CABI and MAAIF Boost Mukono’s Plant and Animal Health Clinics with Digital Tools for Improved Advisory Services.

Mukono District Headquarters:

The Centre for Agriculture and Bio Sciences International (CABI), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) and Mukono District Local Government, has embarked on strengthening plant and animal health clinic services through the integration of digital tools aimed at enhancing agricultural advisory work.

The initiative was unveiled during a capacity-building session held at the Mukono District CAO’s Boardroom. The training, attended by Extension Officers, the District Veterinary Officer, and Senior Agricultural Officer Mr. Obedi Nsubuga, focused on empowering agricultural officers with innovative solutions to improve service delivery to farmers.

Facilitators emphasized the use of digital innovations to bridge gaps in crop and animal health management. Officers were trained on leveraging technology to provide timely advice, manage pests and diseases, and improve overall farm productivity. The session also included group assessments where veterinary and extension officers evaluated progress and shared challenges affecting plant clinics in the district.

According to Mr. Murungi Dicerns, a Senior Agriculture Inspector from MAAIF who led the facilitation, the goal of these efforts is to equip farmers with knowledge and tools that ensure safer and higher-quality food production. “These trainings are vital in promoting crop health, controlling pests, and ensuring quick responses to emerging agricultural threats,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of plant and animal health integration, Mr. Mukasa Stephen Mabira, Principal Agriculture Officer of Mukono District, revealed that Mukono is among the districts hosting One Health Clinics a model where both plant and veterinary services are offered under one platform. “Farmers present challenges affecting crops and animals, and solutions are addressed jointly. Currently, Nakifuma-Naggalama Town Council leads these activities, while other sub-counties benefit through quarterly agricultural outreaches,” he explained.

The Nakifuma-Naggalama dairy base further supports farmers at parish level, and similar models are being scaled up in other districts with CABI providing financial and technical support, while MAAIF supplies essential tools and kits.

Despite the progress, resource constraints continue to limit outreach. “Our services are concentrated in Nakifuma-Naggalama due to limited funds for transport and logistics. We call upon government and development partners to increase funding so we can extend these services to more grassroots farmers,” Mr. Mabira appealed.

The CABI team expressed appreciation for Mukono District’s collaboration and pledged continued partnership. Both CABI and MAAIF reiterated their commitment to strengthening plant and animal health systems, building farmer resilience, and promoting food security in Uganda.

This partnership demonstrates how collaborative efforts between government, international organizations, and local authorities can transform agriculture through technology and integrated services. By equipping officers with digital tools and scaling up One Health Clinics, Mukono District is setting a model for modern agricultural advisory systems. However, sustained success will depend on increased investment, expanded outreach, and continued innovation to ensure every farmer has access to timely, reliable, and effective agricultural support.