MASINDI, April 26, 2025 – ENCOT Foundation Limited, a non-profit organisation based in Masindi Municipality and dedicated to promoting sustainable agricultural development, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding [MoU] with Masindi Municipal Council to implement its Agricultural Value Chains Acceleration Model [AVCAM].
AVCAM is designed to connect farmers with markets for their produce, enhance productivity through modern agricultural techniques, and support post-harvest infrastructure development. The initiative aims to improve the quality of crops such as maize and rice, enabling them to fetch better prices in both regional and international markets. This will be achieved through actions such as linking farmers with processors via ICT platforms, providing post-harvest facilities, and strengthening seed certification services.
The MoU was signed on Thursday at the Masindi Municipal Council headquarters by Pascal Mandhawun, Chairperson of the ENCOT Foundation, and witnessed by Executive Director, Solomon Karuhanga. Patrick Asiimwe, the Acting Deputy Town Clerk, signed on behalf of Masindi Municipal Council, and was witnessed by Dr Proscovia Nambajjo, the municipality’s Production Officer.
“Our key objectives include enhancing productivity and sustainability, developing and strengthening agricultural value chains to improve market access, and increasing incomes for smallholder farmers. We will also focus on building the capacity of farmers, extension workers, and other stakeholders involved in agriculture and market access,” Mandhawun explained.
He further elaborated on plans to improve infrastructure to support productivity and market access, in addition to establishing a framework for monitoring and evaluating the initiative.
“All these efforts are aimed at ensuring that local farmers benefit from their agricultural activities. Many are currently engaged in farming but are seeing little return on their efforts,” he added.
Karuhanga noted that during the first three years, the focus will be on maize and soya beans.
“We must improve access to agricultural resources, knowledge, and technology for farmers in Masindi. We’ll also provide technical support to promote climate-smart agriculture, including the adoption of drought-resistant maize varieties, use of organic fertilisers, and regenerative agricultural practices through farmer field schools,” he said.
He also highlighted plans to co-host value chain forums to connect farmers with processors and exporters, facilitating the aggregation and bulking of maize and soya beans to meet volume and quality standards required by buyers.
“Implementation will also include training in financial literacy, agribusiness management, cooperative governance, and good agronomic practices. We’re planning to introduce solar-powered irrigation systems to support year-round farming,” Karuhanga added, noting that community-level storage silos and warehouses would be constructed to reduce post-harvest losses.
Other activities will include supporting farmer groups in obtaining certification from the Uganda National Bureau of Standards [UNBS] for export, and facilitating contract negotiations with buyers.
Karuhanga emphasised the role of municipal authorities in providing administrative support, including the mobilisation of farmers, provision of meeting spaces, and coordination with ward extension workers. The initiative will align with the municipality’s agricultural development strategy to contribute to long-term goals such as reducing rural poverty and improving food security.
On his part, Asiimwe commended ENCOT Foundation for the partnership, stating that it complements government programmes.
“Any intervention aimed at supporting farmers is highly welcome. Adding value to agricultural products remains a major challenge, and anyone addressing this deserves support,” he said.
Nambajjo stressed the importance of organising farmers to protect them from exploitation by middlemen, noting that many are currently not benefitting fully from their labour.
“We pledge to work closely with ENCOT Foundation to help farmers get the most out of their produce. What is being done is in line with the municipality’s strategic plan,” she said.
https://thecooperator.news/naros-new-technologies-to-boost-agricultural-value-chain/
Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news
Views: 9
