By Beatrice Nakibuuka
As Uganda faces growing pressure from climate change, shifting rainfall patterns, and increasing land scarcity, farmers are venturing into new regions and environments in search of better yields. A question gaining importance among agricultural communities is: can indigenous seeds grow successfully in soils outside their native zones?
According to agricultural scientists and seasoned farmers, the answer is yes, but it is not automatic. Indigenous seeds can thrive in non-indigenous soils, but only if key environmental, soil, and management factors are carefully considered.
Francis Nsanga, Project Manager at the Knowledge Centre for Organic Agriculture (KCOA) says: “Indigenous seeds are naturally resilient and adapted to their local environments. However, when you relocate them, their survival depends on how closely the new environment matches the one they evolved in.”
Indigenous seeds, also known as traditional or local seeds, are varieties that have been passed down through generations of farmers. They include types of millet, sorghum, cowpeas, beans, and groundnuts. They are prized for their ability to withstand local climatic stresses, pests, and diseases.
Can they survive in new soils?
“Yes, they can, but not without support,” Nsanga emphasises, adding: “Farmers must assess the conditions of the new location especially soil composition, fertility, and pH. Climate similarity also plays a key role.”
Some crops like cowpeas and sorghum are naturally more adaptable, while others, like certain bean or millet varieties, may struggle if the soil or microclimate is too different from what they are used to.
Farmers in Karamoja, for instance, have experimented with groundnut varieties from Eastern Uganda. With soil amendments and careful planting, yields were impressive. But in other cases, without proper preparation, the crops performed poorly.
Importance of soil testing
According to Fanuel Ongua, a research officer at the National Agricultural Research Laboratories (NARL) at National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), it is important to know the pH of the soil in order for you to know what plants you will have to grow on it.
“Test your soil’s pH, texture, and nutrient content. You may discover deficiencies or imbalances that need correction,” Ongua advises.
For instance, acidic soils can be neutralised with lime, sandy soils, common in parts of northeastern Uganda, often benefit from compost or manure to improve water retention, while clay-heavy soils may need better drainage or aeration.
Soil microbes are invisible helpers
One overlooked but vital component of soil health is the presence of beneficial microbes, especially rhizobia and mycorrhizal fungi. These microscopic organisms help plants absorb nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus.
“When you move indigenous seeds to new areas, they may lose their microbial partners,” Ongua explains, adding: “This can weaken growth, even if the soil seems fertile.”
To overcome this, farmers are encouraged to use microbial inoculants, biological additions that reintroduce beneficial microbes into the soil or onto the seed.
Watch out for new pests, diseases
Relocating seeds may also expose crops to new enemies. A variety that is pest-resistant in Mbale might be defenseless against the insect species common in Lira or Gulu.
Nsanga recommends Integrated Pest Management (IPM) which involves combining crop rotation, biological controls like predatory insects, and organic treatments like neem extracts while avoiding overuse of chemicals, which can kill beneficial organisms and lead to resistance.
Farmer-led innovation in action
Many Ugandan farmers are not waiting for perfect conditions but in Lira District, a group of farmers experimented with relocating groundnut seeds from Mbale. After enriching their sandy soil with cow dung and compost, they planted the seeds on a small trial plot. The results were higher-than-expected yields and better drought tolerance.
“They saw that some plants thrived more than others. So the next season, they only saved seed from the best-performing plants. Over time, this practice builds a seed line that’s well adapted to the new area,” Nsanga says.
This method known as gradual acclimatization mimics natural selection and is an effective low-cost strategy for smallholders.
Best practices
Farmers are encouraged to try seeds on a test plot before expanding to larger fields. Equally important is understanding your soil. Nsanga recommends regular soil testing and amendments, noting that organic matter such as compost and manure can greatly enhance fertility.
For legumes, Nsanga suggests microbial inoculants to boost nitrogen fixation and overall plant health. Farmers should also practise IPM and scout crops regularly to stay ahead of infestations.
Blending seeds from different regions can also help boost resilience. “Try mixing indigenous varieties from various zones to enhance adaptability,” he advises.
While these seeds originate from specific soils, they are far from confined to them. With careful experimentation and continued collaboration between farmers, scientists, and policymakers, Uganda can ensure its food systems remain adaptable, resilient, and locally rooted for generations to come.
