Corporate reports
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://104.225.218.216/handle/123456789/10
These are documents produced by NARO detailing her operations, financial performance, sustainability practices, and overall impact in agricultural research.
Browse
Recent Submissions
Item National Agricultural Research Organization: Annual Report 2023-2024.(National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), 2025-04-11) National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO)Message from the Chairman, NARO Governing Council On behalf of the Governing Council of the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), it is my distinct honor to share my reflections on the achievements and progress made during fy 2023/2024 documented in this report. This year, NARO has once again demonstrated its pivotal role in advancing agricultural research and development, contributing significantly to the sustainable growth of our agricultural sector. Dr. William Olaho Mukani Chairman NARO Governing CouncilItem THE 3RD NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH ORGANISATION AND MAKERERE UNIVERSITY (NARO-MAK) JOINT SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE(National Agricultural Research Organisation, 2024-02-03) National Agricultural Research OrganisationTHEME INNOVATION FOR ENHANCING PRODUCTIVITY AND AGRO-INDUSTRIALIZATION FOREWORD Researchers across the globe are focusing on science, technology and innovation (STI), as a key driver for national and regional economic growth. It is widely acknowledged that STI plays a vital role in achievement of sustainable development goals, as they among others, can enhance productivity and induce transformation of the economy. This cuts across all sectors including agriculture, the backbone of most countries especially in Africa. It is critical that scientific findings, knowledge, and discoveries should be communicated to a range of stakeholders in order to facilitate uptake and application for impact. Information and knowledge dissemination, however, has largely been a weak link in the agricultural research and development chain. Against this background, the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) and Makerere University (Mak) initiated biennial scientific conferences, dubbed the “NARO-MAK Joint Scientific Conference”, to facilitate scientific knowledge dissemination to wider audiences nationally and globally. It is also worthy to note that the Biennial NARO-MAK Joint Scientific Conferences conducted since 2016 have contributed to encouraging young scientists conduct impactful research, and strengthening their capacity to share the research results with targeted beneficiaries along the agriculture value chain, for transformation of the agricultural sector. Products of these conferences include recommendations that point out technical and policy interventions needed for enhancing socio-economic transformation and services to communities. This 3rd biennial conference held on 14 – 16 March 2023 at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala, focused on “Innovations for Enhancing Productivity and Agro-industrialization”. The conference report presents highlights of the three-days’ conference undertakings and outputs. The published report provides information useful to various stakeholders including scientific community, policy makers, commercial players such as farmers and industry. We envisage that when the relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) pick out recommendations relevant to their mandates and act upon them, agricultural productivity, agro-industrialisation, agricultural transformation and socio-economic growth will be enhanced in Uganda and beyond. We are grateful to the organising committee and the sponsors of the conference for their timely and valuable contribution. We thank the participants for the finances and time put into making the conference successful. The persons who compiled this report cannot be forgotten. Finally, we appreciate, in advance, those who are going to read and make use of the report content. Dr. Ambrose Agona Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe Director General, National Agricultural Research Organisation Vice Chancellor, Makerere UniversityItem First Biennial NARO-MAK Joint Scientific Conference(National Agricultural Research Organisation, 2017-02-03) National Agricultural Research OrganisationTHEME Agricultural Research and Innovations for Socio–Economic Transformation in Uganda FOREWORD The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) and Makerere University, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (MAK-CAES), organised the first joint biennial scientific agricultural dissemination conference. The conference was held at the Speke Resort Munyonyo Hotel in Kampala, from 21 to 24 November 2016. The theme of the conference was “Agricultural Research and innovations for Social-Economic Transformation”. The aim was to provide a platform to stakeholders in the agricultural sector to share novel agricultural research findings and promote modern technologies and innovations targeting socio-economic transformation of Uganda and beyond. A total of 350 papers was presented in oral or poster formats. In addition, six keynote papers from experts and success stories from practicing farmers were given. The conference attracted 17 exhibitors from the agricultural sector and associated areas such as ICT. The exhibitors show-cased a wide range of products, practices and services along the agricultural value chain. From the synergy generated by the joint dissemination efforts between NARO and Makerere University, the conference comprehensively delivered technology outputs and innovations on various components of the agricultural value chain. These included agricultural commodities, biotechnology and enterprises such as agricultural engineering, plantation and agro-forestry, soil fertility, plant breeding, pests and diseases, fisheries and aquaculture, livestock, feed production and animal nutrition. The closing of the conference was galvanized by a communiqué comprising of mainly policy issues that require action by government and relevant development agencies. We highly appreciate the financial support from the World Bank through the Agricultural Technology, Advisory and Agribusiness Services (ATAAS) and USAID. We acknowledge the efforts of the organising committee that resulted in the realisation of the conference. Dr Imelda N. Kashaija Prof. Bernard Bashaasha DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL, NARO PRINCIPAL, CAES, MAKERERE UNIVERSITYItem NARO Annual Report 2015 - 2016(National Agricultural Research Organisation, 2017-08-05) National Agricultural Research OrganisationWord from Chairman, NARO Governing Council NARO’s mandate is generation and promotion of technologies, Innovations and Management practices (tIMpS) in crops, livestock, forestry and fisheries sub-sectors. Furthermore, agricultural research integrates indigenous knowledge (IK) with modern scientific methods in addressing the challenges of biodiversity conservation, characterization and bio-prospecting. The Governing Council has approved a number of policies and strategies that have provided direction to agricultural research. NARO’s collaboration and partnership with development partners, NGO’s, Government Agencies, farmers and farmer groups continued over the past year and will do so for the foreseeable future. We gratefully appreciate the support and participation of the district local governments where NARO’s institutes are located. The districts are our key partners and provide favourable environments for uptake of agricultural technologies and innovations. I thank the Government of Uganda and Development Partners for supporting agricultural research in this country. The support has enabled National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) to contribute meaningfully to sustainable agricultural productivity, economic growth, food and nutrition security as well as poverty eradication in the country. Lastly, I thank the scientists, technicians and support staff for a job well done in the last reporting year. We did not experience any challenges that curtailed the activities. We look forward to another successful year in 2016/17. Prof. Joseph Obua Chairman, NARO Governing CouncilItem NARO Annual Report 2016 - 2017(National Agricultural Research Organisation, 2017-09-13) National Agricultural Research OrganisationWord from the Chairman, NARO governing Council The overarching agricultural challenge in Uganda today is low productivity across all the farming systems. Growth in agricultural Total Factor Productivity (TFP) - a broad index that compares the total output of crops and livestock commodities to the total inputs of agricultural land, labour, capital and material resources, has been estimated at about 2% per year for developing countries as a whole, twice the rate of agricultural TFP growth in sub-Saharan Africa (Fuglie and Rada, 2013). This underscores the need for new and innovative approaches to accelerate agricultural productivity growth not limited to food security alone but also in- come security. Transforming agriculture from livelihood activity into a pro table business provides the fastest options for feeding, em- ploying and lifting millions of people out of poverty. Addressing poverty and the risk of food insecurity is an unavoidable moral and development imperative that requires a concerted effort of all sectors of society. Therefore, NARO innovates for agricultural transformation through technology research to ensure food security, wealth creation, employment and job creation among others. Such research initiatives are guided by various policy frame- works and the NARO Governing Council in FY 2016/17 approved the following Policies and Frameworks: • Communication and Knowledge Management Strategy, 2016-2021; • Levy policy for off-budget research projects; • Criteria for staff promotion; • Internal Audit Manual; • Internal Audit Charter; • Audit Committee Charter; • Performance management policy and appraisal guidelines; • ZARDI Research and Development Pro- grammes. Prof. Joseph Obua, Chairman, NARO governing CouncilItem NARO Annual Report 2017 - 2018(National Agricultural Research Organisation, 2019-09-04) National Agricultural Research OrganisationMessage from the Chairperson NARO Governing Council The Financial year 2017/2018 was remarkable for NARO with development of cutting-edge scientific innovations for socio-economic transformation. These achievements were guided by the NARO Strategic Plan 2007/8 - 2017/18 which was ratified by the NARO Governing Council as a framework in coordinating our research thrusts. NARO prides in these milestones and pledges continued commitment in future for the development of this nation through public-private partnerships whose role cannot be underscored. I, therefore, call for more investment and partnerships in the agricultural sector and research in particular to enhance our potential towards Vision 2040. On behalf of the NARO Governing Council, I would like to recognize the support from the government of Uganda, development partners and staff, and thank them for significant contributions to our efforts. Prof. Joseph Obua Chairperson, NARO Governing CouncilItem NARO Annual Report 2018 - 2019(National Agricultural Research Organisation, 2020-10-02) National Agricultural Research OrganisationMessage from Chairman, NARO Governing Council NARO is a Centre of Excellence for agricultural research in East Africa and globally. As such, it achieved a great deal in FY 2018/2019. One of the remarkable achievements was the development of the NARO Strategic Plan 2018/19 – 2027/28 which provides a new direction for investments in agricultural research in the next ten years. The Strategic Plan responds to the development aspirations of Uganda as outlined in Vision 2040 to transform agriculture into a pro table, competitive and sustainable sector of the economy. In an era where knowledge-based economies are driven by science, technology and innovation, the role of agricultural research in this transformation process is paramount. The aforementioned achievements provide the impetus for NARO to innovate further and significantly contribute to the growth of the agriculture sector and the national economy for the bene t of our citizens. Together we can do and achieve more in the future. To all our staff and supporters, I would like to say “the sky is the limit” as we trudge on to the next financial year and achieve our targets. Lastly, I would like to thank the government of Uganda, the development partners and stakeholders for their support which ensured that we delivered on what we promised. I thank the members of the NARO Governing Council for guidance during the development of this Plan and approving it. In the same vein, I would like to thank NARO top management and the entire staff for their efforts and support in developing the Plan. This report presents a number of breakthroughs made including the release of improved crop varieties that are high yielding, drought tolerant and early maturing. Other breakthroughs include the development of three specific anti-tick vaccines, agro-machinery prototypes and other equipment and machinery for value addition. Prof. Joseph Obua Chairman, NARO Governing CouncilItem NARO Annual Report 2022 - 2023(National Agricultural Research Organisation, 2024-11-20) National Agricultural Research OrganisationMessage from Chairman NARO Governing Council "I welcome you all to NARO’s annual report for FY 2022/23. This was a year of transition at various levels especially the top leadership. The year ushered in the 5th NARO Governing Council that I chair and a new Director General, Dr. Yona Baguma. It is important to note that ‘’A leader’s job is not to do the work for others, it’s to help others figure out how to do it themselves, to get things done, and to succeed beyond what they thought possible,” – Simon Sinex. In light of this, the new leadership continued to create an enabling environment to foster the much-needed growth. In particular Council passed a number of policies and provided guidance to enable staff effectively contribute to achieving NARO’s overall goal. I therefore thank NARO top management and the entire staff for their efforts to support the process. This report highlights a number of breakthroughs achieved including infrastructure for agriculture research (laboratories, offices, technology demonstration and training centers), capacity built, innovations commercialized, demand driven technologies developed, and partnerships established. It further presents technology demonstration and multiplication centers established, scientific publications, to mention but a few. These achievements provide the momentum for NARO to innovate further and contribute to the promising future of agricultural research. Finally, I thank the government of Uganda, development partners and our stakeholders for their unwavering support which enabled us to make these achievements. Dr. William Olaho Mukani Chairman NARO Governing CouncilItem NARO Annual Report 2019 - 2020(National Agricultural Research Organisation, 2021-10-05) National Agricultural Research OrganisationA WORD FROM THE CHAIRMAN, NARO GOVERNING COUNCIL “I welcome you to the FY annual report of 2019/2020. This has been a year of great milestones and achievements. NARO’s annual budget for FY 2019/20 was UGX 79.661 billion from the Government of Uganda. The annual budget release was UGX 57.102 billion with 100 percent funds absorption. During FY 2019/20, NARO implemented a total of 116 off-budget projects supported by development partners to a tune of UGX 41.173 billion. During the period, the NARO Governing Council approved five policies and strategies. Besides, the structure of the organisation was expanded to create the Directorate of Internal Audit and Grants Office. The internal Audit conducted 4 audits during the period namely the core research audit, financial and management audits, governance audits, and reviewed (12) audits to ensure that the payroll was free of ghost workers and that PAYE and NSSF computations were accurately remitted. I would like to appreciate the continued commitment and guidance from all council members towards ensuring the smooth operations of NARO, NARO top management as well as the staff for work rendered in the financial year ending 2019/2020. Lastly, I would like to thank the government of Uganda, donors, partners, and stakeholders for walking this year with us to ensure that NARO delivered as planned." Prof Joseph Obua Chairperson, NARO Governing Council.