The National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Amafh Farms Limited to advance macadamia production in Uganda.
Amafh Farms Limited is a pioneer in the Ugandan macadamia industry, operating the country’s only macadamia processing facility and managing a 1,200-acre macadamia farm in the Mityana district.
With over 22 years of experience in the industry, Amafh Farms leads the way in the macadamia value chain.
This partnership aims to strengthen Research and Development collaboration, establish new linkages, and promote innovative partnerships between the two organizations.
The focus will be on improving macadamia production and processing, with an emphasis on high-value products, effective management practices, and commercialization programs.
The ultimate goal is to ensure a reliable and sustainable supply of high-quality macadamia products for both local and international markets.
Dr. Yona Baguma, Director General of NARO, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “This MoU represents a significant advancement in our efforts to boost Uganda’s macadamia industry. By leveraging NARO’s research capabilities alongside Amafh Farms’ hands-on experience, we believe we can make substantial progress in this sector, benefiting not just the farmers but the entire nation.”
He highlighted that this initiative aligns with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s directive to promote macadamia as a high-value crop, given its potential to increase household incomes and its role in addressing climate change.
Dr. Baguma praised Amafh Farms’ commitment to value addition and noted that the partnership would expand and enhance the range of value-added products.
Together, they will work on developing high-yielding macadamia varieties and improving agronomic practices, with NARO providing access to its facilities and expertise in plant breeding, pest control, and value addition.
NARO plans to support the macadamia industry by conducting soil mapping through its National Agricultural Laboratories (NaRL) at Kawanda to identify suitable areas for macadamia cultivation in Uganda.
Recognizing the crop’s relative novelty in the country, Dr. Baguma emphasized the need to strengthen seed systems, drawing lessons from established crops like coffee.
He also suggested mobilizing farmers through the Parish Development Model (PDM) and cooperative societies to expand production and establish market systems nationwide.
Dr. Baguma noted that NARO’s network of 16 institutes provides a robust structure to reach farmers across the country efficiently.
To further support the industry’s growth, he called for appropriate policy support and indicated that NARO would collaborate closely with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries to develop and implement necessary policies.
He also proposed convening a stakeholders’ meeting at Amafh Farms within the next 100 days to formulate a comprehensive action plan.
Mr. Morvi Asim, Managing Director of Amafh Farms, shared that his company had launched the Macadamia Outgrower Extension Project (MOGEP), aiming to transform the livelihoods of over 250,000 small-scale farmers across Uganda.
In its initial phase, MOGEP plans to plant 25 million macadamia trees, creating employment for over 2.5 million people and contributing to national food security.
Through the project, Amafh Farms provides farmers with high-quality seedlings, essential extension services, and a robust buyback program, enabling them to diversify income streams while continuing to grow staple foods.
The project aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-being, and Climate Action.
It adheres to Climate Smart Agriculture principles and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, focusing on environmental protection, greenhouse gas reduction, and sustainable practices.
Amafh Farms’ product line, marketed under the brand name Macarica, includes culinary products like macadamia nut butter, oil, and flour, as well as confectionery, skincare, and industrial products.
The collaboration with NARO will further enhance the value chain by researching new products from macadamia by-products, optimizing supply chains, and promoting exports to international markets.
The partnership also emphasizes sustainability and climate adaptation, with joint initiatives to research and implement water management techniques, organic farming practices, and the utilization of macadamia waste. Additionally, NARO and Amafh Farms will focus on empowering youth and women in the macadamia sector, promoting certification and quality standards, and conducting market research to explore new opportunities.
