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During the training, participants were introduced to NARO\u2019s governance structure, the network of research and development institutes, and their various programmatic areas. Highlights included recent groundbreaking research outputs such as the newly developed anti-tick vaccine, improved seed and crop varieties, and livestock breeds that address challenges such as climate change, pests, and disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The journalists also visited the Ngetta Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Ngetta ZARDI), one of NARO\u2019s nine ZARDIs, which specialize in adaptive research tailored to Uganda\u2019s nine agro-ecological zones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition, participants gained insights into the work of the seven National Agricultural Research Institutes (NARIs), which focus on nationally strategic research themes such as crops, livestock, fisheries and aquaculture, forestry, coffee and cocoa, semi-arid agriculture, and laboratory services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By connecting journalists with scientists and field-based research, the training aims to foster evidence-based reporting that informs public policy, influences behavior change among farmers, and increases uptake of research innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Agriculture remains the backbone of Uganda\u2019s economy, employing over 70% of the population and contributing significantly to GDP. Yet, the sector faces persistent challenges such as low productivity, climate shocks, and market inefficiencies. Research-driven solutions are critical to overcoming these hurdles, but only if they reach the people who need them most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to ensure that science does not stay on the shelves, in labs, or in reports. It must be brought to life through effective storytelling,\u201d Mugabi added. \u201cJournalists are key allies in transforming agriculture through informed communication.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The training also aligns with the government\u2019s commitment to agricultural transformation under programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Agro-Industrialisation Strategy. Furthermore, it supports Uganda\u2019s obligations to global development goals such as the African Union\u2019s Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to food security, climate action, and innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The journalists appreciated the new knowledge they had learnt about NARO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe training and field experience were educative. I learnt the importance of the NARO anti-tick vaccine. I will do my best to spread the knowledge to our audience.\u201d Auma Winnie, a reporter with Unity FM in Lira town, noted, adding: \u201cI truly appreciate NARO for the training and advise that more media engagements are done.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis session greatly enhanced my agri-journalism skills, deepening my understanding of agricultural research, especially the anti-tick vaccine\u2019s role in livestock health and farmer livelihoods. The firsthand exposure to NARO\u2019s innovations helped me grasp how science-driven solutions are developed and applied.\u201d Atim Nancy, a journalist with Q FM in Lira, said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She also noted that she gained insights into aligning media work with development goals, ensuring that reporting raises awareness of sustainable agricultural practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The chairperson Lango United Journalists Association, Patrick Okino, said: \u201cthe training organized by NARO is the first of its kind and the beginning of a long partnership between the media in Lango and the organization. This means NARO values and underscores vital roles played by the media in disseminating information on research, science, technology and innovation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Similar trainings will be rolled out in other regions, with the goal of building a network of agricultural media champ<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) has embarked on a nationwide training programme to enhance journalists\u2019 capacity in reporting agricultural research. The initiative kicked off on Wednesday at Gracious Palace Hotel in Lira City, bringing together journalists from the Lango sub-region. The training aims to equip media professionals with accurate and up-to-date information on agricultural […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8864,"featured_media":40285,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_paywall_metabox":[],"jnews_override_counter":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[432],"tags":[31,8687,119],"class_list":["post-40283","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-education","tag-featured","tag-naro","tag-uganda-news"],"yoast_head":"\n