Climate change: Makerere researchers establish Living Labs in rural communities
KAMPALA, September 15, 2025 – Makerere University has stepped up its efforts to combat climate change by empowering rural communities to better understand and respond to the environmental challenges they face.
As part of a research initiative promoting the green economy, the university aims to embed green growth principles across various sectors of production by working directly with communities. The project envisions creating a green growth model that is inclusive, practical, and sustainable.
To support the transition towards clean energy and net-zero emissions, Makerere University will establish Living Laboratories; designated spaces within rural homesteads designed as interactive, user-friendly learning centres. These labs will operate as open innovation ecosystems, promoting co-creation, collaborative innovation, real-life experimentation, and interactive prototyping.
The aim is to bridge the gap between researchers, academia, and local communities, ensuring first-hand feedback, real-world experience, and measurable impact at the grassroots level.
According to Dr Patrick Musinguzi, Principal Investigator of the project, the Living Lab concept offers an opportunity to accelerate innovation and test new ideas within communities, while simultaneously fostering local ownership of new technologies and generating evidence-based policy.
“The Living Lab is a space created to enable different stakeholders to come together and address issues at the homestead level—how best to practise agriculture using climate-smart methods, adopt solar technologies, deploy energy-efficient solutions, and implement water-saving techniques, all aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Musinguzi.
At least three Living Labs will be established in Nakaseke District [Central region], Ntungamo District [Southwestern region], and Kumi District [Eastern region]. Each will consist of a knowledge hub and a field learning site, designed to engage communities and demonstrate accessible, affordable green technologies.
Expected benefits from the Living Labs include: Climate-smart farming; generation and use of biogas; adoption of solar-efficient cooking stoves; promotion of reforestation and agroforestry, and landfill gas capture and improved waste management—all contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition to community training and demonstration, the project will also focus on: Forging business partnerships with small and medium-sized enterprises [SMEs] in climate-smart technology and services; empowering local leadership for sustainability; and creating collaborative ecosystems for real-world experimentation and long-term environmental resilience.
Makerere University’s initiative underscores the vital role of academic institutions in addressing climate change through innovation, inclusivity, and active community participation.
https://thecooperator.news/naro-adopts-agroforestry-technologies-to-combat-climate-change/
Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news
