Uganda turns to grant model to modernize crop breeding

UGANDA – Uganda is using a grant-based model to strengthen crop breeding as the country faces growing pressure to meet rising food demand and expand exports.

The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) has been running national breeding programs with limited resources, but recent funding partnerships have allowed the agency to act quickly and align its work with market and environmental needs.

Since 2019, NARO has worked with CGIAR to modernize breeding for maize, beans, cassava, banana, and sweet potato. These crops are considered vital for both food security and agro-industrial growth.

Infrastructure support has included irrigation, mechanization, and seed handling systems funded through Germany’s GIZ as part of the Crops to End Hunger initiative.

The most recent grant from CGIAR Breeding for Tomorrow allowed researchers to fast-track improvements. “With the grant in our hands, we could act fast, align with our national priorities, and deliver measurable results within just six months,” said Dr. Benard Yada, Sweet Potato Breeder and Program Leader, Root Crops, NaCRRI.

Within this short time, NARO and its partners defined and genotyped founder lines for maize, created hybrids with CIMMYT, and screened for maize lethal necrosis.

Banana programs advanced with diversity analysis and an impact assessment of matooke hybrids, while cassava breeding integrated resistance to key diseases. Beans and sweet potato programs also introduced molecular tools to increase genetic gains and improve purity of planting material.

Cross-cutting results included optimizing breeding schemes, expanding nationwide on-farm trials, developing breeding manuals, and training researchers.

The model is now viewed as proof that directly funding national programs can help deliver varieties that meet local priorities faster.

Rising pest threats

At the same time, researchers warn that Uganda faces major risks from invasive pests. A recent study led by CABI identified 9,071 pest species not previously reported in the country. Of these, 1,517 underwent rapid risk assessment, and 360 were classified as invasive.

High-risk pests include the tomato leafminer, papaya mealybug, fall armyworm, and Fusarium Tropical Race 4 on bananas.

Dr. Joseph Mulema, lead author and Senior Scientist at CABI, said, “The horizon scanning study has identified high-risk invasive pests that could threaten Uganda’s agriculture, biodiversity, forestry, and livelihoods. This information is vital for risk monitoring and management and can be utilised by countries in the East African Region.”

Agriculture makes up about 24 percent of Uganda’s GDP, 35 percent of export earnings, and employs 68 percent of the labor force. Officials warn that pests, combined with climate change, could affect both staple crops and cash crops.

Dr. Paul Mwambu, Commissioner of the Department of Crop Inspection and Certification, noted that the government is now better placed to act.

“Having now gained a comprehensive understanding of the potential impact that pest species may have on Uganda’s agricultural industry and environment, we are positioned to significantly enhance our capacity to manage these pests sustainably across the entire food value chain, and promote safe trade,” he said.

Researchers recommend stronger early detection and rapid response systems, as well as a national pest risk register to track threats. “Uganda can only achieve this by putting in place a robust risk monitoring, early detection, and rapid response system,” said Dr. Idd Ramathani of NARO.

The combined developments in crop breeding and pest surveillance show that Uganda is investing in long-term resilience for its farmers, food systems, and export industries.

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