Increasing Wheat Production and Productivity through Science-Based Knowledge and Innovations for a Competitive Wheat Manufacturing Value Chain in Uganda

Abstract

Uganda currently imports over 90% of its consumed wheat. This dependency stems from domestic farming being restricted to land-scarce, high-altitude alpine regions. To strengthen national food security against global supply disruptions, a project introduced two high-yielding, rust-resistant wheat varieties adapted to mid and low-altitude zones. Multilocation testing across six agro-ecological sites confirmed these varieties yield over 5 t/ha in mid/high altitudes and over 1.5 t/ha in low altitudes. The project bulked 1.5 tons of elite foundation seed to scale up domestic cultivation. Broad adoption will diversify smallholder incomes, support National Development Plan III (NDP III) agro-industrialization goals, and reduce import reliance.