Dissemination of agricultural technologies: A new approach for Uganda
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Date
2012
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
RUFORUM
Abstract
Uganda with an estimated current population of 34 million has
had many approaches to agricultural extension service delivery
but has not realised its potential level of production and
productivity in agriculture. One key gap in agricultural
transformation has been the weak linkage between farmers,
extension workers and research for effective technology
transfer. The Government of Uganda in the National
Development plan 2011/2015 identified this gap and a five year
project, the Agricultural Technology and Agri-business Advisory
Services (ATAAS) was formulated. The ATAAS project with
five (5) components is being implemented by the National
Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) and National
Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) which are agencies
of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries
(MAAIF). Within the first year of implementation of ATAAS,
stakeholders priorities were generated, a number of adaptive
research trials set in response to stakeholders needs,
multiplication of planting materials undertaken and appropriate
Multi-stakeholders Innovations Platforms (MSIPs) established.
With support from all stakeholders and effective monitoring
and evaluation conducted, ATAAS is expected to transform
the agricultural sector of Uganda. However, there is need to
have stronger farmer, extension and research linkages for
effective technology dissemination. Responsive adaptive
research trials should be established with farmers actively
participating and extension workers fully guided for better
results. The establishment of functional Multistakeholders
Innovations Platforms forms an effective tool in the value chain
development of commodities and hence must be stressed. This
will need to be underpinned by a strong human capital base to
drive the process.
Description
Keywords
NAADS, Research linkage, Technology transfer, Uganda
Citation
Ogwal, K., Okello, J., Wakulira, M., Kiyini, R., Mwebaze, M., & Yiga, D. (2012). Dissemination of agricultural technologies: A new approach for Uganda. In RUFORUM Third Biennial Conference, Entebbe, Uganda, 24-28 September 2012. RUFORUM.