Faculty: Land and Food Systems
Program: Master of Food and Resource Economics
Year: 2024
Country: Uganda
Josephine is an intelligent, ambitious, and personable individual with a proven record of leadership and academic excellence. She graduated from Cairo University in Egypt with a Bachelors of Commerce, majoring in insurance, statistics, and risk management, supported by the Academic Excellence Scholarship from the Ugandan government.
While at University, Josephine served as the General Secretary of the African League of Young Masters(ALYM), spearheading initiatives to empower African students through strategic capacity-building and fostering discussions on key African issues. As treasurer of the Ugandan Students Association in Egypt, she collaborated with the Ugandan Embassy in Cairo to ensure fellow students had the necessary tools they needed to succeed.
Upon returning to Uganda, Josephine identified the critical need for agricultural insurance while working as a claims adjuster. With approximately 90% of farmers relying solely on rain-fed agriculture, unpredictable weather and climate change threaten productivity and food security. Recognizing the need for sustainable practices and risk management strategies to enhance resilience, Josephine became an advocate for agricultural insurance schemes, educating farmers on their benefits and promoting government programs like the agro-consortium, which cover up to 50% of small-scale farmers’ premiums. She also championed the use of efficient irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting and soil conservation techniques to reduce dependence on rainfall. Her efforts have significantly empowered rural communities, whose livelihoods depend on agriculture, to mitigate financial risks and stabilize household incomes.
Through the MFRE program, Josephine aims to explore innovative approaches to enhance Uganda’s agricultural sector and ultimately work with government bodies in policy implementation. She looks forward to engaging with UBC’s diverse student body, participating in leadership opportunities, and utilizing the university’s resources to grow her network.