Updated: September 2008

Uganda Country Programme

Prolinnova-Uganda is an NGO-led initiative to develop a national learning network for the promotion of local innovation in ecologically oriented agriculture and natural resource management. Prolinnova-Uganda began operations in 2003, and is housed under Environmental Alert, an NGO based in Kampala. There are several "Core Team" partners – who are involved in day to day activities. These include PELUM Association, the Africa 2000 Network, Kulika Charitable Trust, the African Highlands Initiative, the National Agricultural Advisory Service (NAADS) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF).

The programme stands on three pillars. The first is grass roots and practical, namely identifying and working with farmer innovators in the field. The initiation stages are identification of potential innovators, then selection of those that fit the programme's profile. From there, a 'joint experiment' may be set up with researchers to evaluate or add value to (improve) the innovations in question. Farmers are then brought to the innovators to learn about the innovations – and the process of innovation itself. The Core Team members are all involved, through their organisations, in this element of the programme.

The second pillar comprises exchange and networking. This implies communication between the various Core Team partners – but also other interested agencies and individuals as well. Core Team meetings are held frequently and a true team spirit has been built up. A 'sharing event' was held in October 2005 in Kampala: here other NGOs and interested individuals were represented, and showed just how many people and organisations are eager to learn – and to give. A platform has been set up.

The third pillar is institutionalisation. The idea here is that Prolinnova-Uganda is a project – with a limited duration. But the principles and procedures should not be allowed to whither away when the project eventually comes to a close. So, the embedding of 'innovation' as a concept within institutions that will endure is very important. Obviously the NGOs represented in the Core Team are part of that long-term perspective, but just as important are the government/ semi-public agencies – MAAIF and NAADS in this case. The Steering Committee, chaired by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, brings together others interested in adopting farmer innovation methods into their institutions. Makerere University is one such member and Prolinnova-Uganda is developing a schedule of lectures to staff and students alike.