Kabarole Research and Resource Centre-Uganda (KRC-Uganda) is a well-established NGO operating countrywide in different regions of Uganda. Founded in 1996, with a research mission and a long-term commitment to understanding the measures and drivers of poverty and its solutions, KRC-Uganda has …
Our Programs
Food Security & Agribusiness
This program plays a vital role in bolstering the efforts of farmers’ organizations by providing comprehensive support across various critical areas of agricultural development.
Information Research & Communications
Since its founding in 1996, KRC has stood by the philosophy that meaningful actionable data is the driver of successful and impactful development programs.
Environment & Energy
As our population grows, so does the pressure on our use of natural resources. Our programs are aligned to sustainable green economic development with the full participation of our communities and stakeholders.
Governance & Policy Advocacy
KRC facilitate spaces for citizens to make their voices heard and exercise their democratic and civic rights. We work with governance structures with the aim of enhancing
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Newsletter June 2025
Every 20th of June we celebrate the World Refugee Day and on such a day we honor the strength and resilience of refugees worldwide who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution or violence, in this edition we highlight the role KRC-Uganda plays in advancing protection services through implementing the Sustainable Transition to Locally-led Emergency and Protection Services (STEPS) project in Rhino camp Bidibidi. KRC-Uganda demonstrates the impact of compassion, dedication, and community-driven solutions. We share their stories to inspire, create awareness, understanding, and action in support of refugee communities. The story of Etiane Ndugu a refugee from , Kyaka II Refugee Settlement that can see a ray of light through economic transformation achieved by practising piggery farming a skill he acquired from training under Kulea Watoto project in order to support his family without relying on cash handouts from humanitarian aid. KRC-Uganda was proud to participate in the 4th National Nutrition Symposium, that brought together experts, researchers, and practitioners to discuss the latest developments in nutrition research and policy transforming. Food systems require a collective effort from policymakers, farmers, consumers, and industry leaders and by working together, we can create a food system that nourishes both people and the planet. We look forward to implementing the insights and recommendations emerging from this important event. We hope these stories will spark meaningful conversations, encourage empathy and provide valuable insights Click to read more
2. Jul 2025
Helping Vanilla Growers Go Global: Building Export Readiness in The Rwenzori Region
The goal was simple but powerful: empower vanilla cooperatives and exporters in the Rwenzori Region to access and thrive in global markets. And the impact? Immediate. By the close of a dynamic one-day export readiness training in Kasese, vanilla farmers and exporters were not only asking smarter questions they were already envisioning themselves as direct players in the international vanilla trade. Uganda produces between 250 and 300 tons of cured vanilla beans annually. In 2021 alone, the country exported 189.18 tons valued at over USD 21.5 million (UGX 81 billion), according to Bank of Uganda statistics (2023), placing it second in Africa. Despite this, most smallholder farmers remain cut off from direct export markets, often due to lack of knowledge, certification, or formal training in export compliance. To bridge this gap, the Vanilla Initiative for Building Resilience and Nurturing Thriving Communities (VIBRANT) Project (implemented by Kabarole Research and Resource Center and funded by Enabel, the Belgian Development Agency) organized an export readiness training in Kasese. The event was hosted at Uhuru Hotel and moderated by Oteba Eric, brought together 15 vanilla cooperatives and 5 export companies from Kasese, Bundibugyo, and Ntoroko districts. Sam Karuhanga led the opening session, guiding participants through the full export journey: assessing readiness, conducting market research, selecting the right product and destination, preparing documentation, and managing export logistics. But what truly stood out was his candid breakdown of the three pillars that matter most to international buyers: quantity, quality, and consistency. Karuhanga also took time to expose common myths that often discourage rural producers: “I’m too small to export.” “Exporting is only for big companies.” “It’s too expensive and complicated.” He explained that none of this is true. What’s needed instead is clarity, compliance, and commitment to standards. He also highlighted emerging trends of international markets, such as rising demand for traceability, sustainability, and ethical sourcing. Certifications like Organic, Rainforest Alliance, and Fair Trade are becoming key to unlocking high-value export opportunities. In the second session, Rukara Julius, District Production Officer of Kasese, walked participants through Uganda’s vanilla export procedures. These include registering offline as an exporter and applying for inspection within 14 days before shipping. Each shipment must be cleared through a phytosanitary certificate to ensure that it meets international safety and health regulations. For many of the farmers and cooperative leaders in the room, this was their first real exposure to the step-by-step process of exporting. What they discovered was both surprising and motivating that the door to global markets is not as far off as they had imagined. Challenges still persist. A key concern raised was premature harvesting, which compromises bean quality and disqualifies many producers from formal export. Others expressed fear around taxes and a general lack of clarity on required certifications and procedures. However, with support and training, these challenges can be overcome. In fact, the training helped to bring Uganda’s current export performance in a new light. While Bank of Uganda data shows a decline in total vanilla export earnings—from USD 891,394 in 2020 to USD 439,349 in 2024 this drop is more or less about demand and rather about internal limitations like quality control, market access, and consistent supply. Global demand remains strong, especially from countries like the United States, France, Germany, and Canada. By the end of the training session, the tone had shifted. Participants were not just receiving information—they were forming strategies for their next steps. Several asked how to initiate certification, how to meet sustainability requirements, and how to organize more effectively as cooperatives. The key message from the training was simple but game-changing that is Uganda’s vanilla farmers are not too small, too far, or too late to compete. With a focus on quantity, quality, and consistency and the right support they can export directly, earn more, and lead the transformation of Uganda’s vanilla sector. Article compiled by Carol NamagembeProduction and Marketing Officer- KRC-Uganda
16. Jun 2025
Financial Inclusion at The Heart Of Agroecological Transition Amidst A Rapidly Growing Population In Uganda And Beyond
Based on the latest UN Population Division estimates and Countries in the world by population (2025), Uganda ranks 31 with a growth rate of 2.74% out of the 233 countries which should be a point of concern, hunger and food insecurity remain significant challenges with a rapidly growing population outpacing food production. As a way of counteracting this phenomenon, there is a tendency to increase food production through conventional means to meet the food needs of the increasing population without necessarily focusing on practices that conserve agricultural resources. The impact of this on the environment is becoming disastrous to the overall development and human life. As a matter of fact, mother nature is becoming more furious than ever before and ravaging all over with unprecedented natural disasters and the prevalent heavy toll on human life. As a corrective measure, a number of development partners like KRC-Uganda with the support of HUMUNDI Belgium among others like BD and IDP are fronting an alternative Agricultural approach. Agroecology is a transformative approach to agriculture, integrating principles of ecology into farming systems to promote sustainable and resilient food production. In contrast to the conventional agriculture, agroecology not only enhances agricultural productivity but also reinforces environmental sustainability, biodiversity, nutrition and healthy foods as well as socioeconomic equity. With this agroecological transition, there are key challenges ranging from inadequate knowledge and skills on business development by the farmer households and the corporate entrepreneurs, poor market structures and limited financial/business investment support. This article focusses only on the limited financial support aspect, highlighting the steps taken to overcome this challenge in the Rwenzori region; Traditional financial institutions have until now remained hesitant to provide loans to smallholder farmers due to factors like small loan sizes, lack of collateral, and perceived high risk is common. KRC-Uganda’s program of increasing access and inclusion of the small holder farmers into the Microfinance and Market Systems is facilitating the access to loans to accelerate agroecological transition. Towards the end of 2024, SACCOs under the program were encouraged to develop agroecological loan products as well as set aside a portion of their loan portfolios as a special loan fund for agroecology transition. The loan fund is advanced to the members engaged in agroecological production and value addition businesses including the production, purchase or sale of organic manure including the bio rations, purchase of or trade in especially small animals like rabbits, goats, pigs and apiary business, poultry business, trade in animal products, production, purchase or sale of clean energy or energy saving technologies like solar kits, briquettes, fuel saving cooking stoves and tree planting (afforestation and re-afforestation) initiatives. In the long-run, the current set aside agroecology loan fund by the SACCOs under the project is expected to grow into a sustainable agroecological financing facility to serve a wider population, thus facilitating agroecological transition in the region and beyond. Poultry in Kikongo Thuwathikanaye Farmers SACCO, Kasese district. Article written by Mugisa Jared, Microfinance and Agribusiness Manager
10. May 2025
Newsletter May 2025
IIn this month’s edition, we are excited to share the stories of Wekomire Early Childhood Centre under Kulea Watoto Project that is making a positive impact on the livelihoods and nutrition of the community by setting up demonstration coops. We spotlight Kanyere, a beneficiary who has transformed her life towards economic growth through poultry. As communities involved in agriculture face challenges related to climate change, food insecurity, andenvironmental degradation, agroecology emerges as a sustainable approach to farming and food systems that emphasises nutrition, environmental sustainability, and social equity. Through its initiatives within communities, KRC-Uganda continues to empower communities, especially youth and women. In another account, KRC-Uganda, in partnership with Enabel through the VIBRANT Project, is transforming the livelihoods of vanilla growing farmers in the Rwenzori sub-region by empowering them through training, access to markets, and fair prices. In articles shared, field officers expound on the challenges and effects of late harvesting of vanilla on the market value of the final product. Such stories amplify the strength of community led initiatives in enabling sustainable growth and economic resilience among communities, especially for youth and women who remain the primary targets for partnerships between farmers, cooperatives, NGOS, and governments. Click to read more
2. May 2025
Kabarole Research and Resource Center – Uganda
KRC-UGANDA, established in 1996, is a dedicated research, advocacy, and community development organization. At the heart of our mission lies the steadfast belief that meaningful, actionable data serves as the cornerstone for driving impactful development programs. With a proven commitment to fostering positive change and progress within communities, we strive to provide valuable insights that empower informed decision-making, ensuring sustainable and effective development initiatives. Join us in our journey towards a brighter future for Uganda and beyond.
