AGRA unveils new strategy to bolster agri-food systems in Uganda

Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa - AGRA has launched a new five-year strategy dubbed "AGRA 3.0'' to boost the competitiveness of Uganda’s agri-food systems in line with the country’s development blueprint, Vision 2040.

The strategy aims at strengthening financial and non-financial services for SMEs involves in staple crops to make them sustainable

The strategy prioritises increasing smallholder farmers' incomes and food security and managing climate and market risks as well as putting special focus on seed research to help farmers access to quality seeds which are productive.

In his remarks, AGRA’s Deputy Vice President for PID, Dr George Birigwa, has noted that the new strategy builds on AGRA’s work in the country, mainly focusing on increasing smallholder farmers’ income, food security and nutrition, thus driving productivity. 

‘’By building inclusive and competitive markets, the strategy will ensure increased volumes and value of traded agricultural commodities, and employment opportunities for women and youth’’. He said.

According to him, over the next five years, AGRA will be working towards strengthening financial and non-financial services for SMEs involved in staple crops to make them sustainable.

‘’This will be done through investments in policy and advocacy work, matching grant support for business improvement and expansion, and linking the businesses with new technology and funding mechanisms’’. He added.

He noted that Agriculture is the backbone of Uganda’s economy and has always been a critical pillar of its economic development.

‘’The country has taken another step towards a sustainable agricultural future with its well-articulated framework. We are committed to working with the government and the private sector to build a resilient food system, ensuring that the benefits of agricultural transformation reach all Ugandans.” Bigirwa noted.

The strategy is aligned with the Government of Uganda’s third Agriculture Sector Strategic Plan (2020/21–2024/25) that aims to transform Uganda’s agricultural sector from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture.

Uganda’s Minister of State for Agriculture: Hon. Bwino Fred Kyakulaga, who was the guest of honour at the launch has noted that the government is committed to help large scale farmers particularly in financing their operations in food production and also to help them with mechanisations through giving the tractors, accessing better irrigation systems and technologies.

‘’In return, we expect that these large scale farmers that the government will be corporation with, will be off takers of what smaller farmers around them produce. And two, their facilities will be centres of excellence for value addition’’. Kyakulaga noted.

Kyakulaga further noted that he is optimistic that collaborations between government and partners like AGRA can enhance food security in Uganda and address our country’s strategic decision to stop relying on imported seed.

AGRA has invested over $62.8 million in supporting SMEs, issued $3.6 million worth of grants to boost the capacities of rice farmers and SMEs and spent $0.24 million to reach 25,000 farmers directly to promote fertiliser use through partnerships.