The project dubbed Policy Action for Sustainable
Intensification of Ugandan Cropping Systems will be hosted by the International
Institute for Tropical Agriculture in Uganda, together with the Ministry of
Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Economic Policy Research Centre and
the International Food Policy Research Institute.
The research will be carried out in south western highlands
for Irish potatoes and Lake Kioga plains of eastern Uganda for rice. The two
zones are characterised by high population pressure, small farm sizes of less
than two hectares with no option for expansion, making traditional farming
unsustainable.
IITA’s country repressive Piet Van Asten said the research
aims to ensure that the evidence on constraints and opportunities for intensification
of two cropping systems are gathered and communicated, zonal investment plans are
prepared and owned by key stakeholders as well as actions are initiated for the
removal of bottlenecks in national polices relevant to agricultural
intensification.
“We believe that PASIC will generate vital knowledge and
evidence for decision makers to plan public investments and attract responsible
private entities,” Mr. Piet said.
Mr. Piet said PASIC will focus on major constraints hampering
effective agriculture policy actions including fragmentation of the roles and
mandates in the agriculture sector, largely due to establishment of several
autonomous agencies in the agriculture ministry, insufficient funding, inadequate
human resources, lengthy policy formulation and implementation as well as
duplication of programmes.
The project will mainly target small holder farmers who have
the capacity to intensify production through improved agronomic practices, market-oriented
production or increased use of inputs.
Dutch Ambassador to Uganda Alphons Hennekens said the country’s
improved agriculture productivity lies in the intensification of cropping systems
by using fertilisers, improved seeds, good agronomic practices and attracting
investors for buying farmers produce.
Uganda’s rice production currently stands at 250 metric tonnes
per year despite of the high demand for the crop that has nearly doubled, said
Agriculture Minister Tress Bucyanayandi, adding that Irish potato production has
also remained low.
IITA is
a Nigerian based non-profit agriculture organisation started in 1967, working with other partners to enhance crop
quality and productivity, reduce producer and consumer risks, and generate
wealth from agriculture, with the ultimate goals of reducing hunger,
malnutrition and poverty.
IITA's research-for-development focuses
on addressing the development needs of tropical countries across Africa.
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