This year’s National Organic Agriculture Research Innovation and Dissemination Symposium, organized by the Advocacy Coalition for Sustainable Agriculture (ACSA), brought together key stakeholders in Uganda’s agricultural and innovation ecosystems to discuss how research, entrepreneurship, and renewable energy can drive transformation across the country’s food systems.
The Centre for Research in Energy and Energy Conservation (CREEC) was proud to take part — contributing to the conversation through a powerful presentation on entrepreneurship and innovation within the RA-PURE (Regenerative Agriculture and Productive Use of Renewable Energy) nexus, and showcasing our ongoing work at the exhibition.
Rethinking Innovation in Agriculture
In CREEC’s presentation, we explored how innovation — when understood holistically — can unlock new opportunities in Uganda’s agricultural value chains.
Our speaker emphasized that innovation is not limited to technology, but also extends to policy, systems, and business models that enable entrepreneurs and farmers to thrive. Misconceptions about what innovation means often hinder progress; instead, a broader, more integrated understanding is needed to create real impact.
We also highlighted the importance of policy innovation, noting that existing frameworks sometimes fall short in supporting entrepreneurship and renewable energy adoption within agriculture. Creating enabling environments through adaptive policy design can help enterprises grow, attract investment, and achieve sustainability.
Building Sustainable Business Models
A key message from CREEC’s presentation was the need for comprehensive business models that drive scalability and long-term sustainability.
Sustainability in agriculture cannot rely solely on innovation in technology — it requires market linkages, access to financing, and a business environment that allows small and medium enterprises to grow from idea to impact.
This aligns with the RA-PURE approach that CREEC champions: combining regenerative agriculture practices such as crop rotation, intercropping, and biogas utilization with productive uses of renewable energy to increase yields, reduce waste, and enhance community resilience.
Empowering Youth for the Future
CREEC also underscored the importance of inclusivity and youth engagement in entrepreneurship and innovation.
The current economic and social challenges facing young people — including the male youth who are often overlooked in empowerment initiatives — demand attention. By creating accessible pathways for youth to participate in entrepreneurship, innovation, and technical training, Uganda can address unemployment while accelerating the transition to a sustainable energy future.
Showcasing Innovation at the Exhibition
Alongside the symposium, CREEC participated in the exhibition, where we shared insights and demonstrations from our work in renewable energy, regenerative agriculture, and capacity development.
Visitors engaged with our team to learn about ongoing initiatives — including the Power for Food Partnership, RA-PURE activities, and clean cooking innovations — that are transforming communities through applied research and innovation.
The exhibition served as an excellent opportunity to connect with other sector players, exchange knowledge, and explore potential partnerships to strengthen Uganda’s energy–agriculture nexus.
Looking Ahead
CREEC remains deeply committed to advancing sustainable agriculture through renewable energy solutions, entrepreneurship support, and inclusive innovation.
As we continue to work with partners such as ACSA, SNV, and others, our goal is to ensure that the conversation on sustainability is not just about technology — but about people, systems, and shared transformation.
Together, we can power a future where energy fuels agriculture and agriculture sustains the planet. 🌱⚡