Farmers in Northern Uganda have been urged to adopt research-driven technologies to boost productivity and improve livelihoods during the ongoing Northern Uganda Agricultural Show, which began on March 26 and will run until March 30, 2026.
The event has brought together farmers, researchers, agribusiness players, and development partners, all working towards advancing agricultural transformation in the region.
A key participant at the exhibition is the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), alongside its institutes such as the National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI) and the National Coffee Resources Research Institute (NaCORI). Also participating are the Ngetta and Abi Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institutes, all showcasing innovations tailored to Northern Uganda’s farming systems.
At the NARO exhibition booth, visitors are interacting with a wide range of technologies, including bee products, improved pasture systems, resilient seed varieties, shea nut value addition, agro-processing, and coffee production suited to the region.
Beyond the displays, NARO scientists are conducting hands-on training sessions aimed at equipping farmers and agripreneurs with practical skills. These sessions are designed to ensure that research outputs are not only understood but also applied effectively at the farm level.
Shea nut value addition has emerged as one of the key highlights of the show, reflecting its economic importance in Northern Uganda where the tree is widely available. Researchers are demonstrating improved processing techniques to enhance product quality and market value, creating new income opportunities, particularly for women and youth.
Coffee is also gaining prominence, marking its expansion beyond traditional growing areas in Central and Western Uganda. Through NaCORI, improved coffee varieties and climate-appropriate farming practices are being promoted, alongside training on crop establishment, pest and disease management, and post-harvest handling.
Speaking at the event, Mugabi called on farmers to actively engage with nearby research institutions and take advantage of such platforms to learn and adopt proven innovations.
He emphasized that research plays a critical role in agricultural transformation, but its success depends on farmers applying these technologies to create productive and sustainable enterprises.
Mugabi also highlighted the importance of value addition in increasing incomes and reducing post-harvest losses. He noted that NARO has developed various prototype products from agricultural commodities that farmers can replicate.
Using shea nuts as an example, he pointed to their strong global demand, especially in the cosmetics industry, while warning against the growing threat of indiscriminate tree cutting.
“Every time you cut down a shea nut tree, you cut down potential income,” he said, adding that ongoing research at Ngetta ZARDI in Lira City aims to shorten the maturity period of shea trees to boost production.
He described the shea tree as a valuable resource that must be protected and encouraged farmers to seek more information at NARO exhibition stalls.
Mugabi further commended the organisers of the agricultural show for promoting research, innovation, and farmer engagement as key pillars for enhancing food security, strengthening climate resilience, and supporting sustainable agricultural development in Northern Uganda.
