JOWATE Agro-tourism Farm: A game changer for agriculture in Masindi
The need for soil testing, irrigation, improved seeds, fertilisers and other modern farming practices was once uncommon. However, with soils increasingly depleted, the agricultural landscape has changed drastically
MASINDI, August 4, 2026 — For many years, farmers in Masindi and the wider Bunyoro Sub-region relied largely on natural factors for agricultural production.
The need for soil testing, irrigation, improved seeds, fertilisers and other modern farming practices was once uncommon. However, with soils increasingly depleted, the agricultural landscape has changed drastically.
Modern farming now necessitates soil testing, the proper use of fertilisers and herbicides, improved seeds and knowledge of good agronomic practices, expertise that many farmers still lack.
These challenges are being addressed by the JOWATE Agro-tourism Farm Centre in Kyabikule village, Bwijanga Subcounty, Masindi district.
The centre offers a range of free training programmes led by experts from recognised institutions and government agencies.
Farmers receive training in areas including soil testing, good agronomic practices, organic fertiliser production, juice making, apiculture, aquaculture, seed propagation, fruit-tree cultivation, rabbit keeping and coffee growing, among others.
JOWATE Agro-tourism Farm Centre, which propagates more than 200 exotic and local fruit varieties, regularly hosts ‘Open Day’ farm activities to educate farmers about various agronomic practices.
On July 25, 2026, the farm organised an open day that attracted more than 200 farmers. The visitors toured the facility, explored an orchard featuring more than 200 varieties of fruit trees, participated in juice tasting, learnt about different bird species and received training in value addition.
Geoffrey Kagoro, the Director of JOWATE Agro-tourism Farm Centre, said the farm started on a small scale but has since expanded, creating opportunities for people to learn and acquire practical farming skills.
“I operate a coffee nursery bed, grow fruit trees and add value to the different fruits I cultivate. I am growing and also adding value to them so that I can benefit,” Kagoro said, adding that he currently employs 90 skilled and unskilled workers.
He emphasised the importance of value addition in enabling farmers to earn more from their produce.
“I always organise open farm days so that you get this knowledge free of charge. I want us to grow together because when we grow together, you will give me a market, and I will do the same,” he said.
Kagoro urged farmers to prioritise seeking expert information to improve their yields.
He expressed concern that farmers from distant areas were more actively seeking agricultural knowledge than those living closer to the farm, describing the situation as unfortunate.
“Seek information and implement it. Don’t stop at just seeing what’s here. Let’s go back and implement. I don’t charge community members interested in learning different things. People who have embraced knowledge haven’t remained the same,” he said.
Kagoro stressed that access to expert information helps farmers avoid working blindly.
Soil testing crucial
Frank Twinomujuni, a soil scientist at JOWATE Agro-tourism Farm Centre, stressed the importance of soil testing for anyone venturing into agriculture.
He said many farmers incur losses by planting suitable crops in unsuitable soils.
“We have been hearing of soil testing services from very far, but now they are here, and we are ready to help you understand the type of soil you have before you start cultivating,” he said.
Twinomujuni explained that even where a farmer follows the best agronomic practices, production can remain poor if the soil is unsuitable.
He urged farmers to make soil testing a priority before embarking on agricultural production.
Embrace irrigation
Enock Mwesigwa, a coffee agronomist at JOWATE Agro-tourism Farm Centre, urged farmers to acknowledge the effects of climate change and embrace irrigation.
“Embrace irrigation if you are to earn from what you are doing. If we are to engage in commercial farming, let’s recognise the issue of climate change. We can no longer depend on the rains,” he advised.
Mwesigwa noted that many farmers suffer losses because they do not consult agricultural experts.
He assured farmers that the centre’s experts were available to provide informed guidance and urged them to adopt good agronomic and harvesting practices, including harvesting ripe coffee to maintain its quality.
Deogratius Tumukigize, an agrochemicals expert, guided farmers on the proper application of agricultural chemicals, explaining that incorrect application can result in losses.
Farm as a practical learning centre
Jos Wamara, a farmer and former LCV Chairperson of Masindi District, encouraged head teachers, parents, teachers and school directors to embrace the farm so that learners can acquire practical agricultural knowledge.
“Everyone interested in farming should embrace this farm because it’s like a training centre. Farmers are making a lot of losses due to ignorance. Poor post-harvest handling, which is caused by ignorance, has significantly hindered many farmers’ progress, which is why you see many not advancing,” Wamara said.
The more than 200 farmers who visited the farm were particularly fascinated by some of the trees mentioned in the Bible that are being propagated there.
They were also impressed by the large fish in the ponds, the value-addition techniques, the orchard and demonstrations of good agronomic practices, among other attractions.
Victor Magamabo, a farmer from Byerima Village, told theCooperator News that he had come to understand that knowledge is key to benefiting from agriculture.
He urged fellow farmers to seek productive agricultural knowledge and put it into practice.
JOWATE Agro-tourism Centre Ltd, commonly known as JOWATE Farm, is an agricultural training and agro-tourism hub offering orchard tours, clonal coffee propagation, poultry, aquaculture and livestock projects.
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