The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) and Rural Initiatives for Poverty Alleviation (RIPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen agricultural transformation efforts targeting smallholder farmers in Rubirizi District.
The agreement, signed at NARO’s headquarters in Entebbe by NARO Director General Dr. Yona Baguma and RIPA Executive Vice Chairman Tumusiime Vincent Bamugaya, focuses on combining NARO’s research expertise with RIPA’s grassroots initiatives to address rural poverty.
Dr. Baguma highlighted NARO’s commitment to supporting smallholder farmers with tailored solutions. “We will provide cutting-edge technologies, including proven crop varieties, improved livestock breeding techniques, tailored training programs, digital farmer tools, and agro-engineering solutions to support RIPA’s ongoing projects,” he said.
He praised RIPA’s Animal Bank Program, which has introduced zero-grazing dairy cattle and goat-rearing schemes to boost rural livelihoods. He added that NARO’s innovations, particularly from the National Livestock Resources Research Institute, would be transferred to farmers through RIPA’s structures.
“This collaboration is important because it takes us to our bosses, the farmers,” Dr. Baguma noted, emphasizing NARO’s dedication to empowering smallholder farmers by working with diverse stakeholders.
Bamugaya outlined RIPA’s initiatives, including a 12-acre model farm in Rubirizi that provides hands-on training in smart agriculture, value addition, and business skills. He revealed plans to diversify into poultry farming, aquaculture, coffee, Hass avocado, and bamboo cultivation while leveraging the district’s crater lakes for fisheries and aquaculture development.
“This partnership strengthens our efforts to create sustainable livelihoods for smallholder farmers,” Bamugaya said. He noted that RIPA’s programs align with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan III, which prioritize industrialization and economic transformation.
NARO operates 16 agricultural research institutes across Uganda, driving sustainable agricultural innovations. Bamugaya said the partnership underscores NARO’s mission to deliver impactful solutions to rural communities and advance Uganda’s agricultural sector.