National Agricultural Research Organisation, MeFarms unite to transform goat farming in Uganda

UGANDA – The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) has forged a strategic partnership with Menigte Farms (MeFarms) Limited, aiming to revolutionize the goat farming sector in Uganda.

This collaboration, formalized in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at NARO’s headquarters in Entebbe, focuses on advancing research, breeding, management, and commercialization of goats to ensure a consistent and sustainable supply of quality goat products for both domestic and international markets.

The MoU was signed by NARO Director General Dr. Yona Baguma and MeFarms Managing Director Mr. Kule Brian.

By combining NARO’s robust research capabilities with MeFarms’ practical farming expertise, this partnership aspires to significantly enhance the efficiency, profitability, and sustainability of goat farming across the country.

Dr. Yona Baguma highlighted the partnership’s primary objectives: boosting productivity, improving household incomes, especially for smallholder farmers, and fostering economic growth at the national level.

The partnership establishes a framework for knowledge exchange between NARO and MeFarms. MeFarms’ staff will gain practical experience through field attachments, participating in NARO’s research projects.

Collaborative research efforts will aim to improve goat breeds, management practices, and feed development, resulting in data-driven solutions tailored to the needs of the goat farming community.

MeFarms will play a crucial role in mobilizing goat farmers within the project’s focus areas, coordinating activities, and establishing digital farm records and performance evaluation systems.

This data will be integrated into the National Food and Agricultural Statistics System (NFASS) to inform national decision-making processes.

A recent study in the Teso subregion documented the socio-economic aspects of goat production, involving 114 selected goat owners across five districts.

Findings revealed that most household heads were male (87%), with 41.2% of farmers aged 51 and above.

The average household owned about 9.2 goats.

While indigenous goats were primarily bought (85%), exotic breeds and their crosses were often acquired through government programs (34%).

Goats serve various roles, predominantly providing regular cash income (98.2%) and holding socio-cultural significance (69.3%).

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