Improving agricultural productivity and reducing poverty in Uganda will depend on supportive government policies, according to Alhaji M Jallow, Country Representative for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

Speaking at the Uganda launch of the International Year of Family Farming, Jallow said that in order to move forward and avoid food insecurity, farmers needed access to simple technologies and improved agricultural methods, including improved seeds

"If small scale farming is supported it will have a direct impact in achieving the Millennium Development Goals on eradication of extreme poverty and hunger," said Jallow.

He added that FAO and the international community will continue to support agriculture in Uganda, in particular through activities such as agroforestry which can mitigate climate change.

All Africa carries an article about the launch include a debate which occurred over the introduction of biotechnology in Uganda versus support for organic farming.

Read the full story: Uganda: Small-Scale Farmers Face Hurdles