Abstract:

Plant genetic resources for food and agriculture constitute one of the most important resource for achieving many of Uganda's major development goals including poverty eradication, food security and rural transformation. These resources provide the major raw material for the different agricultural enterprises which are the backbone of Uganda's economy. Over 80% of the rural populace in Uganda depend on these resources for their livelihood including meeting their food, animal feed, heath and cultural needs. Plant genetic resources-based activities also provide the bulk of employment opportunities to rural communities and thus constitute the main source of income for the majority of the people in Uganda. These resources also contribute the greatest portion to Uganda's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provide significant educational, environmental and scientific benefits. Plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, and the associated knowledge about them, provide the essential building blocks to boost productivity whether through modern crop improvement and modern biotechnology or by farmers' traditional methods.