The 3rd Annual Grassroots Agricultural Exposition, held from July 3rd to 5th, 2024, at the COFIA Demonstration and Training Centre in Peta Pakai, Tororo District, empowered over 800 farmers with transformative agricultural knowledge and practices. Organized by the Community Farmers Integrated Agriculture (COFIA) in partnership with the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), the event focused on equipping local farmers with innovative techniques to boost productivity, profitability, and sustainability in farming.
The NARO- COFIA Uganda collaboration is a platform for innovation and growth. Under the theme;
Building the Next Generation of Smallholder Farmers with Innovative Technologies and Practices,
the exposition offered practical training in diverse agricultural sectors, including root crops like cassava and potatoes, cereals such as maize and rice, horticulture, livestock, fish farming, soybeans, and groundnuts. Farmers participated in hands-on workshops and demonstrations led by NARO experts, focusing on climate-smart practices, high-yielding crop varieties, and sustainable farming techniques.
Dr. Nasser from NARO emphasized the critical role of partnerships in agricultural development.
“Events like this bridge the gap between research, stakeholders, and farmers. By involving farmers in practical agri-innovation, we can combat food insecurity and promote climate-resilient farming,” he said.
COFIA co-founder Mr. Godwin Othieno celebrated the event’s success in empowering farmers to transition from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture.
“This event is making a big difference, giving farmers the knowledge and tools they need to improve their lives. It’s about going beyond having enough to eat and turning farming into real businesses,” Othieno said. The exposition proved to be a vital platform for knowledge sharing, fostering collaboration, and inspiring smallholder farmers to embrace innovative farming practices that transform agriculture into a sustainable and profitable enterprise.