Farmers have been urged to prioritise food safety, post-harvest handling and market financing as part of efforts to strengthen agriculture value-chain development.
The call was made by State Minister for Agriculture, Mr Fred Kyakulaga in a speech delivered on his behalf by Mr Julius Twinomatsiko, the coordinator for food and nutrition security at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries.
This was during the Food and Nutrition Security Marketplace, a function held at Butansi Sub-county headquarters in Kamuli District under the theme ‘Connecting farmers, partners and innovations.’
The minister commended the Kingdom of the Netherlands for embedding planning components and actionable strategies that advance shared goals for improving food security and nutrition in Uganda across its various projects.
‘This gathering is a significant step forward in our collective journey towards enhancing agricultural productivity, food security, nutrition and overall food system transformation in our country,’ Mr Kyakulaga said.
He observed that although Uganda is endowed with favourable agro-ecological conditions that support year-round food production, its potential has not been fully exploited due to limited access to technology, inadequate infrastructure, and poor food production and post-harvest handling practices.
Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands, Bouwe Jan Smeding, emphasised the need to strengthen food and nutrition systems through inclusive and participatory approaches, saying agriculture remains central to economic development.
He reminded participants that despite Uganda’s discovery of oil, it is a temporary resource, whereas agriculture remains the most sustainable and rewarding enterprise supporting families, communities and the nation.
‘Today is a day to connect, learn, and be inspired through our participatory integrated planning approach, which shows how people can meaningfully contribute to improving their own livelihoods,’ Smeding said.
Ms Judith Okuonzia Tomma, the deputy project manager for the SNV INCLUDE Project, highlighted challenges such as soil fertility loss, low yields, pest and disease outbreaks, all of which hinder food production and resilience.
‘While the INCLUDE Project focuses on livestock production, INSPIRE supports crop production and small-scale irrigation. Our work focuses on improving soil health, promoting value addition and enhancing access to both input and output markets,’ she explained.
Ms Christine Isanga Kimbugwe, the vice chairperson of the Greater Kamuli Cassava Cooperative, reported significant progress through innovations and empowerment from the SNV Marketplace, noting improved market connections due to better post-harvest cassava handling that eliminates aflatoxins.
‘Because farmers now practise proper post-harvest handling, our cassava is clean and aflatoxin-free. We currently supply over 50 tonnes monthly, and when the Dei BioPharma vaccines factory opens in Kamuli, we will supply cassava as raw material, transforming livelihoods,’ she said.
Ms Florence Muyama Wakoba from Bukalasa Women’s Group in Bududa testified that the Netherlands-supported projects have liberated women economically and reduced poverty, helping stabilise homes.