Ugandan national Dr. Richard Miiro was awarded the Norman E. Borlaug Leadership Enhancement in Agriculture Program (LEAP) fellowship in the Fall of 2006. He was enrolled in a dual PhD program at Makerere University in Uganda and at Iowa State University in the Department of Agricultural Extension/Education and Sociology respectively. Dr. Miiro’s research investigated the role of networks of market-oriented farmer organizations and how those networks were enhancing the organizations’ performance. The research looked at appropriate policy and practical lessons for agricultural service needs, value chain engagement, livelihood demands, organizational acuity, and general self confidence and efficacy.

Dr. Frank Matsiko at Makerere University, Dr. Robert Mazur at Iowa State University and Dr. Pascal Sanginga at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) served as mentors for Dr. Miiro during his fellowship. He conducted his fieldwork in Uganda under the supervision of his CIAT mentor.