When I spoke recently with my in-law, Deryn, who lives in Canada, our conversation began like many family chats, weather, work, and health. But it quickly turned into a deeper reflection on agriculture, the backbone of Uganda’s economy and a quiet force in Canada’s prosperity.
From two continents apart, we found ourselves dissecting the differences, challenges, and opportunities that define farming in our respective countries. I started by sharing: Here in Uganda, agriculture is life.
Nearly 70 percent of our people depend on it, mostly through smallholder farms averaging two to three acres.
Yet, despite the sweat and commitment, productivity remains low. Our farmers depend on rain-fed systems, basic tools, and traditional practices that have changed little in generations. It is not that our farmers lack knowledge – they lack support. Access to modern inputs, financing, irrigation, and markets remains patchy.
Deryn: That’s a stark contrast to Canada, where fewer than two percent of the population work in agriculture, yet we produce enough food to feed not only ourselves but also export to much of the world. The difference, I believe, lies in technology and infrastructure. Here, almost every process – from soil testing to harvest – is guided by data, machines, and research.
Our farmers operate like engineers; they rely on precision agriculture, drones, and satellite imagery to monitor crops. To me, this was impressive, here some farmers still rely on the sight of clouds to plan planting. We are rich in fertile soils and favorable climate, but poor in harnessing science and innovation.
Deryn says one thing that drives Canada’s agriculture is the seamless link between universities, research institutions, and farmers. ‘Every new seed variety, irrigation method, or pest-control strategy comes from years of scientific testing. Farmers trust the data because it’s homegrown and transparent’.
While here we have strong institutions like National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) and Makerere University, but their breakthroughs rarely reach the ordinary farmer in Kasese, Gulu, or Masindi. The communication gap between research and rural practice is wide.
Deryn: And yet, Uganda’s agricultural potential is enormous – rich volcanic soils, multiple growing seasons, and diverse agroecological zones.
Canada has a short growing window; our farmers must make the most of 120 frost-free days. But we compensate with technology and planning.
Uganda could lead Africa if it modernized its systems while protecting its environment.
In Uganda, Agricultural policies are often well-written but poorly executed. Farmers’ cooperatives are weak, and youth are not seeing agriculture as a dignified career. Access to affordable credit remains a dream for most smallholders.
In Canada, farmers are organised into powerful associations. They influence policy, negotiate fair prices, and advocate for sustainable practices. Government subsidies and insurance programs protect them from market shocks or climate losses. It’s not perfect, but it gives farmers confidence to invest long-term.
Exactly the kind of structure we need. Here, one drought or disease outbreak can push a farmer back into poverty. The resilience systems are thin. And yet, with better organisation and value addition, agriculture could employ millions more productively and drive industrialisation.
Our conversation explored the way climate change is reshaping global agriculture and youth participation into meaningful Agriculture. From where Deryn sits, Uganda and Africa at large are not short of potential, they’re short of systems.
The day African countries view farming as a strategic industry rather than a subsistence activity, everything will change. We must move from talking about potential to realising it, whether in Toronto or Tororo, farming deserves investment, innovation, and dignity.