Farmers In Eastern Uganda Learn  Better Practices For Agricultural Production

PALLISA, July 1, 2025 –– At least 800 smallholder farmers from the eastern Ugandan districts of Tororo, Pallisa, Budaka, Bugiri and Butaleja have been equipped with knowledge and agronomic practices to enhance agricultural production.

The training was recently conducted by the National Agricultural Research Organisation [NARO], in collaboration with the Community Farmers Integrated Agriculture [COFIA] Demonstration and Training Centre in Pallisa Town. The initiative aimed to build farmers’ capacity in transformative agricultural practices and strengthen their resilience to extreme climatic changes.

This effort followed up on the third annual grassroots agricultural exposition held last year at Peta Pakai in Tororo, at COFIA’s offices, where participants had called for continued engagement.

Held under the theme “Building the Next Generation of Smallholder Farmers with Innovative Technologies and Practices”, the event focused on equipping local farmers with modern techniques to increase productivity, profitability and sustainability, while also preparing them to withstand the effects of climate change.

Farmers received hands-on training across various agricultural sectors, including root crops such as cassava and potatoes, cereals like maize and rice, as well as livestock, aquaculture, groundnuts, horticulture, soybeans, and citrus fruits.

Agricultural experts from NARO led practical sessions demonstrating climate-smart farming methods, high-yield crop varieties, and sustainable agronomic practices.

Dr Olum Nasser of NARO stressed the importance of partnerships in agricultural transformation.

“Events like this bridge the gap between research, stakeholders, and farmers. By involving farmers in practical agri-innovations, we can combat food insecurity and promote climate-resilient farming,” he said.

Godwin Othieno, Co-founder of COFIA, praised the farmers’ commitment, describing the event as a major step towards addressing food insecurity and malnutrition. “This event is making a big difference, giving farmers the knowledge and tools they need to improve their lives. It’s about going beyond having enough to eat and turning farming into real businesses,” he noted.

The initiative created a vital platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and inspiration, enabling smallholder farmers to adopt innovative technologies and transform their farms into profitable enterprises.

Farmers who spoke to this reporter expressed appreciation for the training, noting its potential to improve their livelihoods through increased crop yields. “With what we’ve learned, especially in rice farming, we can now aim to grow more and earn more. This knowledge is going to change our homes,” said Sarah Namukose, a farmer from Butaleja.

https://thecooperator.news/naro-partners-with-koica-to-boost-fruit-and-vegetable-production/

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