ESAFF Uganda transforming lives of small-scale farmers

KAMPALA, June 3, 2024 - The Eastern and Southern African small-scale farmers [ESAFF] Uganda is impacting the lives of a good number of small-scale farmers, according to the 2023 impact report published by the organisation.

ESAFF has been working in more than 50 districts in Uganda the districts include, Soroti, Serere, Amuria, Ngora, Bukedea, Kumi, Kabale, Kisoro, Masaka, Mubende, Mityana, Mukono, Nebbi, Zombo,

Other district are Kamuli, Jinja, Mbale, Mayuge, Bugiri, Gulu, Amuru, Nwoya, Pader, Adjumani, Manafwa, Iganga, Arua, Apac, Kasese, Kanungu, Kassanda, Omoro, Maracha, Moyo, Agago, Oyam.

Kole, Buyende, Kaliro, Pallisa, Namutumba, Kibuku, Budaka, Luuka, Namayingo, Buikwe, Buvuma, Kalangala, Gomba, Bukomansimbi, Kalungu, Lwengo, Sironko, and Bududa are also among the districts that benefited.

The 2023 report released last month indicates that at least 2,167 community members were empowered through the community agroecology school, and 17 small-scale farmers-led enterprises strengthened through the agroecology business hub.

the report further elaborated that, 4560 small-scale farmers & citizens are supported through the land rights support center, and 2448 small-scale farmers are supported through the farmers’ seed lab to access quality and affordable seeds.

“At least 8610 small-scale farmers are actively influencing agriculture financing using the agriculture budget watch platforms, 1100 children and community members accessed information and techniques through the agroecology clubs, and over 6.6 million people received information relating to farming through our media programs,” the report adds.

Amplifying small-scale farmers’ voices in policy processes

Hakim Baliraine, said Hakim Baliraine, National Chairperson of Board of Directors said that during the year 2023, they conducted a membership mapping exercise that indicated a significant growth in membership from 8,535 farmer groups in 2021 to 12,588 farmer groups with 384,354 members, of which 231,915 are women, adding that they registered further demand from many communities and districts to join the largest movement of small-scale farmers in Uganda.

“We are thrilled to share our Impact Report for 2023, reflecting our incredible strides over the past year. The year has been highlighted with impactful events and new challenges for the Movement. At the heart of our work lies our unwavering commitment to empowering small-scale farmers and amplifying voices,” said Baliraine.

However, he said there exist dynamic challenge that limit mobilisation and engagement amidst the shrinking civic space, limiting participation, and influencing key policy and development processes.

He pledged that through the ESAFF Uganda components, they will continue to engage with policymakers at all levels, advocating for policies and programmes that prioritise the needs of small-scale farmers and people in rural areas.

“From supporting women's land rights through the Land Rights Support Centre to advocating for financing for agroecology under the Agriculture Budget Watch to mobilising the media under the Online Agroecology School for Journalists and Communicators, we have been relentless in our pursuit of a more equitable and inclusive agricultural sector and the economy at large,” he said.

Empowering small-scale farmer-led businesses

The Agroecology Business Hub [ABH] is an initiative by ESAFF Uganda that seeks to address environmental, social, and economic challenges faced by small-scale farmers, especially women, by promoting sustainable practices, community engagement, and innovation, thus creating a more resilient and ecologically sound food system. The ABH supports small-scale farmers through three pillars including business capacity building, access to affordable credit, and access to favorable markets.

According to the report, in 2023, the ABH held its first small-scale farmers’ agroecology business workshop, in which 14 agroecological enterprises took part. 17 small-scale farmer-led enterprises comprising 413 small-scale farmers from 12 districts were supported in the formulation and running of businesses, as well as awarded value-added equipment.

ESAFF Uganda is also part of a bigger network of small-scale farmers in the other 15 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa including South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, South Africa, Lesotho, DR Congo, Madagascar, Seychelles, and Mozambique.

https://thecooperator.news/esaff-trains-journalists-to-create-awareness-about-value-of-agroecology/

Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news