By Jumah Kakomo
The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) has expressed concern over the growing population, which it says is hindering agricultural expansion and threatening food security across Uganda.
Speaking during the closure of the 13th African Potato Association Conference held in Kampala, Dr. Sadik Kassim, Deputy Director General for Agricultural Technology Promotion at NARO, highlighted the strain that rapid population growth is placing on land and farming systems.
“The increasing population is putting immense pressure on land, resulting in smaller landholdings and limiting the adoption of modern farming techniques,” Dr. Kassim said. “At the same time, demand for food is rising, but agricultural production is not keeping pace. This mismatch could lead to food insecurity, lower crop yields, and reduced farmer livelihoods.”
He emphasized the need for innovative solutions and sustainable farming methods, encouraging farmers to adopt regenerative agriculture to restore soil health, enhance biodiversity, and increase productivity. “Regenerative agriculture promotes environmental sustainability, ensures food security, and builds a more resilient agricultural sector,” Kassim added.
The conference, themed “Fostering Climate-Smart Cropping Systems for Sustainable Potato and Sweet Potato Value Chains,” attracted delegates from across Africa and showcased the continent’s potential in potato production and trade. The event emphasized the crop’s role in achieving food security, poverty reduction, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Fredrick Grant, Country Manager for the International Potato Centre, urged African governments to increase investment in agricultural research and innovation. “Investing in research and technology is vital to develop value-added products, improve crop productivity, and boost disease resistance,” he said. “This will help African countries compete in both local and global markets.”
Dickson Baguma, Executive Director of the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASAREC), underscored the importance of both Irish and sweet potatoes in Uganda’s agriculture sector. He noted their role in food security, income generation, and climate resilience.
Baguma called for increased investment in key areas to drive agricultural transformation and economic growth, including:
Agricultural Research Institutions: Boosting funding to organizations like NARO to support farmer-focused innovations.
Technology Adoption: Promoting the use of modern farming tools and practices.
Value Chain Development: Enhancing systems from production to marketing to deliver high-quality, market-ready products.
The conference concluded with a renewed call for collaboration among governments, researchers, and farmers to build a more sustainable and productive agricultural future for Africa.
