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Dr Joseph K. Balikuddembe, the Dean of the School of Computing and Information Technology at Makerere University, who attended AdEMNEA’s AGM welcomed participants and praised the innovative work being undertaken to improve agricultural productivity. He noted that adaptive environment monitoring and smart technologies, such as the fruit fly traps and automated systems, have great potential to increase yields and support sustainable production.
Dr Balikuddembe reflected on the challenges facing farmers, from post-harvest losses to pest management, and emphasised the importance of contextualising technology to local conditions. “Technology and innovation will evolve to give the best results over time,” he said, citing examples such as automated harvesting and precision farming, while stressing the need to preserve beneficial insects and minimise environmental impact.
He also highlighted the role of changing consumer behaviour and market dynamics, noting that supermarkets and shifting dietary preferences influence what farmers produce and how they plan their harvests. Farmers must have confidence that technological solutions will protect their investment and ensure reliable yields.
Dr Balikuddembe encouraged innovations that address practical challenges, such as crop monitoring, pest control, and seed availability, while also supporting farmers in subsistence and commercial production. He drew attention to the broader implications of climate variability, import competition, and access to funding for localised agricultural technologies.
He concluded by urging researchers and innovators to focus on solutions that are both scientifically robust and socially-relevant, emphasising that technology should empower farmers, increase production efficiency, and strengthen local food systems.