Evaluating physical agricultural research infrastructure development in Uganda: a case of the National Agricultural Research Organization

Abstract

This study evaluated physical agricultural research infrastructure development at the National research organization (NARO).Three objectives guided the study, establishment of the status of physical agricultural research infrastructure development at the National Agriculture research organization .Assessment of the challenges towards the development of a sustainable physical agricultural research infrastructure, and assessment of the impact of the physical agricultural research infrastructure development at NARO. The study used a cross-sectional research design and employed quantitative and qualitative research approaches. It targeted a sample size of 68 respondents; however, only 52 respondents managed to respond. Data was collected from primary sources using questionnaires and an interview guide. Analysis was done using SPSS version 25 software and results were presented using bar graphs and tables. The study revealed that the status of physical agricultural research infrastructure development at the National Agriculture research organization is inadequate in quantity and quality and impedes knowledge generation, innovation and agrotechnological transfer. It was also revealed that the key challenges towards the development of sustainable physical agricultural research infrastructure at NARO were mainly limited funding, high research infrastructure development costs and inadequate government Policy. These affected the construction of research facilities, acquisition of equipment, and routine maintenance and sustenance of these facilities. The study also revealed the impact of the physical agricultural research infrastructure development leading to the advancement of scientific knowledge and innovation. This in turn resulted in new discoveries, technological advancements and hence economic growth The study recommended that NARO develops a suitable multifaceted strategic model to enable it develop sustainable modern physical research infrastructure for the generation of new knowledge, technological advancement and innovation.