NARO expands cassava production in Karamoja to combat drought

The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) is expanding cassava production in the drought-prone Karamoja region of Uganda to combat food insecurity caused by climate change. Through the Uganda Climate-Smart Agricultural Transformation Project (UCSATP), NARO has established a 200-acre cassava multiplication and demonstration facility at the Nabuin Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (ZARDI) in the Napak District.

The initiative aims to address two primary challenges: the limited availability of high-quality planting materials and a lack of knowledge regarding modern production technologies. Researchers have identified cassava as a vital tool against hunger due to its ability to withstand prolonged dry spells and remain in the ground for extended periods. Varieties such as NAROCAS 1 have shown strong adaptation to the region's harsh conditions.

The project is currently collaborating with approximately 200 farmer groups. The 200-acre multiplication block is expected to provide essential planting materials to roughly 6,000 farmers, helping to improve both food security and household incomes in the region.