I am Ms. Joan Odongkara from Uganda and a beneficiary of the ACE II Scholarship Program. In August 2023, I was awarded a fully funded scholarship by the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) under the World Bank-supported ACE II Project. This opportunity marked a pivotal moment in my life, allowing me to pursue a Master’s degree in Climate Smart Agriculture.

In December 2023, I began my academic journey at Haramaya University in Ethiopia, through the Africa Center of Excellence for Climate Smart Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation (ACE Climate SABC). While adjusting to a new country and culture was initially challenging, the warm welcome I received helped me quickly find my footing.

As someone from a farming family and an agricultural professional, this program was a perfect match for my aspirations. Witnessing the growing impact of climate change on smallholder farmers fuelled my determination to gain deeper knowledge and contribute to the development of sustainable solutions. The training, delivered by seasoned experts, was both rigorous and highly relevant to today’s challenges.

My research journey was a blend of challenges and triumphs. With the unwavering support of my supervisors, lecturers, project managers, and peers, I worked diligently to refine my research and meet the program’s academic demands. This experience not only strengthened my resilience but also deepened my commitment to driving agricultural transformation.

Engaging with fellow scholars from across the continent broadened my perspective and cultivated a sense of pan-African academic identity. It also inspired us to pursue cross-border research aimed at advancing climate-resilient agriculture.

Today, I am proud to have completed my Master’s degree, having graduated in June 2025. I am deeply grateful to the ACE II Project for this life-changing opportunity, which has equipped me to contribute meaningfully to the future of sustainable agriculture in Africa.