NACRRI champions climate resilient agriculture through regional project

KAMPALA, July 10, 2025 –– The National Crop Resources Research Institute [ NaCRRI ] recently hosted a two-day inception meeting to officially launch the Building Equitable Climate-Resilient African Bean and Insect Sectors [BRAINS] project. The initiative aims to advance sustainable bean and insect farming as a pathway to enhanced food security and economic development in Uganda.

The BRAINS initiative aims to advance sustainable bean and insect farming as a pathway to enhanced food security and economic development in Uganda.

The project brings together a diverse network of stakeholders, including the National Agricultural Research Organisation [NARO]–NaCRRI, the Alliance of Bioversity International and International Center for Tropical Agriculture [CIAT], Kyambogo University, local government representatives, private sector partners, and farmers from four key districts of Soroti, Kaberamaido, Isingiro, and Mayuge.

Dr. Gabriel Ddamulira, who represented the Director of Research at NaCRRI, at the recent meeting underscored the importance of climate-smart agricultural innovations in improving food security and nutrition.

“At NARO, our mission is to boost productivity while addressing the growing challenges of climate change. We must explore market opportunities and value addition to ensure both economic growth and food security,” he emphasised.

The Principal Investigator for BRAIN project Dr. Pamela Paparu highlighted the regional scope of the initiative, noting that its implementation across 15 Sub-Saharan African countries will create a significant impact.

“The BRAINS project will empower farmers, particularly youth and women—with the knowledge and skills needed to build sustainable, climate-resilient livelihoods,” she said.

The training featured several interactive focus group discussions and expert presentations as well as practical strategies to improve resilience among smallholder farmers.

Use of climate information in agricultural planning, agricultural insurance, access to quality agro-inputs, and innovative solutions such as using black soldier flies to produce organic fertiliser and other agronomic practices were discussed.

A farmer representative from Soroti voiced optimism about the project’s potential impact: “Beans are a staple in our community. With NARO’s support in providing weather guidance and certified seeds, we believe we can increase our yields and sustain our production.”

Stakeholders agreed to concretise the project including ongoing farmer trainings, creating market linkages, and strengthened partnerships to ensure long-term project sustainability in Uganda.

With the support of the Government of Canada, the BRAINS initiative is being implemented across 15 sub-Saharan African countries, directly benefitting 5 million smallholder farmers, 2.5 million consumers and school-age children, and a range of value chain actors. Indirectly, BRAINS will profit 50 million consumers, businesses and households.

It is expected the BRAINS partnership will co-develop demand-led, climate-adapted bean varieties and fruit trees, primarily mango and avocado, supported by environmentally friendly pest and disease management options; organic soil fertility enhancement, through insect-based frass biofertilisers; and enhanced pollination services by the bees. Moreover, beans enhance nitrogen fixation and soil enrichment; fruit trees and beekeeping-friendly trees are perennial and drought-tolerant, thus helping to protect landscapes, restore soil function and fertility, and helping in carbon sequestration

https://thecooperator.news/stakeholders-engage-to-spur-rice-production-in-uganda/

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