A delegation from the Gabonese Army, recently in Uganda for a four-month training course in Jinja, visited the National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI) to explore how agricultural research can contribute to national food security efforts in Gabon. The visit was in line with a directive from the President of Uganda, encouraging the trainees to draw insights from Uganda’s leading agricultural institutions to inform the development of similar initiatives back home.
The delegation was welcomed by Dr. Benard Yada, representing the Director of NaCRRI. Dr. Yada provided an overview of the institute’s key research areas, with emphasis on seed systems and value addition. Discussions centered around possible areas of collaboration, particularly the potential role of the military in supporting agricultural development projects aimed at boosting food production and security through structured oversight.
During the engagement, one officer posed a thoughtful question: “How do these innovations reach farmers?” highlighting the crucial role of knowledge transfer beyond research institutions.
In response, Dr. Yada shared that over 80% of Uganda’s smallholder farmers have improved their productivity by adopting enhanced crop varieties developed through collaborative research efforts.
“In Uganda, research is fundamental to farmers’ success. A significant share of their productivity is tied to the use of high-quality seeds. We are more than willing to share our experiences, particularly in seed systems and value addition, to support Gabon’s agricultural goals,” he said.
The visitors also toured a mini-exhibition showcasing disease-resistant crops, improved seed varieties, and value-added agricultural products. Their visit included guided tours of NaCRRI’s tissue culture and transformation laboratories, where cutting-edge genetic improvements in staple crops are underway.
The visit concluded with field trials of sweet potatoes and cassava, offering the delegation firsthand exposure to climate-smart farming practices and practical innovations for sustainable agriculture.