ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL SAFEGUARDS POLICY (2025)

Abstract

PREFACE The National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), as the lead agency for agricultural research in Uganda, recognizes the critical importance of integrating environmental and social safeguards into her research development and innovation processes. Uganda’s agricultural sector is heavily dependent on environment and natural resources (ENRs) such as land, water, climate, biodiversity, among others. These resources are increasingly under pressure from human activity, climate change, and socio-economic pressures. As such, ensuring their sustainable use is fundamental to the country’s food-security, environmental sustainability and inclusive development. In response to these emerging challenges, NARO has developed an Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) Policy to provide a structured and proactive approach for promoting responsible and sustainable agricultural research. The Policy outlines procedures for identifying, assessing, managing and monitoring environmental and social risks associated with NARO’s research programs, projects and activities. It is designed to integrate safeguards and best practices at every stage of the research and development cycles ensuring that innovations are not only scientifically sound but also social inclusive, responsible and sustainable. It further offers guidance for anticipating and mitigating potential environmental and social risks while fostering practices that contribute positively to community wellbeing and healthy ecosystems.