The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, in partnership with the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), has launched a new programme designed to help farmers manage the effects of prolonged drought and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
The initiative, known as the Uganda Climate Smart Agriculture Transformation Project, was unveiled by Minister of State for Agriculture Fred Bwino Kyakulaga at the NARO headquarters in Namulonge.
According to the Ministry, the project is part of government’s broader effort to support farmers and livestock keepers to boost their incomes while protecting them from the impacts of climate change.
The programme aims to strengthen the capacity of farmers to withstand harsh weather conditions and to sustain agricultural production despite recurring drought.
To drive the initiative, government has appointed a team of specialists to conduct research into the key challenges affecting farming communities across the country.
Kyakulaga said 24 professors have already been deployed to lead the work, each receiving over Shs 2 million to support their activities.
He added that government is also sponsoring several individuals undertaking studies in agriculture and climate-related fields, with the goal of building a strong pipeline of experts who can support farmers in the years ahead.
“We are doing all this to ensure that citizens are better equipped to respond to drought whenever it strikes,” Kyakulaga said.
Dr Damalie Akwango Aliau, NARO’s head of research, said the selection of specialists was based on the need to strengthen the country’s technical expertise.
She noted that Uganda still requires many more professionals in climate-smart agriculture to address persistent challenges faced by farmers.
The five-year project, supported by the World Bank and valued at USD 60 million, is expected to play a central role in enhancing Uganda’s resilience to climate change and advancing sustainable agricultural productivity.
