APA 2025: Potato & Sweetpotato Research in Uganda | NARO
- The African Potato Association (APA) conference, held in Uganda, is focusing on the crucial role of potato and sweetpotato crops in bolstering nutrition and enhancing community livelihoods.
- The conference, which runs through friday at Speke Resort Munyonyo, has drawn over 300 participants from across Africa and beyond.
- Tumwebaze lauded the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) for its role in driving agricultural innovation.
Uganda takes center stage at the African Potato Association (APA) conference,spotlighting the vital roles of potato and sweetpotato crops in African nutrition and community livelihoods. Minister Tumwebaze highlights these crops as essential for climate resilience and economic transformation. NARO‘s leadership in developing high-yielding, climate-resilient potato varieties is also in focus. The conference, with over 300 attendees, delves into fostering climate-smart cropping systems to combat climate change and boost food security. discussions include strategies around value addition and market linkages for products like crisps and chips—crucial in the face of rising urban demand. Discover how Uganda, already a leader in sweetpotato production, continues to innovate. As a bonus, see the full article hosted on News directory 3 for more insight. Discover what’s next for these critical crops.
African Conference Highlights Climate-Smart Potato and Sweetpotato Crops
The African Potato Association (APA) conference, held in Uganda, is focusing on the crucial role of potato and sweetpotato crops in bolstering nutrition and enhancing community livelihoods. Frank Tumwebaze, minister of agriculture, animal industry and fisheries, emphasized that these crops are strategic assets for climate resilience and rural economic transformation.
The conference, which runs through friday at Speke Resort Munyonyo, has drawn over 300 participants from across Africa and beyond. Delegates represent countries including South Africa, Kenya, tanzania, and the united States. the theme of the conference is “Fostering Climate-Smart Cropping Systems for Sustainable Potato and Sweetpotato Value Chains.” Discussions center on improving agricultural practices to combat climate change and enhance food security through potato and sweetpotato cultivation.
Tumwebaze lauded the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) for its role in driving agricultural innovation. He cited Uganda’s strong research capabilities and high sweetpotato production as evidence of the contry’s progress in agricultural advancement. Sweetpotato is now the third most important crop in Uganda.
Value addition and minimizing post-harvest losses are critical, according to Tumwebaze, especially given the increasing urban demand for processed potato and sweetpotato products like crisps and chips. Better market connections are also needed.
NARO Director General Dr. Yona Baguma, who also serves as president of the African Potato Association, highlighted Uganda’s leadership in developing climate-resilient and high-yielding potato varieties.
“Uganda has developed improved potato varieties, including purple-fleshed and beta-carotene-rich types, that are contributing to the fight against Vitamin A deficiency across Africa,” said Dr. Baguma.
Baguma also stressed the need for consistent funding for agricultural research to ensure sustainable nutrition and protein sources for future generations.
“The generations ahead need sustainable sources of nutrition and protein for both humans and animals. To achieve this, we must secure dedicated and consistent funding for agricultural research.”
The conference includes an exhibition showcasing innovations in seed systems, mechanization, and climate-smart agriculture. These solutions aim to strengthen food systems and stimulate agro-industrial growth.
Dr. Kassim Sadik, NARO’s deputy director general for agricultural technology promotion, called for greater private sector involvement in agricultural science. joyce Maru, regional director at the International Potato Center (CIP), praised the Ugandan government’s support for science-led development and advocated for integrating research with market-driven solutions.
What’s next
The APA conference is expected to produce actionable strategies for enhancing potato and sweetpotato value chains across Africa, with a focus on climate-smart agriculture and sustainable development.