The African Centre of Agro-Ecology and Livelihood Systems (ACALISE): A World Bank Project at Uganda Martyrs University

The usual approach to development has been led by research along fragmented fields of study, each of which independently yields dissertations that often recommend unimplementable projects. The large number of theses and dissertations lining library shelves and gathering dust are evidence that research isolated within each traditionally demarcated subject area has not helped to solve practical livelihood problems facing most of the African communities. The African Centre of Agro-Ecology and Livelihood Systems (ACALISE) integrates traditional fields into a holistic approach with direct benefits to livelihoods in East and Central Africa. ACALISE is premised upon a systems approach that derives sustainable solutions suitable and sensitive to African environments through value addition at every stage of the value chain between agricultural and industrial production. ACALISE will collaborate with recognised researchers drawn from across the globe and experts in industry, communities, as well as PhD and Masters students. The researchers would traditionally belong to the Faculties of Agriculture, Commerce, Education and Science but will be integrated in the ACALISE approach. ACALISE interventions will benefit the regional post graduate students who will be trained and armed with necessary skills to bring about real change in the short term, and in the long run, ACALISE will impact on the socio-economic development of the region through dissemination of innovations and technologies. Moreover, short skillsdevelopment courses will be run to augment the mainstream teaching but also to build skills among the rural people, especially women and the youth, who carry out the bulk of work in Agriculture. Governed by a Regional Steering Committee (RSC) and facilitated by its Regional Facilitation Unit (RFU) – Inter-university Council of East Africa (IUCEA), ACALISE will capacitate personnel, as well as strengthen high quality graduate training and applied research facilities, and will collaborate regional partnerships with industry as well as with institutions of Higher Education. The ultimate aim is to foster innovative Agro-ecological solutions for real development and improving livelihoods.