{"id":8125,"date":"2025-03-31T15:50:59","date_gmt":"2025-03-31T12:50:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ndejjeuniversity.ac.ug\/?p=8125"},"modified":"2025-04-28T16:47:27","modified_gmt":"2025-04-28T13:47:27","slug":"ndejje-university-graduate-asingwire-kevin-hansen-wins-best-male-paper-presenter-at-uwewk-2025-for-collaborative-research-on-climate-smart-agriculture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ndejjeuniversity.ac.ug\/?p=8125","title":{"rendered":"Ndejje University graduate Asingwire Kevin Hansen wins “Best male paper presenter” at UWEWK 2025 for Collaborative Research on Climate-Smart Agriculture"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Groundbreaking Study on Water Use Efficiency Earns Top Recognition at Uganda Water and Environment Week<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ndejje University proudly celebrates Asingwire Kevin Hansen<\/strong>, a recent Civil Engineering graduate (October 2024)<\/strong>, for winning the Best Male Paper Presenter<\/strong> award at the 8th Uganda Water and Environment Week (UWEWK 2025)<\/strong>. His exceptional presentation of the research study, Enhancing Water Use Efficiency in Ugandan Smallholder Farms: A Sensor-Based Irrigation Approach for Climate-Resilient Agriculture<\/em>, stood out among 90 scientific and policy-driven submissions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although Hansen received the award for his outstanding presentation, the research was a collaborative effort<\/strong> led by the Water and Research Development Centre (WRDC) at Ndejje University<\/strong>. His co-researchers\u2014Twinomuhangi Onem, Roice K. Bwambale, and Henry K. Ntale<\/strong>\u2014played a vital role in addressing Uganda\u2019s critical challenge of water scarcity in smallholder farming communities<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Findings from the Research (Luwero District Study):<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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  • 75% reduction<\/strong> in irrigation water use through IoT soil moisture sensors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • 20.05% increase<\/strong> in maize crop growth rates using real-time data monitoring.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Solar-powered sensor systems<\/strong> aligned with Uganda\u2019s Climate-Smart Agriculture Policy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cThis recognition highlights Kevin\u2019s ability to effectively communicate our research,\u201d<\/strong> said co-author Roice K. Bwambale<\/strong>. \u201cHowever, this success is a collective achievement, showcasing Ndejje University\u2019s dedication to innovation and teamwork.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Significance of the Research<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    This study presents a practical, technology-driven solution to climate variability challenges affecting Ugandan farmers<\/strong>. By optimizing water use and improving crop yields, the sensor-based irrigation system has the potential to transform agricultural productivity in Uganda\u2019s most vulnerable regions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    UWEWK 2025: Advancing Sustainable Resource Management<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The Ministry of Water and Environment<\/strong> hosted UWEWK 2025, bringing together over 2,600 delegates<\/strong> committed to enhancing sustainability. The WRDC team\u2019s research strongly aligned with the event\u2019s theme, \u201cWater and Environment Resources for Enhanced Resilience and Improved Incomes and Livelihoods\u201d<\/strong>, particularly under Sub-theme 4: Innovations for Empowering a New Generation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Future Prospects and Policy Recommendations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    To ensure wider adoption of this innovative irrigation system, the research team urges policymakers and development stakeholders<\/strong> to focus on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n