Eastern, northern Uganda farmers seek govt intervention in indigenous seeds revival
Some farmers accuse the Government of not doing enough to encourage the growth of these seeds in their communities, focusing instead on improved food varieties.
An elderly farmer in Serere district carrying a basket full of local food during the caravan in Serere on Wednesday. (Photos by Delux Emmy Alomu)
By Deluxe Emmy Alomu
Journalists @New Vision
________________
Farmers from Eastern and Northern Uganda have expressed their challenges and are seeking government support as they strive to revive the cultivation of indigenous seeds.
Many of these farmers are grappling with unpredictable rainfall, limited markets for indigenous food, poor transportation infrastructure for getting their produce to market, and a scarcity of indigenous seeds, among others.
Some farmers accuse the Government of not doing enough to encourage the growth of these seeds in their communities, focusing instead on improved food varieties.
Indigenous seeds are locally adapted, resilient genetic resources crucial for biodiversity and long-term food security, while improved seeds are commercially developed for specific traits like high yield and rapid growth but require costly inputs and offer short-term economic gains, posing risks of increased farmer debt, environmental vulnerability, and cultural erosion.
The main difference lies in their origin and purpose: indigenous seeds are a heritage of resilience and sustainability, whereas improved seeds are a product of modern agriculture focused on commercial viability.
Florence Kijange, a farmer from Amuru district, noted that young people show little interest in consuming indigenous foods.
Similarly, Moses Okello from Apac district highlighted the impact of erratic rainfall on indigenous seed production.
He urged the Government to assist by providing affordable irrigation systems, as the current options offered through government programmes often require farmers to co-fund 20% of the costs—an expense many small-scale farmers cannot bear.
Moses Omate from Amuria district suggested that the Government collaborates with NGOs to facilitate the distribution of indigenous seeds and ensure that extension workers provide farmers with valuable advice.
Richard Okweny, affiliated with the Okwakol Farmer Field School in Kyere sub-county, called for government intervention to help manage pests that threaten local seeds.
Additionally, David Ongodia from Serere emphasised the need for improved road conditions to facilitate market access for their produce.
Farmers showcasing local seeds and foods in Serere on Wednesday. 
Jesca Aluro, a farmer in Bugondo sub-county, pointed out the growing scarcity of indigenous seeds.
Collectively, these farmers are requesting government action and organisational support for affordable irrigation, the provision of indigenous seeds, and enhanced market access along with advisory services.
These issues were highlighted during the second farmer-managed seed system caravan held in Apuuton Village, Kamod parish, Bugondo sub-county, Serere District.
The event, themed "Rooted in diversity: securing our seeds, food and future," was organised by the Eastern and Southern Africa Small Scale Farmers’ Forum (ESAFF) Uganda and other partners.
The caravan began in Iganga district on Monday, moved to Serere district on Wednesday, and concluded in Soroti on Thursday, August 21, 2025.
Silver Ongodia, the LC-2 Chairperson of Kamod parish, has urged development partners to continue their efforts in recovering indigenous seeds for the benefit of local communities.
Emmanuel Abal, the spokesperson for Bugondo Sub-County, encouraged farmers to embrace indigenous seeds.
He urged partners to assist farmers in employing alternative methods like organic fertilisers and pesticides to manage pests, rather than resorting to chemical sprays that pose risks to human health.
John Esadu, the LC-3 Chairperson for Kyere Sub-County, noted that many foods consumed by the public have contributed to various health issues, primarily because most crops are treated with chemicals.
Dr Robert Acidri, the project manager for the Rooted in Diversity initiative at PELUM Uganda, explained that this project was established in response to the alarming loss of indigenous seeds—known for their resilience against drought, diseases, and pests—due to the influx of improved varieties, climate change, and unhelpful government policies.
Spanning five years and set to conclude in 2028, the project will touch upon 55 districts across Uganda.
Its focus is on promoting the diversity of indigenous seeds, establishing local value chains and markets, connecting farmers with research organisations, and fostering a favourable policy environment where farmers can reap the benefits of their efforts.
Dr. Acidri mentioned that the initiative aims to support 10,000 smallholder farmers in Uganda, enhancing their livelihoods through the sale of local seeds while also creating a supportive policy framework that allows them to register and profit from the seeds they cultivate.
The project utilises a farmer field school approach, setting up demonstration gardens where participants can learn and subsequently apply those techniques in their own gardens.
To facilitate access to indigenous seeds, Dr. Acidri indicated that farmers would be connected with various communities and research organisations that can provide the seeds.
Christine Okot, a board member of ESAFF Uganda, shared that their organisation has equipped farmers with knowledge on community-managed seed security and land rights, among other topics.
She remarked that older generations who consumed indigenous foods have maintained their strength and health, advocating for farmers to encourage their children to embrace these nutritious options as indigenous seed cultivation expands.
“If you walk through the streets of Soroti City, most children are requesting rice, matooke, and sweet potatoes instead of bread or cassava mixed with sorghum,” she observed.
Okot referenced a man recovering from prostate cancer who credits his recovery to eating only millet porridge without sugar, accompanied by greens.
Aloysius Musana, the Agriculture Officer for Kyere Sub-County, who stood in for the District Agricultural Officer from Serere, announced that the newly established seed bank in his area will empower local farmers to rejuvenate indigenous seed varieties.
Musana urged farmers to form groups to promote these indigenous seeds, which will enable them to access various government and development partnership initiatives, including micro-scale irrigation and climate-smart agricultural practices.
These efforts aim to enhance their agricultural productivity.
He also highlighted the advantages of bulk selling for farmers, as it provides them with better market opportunities for their indigenous seeds.
In addition, it was emphasised that cultivating indigenous seeds for personal consumption is beneficial due to their medicinal properties, helping farmers combat diseases more effectively than improved seed varieties.
Moreover, indigenous crops boast higher nutrient content and can be grown year after year, unlike improved varieties that may require more resources.
Support for this initiative comes from various development partners, including PELUM-Uganda, Oxfam, ESAFF Uganda, CIDI, LEMU, NARO, and CoU-TEDDO, with funding from Norway. Similar projects are also being implemented in countries like Malawi and Niger.