Muni University has officially launched its participation in Advancing Sustainable Animal Production and Biodiversity through Equitable African–Danish University Partnerships (ASAP-Bio), a five-year collaboration with Aarhus University (Denmark), DebreBerhan University (Ethiopia), University of Nairobi, and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (Kenya).
ASAP-Bio is a long-term academic partnership programme designed to build capacity in Integrated Sustainable Animal Production Systems (ISAPS) across East Africa. The initiative brings together Danish and African expertise in areas such as animal genetics, breeding, nutrition, and data-driven agriculture.
The programme includes a strong scholarship and mobility component, supporting 28 fully funded MSc scholarships at Aarhus University for East African students, 10 medium-term and 15 short-term research visits, and 171 participants in summer schools between 2027 and 2032, with a commitment to at least 50% female participation to promote gender equity.
The partnership runs from 2026 to 2030, with scholarship activities extending to 2032, and is funded under Denmark’s Knowledge and Innovation Programme (KIP) aimed at strengthening long-term, equitable collaboration between Danish and African universities.
Prof. Grum Gebreyesus Teklewold of Aarhus University highlighted the potential for faculty exchange, joint curriculum development, and collaborative research, noting that the programme will co-develop 5–8 MSc modules in Integrated Sustainable Animal Production Systems (ISAPS), provide training for administrative staff, and establish a shared knowledge platform.
Assoc. Prof. Simon Anguma Katrini, the Vice-Chancellor of Muni University, emphasized that agriculture remains the foundation of economic transformation, noting that no country has developed without first strengthening its agricultural base. He stressed the need to transition from subsistence to commercial agriculture and called for greater involvement of young people, particularly through modern approaches such as aquaculture and technology-driven farming.
He further noted that while technological advancement has created new opportunities, it has also led many young people to neglect agriculture in pursuit of quick income, underscoring the importance of integrating youth into sustainable agricultural initiatives.
Prof. Jacob Godfrey Agea, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs), underscored the importance of flexible and responsive academic programming, recommending the integration of short courses alongside formal curricula to ensure timely skills development and adaptability.
Dr. Robert Onzima, Head of the Department of Animal Science, described the partnership as a significant milestone for Muni University, particularly for the Faculty of Agriculture, highlighting its potential to enhance staff capacity, expand research opportunities, and strengthen international collaboration.
Prof. Okia expressed appreciation for the growing collaboration and longstanding academic linkages, particularly acknowledging the role of Dr. Onzima in sustaining the partnership. He encouraged staff to actively pursue collaborative opportunities with institutions where they previously studied. Emphasizing the importance of innovation in agriculture, he noted that “West Nile has immense potential for genetic improvement through exotic breeding. By improving our local breeds, we can enhance productivity and transition towards commercial farming systems that benefit our farmers and the wider economy.”
Sandra Langi, Lecturer in the Faculty of Agriculture, emphasized the importance of community engagement, noting that involving local farmers and stakeholders will be critical in advancing genetic improvement, sustainable livestock practices, and knowledge exchange.
