Co-hosting trainings on crop management, soil health, pest control, and harvesting--bringing science-based knowledge to the grassroots.
Conducting on-farm trials to test and validate NARO-developed crop varieties under real farmer conditions before scaling adoption.
Delivering climate-resilient and high-yielding varieties directly to rural farmers through NARO’s research backed breeding programs.
Establishing demonstration plots as open learning sites where smallholder farmers can observe, practice, and adopt new farming practices guided by NARO experts.
Promoting improved land preparation, fertilizer use, and organic amendments based on guidance from NARO soil scientists and agronomists
Exploring sustainable innovations like aquaponics, livestock feed development, and agroforestry to increase income diversity and farm resilience.
National Crops Resources Research Institute
COFIA Collaboration Focus:
National Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute
COFIA Collaboration Focus:
Buginzyanya Zonal Agricultural Research & Development Institute
COFIA Collaboration Focus:
Director of Research
Plant Breeder & Geneticist, Rice
Program Leader Cereals
NaCRRI
Plant Breeder & Geneticist, Sweet Potatoes
Program Leader Root Crops
NaCRRI
Plant Breeder & Geneticist, Maize
Program Leader, Cereals
(Former Director of Research)
NaCRRI
Senior Research Officer, Sweet Potatoes
NaCRRI
NaCRRI
NaCRRI
NaCRRI
NaCRRI
NaCRRI
Plant Breeder & Geneticist, Millet
Program Leader, Dryland Cereals
NaCRRI
Director of Research
BugiZARDI
Breeder & Geneticist, Livestock
Program Leader, Animal Resources
BugiZARDI
Plant Breeder & Geneticist, Legumes/Wheat
Program Leader Technology Promotion
BugiZARDI
BugiZARDI
Senior Research Officer Horticulture
NaCCRI Retired
In this short video, Ms. Agnes Alajo—Senior Research Officer for Sweet Potatoes at NaCRRI—works alongside COFIA’s farm team at the Demonstration Farm to establish a training plot. Together, they form the raised mounds used for sweet potato planting and sow two new varieties developed by NARO.
This is one of the ways NARO and COFIA bring expert agronomy to life—ensuring that the Demonstration Farm remains a dynamic, living classroom for future farmer trainings.
The COFIA–NARO partnership continues to evolve—driven by a shared commitment to transform agriculture for smallholder farmers. Looking ahead, our collaboration will expand to include more on-farm trials, deeper training experiences, and the introduction of new, high-performing seed varieties. We are also expanding our reach—bringing knowledge and innovation to even more communities across Tororo District.
Together, we are building a future where research doesn’t stay in the lab—it reaches the last mile, reshaping livelihoods field by field.
From resilient crops to diversified farming systems, every season opens to new opportunities to deepen impact and grow knowledge—rooted in science and guided by community.
This partnership is just the beginning. Whether you’re a farmer, researcher, partner organization, or supporter—there’s a place for you in this movement.
“Fuel the mission to turn research into resilience—for every farmer, in every rural community”
