Delivering on the promise: Impact of NARO and its technologies on agriculture in Uganda

Abstract

NARO was established in 1992 to undertake and promote research in all aspects of crops, fisheries, forestry and livestock, and to ensure the dissemination and application of research results. The total investment into the organization by the end of FY 2000/01 amounted to Uganda Sh. 78.51 billion. The returns to this investment, in this short period of time, are striking. NARO has produced several new high yielding varieties of crops being grown on 10-50% of the area under crop. The adoption of new varieties has meant increased production ensuring steadier food supplies, prevention of starvation and malnutrition, and for many producers a surplus for market. In addition to new varieties, new and improved farming techniques, pest and disease management practices, and other aspects of agricultural technology have had clear positive impact. Notable techniques include nontraditional ways of growing crops, biological control of the noxious water hyacinth, containment of the cassava mosaic pandemic and advances made on control of the coffee wilt disease. In the area of improving the efficiency of agricultural research, the organization has trained staff to have the highest concentration of the most highly qualified professional agriculturalists and also appropriately deployed available resources to have the highest per capita investment per scientist in Uganda.