Uganda Urged to Bridge Gap Between Agricultural Research and Farmers

Ugandan agricultural stakeholders are urging the government to prioritize translating research innovations into practical tools for farmers. The consensus, voiced during World Food Day and MbaZARDI’s centenary celebrations in Mbarara City, is that scientific advancements are only valuable if they reach the end-user and address real-world farming challenges.

Representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) highlighted that innovations must be accessible, affordable, and supported by necessary skills, financing, and market infrastructure. “Innovation only matters when it reaches its people; it must move from research stations and demonstration plots into farmer fields,” stated a representative from FAO.

The WFP noted that innovations, such as drought-tolerant crop varieties, become impactful only when they reach women farmers, who often have limited access to resources like land and credit. “An innovation that does not reach them has not scaled,” they emphasized.

Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze acknowledged these concerns, affirming that research within his ministry must be purposeful and focused on livelihood improvement. “Research should not be for satisfying examiners; it must be intentional, consumable, and of livelihood value,” he said, announcing the launch of a new purple sweet potato variety intended for local farmers.

The Minister also pledged increased government investment in irrigation and better extension services, urging farmers to focus on food and income security, animal feed, and environmental protection. This push comes as Uganda grapples with the increasing impacts of climate change on rain-fed agriculture.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/shift-agriculture-innovations-from-labs-to-farms-stakeholders-urge-government-5635746