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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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
Response to the Influx of Refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo at Nyakabande Transit Centre.
In response to the recent influx of refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Kabarole Research and Resource Centre (KRC), in consortium with World Vision Uganda and Plan International, and with support from START FUND, has been actively delivering comprehensive protection services to address the urgent needs of affected populations at Nyakabande Transit Centre. Child Protection: KRC has prioritized the protection of vulnerable children, especially unaccompanied and separated minors. Through timely case management, family tracing, and the establishment of child-friendly spaces, these children have gained access to psychosocial support and safe environments that promote their well-being and development. Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Response: Recognizing the heightened risks of GBV during displacement, KRC has implemented survivor-centered GBV response mechanisms. These include referrals for medical and legal assistance, and the provision of confidential safe spaces where women and girls can access counselling, peer support, and protection services with dignity and respect. Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS): MHPSS has been a cornerstone of our emergency response. Our trained teams have provided Psychological First Aid and facilitated structured psychosocial support activities, helping individuals cope with the trauma of conflict and displacement. These services have contributed significantly to promoting resilience, healing, and recovery among the affected populations. Logistical Support: To ensure timely and safe relocation, KRC also supported the logistical coordination and transportation of Persons of Concern from the Bunagana border to the Nyakabande Transit Centre, enabling them to access critical humanitarian assistance. Through these coordinated efforts, KRC and its partners remain committed to protecting the dignity, safety, and rights of refugees and host communities in this time of crisis.
15. Apr 2025
Newsletter April 2025
In a world where economic resilience and social cohesion are increasingly important, our work underscores grassroots communities’ vital role in driving sustainable development. From cooperatives reviving the spirit of collective bargaining to innovative projects transforming livelihoods, every story this newsletter shares is a testament to the power of collaboration and empowerment. Once a pillar of agricultural prosperity, the cooperative movement faces urgent challenges. Governance gaps and financial mismanagement threaten cooperatives’ potential to uplift their members. However, these challenges present an opportunity for renewal. By strengthening organisational structures and fostering transparency, cooperatives can reclaim their role as economic growth and social equity engines. At the same time, initiatives like the VIBRANT project in Uganda’s vanilla sector pave the way for inclusive and sustainable value chains. These projects empower farmers, particularly youth and women, to achieve better livelihoods by addressing issues such as premature buying and lack of market information. Similarly, the inspiring journey of individuals like Mr. Muganzi, who turned a single pig into a pathway to independence, showcases the transformative power of targeted support and guidance. These stories remind us that actual development begins at the grassroots level. Whether through capacitybuilding, financial literacy, or fostering market access, every effort counts toward creating resilient communities. They also highlight the critical importance of partnerships between farmers, cooperatives, NGOS, and governments in building systems that work for everyone. As you read through this edition, I encourage you to reflect on how we, as individuals and organisations, can contribute to this transformation journey. Let us continue to champion initiatives that promote collective action, enhance governance, and embrace innovation for a brighter and more equitable future.Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our shared mission. Click to read more
4. Apr 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.
