UBIC Organizes Regional Fora on Modern Agro-Biotech Research in Uganda

The Uganda Biosciences Information Center (UBIC) in partnership with Science Foundation for Livelihoods Development (SCIFODE) conducted a series of workshops in Central and Western Uganda, on the use and application of modern agro-biotechnology for agricultural development. The workshops were held from November 28 to December 5, 2014 in four different farming systems, to sensitize farmers, farmers' associates, religious leaders, and political leaders, on the importance of biotechnology in addressing both environmental and agricultural challenges. The workshops also sought to discuss the concerns associated with application and regulation of biotechnology. Uganda is currently debating passing the biotechnology and biosafety law, which is awaiting second tabling in Parliament.

Participants were introduced to the on-going research in relevant agricultural commodities at the National Agricultural Research institutes. They got insights on the various crop improvement methods such as hybrid technology, tissue culture, and why genetic modification (GM) technology is used to address specific crop pests and diseases challenges. Participants appreciated the enlightenment they received on biotechnology, and requested for more public sensitization. Mrs. Nabatanzi Zainah, a farmer from Central Uganda was grateful that the meeting indicated that there was still hope to address the major challenges they (the farmers) are facing.

The workshops were concluded with radio talk shows in each of the regions, where a farmer representative would share the proceedings. In all the workshops, farmers appreciated that different biotechnology tools are being tested to address some of the agricultural challenges, and requested that the law should come out soon, to enable them try out the biotech crops on their farms.

For more information on UBIC's activities, please contact Anita Tibasaaga on ubic.nacrri@gmail.com