The Uganda Climate Smart Agricultural Transformation Project (UCSATP) has awarded 24 competitive research grants to accelerate innovations that strengther climate resilience across crop, livestock beneficial insects and fisheries value chains.
These projects collectively advance Uganda’s transition toward climate- smart production systems, improve food and income security, and contribute to national development priorities under NDP IV and Vision 2040.
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The Minister of State for Agriculture Hon. Fred Bwino Kyakulaga says the
grants will support groundbreaking work in climate-resilient technologies.
These includ heat-and drought- tolerant crop varieties, next-generation livestock feed additives, renewable energy solutions, ar tificial intelligence applications, and enhanced use of beneficial organisms such as pollinators and natural enemies.
Fred Bwino Kyakulaga explains that the project has awarded a total of 23 PhDs and 40 Master of Science Scholarships in Climate Smart Agriculture research areas.
These include Animal genomics and breeding, Reproductive technologies and Feed resources formulation, Livestock waste management and Strengthening animal health diagnostics.
Fisheries research areas include; Selective breeding and brood stock management, Fish pathology and epidemiology skills, Early diagnosis, bio-security, and Sustainable aquaculture practices.
The Director General National Agricultural Research Organization Dr Yona Baguma says the awarded projects address critical vulnerabilities linked to heat stress, drought, pests. diseases, and declining soil fertility.
“Research on cashew, cassava, citrus, cocoa, coffee, maize, mango, and sorghum emphasizes integrated climate-smart practices that improve productivity while reducing risk Notably, several projects apply nature- based solutions involving beneficial insects-such as leveraging pollinators to enhance cocoa yields where natural midge populations have declined due to climate change, and strengthening integrated pest management systems that conserve predatory and parasitoid insects in citrus and mango production says Dr Yona Baguma”.
These measures complement technological approaches such as artificial pollination, solar-powered irrigation, Al-driven water management,and improved agronomic packages tailored to Uganda’s varied agro-ecological zones.
