Report Highlights Low Adoption of Agricultural Technologies
A new report has revealed that despite advancements in agricultural technologies, Ugandan farmers are not adopting these innovations at an optimal rate.
The Standing Panel on Impact Assessment (SPIA) Uganda Report, launched recently, examines key staple crops like bananas, cassava, maize, and beans, highlighting the challenges in technology adoption and the gaps in delivery systems.
According to the findings, the Ministry of Agriculture, led by Commissioner Stephen Byantwale Tibeijuka, has noted a critical gap between the availability of modern farming technologies and their reach to farmers.
"This study is crucial in assessing whether these technologies are actually reaching the farmers," said Byantwale.
"If they are not, we face a very serious gap in agricultural productivity."
The report indicates that although modern technologies are in place, inefficiencies in the delivery systems hinder farmers from accessing them effectively.
Byantwale stressed that closing this gap could significantly increase agricultural output in the country.
The study also emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts between key institutions like Uganda Bureau of Standards, the National Agrocultural Research Organisation (NARO), the Ministry of Agriculture, and the World Bank in improving agricultural data collection, which is vital for better technology dissemination.
Godfrey Asea of NARO pointed out that strengthening agricultural value chains is essential to ensure efficiency and sustainability in the sector.
He noted that addressing challenges within the value chain is crucial for refining policies aimed at improving agricultural productivity.
Additionally, the report raises concerns about the role of the private sector in agricultural transformation, with Dr John Ilukor from the World Bank questioning whether farmers are using government resources effectively through initiatives like the Parish Development Model (PDM), which provides direct funds to farmers for input purchases.
A severe shortage of agricultural extension workers is another key issue identified in the report. With many veterinary and agricultural officer posts vacant, farmers have inconsistent access to information on improved crop varieties, which limits their ability to maximize productivity.
Experts agree that increased investment in extension services is necessary to bridge the gap between research, policy, and implementation, ensuring that farmers can benefit from innovations that could transform the agricultural sector.
This report calls for urgent action to overcome these barriers, advocating for a comprehensive reevaluation of technology dissemination, value chains, and private sector involvement in Uganda’s agricultural development.
