Teso: Officials decry shortage of agricultural extension workers

SOROTI, July 31, 2025 – – A shortage of agricultural extension workers in some parts of Teso Sub-region is hindering farmers’ access to vital market information and support, concerned officials have warned.

In Uganda, agricultural extension workers play a critical role in bridging the gap between research and practical farming. They help farmers adopt improved technologies, offer technical advice, and facilitate access to essential resources such as markets and credit. Their support is key to enhancing productivity, promoting sustainable agriculture, and improving rural livelihoods.

Vincent Ogiro, the Production Officer for Serere district, said recently that many farmers in the district are suffering financial losses due to unsold produce, despite investing heavily in inputs such as seeds, pesticides, and labour among others.

“Most of the farmers are now experiencing losses due to limited information on market access,” Ogiro said.

He noted that although farmers have received training and been encouraged to grow various crops, the persistent challenge of poor market access has left many discouraged. The situation is further worsened by a lack of information on market prices and quality standards, coupled with limited support from extension officers.

Moses Otim, the District Commercial Officer for Bukedea, echoed these concerns, highlighting the lack of clear communication and guidance on where to sell produce and what quality standards are expected by buyers.

Otim urged government and development partners to address the market access challenge, including increasing the number of extension workers and supporting initiatives that create market linkages.

“The government should consider increasing the number of extension workers to tackle the challenges farmers are currently facing,” he said.

Michael Enyaku, the Production Officer for Soroti district, noted that the few extension officers available are overwhelmed and unable to adequately serve the large number of farmers in the district.

“You find that one extension worker is covering up to three sub-counties, which does not allow for meaningful impact on the ground,” Enyaku explained.

The shortage of extension workers means that many farmers are missing out on vital opportunities to improve decision-making and increase their incomes.

Joseph Okiror, a farmer from Arapai Sub-county in Soroti district, appealed for more support from extension workers to help farmers make informed choices.

“With the right support, farmers could increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve profitability,” he said.

Similarly, Sarah Atim, a farmer from Olio Sub-county in Serere district, said she struggles to access extension services. She spends between Shs 50,000 and 150,000 per acre on pesticides, yet still finds it difficult to access reliable markets for her produce.

She expressed hope that the government would one day provide the necessary resources and expertise to help farmers like her succeed.

Most farmers in the Teso Sub-region grow crops such as finger millet, sorghum, maize, groundnuts, sesame [simsim], sweet potatoes, rice, soybeans, peas, and cassava, key staples for both food security and income generation.

However, emerging markets for crops such as pumpkins, groundnuts, Hass avocados, and soybeans are being developed with support from organisations like the African Women Agribusiness Network [AWAN], which connects Teso farmers with buyers in Uganda, Kenya, Dubai, and the UK.

Additionally, the National Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute [NaSARRI] is working to develop and disseminate appropriate agricultural technologies aimed at promoting sustainable development and enhancing market access in the region.

https://thecooperator.news/experts-in-teso-advise-farmers-on-fighting-fall-armyworms/

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