Scholarship Story: “Studying abroad gave me the skills and confidence to address challenges back home”

Patrick Ben Emoi Otema, 31, was awarded a WTI scholarship to pursue his MSc in Agroforestry and Food Security from Bangor University. He is now pursuing his PhD in the US with the goal of improving food systems in his native Uganda.

Hi Patrick! Tell us a little about yourself.

I hail from Uganda. Growing up in a rural community, I saw firsthand how important agriculture is to people’s livelihoods, food security, and overall well-being. I was always curious about ways to improve farming systems and make them more sustainable, which motivated me to pursue agriculture at university. I pursued a Bachelor of Science and Education (BScEd) in Agriculture at Busitema University, where I emerged as the best overall student that year with a CGPA of 4.72/5.0. My drive to continue into postgraduate studies came from a desire to deepen my expertise and contribute more meaningfully to sustainable development and food security in my country. 

I learned about Windle Trust International (WTI) while searching online for master’s scholarship opportunities. During my research, I discovered that WTI supports refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Uganda, which resonated with me. I was fortunate to receive a Windle Trust International scholarship to support my master’s degree, and pursued an MSc in Agroforestry and Food Security. 

Where did you study for your postgrad, and how did you find being in the UK? 

I did my master’s at Bangor University in Wales. Studying in the UK was an eye-opening experience; it was my first time living outside my home country, and it broadened my perspective on global agriculture and research. The course itself was both challenging and rewarding, it combined practical fieldwork with solid scientific grounding, and I appreciated the diversity in my class and the supportive learning environment. It gave me the skills and confidence to address food security and environmental challenges back home. 

After completing my master’s degree, I served as an Assistant Lecturer at Busitema University (where I’d done my BscED), and mentored students and supervised their research. I am passionate about community-based initiatives and led rural projects that train farmers to integrate indigenous trees and sustainable practices into their farming systems. These experiences continually inspire my commitment to bridge research with community action.

What are you doing now? What are your plans for the future?

Currently, I’m a PhD student in Earth Systems Science at Florida International University in the USA, pursuing my studies under a Fulbright Scholarship. My research focuses on sustainable agriculture, particularly evaluating the effects of organic soil amendments and intercropping on soil fertility and crop resilience. My long-term goal is to help improve sustainable farming systems in Uganda and beyond, as well as to mentor future leaders in agriculture and environmental stewardship. 

I also mentor and guide students in their applications for international study, and since completing my master’s, I have successfully supported six students who are now pursuing their master’s degrees on prestigious scholarships such as the Commonwealth Shared, Fulbright, Chevening, and Swedish Institute Scholarships. Additionally, I encouraged several students to apply for WTI scholarships, and last year, three of them were interviewed and are now working with the WTI team toward securing scholarships abroad.