By Violet Nabataza
The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), and selected National Agricultural Research Systems are to establish a livestock research hub in Africa.
Speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NARO and ILRI, Dr. Yona Baguma, the Director General of NARO, emphasized that this initiative is a game-changing hub that will provide solutions for the continent.
The livestock sector in Uganda is vital to the country’s economy, food security, and rural livelihoods, contributing approximately 7.5% to Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product. Over 70% of households are engaged in livestock farming, making it a crucial component of agricultural production.
Baguma also mentioned that NARO and ILRI will work together to develop vaccines that will provide sustainable solutions to the many challenging diseases in the livestock sector, particularly those affecting cattle, goats, and sheep among others.
For the past 12 years, ILRI has worked with partners in Uganda to reduce poverty through research for efficient, safe, and sustainable use of livestock.
Dr Appolinaire Djikeng, the Director General of ILRI, highlighted that the collaboration with NARO will drive innovation to address issues related to climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Djikeng praised the Ugandan government’s investment in building a vaccine production facility, saying, “This is unique in Africa and sets an example for other countries to follow, ensuring we maximize the potential of the livestock sector.”
The two institutions will also collaborate on research in several other areas, including animal nutrition, and animal and human health with a focus on One Health research, antimicrobial resistance, vaccines and immunisations, disease diagnostic tools, food safety, and zoonotic diseases.
Additionally, their research will cover animal genetics and breeding technologies, as well as sustainable livestock systems, focusing on technologies and approaches to optimize the economic, social, and environmental roles of livestock.
LEAD PHOTO CAPTION: Yona Baguma (right), the Director General of National Agricultural Research Organisation with Appolinaire Djikeng, the Director General of International Livestock Research Institute during a visit to NARO. Photo by Nicholas Oneal
