Cereal banks and honey value addition to boost agricultural productivity in Adjumani district
ADJUMANI, April 6, 2025 – In a concerted effort to enhance agricultural productivity and improve the livelihoods of small-scale farmers, the Lutheran World Federation [LWF], with support from Bread for the World [Brot für die Welt], has established two community cereal banks and a honey processing facility in Dzaipi and Pakele sub-counties of Adjumani district.
These new facilities are expected to benefit over 200 farmers’ groups, including both local farmers and refugees residing in the area. The initiative aims to reduce post-harvest losses, improve food security, and add value to agricultural products.
Local farmers have expressed optimism about the project’s impact. Daniel Odong, an apiary farmer and technician at the Uganda National Apiculture Development Organisation [TUNADO], spoke positively about the honey processing facility.
“Currently, we have 200 litres of processed honey and 500 kg of unprocessed honey. With this new processing machine, we will improve the quality and quantity of our honey, increasing its market value,” Odong explained.
He added that with 30 apiary farmer groups in operation, they aim to produce five tonnes of honey per season over the next two years, with markets both locally and in South Sudan.
Similarly, Esther Kinyaa, chairperson of the Aleamandro Farmers’ Group in Pakele Sub-county, acknowledged the support from LWF, which included an ox plough, groundnut seeds, and a hand-operated tractor.
“We now have 45 bags of groundnuts, and we have also started a Village Savings and Loan Association [VSLA], which allows us to save money, pay school fees, and afford essential medicine for our families,” Kinyaa said.
Mr James Ondoga, the local council chairperson of Dzaipi Sub-county, stressed the significance of the cereal banks, particularly given the area’s high agricultural output and its proximity to the South Sudan border.
“We produce a lot, but due to a lack of storage facilities, much of our harvest went to waste. With these cereal banks, we can now store food, reduce losses, and ensure food security and better nutrition,” Ondoga explained.
The Chief Administrative Officer of Adjumani district, James Ocen, praised the initiative, noting that it aligns with the Parish Development Model [PDM] objective of adding value to agricultural products to eradicate poverty. He urged farmers to fully embrace the project.
Timothy Olum, the Project Officer at LWF, revealed that the initiative, named the Adjumani Rural Livelihood Enhancement Project, will be implemented over three years at a cost of Shs 4.8 billion. The overarching goal of the project is to enhance the livelihoods and well-being of smallholder farmers by improving food storage and processing capabilities.
The issue of food waste remains a significant challenge in Africa, with the Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO] estimating that 30-40 percent of food production is lost before it reaches consumers. This is largely due to inadequate storage, inefficient supply chains, and a lack of food banks. Smallholder farmers are particularly vulnerable, as they often lack access to proper post-harvest facilities and transportation networks.
To address these challenges, the FAO’s SAVE FOOD initiative promotes global efforts to reduce food loss and waste by improving production efficiency, particularly in developing countries. The new cereal banks and honey processing facility in Adjumani represent a crucial step in addressing these issues at the community level, ensuring better food security and economic stability for farmers in the region.
https://thecooperator.news/young-bee-farmers-form-cooperative-to-boost-honey-business/
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