agriculture 12 October 2026 Nile Post
Government Urges Scientists to Partner with Farmers on Agricultural Innovation
Uganda's Ministry of Agriculture is advocating for farmers to be recognized as central to agricultural innovation, emphasizing the integration of their practical knowledge with scientific research to create effective solutions. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/377812/govt-urges-scientists-to-work-closely-with-farmers-on-agricultural-solutions
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) is calling for a paradigm shift in how agricultural development is approached, urging that farmers be seen not just as recipients of technology but as key innovators. Angela Nanyenya, a principal officer at MAAIF, stressed that farmer knowledge is crucial and should be combined with scientific expertise from the “first mile” of innovation.
Speaking at the Enabling Rural Innovation (ERI) Programme symposium, Nanyenya highlighted that farmers are already developing solutions across the entire agricultural value chain, from production to marketing. Integrating their insights with formal research can lead to innovations that boost productivity, improve yields, enhance product value, and open access to better markets, ultimately contributing to food security and increased household incomes.
This call coincides with the upcoming rollout of a new Shs4.8 billion (€1.2 million) program by development organization Horizont3000. Funded by the Australian Development Agency, the four-year initiative (2027-2030) will support farmer-led innovations and aim to improve agricultural incomes for approximately 5,940 farmers.
The ERI approach empowers farmers to identify challenges and co-create practical solutions in areas like post-harvest handling, pest management, and market access. Digital technology is also being leveraged to bridge communication gaps between farmers, researchers, and policymakers, allowing farmers to share real-time field issues via platforms like WhatsApp.
The new program will also focus on women’s economic empowerment in agriculture, addressing disparities in control over farm income. Additionally, it will foster greater farmer independence in market research and buyer engagement, helping them meet quality standards for wider market access. Policy dialogues involving farmers, input dealers, and policymakers are also being facilitated to address challenges related to agricultural inputs, such as counterfeit products.