Bridge the Knowledge Gap

Abstract

Smallholder farmers in developing nations such as Uganda have it rough. Many struggle to eke out a living using equipment and techniques similar to those of past generations, even as the effects of climate change are altering once-familiar rhythms of agricultural life. Though small-scale farming provides most of sub-Saharan Africa’s food and employment, and is critical to the economies of many countries in Asia and Latin America, farmers in these areas face a substantial yield gap. In addition, unsustainable land management practices are contributing to a soil degradation problem that costs, for example, Uganda’s economy 225 billion shillings (US$75 million) annually. Meanwhile, a search for “Uganda agriculture” on Google Scholar yields a vast 216,000 results.