Farmers are advised to test their soil before the planting season starts. Photo/Lominda Afedraru
As climate change tightens its grip on Uganda’s agriculture, many farmers are venturing into new territories in search of fertile land and better yields.
With growing unpredictability in rainfall, rising temperatures, and increased land degradation in traditional farming zones, one question is becoming more urgent for those who prefer traditional varieties: Can indigenous seeds thrive in soils outside their native zones? The answer from experts and successful farmers is cautiously optimistic.
Yes, indigenous seeds can grow in new regions, but they need support—starting from understanding the soil to reintroducing microbial life, managing pests, and adjusting farming methods. This is not just a matter of planting and hoping. It is about trial, patience, and working closely with nature.
What makes indigenous seeds so special?
Indigenous seeds, often called local or traditional seeds, are plant varieties that have been cultivated and passed down over generations within farming communities. These include staple crops such as millet, sorghum, groundnuts, beans, and cowpeas.
Farmers value them for their resilience—especially in the face of drought, pests, and poor soil fertility. “They are more than just planting materials,” explains Francis Nsanga, project manager at the Knowledge Centre for Organic Agriculture (KCOA).
“They carry the genetic memory of their environment. These seeds know how to survive without too many inputs like fertilisers or irrigation. They’re hardy, adaptable, and often more nutritious.”
Unlike hybrid or improved seeds, indigenous varieties can be saved, replanted, and even improved season after season. That makes them more affordable and sustainable for small-scale farmers. But taking these seeds from one region to another requires more than just hope—it requires preparation.
Adapting seeds to new territories
According to Nsanga, relocating seeds from one agro-ecological zone to another is possible but demands careful attention to the new environment. Climate and soil are the two biggest factors.
“A seed from a high-altitude, cool region like Kabale might struggle in the hot, dry plains of Karamoja,” he says.
“The soil texture, pH, and fertility levels might be completely different.” Some indigenous crops, such as cowpeas and certain sorghum types, naturally tolerate a wide range of conditions.
Others, like beans, are more sensitive and perform poorly if exposed to unfamiliar soil or weather conditions. But with careful site assessment and modifications, even these can eventually adapt.
Soil: The foundation for crop success
“Before anything is planted, you must understand your soil,” says Fanuel Ongua, a research officer at the National Agricultural Research Laboratories (NARL).
“Soil is not just dirt—it’s a living system that can support or destroy your crop.”
Soil testing is the first step. Farmers must check the pH (acidity or alkalinity), nutrient levels, and texture (whether it is sandy, loamy, or clay).
Acidic soils may require liming, sandy soils often need organic matter to hold moisture, and heavy clay soils must be improved with compost to allow root penetration and aeration. “You cannot guess. You must test,” Ongua emphasises.
“A simple test tells you what to add or avoid. Without this knowledge, even the best seeds will struggle.”
Soil microbes
Beyond the nutrients and structure of the soil, farmers should also consider what cannot be seen with the naked eye—microbes. These include bacteria and fungi that form natural partnerships with plant roots.
“These microbes help plants absorb nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus,” Ongua explains.
“When indigenous seeds are moved to new areas, they may leave behind these microbial allies. This weakens plant health and reduces yield, even if the soil looks good.”
To address this, farmers are encouraged to use microbial inoculants—special preparations that contain beneficial organisms. These can be applied to the soil or coated on seeds before planting. For legume crops like beans and cowpeas, rhizobium inoculants are especially important for nitrogen fixation.
Facing new pest and disease threats
While indigenous seeds are often praised for pest resistance, this advantage can disappear when the seeds are planted in unfamiliar territories. Crops that are safe from weevils or aphids in Mbarara may face a totally new set of threats in Gulu or Lira.
“Pests and diseases are highly localised,” says Nsanga.
“One seed can be resistant in one region and completely vulnerable in another.” This means farmers must be vigilant.
Regular field scouting is crucial to detect any changes in plant health early. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) offers a balanced approach—combining crop rotation, physical barriers, beneficial insects, organic sprays like neem, and minimal chemical use.
“We must avoid heavy chemical reliance,” Nsanga cautions. “It can destroy soil life and create super-pests.”
Farmers leading the way
In Lira District, a group of farmers decided to test indigenous groundnut seeds brought from Mbale. Instead of planting across all their land, they began with a small trial plot. They amended their sandy soils with manure and organic compost, used microbial inoculants, and observed carefully.
“The results were amazing,” says Nsanga. “They got strong yields and better drought tolerance than expected. Even better, they saved seeds from the best-performing plants for the next season.”
This process, known as gradual acclimatisation, allows crops to slowly adjust to new environments.
Over a few seasons, farmers can develop a seed strain perfectly suited to their specific area, without relying on expensive research or external inputs.
Turning knowledge into practice
The success of indigenous seeds in new soils depends largely on how farmers manage the transition. Nsanga emphasises the importance of patience, experimentation, and knowledge-sharing. “Start small,” he advises.
“Do not gamble your entire farm. Use a small portion to test and learn. Monitor, adjust, and scale up slowly.” He also recommends that farmers mix and match—trying a few different indigenous seed types from various regions to see which performs best.
Over time, this can build diversity and resilience in the farm. In addition, Nsanga calls for stronger government and institutional support, especially through: Local seed banks where farmers can access well-adapted indigenous varieties, Farmer training in soil testing, seed selection, and organic farming methods and affordable access to soil testing kits and microbial inoculants.
The role of research institutions
The National Agricultural Research Organisation (Naro) is actively involved in seed trials across Uganda’s diverse agro-ecological zones. These trials aim to understand how indigenous seeds behave in new regions, identify the best matches, and generate data that can help other farmers. “We are working closely with district extension officers to get this information into the hands of farmers,” says Ongua. “This is a national priority. Indigenous seeds are part of our heritage and key to our food security.”
He encourages more partnerships between research institutions and farmer groups, especially women and youth-led farming cooperatives. These groups often lead innovation in seed saving, organic farming, and local market development.
