Dr. Frederick Kakembo is an academic, researcher, and sustainability professional from Uganda with extensive experience in higher education, community engagement, environmental sustainability, and research development. He holds a PhD in Adults and Community Education and Training from the University of Pretoria, along with a Master’s degree in Education from Makerere University. He served as Deputy Vice Chancellor of Ndejje University and has held academic and leadership positions at Uganda Christian University and Ndejje University. His research focuses on sustainability, renewable energy, water and wastewater management, waste-to-wealth entrepreneurship, community development, and education. He has authored books, book chapters, and numerous peer-reviewed publications and has presented research internationally.

Nurturing and Skilling Women for Sustainable Green Entrepreneurship

Abstract: Whereas women have a right to live in a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, they bear the brunt of climate change (floods, droughts, storms and heatwaves etc.). Faced by limited livelihood options, joblessness and poverty, they are more dependent on threatened natural resource sectors, such as agriculture. Socially constructed roles and inequalities make them more vulnerable to climate change impacts. Conceptually, women empowerment could be enhanced through innovative engagement in climate change mitigation and adaptation practices. Appropriate mentorship and skilling could nurture them into path-breakers, innovators, entrepreneurs, solution-providers and environmental stewards. This presentation highlights prospects and challenges of engaging women in precision urban farming and circular green enterprises. A Technology and Innovation Park (TechinoPark) set up in St Kizito High School Namugongo integrates four components; a. AI/robotics; b. vertical farming (mainly hydroponics); c. post-harvest food preservation/processing; and; d. Waste recycling. TechinoPark brings together students, community groups and external agencies (public and private sectors) to promote green circular entrepreneurship, eco diplomacy and to mitigate resource-driven conflicts. Experiential learning (ExL) approaches are used to impart environmental knowledge, values and sustainable practices, enabling women to operate hands-on green projects. The projects include precision farming (indoor, hydroponic gardening, composting for organic farming, automated irrigation; food preservation/processing), energy production/usage (biomass, solar), and waste recycling and reuse. Preliminary findings reveal the potential of women-led green enterprizes. Hydroponic farming increases the school’s vegetable supply (by 40%). Post-harvest processing/processing reduces foodwaste and loss (by 40%). Foodwaste recycling reduces costs of livestock feeding (by 30%) and briquettes production reduces expenditure on cooking fuels (by 35%). Some of the projects can be viewed in the following links; https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSqQn9T6H/ https://youtu.be/kL6O5foy0Uo?si=iY72SMCwph6hla1p https://youtu.be/AiAKC58BOW4?si=_ihyDCRLD3-6b8sB