{"id":1770,"date":"2024-10-25T17:19:02","date_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:19:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/reforest\/?p=1770"},"modified":"2025-12-08T23:34:17","modified_gmt":"2025-12-08T20:34:17","slug":"nine-deserving-reforest-programme-candidates-defend-their-theses-and-graduate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/reforest\/nine-deserving-reforest-programme-candidates-defend-their-theses-and-graduate\/","title":{"rendered":"Nine deserving REFOREST Programme candidates defend their theses and graduate"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Programme organized\u00a0PhD defense (in the form of a workshop) for REFOREST Programme students who had\u00a0met the requirements as of early October, 2024. This activity started on Monday 7th<\/sup>\u00a0and continued for 3 days to Wednesday 9th<\/sup> October, 2024 (starting from 09.00 EAT daily). Students, staff and the general public based in Morogoro were invited and attended physically\u00a0and 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. \u00a0<\/p>\n

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<\/sup> Graduation Ceremony held at Sokoine University of Agriculture on Thursday 17th<\/sup> 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:<\/p>\n

1. Dr. Christine Kalembe Mwanja (Ugandan, female)
\n<\/strong>Academic qualification in 2021:<\/strong> BSc Wood Science and Technology (2007) Makerere University, Uganda; MSc Forestry (2014) Makerere University, Uganda.
\nTitle of the thesis:<\/strong> Preservative Treatment of Bamboo: Analyzing\u00a0the Effectiveness of Traditional and Modern Methods in Uganda
\nSupervisors:<\/strong> Prof. R.C. Ishengoma (SUA); Prof. Banana Abwoli (MU); Prof. Nasko Terziev (SLU).<\/p>\n

\"\"
\n\"\"\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Publications from PhD research work:<\/strong><\/p>\n

(i)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 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\u00a0<\/a> \u00a0<\/p>\n

(ii)\u00a0\u00a0 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\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

(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\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

(iv)\u00a0 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<\/a><\/p>\n

2. Dr. Scolastica Justin Ntalikwa (Tanzanian, female)
\n<\/strong>Academic qualification in 2021: <\/strong>Bsc Forestry (2016) Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania;Msc Forest Engineering (2019) Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania.
\nTitle of the thesis:<\/strong> Harvesting and Wood Products Processing\u00a0Systems Development: An Integrated Approach in Tanzania
\nSupervisors:<\/strong> Prof. D.T.K. Shemwetta (SUA); Prof. W.S. Abeli (SUA); Prof. Thomas Nordfjell.<\/p>\n

\"\" \"\"\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Publications from PhD research work:<\/strong><\/p>\n

(i)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 S. J. Ntalikwa, D. T. K. Shemwetta, T. Nordfjell \u00a0& 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<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

(ii)\u00a0\u00a0 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<\/p>\n

Submitted Paper<\/strong><\/p>\n

Economic Analysis of Integrated Harvesting Relative to Conventional Harvesting on a Pinus paula Stand in Tanzania.\u00a0 Submitted to Journal of Development and Sustainability in Economics and Finance<\/p>\n

3. Dr. Gaudence Nishimwe (Rwandese, female)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Academic qualification in 2021:<\/strong> BSc Horticulture Science (2014) University of Rwanda, Rwanda; MSc Horticulture Science (2019) Jomo Kenyata University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya.<\/p>\n

Title of the thesis:<\/strong> Tapping the Potentials of under-utilized Indigenous Fruit Trees from selected two Districts in Rwanda.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Supervisors<\/strong>: Prof. S. Augustino (SUA); Prof. Fid\u00e8le Niyitanga (UR); Prof. Sigrun Dahlin (SLU).<\/p>\n

\"\"
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Publications from PhD research work:<\/strong><\/p>\n

(i)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 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\/.<\/p>\n

(i)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

Accepted Paper<\/strong><\/p>\n

(i)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Pre-sowing treatments for a better germination of Myrianthus holstii seeds. Journal of Forests, Trees and Livelihoods<\/p>\n

4. Dr. Jacquline George Kajembe (Tanzanian, female)
\n<\/strong>Academic qualification in 2021<\/strong>: BSc Forestry (2010) Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania; MSc Science in Agro-Environmental Management (2014) Aarhus University, Denmark.
\nTitle of the thesis:\u00a0<\/strong>Spices and Agroforestry System in the East Usambara and Uluguru Mountains: Value Chains Analysis
\nSupervisors:<\/strong> Prof. Y.M. Ngaga (SUA); Prof. Jumanne Abdalllah (SUA); Prof. G\u00f6ran Bostedt (SLU).<\/p>\n

\"\"
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Publications from PhD research work:<\/strong><\/p>\n

(i)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 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<\/p>\n

(ii)\u00a0\u00a0 Jacqueline George Kajembe, G\u00f6ran 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 \u2013 68 (2024).<\/p>\n

Submitted Papers<\/strong><\/p>\n

(i)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Selected Spices Value chains in Tanzania: Understanding the Journey from to Market. Submitted to the International Journal of Value chain Management.<\/p>\n

(ii)\u00a0\u00a0 Prevalence of Aflatoxin Levels in Selected Spices in Muheza District, Tanzania. Submitted to the Journal of Food Protection<\/p>\n

5. Dr. Hadia Seid Ally (Ethiopian, female)
\n<\/strong>Academic qualification in 2021:<\/strong> BSc Forestry (2005) Hawassa University, Ethiopia; MSc Tropical Land Resources Management (2013) Makelle University, Ethiopia.
\nTitle of the thesis:\u00a0<\/strong>Effect of Improved Avocado Tree integration on Soil Fertility, Livelihoods, Food Security and Farmers’ Perceptions in Central Ethiopia
\nSupervisors:<\/strong> Prof. J.F. Kessy (SUA); Prof. Zebene Asfaw (HU); Prof. Sigrun Dahlin (SLU).<\/p>\n

\"\"
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Publications from PhD research work:<\/strong><\/p>\n

(i)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Hadia, S., John, K., Zebene, A. & Sigrun, D.\u00a0 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<\/p>\n

(ii)\u00a0\u00a0 Hadia, S., John, K., Sigrun, D. & Zebene A. 2024. Exploring farmers\u2019 perceptions on improved avocado on-farm integration and factors influencing tree-crop interactions in Central Ethiopia.\u00a0 Journal of Forests, Trees and Livelihoods. 33(3): 1-17. DOI: https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/14728028.2024.2374255<\/p>\n

Submitted Paper<\/strong><\/p>\n

(i)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 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 &amp.<\/p>\n

6. Dr. Nanyika Kingazi (Tanzanian, female)
\n<\/strong>Academic qualification in 2021:<\/strong> BSc Forestry (2013) Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania; MSc Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management (2020) \u2013 Nelson Mandela \u2013 African Institution of Science and Technology, Tanzania
\nThe title of the thesis:<\/strong>\u00a0The Role of Agroforestry in Supporting Insect Pollinators and Enhancing Crop Pollination in Northern Tanzania
\nSupervisors:<\/strong> Prof. R.P.C. Temu (SUA); Dr. A. Sirima (SUA); Prof. Mattias Jonsson (SLU)<\/p>\n

\"\"
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Publications from PhD research work:<\/strong><\/p>\n

(i)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 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<\/a><\/p>\n

(ii)\u00a0\u00a0 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<\/a><\/p>\n

(iii) Kingazi, N., Temu, R.P.C., Sirima, A., &amp; 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\/<\/a><\/p>\n

7. Dr. Elias Nelly Bapfakurera (Rwandese, male)
\n<\/strong>Academic qualification in 2021:<\/strong> BSc Agricultural Engineering and Environmental Sciences (2012) University of Rwanda; MSc Soil and Agroforestry Management (2019) University of Rwanda.
\nTitle of the thesis:\u00a0<\/strong>The Potential of Smallholders’ Tree-Based Systems in Agricultural Landscape for Bioenergy Production and Consumption in Northern and Eastern Rwanda
\nSupervisors:<\/strong> Dr. C. Kilawe (SUA); Prof. J. Nduwamungu (UR); Prof. Gert Nyberg (SLU).<\/p>\n

\"\"
\n\"\" \u00a0
\nPublications from PhD research work:<\/strong><\/p>\n

(i)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

(ii)\u00a0\u00a0 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\u2019s agricultural landscapes. Journal of Trees, Forests and People. http:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-nd\/4.0\/<\/a><\/p>\n

(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<\/p>\n

(iv)\u00a0 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<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

8. Dr. Sintayehu Tamene (Ethiopian, male)
\n<\/strong>Academic qualification in 2021:<\/strong> BSc Applied Biology (2009) Hawassa University, Ethiopia; MSc Plant Biology and Biodiversity Management (2011) Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia.
\nTitle of the thesis:\u00a0<\/strong>Local Communities Perception, Practices, and Ethnobotanical Knowledge on Traditional Medicinal Plants among Three Ethnic Groups in Peri-Urban Areas of Southcentral Ethiopia
\nSupervisors:<\/strong> Prof. F. Makonda (SUA); Dr. Mesele Negash (HU); Prof. Linley Chiwona-Karltun (SLU).<\/p>\n

\"\"
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Publications from PhD research work:<\/strong><\/p>\n

(i)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 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<\/a><\/p>\n

(ii)\u00a0\u00a0 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<\/a><\/p>\n

(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<\/a><\/p>\n

9. Dr. Solange Uwingabire (Rwandese, female)
\n<\/strong>Academic qualification in 2021:<\/strong> BSc Soil and Environmental Management (2012) National University of Rwanda; MSc Soil Science and Land Management (2016) Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania.
\nTitle of the thesis:<\/strong>\u00a0Agroforestry for Sustainable Bioenergy and Improved Soil Fertility in Two\u00a0Agro-Ecological Zones, Rwanda
\nSupervisors:<\/strong> Prof. S.A.O. Chamshama (SUA); Prof. Jean Nduwamungu (UR); Prof. Gert Nyberg (SLU).<\/p>\n

\"\"
\n\"\"\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Publications from PhD research work:<\/strong><\/p>\n

(i)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

(ii)\u00a0\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

(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<\/p>\n

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<\/sup> October, 2024.<\/p>\n

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<\/sup> 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.<\/p>\n

Finally, we are very grateful to Sida for the grant through Sida Contribution No.13394 used to implement REFOREST Programme activities<\/a>. Additionally, I would like to express my special appreciation to Sida Officers especially Dr. Claes Kjellstr\u00f6m (retired) and Mr. Daniel Tiveau (Current) for their commitment and continuous guidance and support to the Programme which contributed to its successful implementation.<\/strong><\/p>\n

R C Ishengoma<\/strong>
\nProgramme Coordinator<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Programme organized\u00a0PhD defense (in the form of a workshop) for REFOREST Programme students who had\u00a0met the requirements as of early October, 2024. This activity started on Monday 7th\u00a0and 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…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1789,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1770","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-programme-news","category-47","description-off"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/reforest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1770","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/reforest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/reforest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/reforest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/reforest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1770"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/reforest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1770\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1794,"href":"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/reforest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1770\/revisions\/1794"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/reforest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1789"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/reforest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1770"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/reforest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1770"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/reforest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1770"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}