“A farmer responsive research system that generates and disseminates problem-solving, profitable and environmentally sound technologies, knowledge and information on a sustainable basis”.
Mission
“The generation, adoption and dissemination of appropriate and demand-driven technologies, knowledge and information through an effective, efficient, sustainable, decentralised and well co-ordinated agricultural research system”.
Goal
“To enhance the contribution of agricultural research to sustainable agricultural productivity, economic growth, food security and poverty eradication through generation and dissemination of appropriate technologies, knowledge and information”.
Objective
NARO is the principal institution for the coordination and oversight of all aspects of agricultural research in Uganda.
Functions of the Organisation
(1) The functions of the NARO are to—
(a) provide strategic direction for publicly funded agricultural research in Uganda and act as a forum for agricultural researchers in Uganda;
(b) coordinate and oversee, in collaboration with the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology and other lead agencies, the development, consolidation and implementation of agricultural research policy and national research strategies, plans and budgets relating to publicly funded agricultural research;
(c) set national priorities and harmonise agricultural research activities of the national agricultural research system, constituent institutions and public agricultural research institutes, civil society organisation, private sectors and farmer organisations and promote delivery of quality and efficient agricultural research services;
(d) advise and coordinate formulation of policy and legislative proposals, research standards, codes of ethics, conduct and practice; and guidelines for delivery of agricultural research services;
(e) provide guidelines, guidance and ensure delivery of quality agricultural research by agricultural research service providers;
(f) in collaboration with other relevant agencies, provide policy guidance to local governments on matters relating to agricultural research;
(g) carry out monitoring and evaluation of national agricultural research programmes, projects and activities to ensure adherence to the set work plans, standards and regulations;
(h) mobilise funds for agricultural research and manage the agricultural research trust fund including raising funds for research of national strategic interest;
(i) coordinate and promote cooperation and collaboration between Uganda and other countries, institutions, scientific or professional societies and other agricultural research service providers, with regard to agricultural research, development and technology transfer in the agricultural sector so as to optimally utilise agricultural resources and improve production capacity of such resources;
(j) provide leadership and advocacy for the promotion, protection and development of agricultural research in Uganda;
(k) make grants or provide funds to any institution or person for the advancement of agricultural research and development on both competitive and non-competitive basis; and
(l) perform such other functions as are conferred on the organisation by this Act or any other law for the purpose of promoting agricultural research and development.
(2) In carrying out its functions as a forum for agricultural researchers in Uganda, NARO is mandated to convene a meeting at least once a year of representatives of agricultural research service providers, farmers, private sector and civil society and other stakeholders for the purpose of discussing issues relevant to agricultural research and setting agricultural research priorities.
Other functions of NARO, in addition to the above functions, and subject to its objects are to —
(a) advise the Minister on research, development and technology transfer in the field of agriculture;
(b) co-ordinate, collect, collate and analyse data and information on agricultural research and ensure their publication and dissemination, and take inventory of all agricultural research in Uganda;
(c) inspect facilities and any area where agricultural research is being carried out or intended to be carried out;
(d) register potential agricultural research service providers in the public and private sectors; and
(e) maintain a central register of agricultural research and development.
ABOUT NARO