A unique chapter unfolded at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) in Uganda. Through the innovative INSSpire project, a first-of-its-kind collaborative learning class emerged in the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies. This groundbreaking initiative brought together students from MUST and Université d’Abomey-Calavi (UAC) in Benin for a project titled “MUST-UAC Collaboration: How Cultural Practices (Indigenous Food Systems) and Gender Roles Shape Food Security in Response to Climate Change.”
Spearheaded by Dr. Prudence Kemigisha and Dr. Ronald Twongyirwe from MUST’s Department of Environment and Livelihoods Support Systems, and Prof. Amoussa Hounkpatin Waliou and Dr. Fernande Honfo Zannou from UAC’s Département de Nutrition et des Sciences et Technologies Alimentaires, Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques, this COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) project transcended geographical boundaries.
Students from both universities embarked on a collaborative journey, delving into the fascinating interplay between culture, food security, and climate change. Their focus?
Understanding how traditional food systems and gender roles impact food security in the face of a changing climate, specifically within the contexts of Uganda and Benin.
The core objective of this COIL project was to equip students with valuable soft skills crucial for navigating our increasingly interconnected world. By working in multidisciplinary, multilingual, and multicultural teams, students honed their ability to:
- Collaborate effectively with diverse teammates
- Share responsibility and take initiative within a team environment
- Contribute towards achieving common goals
- Utilize English (with simultaneous French translation) for seamless communication across language barriers
Through this collaboration, students aimed to achieve significant learning outcomes. They would not only gain a deeper understanding of how cultural practices and indigenous food systems influence food security in East and West Africa, but also explore the crucial role gender plays in building climate resilience.
The project envisioned future mixed teams, each comprising 10-15 students from both universities. Working together virtually, these teams would explore the chosen themes and present their findings. However, navigating language barriers presented a challenge. To address this, the project planned to utilize a combination of English with mandatory French translations, potentially employing interpreters or tech-enabled real-time translation. Mitigating learning disruptions caused by translation would be a key focus.
A brief about The INSSpire project,
As explained Dr. Robert Bitariho, an Associate Professor of Natural Resources Management at MUST and the project PI INSSpire project , the project lies at the heart of fostering knowledge exchange and innovation in food systems and climate change between African and European universities. “INSSpire aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to create sustainable food systems for the future,” Dr. Bitariho explains. “It’s about educating and innovating to ensure food security in a changing climate.”
This unique COIL collaboration at MUST serves as a testament to the power of international partnerships in building resilient food systems and preparing future generations to tackle the challenges of climate change. With a shared vision of a sustainable future, students from Uganda and Benin embarked on a journey of learning and collaboration, paving the way for a more secure and equitable food future for all.
