Speakers - 2026

Title: Nagumba Margaret Jane

Abstract

Empowering Rural Communities through Climate-Smart Agriculture and High-Value Horticulture: A Grassroots Model from Uganda to Global Markets

Food insecurity and economic vulnerability continue to affect rural communities in Uganda, particularly smallholder farmers, women, and youth. This presentation highlights a faith-based, community-led model implemented by Jajaz in Christ Community Development Group to support rural communities through sustainable, climate-smart agriculture and high-value horticulture.

The model promotes a transition from traditional subsistence farming toward technology-adaptive and high-value crop production, including intensive vegetable and fruit cultivation. Through localized training, micro-irrigation, and cooperative marketing, the initiative seeks to strengthen household incomes, improve local food security, and support more resilient agricultural livelihoods.

Against the background of increasing climate-related disruptions to global food systems, the presentation explores the potential for scaling community-driven agricultural approaches across sub-Saharan Africa. It also considers opportunities to connect the agricultural resourcefulness of rural Uganda with innovations in agrotechnology, controlled-environment agriculture (CEA), and urban horticulture in Singapore.

The presentation further seeks to encourage knowledge exchange and strategic partnerships with agritech leaders, investors, and sustainability advocates. By connecting advanced agricultural technologies with grassroots production systems, the model proposes a pathway toward more resilient and sustainable agricultural development and the creation of cross-border agricultural value chains.