose, Australian Maritime College,Phone: 03.6335.4807,Email: N.Bose[at]amc.edu.au, Maritime Way, Newham, Launceston, TAS, Australia, 7248.

For further details, and application materials, contact: John Bicknell Research Scholarship – Australia

The post John Bicknell announces Research Scholarship in Australia first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

ATREE Small Grants Program: Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Bangalore, India invites proposals from individuals for research projects under its Small Grants program.

Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) focuses on application of science to conservation of nature and sustainable use of natural resources by generating new knowledge, building human capacities, and working towards improving environmental governance.

It’s commitment to conserving biological diversity spans both ecological and socio-economic concerns bringing a unique interdisciplinary approach to addressing conservation issues in India.

Program Details:

The Small Grants Program recognizes that there is a wealth of information and expertise at small scales that can be drawn upon for more effective conservation.

Project proposals for funds from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh for project duration of 1 year will be considered under the program.

Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE)’s work is housed largely under three centers which, address different issues in Conservation and sustainability research.

Project proposals should address the areas of research focus as identified under each center.

The selected applicant will be assigned an advisor for the research activity at the Center he/she chooses, or can pursue independent research depending on the proposal submitted to the committee.

Research focal areas for the small grant program under each center is as follows:

Center for Conservation Science:

• Structure and function of ecosystem services in the context of major threats such as climate change.
• Endangered or lesser-known taxa.

Center for Conservation Governance and Policy:

• Analysis, implementation and Monitoring of policies with environmental impact.

Center for Ecological Informatics:

• Spatial analytical modeling for conservation science.
• Development of tools/techniques for applications in WebGIS or community science for conservation.

Individuals should be affiliated with an institution and may request use of ATREE facilities at one of its locations if needed.

Proposals must follow the prescribed format and be accompanied by contact details of one referee.

The proposal should clearly mention the Center under which the project should be considered.

Grants can be used for fieldwork, research writing, or internships with ATREE faculty.

Deadline for submitting proposals:

• 1st round deadline: 15th April
• 2nd round deadline: 15th November

For more information and application, visit: ATREE Small Grants Program

ATREE Small Grants Program: Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Bangalore, India invites proposals from individuals for research projects under its Small Grants program.

Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) focuses on application of science to conservation of nature and sustainable use of natural resources by generating new knowledge, building human capacities, and working towards improving environmental governance.

It’s commitment to conserving biological diversity spans both ecological and socio-economic concerns bringing a unique interdisciplinary approach to addressing conservation issues in India.

Program Details:

The Small Grants Program recognizes that there is a wealth of information and expertise at small scales that can be drawn upon for more effective conservation.

Project proposals for funds from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh for project duration of 1 year will be considered under the program.

Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE)’s work is housed largely under three centers which, address different issues in Conservation and sustainability research.

Project proposals should address the areas of research focus as identified under each center.

The selected applicant will be assigned an advisor for the research activity at the Center he/she chooses, or can pursue independent research depending on the proposal submitted to the committee.

Research focal areas for the small grant program under each center is as follows:

Center for Conservation Science:

• Structure and function of ecosystem services in the context of major threats such as climate change.
• Endangered or lesser-known taxa.

Center for Conservation Governance and Policy:

• Analysis, implementation and Monitoring of policies with environmental impact.

Center for Ecological Informatics:

• Spatial analytical modeling for conservation science.
• Development of tools/techniques for applications in WebGIS or community science for conservation.

Individuals should be affiliated with an institution and may request use of ATREE facilities at one of its locations if needed.

Proposals must follow the prescribed format and be accompanied by contact details of one referee.

The proposal should clearly mention the Center under which the project should be considered.

Grants can be used for fieldwork, research writing, or internships with ATREE faculty.

Deadline for submitting proposals:

• 1st round deadline: 15th April
• 2nd round deadline: 15th November

For more information and application, visit: ATREE Small Grants Program

The post ATREE Small Grants Program first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

BEE Living Allowance Scholarship: The Faculty of Built Environment and Engineering offers a number of Living Allowance Scholarship to International Higher Degree Research Students.

International students who have been offered a BEE Living Allowance will also be entitled to receive a Fee Waiver.

Guidelines:

• Masters by Research or PhD studies
• Up to 2 years for a Masters and Up to 3 years for a PhD
• Free Tuition and Up to $ 20,000 per annum tax free as a Living Stipend
• Not to hold other QUT, Government or External Scholarship.

Closing Date: 30th September

Apply for BEE Living Allowance Scholarship

BEE Living Allowance Scholarship: The Faculty of Built Environment and Engineering offers a number of Living Allowance Scholarship to International Higher Degree Research Students.

International students who have been offered a BEE Living Allowance will also be entitled to receive a Fee Waiver.

Guidelines:

• Masters by Research or PhD studies
• Up to 2 years for a Masters and Up to 3 years for a PhD
• Free Tuition and Up to $ 20,000 per annum tax free as a Living Stipend
• Not to hold other QUT, Government or External Scholarship.

Closing Date: 30th September

The post Apply for BEE Living Allowance Scholarship first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

Other causes of cleft lip are vitamin deficiency and taking poor medication, and consumption of large amount of alcohol.

Exposure to smoking environment in early pregnancy, exposure to x-rays at an early stage of pregnancy may also predispose the unborn baby to the condition of cleft lip.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) so advises pregnant women to be careful.

The post Causes of cleft lip first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

A paper published today by the International Institute for Environment and Development warns that African governments are signing away water rights for decades with insufficient regard for how this will affect millions of local users, including fishing, farming and pastoralist communities.

The water rights often feature in the growing number of large land deals that governments are signing with investors (see First detailed study of large land acquisitions in Africa warns of impacts on poor rural people) as many of these areas require irrigation to be viable.

Such deals have already raised concerns for being rushed, secretive and one-sided. Many fail to deliver real benefits and can even create new social and environmental problems (see Report shows how secret land deals can fail to benefit African nations – and how to make them better).

Now, researchers at IIED warn that governments risk signing away water rights in ways that harm the future prospects of their citizens, especially fishermen and pastoralists, who rely on the same water as the investors. Some investors in Mali and Sudan have been given unrestricted access to as much water as they need.

“Companies that acquire land for irrigated farming will want secure water rights, but long-term contractual commitments can jeopardise water access for local farmers,” says co-author Lorenzo Cotula. “This affects not only the people who have customarily used the land that is being leased, but also distant downstream users who can be hundreds of kilometres away and even across an international border.”

The Gibe III dam in Ethiopia will enable irrigation on 150,000 of land the Ethiopian government has allocated to investors, but studies suggest this project would lower the level of Kenya’s Lake Turkana – on which half a million Kenyans depend — by eight metres by 2024.

The ‘global water crisis’ is a crisis of water management, not of water quantity,” says the paper’s lead author Jamie Skinner, a principal researcher at the International Institute for Environment and Development. “Good water management in the face of climate change is only possible if it is clear who the water belongs to, who holds rights to its use and when allocations to all users  are made in a transparent way.”

For interviews, contact:

Lorenzo.Cotula@iied.org

Jamie.Skinner@iied.org

ENDS

Mike Shanahan

Press officer

International Institute for Environment and Development [please note new address / phone]

80-86 Gray’s Inn Road, London WC1X 8NH, UK. Tel: +44 (0)20 3463 7399; Fax: +44 (0)20 3514 9055

www.iied.org

Twitter http://twitter.com/IIED

Biodiversity Media Alliance http://biodiversitymedia.ning.com

Climate Change Media Partnership roster http://climatechangemedia.ning.com

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A book published today by the International Institute for Environment and Development paints a vivid picture of an alternative future in which food, energy and water supplies are sustainable and in the control of local communities.

The book show how the linear systems that shape our world are flawed as they assume a limitless supply of resources and a limitless capacity for the environment to absorb waste and pollution.

The global food system’s dependence on fossil fuels that contribute to local pollution and global warming is just one example of an unsustainable system.

The authors call instead for circular systems that mimic natural cycles to produce food, energy, materials and clean water.

“Circular economy models that reintegrate food and energy production with water and waste management can also generate jobs and income in rural and urban areas,” says co-author Dr Michel Pimbert, a principal researcher at IIED. “This ensures that wealth created stays within the local and regional economy.”

One example is a system that recycles food waste and chicken manure to feed a worm farm. The worms in turn feed the chickens and farmed fish whose bones are used as fertiliser in a market garden. Human waste via a compost toilet also enriches the garden, whose crops — together with the farmed fish and meat and eggs from the chickens — feed the people.

The system is a closed circle with loops within it. All the nutrients stay in the system and just move about through the circle, rather than being pumped as sewage into the sea and leaving the soil forever poorer.

“A transformation towards re-localised food systems will significantly help to address climate change and other challenges,” says Pimbert. “Circular systems also provide the basis for economic and political sovereignty – the ability of citizens to democratically manage their own affairs and engage with other communities on their own terms.”

Dr Caroline Lucas, a member of parliament from the Green Party of England & Wales, has written the book’s foreword.

“I warmly welcome this book’s contribution to the debate on how food systems can be redesigned and re-localised to sustain diverse local ecologies, economies and human well being,” she writes.

“The authors rightly emphasise the need for a systemic and fundamental transformation of industrial food and farming in the face of peak oil, climate change, biodiversity loss, the water crisis, food poisonings, and the impoverishment of farmers and rural communities.”

“The challenge is to design resilient food systems with, by and for citizens – to reduce ecological footprints and foster local democratic control over the means of life. But rather than look at food and agriculture in isolation, we need to consider ways of re-integrating food and energy production with water and waste management in a diversity of local contexts in rural and urban areas, – and at different scales. “

 To mark the launch of the book – Virtuous Circles: Values, systems and sustainability — IIED invites bloggers to join a virtual circle to share their blog posts about the book (by emailing Suzanne.Fisher@iied.org). IIED will then profile the best posts on its own blog and via Twitter with the hashtag #vcircles.

Please note that this press release and the book are embargoed until Tuesday 22 November at 00.01 GMT

To request a PDF of the book, email mike.shanahan@iied.org

 For interviews in English or in French, contact:

Dr Michel Pimbert

Mobile no: 07525 069061

E-Mail: michel.pimbert@iied.org

 NOTES TO EDITORS

The International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) is an independent, non-profit research institute. Set up in 1971 and based in London, IIED provides expertise and leadership in researching and achieving sustainable development (see: www.iied.org).

Sadly, this book was just about completed when its lead author, Andy Jones, met with a sudden death on 17th November 2010. Between 2008 and 2010 Andy was a much respected researcher associated with IIED’s Agroecology and Food Sovereignty Team.

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