NARO turns to cassava for food security in drought-prone Karamoja

What the report says

The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) is promoting drought-tolerant cassava in Karamoja as part of efforts to improve food security in one of Uganda’s driest and most climate-vulnerable regions, according to The Independent Uganda. The report says the work is taking place in Moroto at Nabuin Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute, where NARO has set up a 200-acre cassava multiplication and demonstration site under the Uganda Climate-Smart Agricultural Transformation Project.

The project is meant to expand access to quality planting materials and show farmers improved production methods. Researchers quoted by the publisher said cassava is being positioned as a practical reserve crop because it can survive dry conditions and remain in the ground until households need it. NARO is promoting varieties including NASE 14, NASE 19 and NAROCAS 1, which officials say were selected for traits such as yield and adaptability. The institute says the site could supply planting material to about 6,000 farmers and is already working with around 200 farmer groups.

The article also describes the facility as a training and learning centre. It is being used to teach farmers and students, while creating temporary work for local residents, including youth and women. A host farmer quoted in the story said the crop is already gaining acceptance and could help households reduce hunger and earn income.

More broadly, the initiative reflects a wider push in climate-smart agriculture to diversify staple crops in areas facing repeated dry spells. The report suggests NARO hopes to shift cassava’s image in Karamoja from a wild crop to a deliberately managed food and income source.