Makerere University Doctoral Students Learn in Mityana That Meaningful Agricultural Innovation Begins by Listening to Farmers, Understanding Local Farming Systems and Working with Communities to Identify Their Priorities
Makerere University doctoral students took their classroom into Mityana’s farming communities, where they explored local agricultural practices, livelihoods and farmers’ experiences. Through fieldwork and community dialogue, they learned that meaningful innovation begins by understanding farmers’ circumstances and involving them in research. Residents identified pests and diseases, followed by limited access to advisory services, as key concerns.
From 4 to 16 October 2026, six Makerere University doctoral students in Agricultural and Rural Innovation took part in a field course in Mwera Parish and nearby villages in Mityana District. Guided by Dr. Richard Miiro, Dr. Sarah Akello and Dr. Moses Okech, they explored farming systems through transect walks, interviews, historical inquiries and participatory discussions with farming households. The experience showed how agricultural decisions are shaped by household needs, resources, labour, markets, risks and accumulated knowledge. It challenged the idea that extension is simply experts transferring solutions to farmers, highlighting farmers as knowledgeable actors and partners in innovation. At a feedback session attended by more than 60 community members, students presented their findings and invited residents to validate and prioritise concerns. Farmers identified pests and diseases as their leading concern, followed by limited access to advisory services. The course emphasised diagnosis before prescription, combining scientific and local knowledge, collaboration among agricultural actors, and research engagement that continues beyond data collection.
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