KAMPALA – At the African Union’s Extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government, President Yoweri Museveni, at the Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort in Kampala, gave his keynote address on scientific research to bring change into agriculture. The summit brought together African leaders for the crafting of a new 10-year Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme, CAADP for 2026–2035, on boosting agricultural productivity while ensuring that agriculture across the continent becomes sustainable.

In essence, President Museveni attributed agricultural innovations to being the drivers in the movement towards modern, commercial farming in Uganda. “Through scientific research, we ensure good quality seeds.

For more than three decades, NARO of Uganda has been leading the wheel in agricultural transformation. It is through this organization that more than 1,000 new technologies and practices have been introduced that raise productivity and enhance resilience against climate change. Some of the achievements made by this organization include:

• Coffee: The release of 10 wilt-resistant varieties since 2007 reversed the decline in the coffee industry, raising annual production from 2 million bags in 2005/06 to 8 million bags by 2021. This propelled export earnings to a record $1.14 billion in 2023/24.
• Maize: More than 50 new maize varieties, including stress-tolerant hybrids, have been made available to farmers, enabling them to produce over 4 million metric tons annually.
• Cassava: The disease-resistant varieties have steadied the production of cassava, hence securing food for millions.
• Bananas: High-yielding, disease-resistant banana varieties, like the FHIA series, revolutionized farming for smallholders.
• Rice: The high-yielding variety, NARORICE, has almost doubled rice productivity, edging Uganda closer to self-sufficiency.

Besides this, NARO has released biofortified sweet potato varieties enriched in essential nutrients to tackle malnutrition in vulnerable communities.

Livestock Improvement

NARO has also done wonders in improving livestock farming through the development of better breeds of goats and cattle. Crossbreeds combining the hardiness of indigenous Ankole cattle with the productivity of Friesians are transforming dairy farming.

A revolutionary anti-tick vaccine, boasting a proven 93.2% efficacy rate, promises to protect livestock from devastating tick-borne diseases, further boosting the agricultural sector’s resilience.

These improvements were praised by President Museveni himself, who highlighted, “The adoption of these improved varieties is not only raising productivity but also placing the continent on a sure path to economic growth.”

A Call for Continental Collaboration

The African Union summit insisted on pan-African collaboration in agricultural research, improvement of seed systems, and the adoption of climate-smart farming practices. Leaders reiterated their commitment to using science, technology, and innovation to achieve food security and foster economic development.

President Museveni encouraged African countries to take up modern farming methods in a bid to counter climate change challenges that were affecting livelihoods and slowing down development in most parts of the continent.

A Vision to the Future

Ugandan agricultural scientists, led by NARO, are not only changing the face of farming in the country but also acting as an inspiration for the continent. Their innovations light the way to food security and economic independence for Africa.

As deliberations continue at the summit, leaders remain optimistic about the role of science in driving Africa’s agricultural transformation and unlocking its full potential.