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Workshop on Enhancing Collection and Management of Animal Genetic Resources (AnGRs) Data

Written by nagrc.admin on . Posted in News.

Strengthening Uganda’s Livestock Sector for Sustainable Development

Entebbe, Uganda | May 23, 2025 — The National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB), Uganda’s National Focal Point for the Global Plan of Action (GPA) on Animal Genetic Resources (AnGRs), successfully convened a high-impact National Capacity Building Workshop on Enhancing the Collection and Management of AnGRs Data. Held in Entebbe from May 19th to 23rd, 2025, the workshop brought together national and international experts committed to advancing Uganda’s livestock data systems for sustainable agricultural development.

Driving Uganda’s Leadership in Livestock Data Governance

The week-long workshop aimed to strengthen and harmonize Uganda’s national livestock data collection and management framework, ensuring alignment with global systems such as the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (DAD-IS). By reviewing current methodologies, identifying gaps, and customizing tools, the workshop sought to enhance Uganda’s data-driven decision-making in the livestock sector.

NAGRC&DB reaffirmed its leadership role in spearheading Uganda’s livestock data transformation, laying the foundation for sustainable livestock development, conservation of genetic diversity, and evidence-based policy formulation.

Strategic Workshop Objectives

Participants collaborated across key thematic areas crucial to Uganda’s livestock development:

  • Breed Inventory & Characterization – Documenting indigenous and exotic breeds to monitor genetic diversity.
  • Production & Productivity Data – Improving tools to assess livestock performance and management systems.
  • Genetic Diversity & Molecular Data – Establishing markers for conservation science and breed tracking.
  • Conservation Strategies (In-Situ & Ex-Situ) – Strengthening sustainable preservation of livestock breeds.
  • Socio-Economic & Cultural Data – Highlighting AnGRs’ role in rural livelihoods, cultural practices, and food security.
  • Policy & Institutional Data – Reinforcing regulatory frameworks and institutional collaboration.

Stakeholder-Driven Collaboration

The workshop featured high-level participation from key institutions and development partners, including:

  • NAGRC&DB – Host and lead technical agency advancing Uganda’s livestock data transformation.
  • MAAIF – Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, responsible for policy oversight.
  • NEMA – National Environmental Management Authority, ensuring biodiversity conservation under the CBD.
  • UBOS – Uganda Bureau of Statistics, supporting data harmonization and integrity.
  • NARO – National Agricultural Research Organisation, advancing agricultural research and innovation.
  • FAO & AU-IBAR – Providing technical support and facilitating regional livestock policy alignment.

Key Outcomes & Future Directions

The workshop resulted in several critical outcomes and strategic commitments, including:

  • Development of Harmonized Data Collection Tools – Including customized templates and the AnGR-CIM tool.
  • Institutional Mapping and Role Clarification – Establishing a stakeholder framework for implementation.
  • Drafting of the National Strategy on AnGR Data Management – A guiding document for nationwide action.
  • Launch of a Pilot Sample-Based Breed-Level Survey – Targeting Zombo and Moyo (West Nile) and Wakiso and Nakasongola (Central Region).

This pilot survey will validate the new tools and strategies across all Strategic Priority Areas (SPAs) of the GPA.

Focus of the Pilot Survey

The pilot data collection effort will provide critical baseline insights and test methodologies before national scale-up. It will focus on:

  • Breed identification, genetic characterization, and diversity monitoring.
  • Livestock production trends and performance metrics.
  • In-situ and ex-situ conservation practices and their effectiveness.
  • Integration of socio-economic data into national agricultural planning.
  • Review and refinement of institutional coordination mechanisms.

Laying the Foundation for Sustainable Livestock Development

A significant highlight of the workshop was the review of the Draft National Strategy on Data Collection and Management for Animal Genetic Resources, which provides a roadmap for harmonizing Uganda’s livestock data systems with regional and global standards.

Representatives from FAO, AU-IBAR, and the Government of Uganda commended NAGRC&DB for its leadership and collaborative approach, recognizing the workshop as a critical milestone in Uganda’s journey to enhance resilience in the livestock sector.

Conclusion: Advancing Uganda’s Livestock Data Future

With its demonstrated commitment to inclusive stakeholder engagement, methodological rigor, and strategic alignment, NAGRC&DB is positioned to lead Uganda into a new era of data-informed livestock development. The workshop outcomes will fuel enhanced breed improvement programs, more effective conservation of indigenous genetic resources, and robust data governance for policy planning.

As Uganda advances toward climate-smart agriculture and sustainable food systems, the foundation laid during this workshop will serve as a cornerstone for resilient, efficient, and globally connected livestock sector growth.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all the partners, facilitators, and participants who made this milestone possible.

For more information and updates, visit www.nagrc.go.ug