By Mark Kawalya
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), has introduced an innovative digital information and surveillance system in Kabale district to ensure food security, nutrition, and productivity in the area. The initiative also aims to support sustainable transformations in agro-food systems. The program launch was held at the district headquarters in Makanga, Central Division of Kabale Municipality.
Jean Marie Byakweli, an FAO policy officer, mentioned that the Digital Database Registry System was first implemented in Kabale and is also operational in Nakasongola and Kiryandongo districts. Byakweli explained, “This system is expected to enhance data collection, analysis, and use in forecasting, planning, and decision-making in food systems. This will lead to better food security, nutrition, health, and environmental management in agriculture.”
As part of this initiative, sub-county agriculture extension teams will be equipped with computers, tablets, and smartphones to collect data while working with farmers. This data will be available on a digital platform for agricultural stakeholders to gain insights from each farming season. Alex Bambona, the assistant commissioner for food and nutrition security at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries, highlighted that the digital platform will assist the districts of Kabale, Kiryandongo, and Nakasongola in identifying local challenges, simplifying decision-making, optimizing resources, and fostering positive change.
Beda Mwebesa, the district production and marketing officer, emphasized that this project would improve nutrition, health, environmental conditions, and livelihoods in the district.
Agricultural extension workers have expressed support for the project, noting its significant role in enhancing data collection for nutrition and food value chains, which was previously done manually.
“We appreciate this project because it will primarily help us collect data to improve nutrition and food value chains. Previously, data collection was done manually and was tedious, but now with phones and tablets, the process is more efficient,” said Glorious Katushabe, an extension worker for Kitumba sub-county. Deus Baguma, the principal agricultural officer for Kabale, pointed out that poor network connectivity could possibly hinder the effectiveness of the system. Nelson Nshangabasheija, the Kabale district chairperson, assured that efforts will be made to ensure the project’s success.
