Ngetta Launched Local Seed Business project to support farmers in Lango, Acholi

By Our Reporter

The Ngetta Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (ZARDI) in Lira City has launched a project aimed at supporting farmers, cooperatives, and small agribusiness enterprises to boost productivity, competitiveness, and resilience against climate change challenges.

According to Dr. Alfred Kumakech, the Director of Research at Ngetta ZARDI, the project, valued at sh71m, focuses on improving access to quality seeds and enhancing the resilience of smallholder farmers in Northern Uganda.

The project will be implemented across six districts: Lira, Oyam, Kitgum, Pader, Agago, and Abim, reaching numerous farming communities throughout the region.

This initiative, which is supported by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and World Vision, with funding from the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), is being implemented by NARO through Ngetta ZARDI.

Kumakech said it comes at a critical time when farmers are increasingly grappling with challenges such as climate variability, limited access to quality inputs, and market uncertainties.

He noted that the project’s overall goal is to enhance seed access and build resilience among smallholder farmers in the region.

“Quality seed is the foundation of agricultural productivity and food security. By strengthening local seed systems, we empower farming communities to produce and sustain improved seed within their own localities,” Dr. Kumakech stated.

“By collaborating closely with farmer groups, local governments, and development partners, we believe this initiative will significantly contribute to improving seed quality, strengthening farmer livelihoods, and building more resilient agricultural systems,” added Dr. Kumakech.

A key component of the project is a gender-sensitive capacity-building trajectory, which aims to strengthen the capacity of five existing Local Seed Business (LSB) groups through targeted training and technical support in improved seed production techniques.

Additionally, the project will assist three new farmer groups in establishing and operating their own LSBs, providing them with technical guidance and start-up foundation seed. This will increase local seed availability and strengthen community-based seed enterprises.

Another significant aspect of the project is promoting the adoption of climate-resilient seedproduction practices. Through practical demonstration plots and tailored capacity-building sessions, farmers will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to adapt to shifting climatic conditions and sustain agricultural productivity.