On February 12, 2025, the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in collaboration with the National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI), convened the first-ever Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) meeting for the Promotion of Sustainable Rice Farming Development Project (Eco-PRiDe) at Hotel Africana in Kampala. The meeting marked a significant milestone in efforts to enhance sustainable rice farming, boost national self-sufficiency, and strengthen Uganda’s rice value chain.
The Eco-PRiDe project aims to train 20,000 smallholder farmers in climate-smart and sustainable rice cultivation while improving access to high-quality seeds and strengthening the seed value chain. By addressing key bottlenecks in rice production, the project seeks to increase yields, reduce reliance on imports, and enhance food security.
The meeting, chaired by Dr. Kassim Ssadik on behalf of the Director General of the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), provided a platform for policymakers, researchers, development partners, and the private sector to assess progress and align strategies for scaling up sustainable rice farming. Representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industries and Fisheries (MAAIF), NARO, academia, district governments, farmer groups, and development partners were in attendance.
According to Dr. Kassim, the project plays a pivotal role in achieving self-sufficiency in rice production while driving economic resilience.
It is time to close the 30% gap in rice imports and work towards a future where Uganda becomes an exporter of high-quality rice to neighboring countries,
Dr. Kassim Ssadik
Dr. Titus Alicai, Director of Research at NaCRRI and Project Manager for Eco-PRiDe, emphasized the importance of leveraging previous successes to further improve Uganda’s rice sector.
We have made significant progress as a country, reaching 70% self-sufficiency in rice production and consumption. This project will further reduce our dependence on imports and position Uganda as a key player in the regional rice market,.
Dr. Titus Alicai
Proven Success and Future Prospects
Dr. Kisho Miyamoto, Eco-PRiDe Project Advisor, reassured stakeholders of JICA’s long-standing commitment to Uganda’s agricultural development. He highlighted JICA’s 20-year track record of success in rice production and its role in advancing modern farming techniques.
According to the official project report, Uganda’s annual rice production has surpassed 300,000 metric tons, with farmers adopting improved rice varieties experiencing yield increases from 4.9 to 6.5 tons per hectare. These figures underscore the potential for even greater productivity through enhanced seed systems, climate-resilient farming, and strengthened farmer capacity.
Strategic Policy Discussions and Next Steps
The meeting concluded with key discussions on policy recommendations to ensure the long-term sustainability of Uganda’s rice sector. Key focus areas included:
- Enhancing the sustainability of rice production through climate-smart agricultural practices.
- Establishing viable seed systems to improve access to high-quality seeds for farmers.
- Strengthening research collaboration between local and international institutions.
- Building capacity along the rice value chain, from production to marketing and distribution.
The Eco-PRiDe project represents a transformational shift in Uganda’s rice industry, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, productivity, and economic resilience. As Uganda works towards achieving 100% self-sufficiency in rice production, this project will play a crucial role in empowering farmers, enhancing research-driven solutions, and positioning Uganda as a key player in regional rice trade.