MSMEs advised to tap into agri-tourism to improve incomes
KABAROLE, July 19, 2024 – Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises [MSMEs] in agriculture and tourism sectors have been encouraged to tap into agri-tourism to improve their incomes.
Over 100 farmers, tour operators, and hospitality professionals from Rwenzori Sub region gathered at BIGLAD Agri-tourism farm in Kabarole district last week for a pivotal three-day training focused on agri-tourism innovation.
The training was under the Agri-SME Development Programme 2024, themed “Gatta ko Omutindo” funded by Post Bank Uganda and implemented by the Federation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises [FSMEs].
The programme aims to support agri-SMEs add value to their produce and be able to explore innovations and opportunities in agri-business and tourism.
During the training, participants learned how to leverage Uganda’s rich agricultural heritage to diversify their incomes and attract global tourists.
Speaking at the event, Fort Portal Resident City Commissioner, Hellen Catherine Kamwine advised MSMEs owners to brand Fort Portal City using high quality of products in agriculture and tourism.
“Love your enterprise and make your products unique. When you compromise on quality, you lose reputation, market and livelihood for yourself and the whole community,” Kamwine said .
She encouraged MSMEs to form groups and leverage power of a collective voice to lobby and access affordable finance that government has availed in various financial institutions.
The Fort Portal Post Bank Branch Manager, Roger Barozi while taking participants through financial literacy, he oriented them into intricacies of banking , advising them to always first understand their businesses and it’s environment before they consider seeking finances to grow it.
“Before we finance your business, we need you to know that in banking, we don’t speculate. We want to see your experience in the business sector and how you intend to utilize the funds, get market and grow enterprise revenues,” said Barozi.
Participants highlighted the recurring constraints to their growth including limited access to affordable finance and lack of best financial management practices as well as inadequate market opportunities.
On his part, Julius Bigabwa an agri-tourism model farmer and the proprietor of BIGLAD Agri-tourism Farm in Kabarole district advised owners of SMEs to do continuous training, noting that the community needs more people practicing agri-tourism to be able to attract and serve a large potential market,” noted Bigabwa.
“We are blessed with good environment and many features that attract tourists from across the globe. Let’s take advantage of these and offer something that tourists cannot easily get anywhere especially organic agro-practices. Let’s add value to our products, take visitors to our farms and take them through those processes,” he added.
Bigabwa’s farm has a variety of integrated agri-enterprises including mangoes, macadamia, fish farming, poultry, cattle rearing, backyard gardening and animal feeds production among others.
Experts in business and government urged small enterprise owners to leverage Uganda’s rich ecology and strength in agriculture to diversify tourism offerings as this would enable them improve their earnings.
https://thecooperator.news/kikuube-farmers-ask-govt-to-subsidise-prices-of-agricultural-inputs/
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