Stabilizing sesame yields and production in the Lango Region, Northern Uganda

Donor: Government of the Netherlands through WOTRO-NWO

Duration: 2015 -2018

 Introduction: The overall aim of the project was to stabilize and improve sesame productivity in the Lango region, northern Uganda.

The objectives were:

1.       Analysis of historical climate trends in the region (between 1980-2010) to understand the impact of climate change on sesame production.

2.       Development and deployment of climate smart drought tolerant varieties.

3.       Innovations in pest and disease management against the gall midge, bollworm and Cercospora leafspot.

4.       Use of integrated soil nutrient management.

5.       Demonstration and promotion of new sesame varieties.

Achievements. Literature search, focus group discussions and modeling showed past and future climate changes on rainfall and temperatures and extreme weather events reduced sesame yields and quality.

Five promising drought tolerant lines were developed and evaluated for stability and adaptation at on-station and 3 on-farm. The released varieties (sesim 2 and3) were resilient and preferred in the market and 45.21 tons of certified seed and quality declared seed was produced by famers and sold at a premium price.

A combination of fungicide and insecticide reduced insect pest and disease incidences leading to higher yields. Application of inorganic fertilizers increased sesame yields with a higher response in improved varieties.