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.