Agricultural experts are pushing for major changes to Uganda's broken extension system. A coalition meeting in Kampala highlighted critical issues like poor coordination between groups, a severe shortage of field agents, and ineffective programs that fail to change farm practices. Participants from government, donor groups, and the private sector agreed that current fragmented efforts are hurting farmer incomes and productivity.
Speakers pointed out a key problem: too many organizations work in the same areas with the same messages without any unified plan. A government representative admitted policies are strong, but implementation is weak, with officers spending most of their time in offices instead of the field. The dialogue concluded with a consensus to overhaul the national extension policy, improve coordination, and fund practical, market-linked training that actually reaches farmers.
Speakers pointed out a key problem: too many organizations work in the same areas with the same messages without any unified plan. A government representative admitted policies are strong, but implementation is weak, with officers spending most of their time in offices instead of the field. The dialogue concluded with a consensus to overhaul the national extension policy, improve coordination, and fund practical, market-linked training that actually reaches farmers.
