The National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) has initiated a nationwide training program to strengthen journalists’ capacity in reporting agricultural research.
The program seeks to equip journalists with accurate, up-to-date information on agricultural research to enhance reporting quality in the sector.
“Research has been the bedrock of agriculture in Uganda and across the region. Many of our locally developed crop varieties have been widely adopted by neighboring countries,” Frank Mugabi, Head of Communications at NARO said
Mugabi stressed the need for precise dissemination of research findings, emphasizing that journalists require reliable data and context for effective reporting.
“Journalists, like any professionals, need facts and figures to ensure accuracy. As an agricultural research body, we prioritize precision because our technologies serve a sector that employs the majority of Ugandans,” he added.
Mugabi explained that by linking journalists with scientists and field research, NARO aims to promote evidence-based reporting that informs policy, drives farmer adoption of innovations, and fosters behavioral change.
“We want science to move beyond labs and reports into actionable knowledge through storytelling. Journalists are key allies in transforming agriculture through informed communication,” Mugabi said.
Mugabi emphasized that the initiative aligns with Uganda’s Parish Development Model (PDM) and Agro-Industrialisation Strategy, as well as global commitments like the AU’s Agenda 2063 and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on food security, climate action, and innovation.
About Naro
The National Agricultural Research Organization is Uganda’s apex body for guiding and coordinating agricultural research. Established by an act of Parliament in 2005, NARO operates under the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF). It is a public institution with a mandate to undertake research in all aspects of agriculture, including crops, livestock, fisheries, forestry, ago-machinery, natural resources, and socio-economics