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Cosmas Wacal

Cosmas Wacal

Lecturer

Units

Contact Details

  • Email: cosmas.wacal@mmu.ac.ug
  • Other Email: cwacal@gmail.com
  • Phone: +256780633425
  • Work Address: Mountains of the Moon University, Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Department of Crop and Animal Production P. O. Box 837, Fort Portal City, Uganda

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Dr. Cosmas Wacal is a distinguished soil scientist and agronomist with extensive expertise in agriculture, research, and higher education. He currently serves as a Lecturer of Soil Science in the Department of Crop and Animal Production (DCAP) at Mountains of the Moon University, where he teaches both undergraduate and graduate-level courses including Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition, Soil Physics and Chemistry, Land Use Planning, Environmental Chemistry, Advanced Geomorphology, Introduction to Soil Science, and Organic Agriculture, among others.

He previously held academic positions at Uganda Martyrs University and Nile University, Arua, where he contributed significantly to agricultural education through both physical and blended learning platforms. He also serves as a panelist in thesis defenses and as an external examiner at both Master’s and PhD levels.

Dr. Wacal maintains a robust research portfolio, having published 22 articles in peer-reviewed journals. His research focuses on soil fertility, biochar applications, intercropping, and sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, his ambition is to develop soil fertility technologies that are economically viable, environmentally sustainable, and socially acceptable to enhance smallholder productivity and food security in the Rwenzori Region, Uganda and beyond. In recognition of his work, he received the Agronomy Award (2019) for outstanding research on biochar and sesame.

He has led and secured funding for competitive research projects, including soil fertility mapping and biochar-based regenerative agriculture in Uganda. Beyond academia, he is a consultant in areas such as soil fertility management, biochar production, compost preparation, crop production and agricultural extension. He actively participates in several professional bodies, including the East African Soil Science Society. Through his work, Dr. Wacal continues to drive agricultural transformation and promote farmer-centered innovation both locally and internationally.

EDUCATION AWARD
2016–2019 PhD Agricultural Science (Soil Science and Agronomy)/United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tottori University/Tottori/Japan
2014 – 2016 MSc. Agricultural Science (Soil Science and Agronomy)/Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tottori University/Tottori/ Japan
2009 – 2013 BSc. Agriculture (Crop Science), Makerere University/Kampala/Uganda
FELLOWSHIPS AND AWARDS
2019 Agronomy Award 2019, outstanding publication on biochar and sesame selected to feature as cover page of Agronomy Volume 9(2),2019
2016 Doctoral scholarship, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan Government, 2016
2014 Master scholarship, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan Government, 2014-2016.
2009 Undergraduate scholarship by The Government of Uganda, 2009-2014
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION AND TRAINING
31st July-2nd August, 2023 Training of Trainers on Soil Carbon Sequestration and Crop Production – Certificate of participation. Organized by RUFORUM.
28 February – 3 March 2023 March Virtual Training-of-Trainers Workshop on Climate Smart Soil Nutrient and Water Management in Crop Production. – Certificate of participation. Organized by RUFORUM
July 12th 2022 Undertook Curriculum Development Skills Enhancement Workshop for Institutional Programme Developers by The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), at Gulu University, Uganda.
September 2017 Undertook a Research Writing Workshop, aimed to build the capabilities of young scientists actively participating in the global community. Training conducted by International Platform for Dryland Research and Education (IPDRE), Arid Land Research Center (ALRC), Tottori University, Japan.
PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS (22)
  1. Kamusiime, E., Natongo, J. S., Wacal, C., Tumuhaise, V., & Obua, J. (2025). Farmers’ Knowledge and Perception of Apple Arthropod Pests in the Kigezi Highlands of Uganda. East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology, 8(1), 125-142. https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.8.1.2784
  2. Agole, D., Brennan, M. A., Baggett, C. D., Ewing, J. C., Crump, A., & Wacal, C. (2025). Determinants of food security status among young farmers with and without disabilities. Advancements in Agricultural Development, 6(2), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.37433/aad.v6i2.567
  3. Mugisha, B., Agole, D., Ewing, J. C., Wacal, C., & Kule, E. B. (2025). Determinants of Adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture Practices among Farmers in Sheema District, Western Uganda. Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education, 32(2), 204-222. https://doi.org/10.4148/2831-5960.1164
  4. Basalirwa, D., Wacal, C., Murongo, M. F., Tsubo, M., & Nishihara, E. (2024). Agronomic potential of maize stover biochar under cowpea–maize sequential cropping in Northern Uganda. Discover Agriculture, 2(1), 54. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s44279-024-00073-8
  5. Wadria, P.D., Wacal, C., Okello, T.R., 2024. Combined effect of biofertilizers and chemical fertilizers on growth, yield potential of maize (Zea mays) varieties and economic benefits. Afr. J. Agric. Res. Article Number – 7A0DB8472600 Vol.20(9), pp. 801-813 , September 2024 https://doi.org/10.5897/AJAR2024.16672
  6. Wacal, C., Obala, J., Agole, D., Basalirwa, D., Masereka, J., Buwa, R., Alipa, J., Ewaju, E. and Andaku, J., 2024. Determinants of adoption of improved agronomic practices of (Sesamum indicum) production, challenges and opportunities in Lango sub region of Northern Uganda. Article Number – 096AC7772276 Vol.20(6), pp. 458-473 , June 2024 https://doi.org/10.5897/AJAR2024.16628
  7. Wacal, C., Musinguzi, S.P., Ewaju, E., Atibo, C., Alowo, D., Alipa, J., Basalirwa, D. 2024. Unravelling the potential benefits of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) in cropping systems, nutritional, health, and industrial uses of its seeds –a review. Cogent Food & Agriculture. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2024.2360766
  8. Okello, T.R, Wacal, C., Wadri, D.P., Tekkara, A.O., Gumisiriya, C., Kagorora, J.P.K. 2024. Potential of Neem (Azadirachta indica) Extract in Managing Fall Armyworm on Maize. Journal of Agricultural Science; Vol. 16, No. 7; 2024. https://doi.org/10.5539/jas.v16n7p114
  9. Alipa, A., Andiku, C., Amayo, R., Lubadde, G.,Emmanuel, M., Wacal, C. 2023. Evaluation of Improved Cowpea Genotypes for Yield and Resistance to Scab Disease in Uganda. J Agri Res 2023, 8(4): 000329. https://doi.org/10.23880/oajar-16000329
  10. Wacal, C., Basalirwa, D., Byalebeka, J., Tsubo, M. and Nishihara, E., 2023. Low cost maize stover biochar as an alternative to inorganic fertilizer for improvement of soil chemical properties, growth and yield of tomatoes on degraded soil of Northern Uganda. BMC Plant Biology, 23(1), p.473. https://bmcplantbiol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12870-023-04468-5
  11. Flarian, M.M., Frederick, A.O., Samuel, A.O., John, W.K. and C., 2023. Variations in soil chemical properties and growth traits of tissue culture banana under bio-slurry soil amendments in Uganda. Environmental Sustainability, 6(3), pp.341-357. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42398-023-00274-9
  12. Kamusiime, E., Nantongo, J.S. and Wacal, C., 2023. Insect pests in apple (Malus domestca Borkh) gardens. GSC Advanced Research and Reviews, 15(1), pp.030-053. https://doi.org/10.30574/gscarr.2023.15.1.0109
  13. Oyesigye E., Tinzara W., Karamura G., and Wacal C. 2021. Distribution and farmers’ knowledge on Fusarium wilt (Race 1) in cropping systems of Uganda. African Journal of Plant Science 15(11)(1996-0824):277-287. http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJPS2021.2193
  14. Wacal, C., Basalirwa, D., Murongo, F.M., Anyanga, W.O., Namirembe, C., Malingumu, R. 2021. Analysis of sesame seed production and export trends, challenges and strategies towards increasing production in Uganda. OCL (Oilseeds and fats Crops and Lipids) Journal. OCL 2021, 28, 4. https://doi.org/10.1051/ocl/2020073
  15. Basalirwa, D., Sudo, S., Wacal, C., Namirembe, C., Sasagawa, D., Yamamoto, S., Masunaga, T., Nishihara, E. 2020. Effect of activated carbon on greenhouse gas emissions, seed yield, soil chemical properties and isoflavone content of soybean genotypes with varying nodulation capacities under sandy soil conditions. Rhizosphere, 14,100202. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rhisph.2020.100202
  16. Basalirwa, D., Sudo, S., Wacal, C., Akae, F., Oo, A.W., Koyama, S., Sasagawa, D., Yamamoto, S., Masunaga, T., Nishihara, E. 2020. Assessment of crop residue and palm shell biochar incorporation on greenhouse gas emissions during the fallow and crop growing seasons of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica). Soil & Tillage Research, 196; 104435. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2019.104435
  17. Basalirwa, D., Sudo, S., Wacal, C., Sasagawa, D., Yamamoto, S., Masunaga, T., Nishihara, E. 2019. Impact of fresh and aged palm shell biochar on N2O emissions, soil properties, nutrient content and yield of Komatsuna (Brassica rapa var. perviridis) under sandy soil conditions. Soil Sci. and Plant Nutr. https://doi:10.1080/00380768.2019.1705737
  18. Wacal, C., Ogata, N., Basalirwa, D., Sasagawa, D., Masunaga, T., Yamamoto, S. Nishihara, E. 2019. Growth and K nutrition of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seedlings as affected by balancing soil exchangeable cations Ca, Mg and K of continuously monocropped soil from upland fields converted paddy. Agronomy 2019, 9, 819; https://doi:10.3390/agronomy9120819
  19. Wacal, C., Ogata, N., Basalirwa, D., Sasagawa, D., Kato, M., Handa, H., Masunaga, T., Yamamoto, S., Nishihara, E. 2019. Fatty acid composition of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seeds in relation to yield and soil chemical properties on continuously monocropped upland fields converted paddy. Agronomy 2019, 9, 801; https://doi:10.3390/agronomy9120801
  20. Wacal, C., Ogata, N., Sasagawa, D., Handa, T., Basalirwa, D., Acidri, R., Ishigaki, T., Yamamoto, S., Nishihara, E. 2019. Seed yield, crude protein and mineral nutrient contents of sesame under different continuous cropping years on upland field converted from a paddy. Field Crops Research, 240, 125-133. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2019.06.004
  21. Wacal, C., Ogata, N., Basalirwa, D., Handa, T., Sasagawa, D., Acidri, R., Ishigaki, T., Kato M., Masunaga, T., Yamamoto, S., Nishihara E. 2019. Growth, Seed yield, mineral nutrients and soil properties of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) as Influenced by biochar addition on upland field converted from paddy. Agronomy, 9 (2), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9020055
  22. Wacal, C., Ogata, N., Basalirwa, D., Sasagawa, D., Ishigaki, T., Handa, T., Kato, M., Tenywa, M. M., Masunaga, T., Yamamoto, S., Nishihara E. 2019. Imbalanced soil chemical properties and mineral nutrition in relation to growth and yield decline of sesame on different continuously cropped upland fields converted paddy. Agronomy, 9 (4), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9040184

ACTIVE AND FINALIZED GRANTS

  1. PI project funded by MMU RIF 2024/2025 (Research and Innovation Fund, Government of Uganda. Development of a Robust Soil Fertility Map and a User Friendly IoT Mobile App Based on Indigenous and Scientific Knowledge. This project is worth UGX 41,200,000 from FY 2024-2025. (Active).
  2. PI on project funded by MMU RIF 2023/2024. Formulation of Novel Algal-Based Biofertilizers for Soil Fertility and Crop yield Enhancement in the Rwenzori Region, Uganda. This project is worth UGX 21,000,000 from FY 2023-2024. (Active).
  3. Co-PI on project funded by MMU RIF 2023/2024. Low Cost Conversion of Crop Residues Into Organic Fertilizers, Biochar And Formulation Of Biochar-Based-Biofertilizers For Soil Health And Crop Production In the Rwenzori Region”. This project is worth UGX 11,000,000 from FY 2023-2024. (Active)
  4. Co-PI on project funded by The Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI) of Uganda: “Eco-Friendly Gold Ores Beneficiation through Substituting Environmentally Persistent Mercury in Artisanal Gold Mining with Renewable Organic Cassava Product”. This project is worth UGX 450,000,000 (USD 123,288) from FY 2022–2023 (Finalized).
  5. PI project funded by Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University: “Sustainable biochar utilization for soil fertility enhancement and greenhouse gas mitigation under vegetable production in Northern Uganda”. This project was worth 1,000,000 JPY (8,800 USD) from 1st Dec 2021-31st December 2022: (Finalized).
  6. PI on International Platform for Dryland Research and Education (IPDRE), Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University, Japan. “Sponsorship Program for Fostering of Young Scientists”, 300,000 JPY (2,763 USD) from FY 2018–2019. (Finalized).

Dr. Cosmas Wacal currently co-supervises eight PhD candidates across two programs: PhD in Agroecology and Food Systems at Uganda Martyrs University, and PhD in Global Change and Sustainable Agriculture at Busitema University. He serves as the primary supervisor for four of these doctoral students.

He has successfully supervised three Master’s students to completion and is currently supervising four at MMU.

At the undergraduate level, Dr. Wacal has guided 15 students to successful completion, with several more currently under his supervision.

PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS/MEMBERSHIPS TO ASSOCIATIONS

1. An active member of East African Soil Science Society (EASSS)
2. An active member of Crop Science Society of Japan (CSSJ).
3. An active member of Sesame Society of Japan (SSJ).