Innovating for sustainable agricultural transformation.
The National Agricultural Research Laboratories lead strategic research on bananas, soils, biosciences, engineering and biotechnology advancing science that feeds Uganda and beyond.
90+
Years of Research5
Strategic Programs20+
Staff12+
Research CentresScience for a Resilient Food Future
Established in 1934 and formally undertaking agricultural research from 1937, NaRL is one of Uganda's National Agricultural Research Institutes under the NAR Act, 2005. Our mandate is strategic research of national importance - spanning bananas, food biosciences and agribusiness, biosystems and agricultural engineering, soils and agrometeorology, and biodiversity and biotechnology.
Mission
To innovate for sustainable agricultural transformation.
Vision
A competitive society supported by a dynamic agricultural research innovation system.
Mandate
Research services in food science, engineering, soil and plant sciences, and biological control.
Five programs. One mandate.
National Banana Research
Banana research is undertaken by the National Banana Research Program whose mandate is to generate and promote improved banana varieties and practices that enhance banana productivity and utilization.
Soils, Environment and Agrometeorology
The soils, environment and agro-meteorology program mandate is to generate and promote tools, recommendations and technologies for improved soil and water management, sustainable land use and resilience to climate change.
Food Bio-Sciences and Agribusiness (FBA)
The Food Biosciences and Agribusiness program (FBA) seeks to generate technologies and innovations that reduce post-harvest losses and promote value-addition, food safety, nutrition and market access.
Bio-Systems and Agricultural Engineering
The mandate of this programme is to develop and promote bio-systems and agricultural engineering technologies that address constraints in production, processing and utilization of crops, livestock, fisheries and forest products in Uganda.
Biodiversity and Biotechnology
To facilitate genetic resources conservation, generate integrated pest management and agricultural biotechnology applications. Plant genetic resources are important assets in Uganda's quest for poverty eradication, food security, wealth creation, medical and industrial advancement.
Advance research that transforms
Uganda's agriculture.
Collaborate with our scientists, host trials at Kawanda, or engage our labs, farm and incubation services.
Get in TouchOur Partners
We work closely with local government extension services, private sector actors and international development agencies.
USAID
The U.S. Agency for International Development
IITA
International Institute of Tropical Agriculture
NARO
National Agricultural Research Organisation
GIZ
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit
MAAIF
Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries
UNMA
Uganda National Meteorological Authority
