IMPACT HIGHLIGHTS
IITA delivers measurable impact in Uganda through crop improvement, climate-smart agriculture, seed systems, and youth-focused innovations. Working with national and regional partners, our research translates into improved varieties, scalable technologies, and increased resilience and incomes for farmers and value-chain actors.
Priority Programs
improved NARITA matooke hybrids released
Jointly developed with NARO and released after rigorous testing, these hybrids offer higher productivity, improved fruit quality, and greater resilience for banana farmers.
years of national breeding excellence supported
IITA supported the establishment of NARO’s banana breeding program, now marking 30 years of sustained investment in national and regional research capacity.
coordinating six countries in a regional breeding network
Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, DRC, and Burundi collaborating on banana improvement.
Key traits unlocked through genomics
QTL and KASP SNP markers identified for fruit quality, yield, and resistance to major pests and diseases.
Multiple molecular markers developed
QA/QC tools for parentage testing, hybrid identity, and seed purity assurance.
Faster breeding through digital innovation
Genomic prediction, high-throughput in-vitro phenotyping, and image-based weevil screening deployed.
plantlets rapid-propagation capacity
A cost-effective stem production platform established using the Kitovu Janni technique.
cassava varieties released regionally
Elite IITA germplasm enabled 2 new releases with NARO, 10+ earlier releases, and new varieties across Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, and Burundi.
molecular markers validated
32 fingerprinting markers and 4 trait-specific markers support marker-assisted breeding for resilience, quality, and nutrition.
regional partners reached
Elite cassava germplasm shared across East and Central Africa to accelerate national breeding programs.
Dual disease-resistant germplasm developed
Germplasm combining resistance to CBSD and CMD strengthens resilience in cassava breeding.
smallholder households reached
Farmers across 23 districts supported in coffee, maize, vanilla, and bean systems.
improved coffee seedlings distributed
KR1–KR10 planting materials delivered through private-sector partnerships.
biodiversity hotspots restored
Ecosystems rehabilitated in refugee settlements, benefiting refugees and host communities.
extension officers retooled
Public and private officers trained to deliver climate-smart advisory services.
digital decision-support tools deployed
Tools supporting farmers with data-driven climate-smart recommendations.
producer organizations strengthened
Capacity built in business management, value addition, CSA practices, and market linkages.
increase in CSA adoption
Improved practices drove a 75% increase in household income.
local bean seed enterprises supported
Quality Declared Seed systems strengthened, engaging 200 women and youth farmers.
of households report better livelihoods
Families experienced improved wellbeing, health, and household resilience.
biocontrol product developed and registered
Aflasafe UG01 validated for aflatoxin control in maize, sorghum, and groundnut.
stakeholders trained
Scientists, farmers, and value chain actors trained on Aflasafe use and aflatoxin mitigation protocols.
awareness workshops delivered
Over 2,000 flyers distributed and a short video produced to promote aflatoxin awareness across value chains.
private-sector partners engaged
NARO Holdings Ltd and Shamba Bora Ltd selected to manufacture, distribute, and scale Aflasafe.
NARS staff trained
Capacity built in BBTV identification, detection, and disease management.
value chain actors reached
Awareness raised through radio, TV, print materials, jingles, and field visibility tools.
stakeholders engaged in peer learning
Farmers and partners participated in a 2-day farmer-to-farmer learning event on BBTV management.
priority regions empowered
Targeted training delivered in West Nile and Kasese, strengthening collaboration to curb disease spread.
private seed actors engaged
Technical and marketing support provided to strengthen efficient and sustainable banana seed systems.
Improved seed quality and productivity
Protocols optimized and capacities built in bacterial indexing and micropropagation for higher profitability.
New banana varieties promoted
Value proposition trials, demonstrations, and marketing campaigns raised awareness of improved seed formats.
Integrated seed regulation enabled
A coordinated regulatory system for vegetatively propagated crops established with MAAIF and NARO, led by IITA.
youth trained since 2015
Young people equipped with agribusiness and entrepreneurship skills.
youth accessed formal finance
Loans secured from Equity, Centenary, and Opportunity Banks.
youth-led enterprises created
Businesses generated 1,367 jobs and benefits for local communities.
youth-led platforms established
43 cooperatives, 23 associations, and 62 innovation platforms formed.
business plans funded
Government loans and grants secured from 600 developed plans.