Posted on November, 20, 2024 at 10:37 am
The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) has partnered with the Rural Initiatives for Poverty Alleviation (RIPA) to transform agriculture for smallholder farmers in Rubirizi District.
The collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on November 19, seeks to address poverty and improve farming practices in one of Uganda’s most resource-constrained areas.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held at NARO headquarters in Entebbe, NARO Director General Dr Yona Baguma emphasized the need for tailored agricultural solutions to meet the unique challenges of Rubirizi’s farmers.
“The average landholding in Rubirizi is just 0.8 acres,” he said.
“NARO will provide cutting-edge technologies, including proven crop varieties, improved livestock breeding techniques, customized training, digital farmer tools, and agro-engineering solutions, to bolster RIPA’s ongoing projects.”
RIPA, a Rubirizi-based social enterprise, has been at the forefront of efforts to empower smallholder farmers through sustainable and economically viable practices.
Its flagship Animal Bank Programme has already boosted livelihoods by distributing in-calf heifers and goats to local farmers.
Commending the program, Dr Baguma noted that the partnership reflects NARO’s commitment to delivering research outputs that directly benefit farmers.
The collaboration will leverage NARO’s research expertise, particularly from the National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI). These innovations will be channeled through RIPA’s grassroots networks to ensure farmers in Rubirizi gain access to the latest technological advancements.
RIPA’s Executive Vice Chairman, Mr Tumusiime Vincent Bamugaya, expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to create sustainable livelihoods.
He emphasized that RIPA’s programs align with Uganda’s National Development Plan (NDPIII) and Vision 2040, which prioritize industrialization and economic transformation.
In Rubirizi, RIPA operates a 12-acre model farm where farmers receive hands-on training in smart agriculture, value addition, and business development.
The organization plans to diversify agricultural ventures in the district by expanding into poultry farming, aquaculture, maize, beans, vegetables, bananas, coffee, Hass avocado, apiary, and bamboo cultivation.
Additionally, RIPA envisions establishing a research and education center dedicated to modern agribusiness.
Rubirizi’s 36 crater lakes offer further opportunities for fisheries and aquaculture projects, which RIPA plans to explore as part of its expansion strategy.
By combining NARO’s advanced research with RIPA’s community-based approach, the initiative aims to become a national model for rural agricultural development.
This partnership is expected to not only uplift Rubirizi’s smallholder farmers but also contribute to broader efforts to achieve Uganda’s agricultural and economic goals.
Source: Nile Post