UFAAS and NaSARRI Join Forces to Promote Agricultural Technologies
The collaboration aims to bridge the gap between agricultural research and practical application by farmers, a step expected to boost productivity, reduce losses, and improve access to markets for smallholder farmers
SERERE, May 11, 2025 – The Uganda Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services [ UFAAS ] has partnered with the National Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute [NaSARRI] to promote modern agricultural technologies, particularly in Uganda’s semi-arid regions.
The collaboration aims to bridge the gap between agricultural research and practical application by farmers, a step expected to boost productivity, reduce losses, and improve access to markets for smallholder farmers.
Dr Richard Miiro, Chairperson of the AFAAS described the partnership as a strategic opportunity to explore how innovative research can effectively reach farmers, especially in the Teso Sub-region.
“This partnership gives us a chance to understand the local dynamics, farmer needs, and potential interventions in Teso, Karamoja, and across the wider cattle corridor,” Dr Miiro said during a recent visit to NaSARRI in Serere District.
UFAAS is currently implementing the Global Programme for Small-scale Agroecology Producers and Sustainable Food Systems Transformation [GP-SAEP], working with more than 5,000 farmers, over 80 percent of whom are women and youth.
By tapping into NaSARRI’s extensive portfolio of agricultural technologies, UFAAS intends to promote practices that are not only productive, but also environmentally sustainable. The partnership will focus on advancing climate-smart innovations in regions most affected by extreme weather patterns.
Among the technologies under consideration for scale-up are: Black soldier fly-based poultry production; improved pasture systems for livestock during dry spells; and sustainable coffee and vegetable farming
Miiro also noted the importance of integrated systems, where farmers can combine forestry, livestock, and crop production. He encouraged the use of organic fertilisers such as poultry manure and livestock dung to improve soil fertility and enhance crop yields.
“These innovations are grounded in agroecological principles, which are key to fostering resilience in farming systems,” he said.
Brian Babigumira, a Research Scientist at NaSARRI, highlighted the importance of ongoing climate-smart agriculture projects, noting their commodity-specific focus as crucial to the partnership’s success.
Dr Hlami Ngwenya, GP-SAEP Project Coordinator at the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services [GFRAS], praised UFAAS for its strong network of trained extension workers and well-organised farmer groups.
“Leveraging UFAAS’s structures is essential for scaling out NaSARRI’s technologies. These innovations have the power to transform farmers’ lives in the region,” Dr Ngwenya stated.
The partnership will also benefit from the extensive reach of the National Agricultural Research Organisation [NARO], whose national presence can support wide-scale technology adoption.
A unified vision for agricultural transformation
Beatrice Luzobe, UFAAS Focal Person, described the partnership as a vital step in co-creating farmer-driven solutions with research institutions.
“This collaboration marks an important milestone in linking research directly with farmer needs,” she said.
Dr Rosemirta Birungi, AFAAS Africa Technical Lead on Agricultural Extension, echoed the need for stronger research-extension integration.
“If we are to witness genuine transformation in agriculture, we must ensure that research outputs are meaningfully connected to the realities on the ground,” she stressed.
The parties committed to working together under a shared global framework for agricultural transformation, one that strengthens resilience and drives sustainable food systems across Uganda’s farming communities.
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