become wealthy and prosperous through profitable agrculture

Issue No. 03, 2007/2008

Become Wealthy and Prosperous through Profitable Agrculture

Issue No. 03, 2007/2008


Editorial

Inside this Issue

Welcome to the Third issue of this maga-zine, published in the spirit of the Kaba-role District Agricultural and Trade Show.

The show is every year again a great op-portunity for both farmers and the busi-ness community to showcase and dem-onstrate their products, produces and services. This year’s show has been scheduled for October 18-20, and we sincerely hope a lot of exhibitors, partici-pants and visitors will enjoy and benefi t from the show.

With this year’s theme “Become Wealthy and Prosperous through Profi table Agri-culture”, we aim to highlight the District’s potential and reach a wide audience both via the show and the magazine. This magazine offers you a range of articles on issues regarding farming, investments and other topics which affect the region. Therefore, the magazine will not loose its value after the show has come to an end and we will continue to distribute the copies the coming year so to reach more people in the District.

The 2007 show and 2007/2008 maga-zine are being offered to you by:The Kabarole District Agriculture and Trade Show Steering Committee:

Steering Committee: Longino Masereka; ChairmanMugisha Samuel; Secretary

Publicity Committee;Kasukali MethLillian NkwengeHon. Nyakana RichardBihunirwa MediusNynke Boersma

Word from Chairperson LCV

Kabarole like any other District in Uganda has been battling with its development needs for a long time including improved service delivery, reduction of mass poverty, good gov-ernance and enhancing the welfare of our people.

Conspicuously, the decentralization policy has continued to shape the outlook of our local government and has proved to be invaluable in the im-plementation of priority programme areas such as Primary Health Care

(PHC), Functional Adult Literacy (FAL), Universal Primary Education (UPE), Plan for Modernization of Agriculture (PMA), National Agricul-ture Advisory Services (NAADS) and more recently Prosperity For All (PFA/Bonabagagawale) programme.

Apparently, some successes have been registered, but so have problems, which in many cases led to distortions in our development process and accentuation of the same problems. What was distinct in all our past en-deavors has been the glaring absence of strategic enterprise development, bulk agriculture production, adding value to the primary products, access to affordable credit facilities and cooperative marketing.

Notably the Agriculture and Trade Exhibitions gives the opportunity of addressing the value chain of our products, including production, process-ing and marketing. The Agriculture exhibition, further attempts to estab-lish our regional trade potential and address the public/ private concerns that underpin the overall regional economic development.

Now that we implement the Prosperity For All (PFA) programme, we must prepare ourselves to move forward in unison, with common aspira-tions and a desire to climb to a higher regional economic development platform, whose benefi ts transcend the entire fabric of the Ugandan soci-ety. Therefore the adoption of the Prosperity For All programme is clearly our fi rst best step towards this long march to tackling household poverty and competitive agricultural productivity. Let us all take up this challenge in a focused manner to the benefi t of everyone.

I am pleased to note that the Agriculture and trade show has become an im-portant vehicle for regional trade development. This has been manifested through the wide consultative process that has involved many stakehold-ers including development partners, private sector and civil society. My appreciation to all those who work tirelessly to make this annual exhibi-tion successful. Let us use the experience and lessons learnt in steering our efforts to eradicate poverty.

For God and my Country

Michael Mugisa

Stop EPAs ..............................................6Impact of AAMP in Kabarole................8NAADS supports wealth creation .........8Agricultural Investment potential in Kabarole.................................................13The Agriculture and Trade Show reviewed .................................................18

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The government of Uganda’s core development objective is the eradication of poverty in the Country, with a target of reducing the number of people below the poverty line to fewer than 10% by 2017.For many years, farming in Uganda and Kabarole in particular has been just a way of life. People have been producing enough to eat and sleep. It is therefore not surprising that although Uganda has vast fertile land and sufficient rains for agriculture, up to 35% of the population is living in absolute poverty.Considering the fact that Agriculture is the backbone of the Uganda’s economy almost fetching 90% of the foreign exchange, Government views it as the main target for development. In addition, about 85% of the 3.8 million households in this country are rural based and depend on agriculture for their sustenance. In view of this, the Government set up a policy framework; the Poverty Eradication Action Plan to improve welfare of its people. PEAP whose goal is the social transformation of Uganda through a multisectoral approach, is constituted by five key pillars one of which is to raise incomes of small holder farmers hence improved quality of life. In order to make this key pillar a reality, Government further designed another framework; the Plan for Modernization of Agriculture (PMA). The PMA provides a framework

for coordinated implementation of agricultural sector reforms aimed at the transformation of smallholder from subsistence farming to commercially oriented production. The overall goal of PMA is to transform subsistence agriculture to commercial agriculture. In order to achieve the PMA goal, Government has commissioned various programmes and projects which are being implemented by either/ or Government and Non Government Organizations. Kabarole District is supportive of and implements Government policy of PEAP through PMA related programmes and projects in the District. Such programmes include Local Government Development (LGDP), Plan for Modernization of Agriculture (PMA), National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS), Area Based Agriculture Modernization Programme (AAMP), Agricultural Extension Conditional Grant (AECG), District Agricultural Training and Information Centre (DATIC) ,District Support development Program (DDSP),Uganda Land Management Project (ULAMP), Household Agricultural Support P rog ram (HASP) , L i ves tock Res tock ing P rog ram (LRP) , Foundation for Rural Development (FORUD), SNV, Kabarole Research Centre (KRC), Environment and Sustainable Agriculture Production (ESAP), Private Sector Consultancy Centre (PRICON), and is keen to see the benefits to the people of Kabarole.

Through the above programmes/projects Kabarole District Local Government has and continues to remain focused on its role of ensuring that farmers are socially, technically, and economical ly empowered through; • O n g o i n g s e n s i t i z a t i o n o n development related issues, • Provision of technical services,

• Capacity building through training, provision of inputs and exposure tours to primary beneficiaries and other stakeholders• Institutional Development • F o s t e r i n g p a r t i c i p a t i o n , empowerment and ownership • Suppor t fo r m ic ro f inance institutions,• Ensuring adequate conditions and capacities for monitoring and evaluation.

Another key strategy to transform subsistence agriculture into farming as a business by Government is the forging of public-private sector partnerships. The general purpose of these partnerships is to enhance the achievement of better farmer linkage to input/output markets and establishment of viable commodity value chains for identified farmer enterprises.

Of recent, Government has launched Prosperity for All; another strategic intervention contributing to poverty eradication as contained in the President’s manifesto. Prosperity for all is a fully fledged Government effort to address the entire range of the value chain that encompasses production, micro finance, marketing and processing. Prosperity for all is about guiding communities to realize the potential among themselves and through facilitation with Government, exploiting this potential to its fullest to enable them move out of the jaws of abject poverty. Through the above interventions, Government has proclaimed that all its citizens must be able to earn a minimum income of about 20m= per capita per year that will enable them meet their basic necessities of life. The principle in this objective is that income must be earned whether through self employment on enterprises of choice,

Word from Chief Administrative OfficerSolomon Kalibwanyi Musoke

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the region. SATNET was also set up to facilitate NGO and CBO lobby and advocate the government for supportive policies. SATNET strengthens the capacity of her member organizations through technical training, providing information and other support services designated to strengthen the effectiveness of individual trainers and institutional capacity of member organizations to equip farmers with skills and appropriate technologies in sustainable agriculture.

What is Sustainable Agriculture?Sustainable agriculture is a method of farming based on human needs for food, income, shelter, fuel wood etc. and on understanding the long trem impact of our activities on the environment. In order to meet the human needs, while at the same time not affecting the resource base, sustainable agriculture entails the integration of plant and animal production practices. The use of local resources is critical and the protection of the environment is dominant.Sustainable agriculture means that:- the environment should be protected and the natural resource base conserved (ecologically sustainable)- The farm activities are economically viable (rewarding) and commercially competitive- The quality of life for farmers and society is enhanced (socially supportive)- Non-renewable resources and on-farm resources are efficiently used- Food and other human needs are satisfiedSustainable agriculture requires a combination of

I s t rong ly fee l h o n o u r e d t o put forward my m e s s a g e a t t h i s i m p o r t a n t Agriculture and Trade show as on October 18-20, 2007. I must thank the leadership of Kabarole District Local government for initiating this c o m m e n d a b l e s h o w a n d f o r

having entrusted SATNET with the responsibility of taking lead in organizing the Agriculture and Trade Show of the year.

What is SATNET?SATNET – Sustainable Agriculture Trainers Network – is a network of 47 registered NGO’s, CBO’s and Faith Based Organizations training communities in sustainable agriculture technologies. SATNET membership is spread in the five districts of the Rwenzori region (Bundibugyo, Kabarole, Kamwenge, Kasese and Kyenjojo) in South western Uganda.To facilitate the sharing of information and knowledge on best practices of sustainable agriculture in the region, indigenious CBO’s and NGO’s formed a local network to coordinate sustainable organic agriculture development in

Message from the Chairperson of SATNETRev. Canon Nason Baluku

working for others, or otherwise and important to note is that income cannot be earned through handouts.In line with the above therefore, Government has identified key movers that will propel the process and these are;• Enterprise identification and selection, • A robust community information system • An efficient marketing system, • Value addition to farmers produce,• Access to financial services. In line with the above Government efforts, a lot of developments are taking place in the District and this call for alternative means of communication which allow for effective flow of information to the beneficiaries and stakeholders of such programs.

I believe the different players contributing to becoming wealthy and prosperous through profitable agriculture have had an opportunity to highlight their detailed interventions and the short, medium and long term impacts that have been created in line with the overall

poverty eradication objectives for the people of Kabarole.

The production of this publication is therefore a welcome development as it will enable the district and development partners to understand the interventions and concerns of modernization of Agriculture programmes within and outside the District.

I commend the Production Sector together with SATNET for the innovative idea of this publication and applaud all those who rendered the financial support to have it published.

I urge all of us to use the opportunity availed by this publication to enlighten our development partners and the entire population of this District as a whole on the developments which contribute to profitable agriculture hence wealth and prosperity.

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indigenous knowledge, modern scientific skills and logic to make out a workable solution on the farm. The culture of the people too has to be taken into consideration.Sustainable agriculture implies a farming system that is capable of maintaining soil fertility and productivity and is therefore useful to society. Ecological sustainability is based on a continuous balance between production demands and respect for the ecosystem. This can be achieved through maintaining crop diversity, a living soil and cycle flow patterns for soil nutrients. To achieve these, required the following farming practices:

Soil Fertility ManagementThis involved cropping practices that protect the soil from the direct impact of the sun’s rice, provide active sources of soil nitrogen, improve soil texture and structure, enable the use of soil nutrients from different soil layers, the minimization of nutrient outflows and the maximization of nutrient inflows in the farming system. It also involves good use of animal and greens manures.

Soil and Water conservationThis involves protection of soils to reduce or eliminate soil erosion and practices to increase water percolation into the soil and reduce evaporation

Crop and Animal husbandryThis involves the use of cropping patterns that reduce weeds, diseases, and pest problems. Pest control strategies that are not harmful to natural systems, farmers, their neighbors and consumers and includes integrated pest management techniques that reduce the need for synthetic pesticides by employing practices such as scouting, use of resistant varieties, firming of planting, biological pest control and physical means. It involves a reliance on farm production of fodder and the integration of crop and animal production through proper planning and siting of the different activities to promote their interactions and the efficient cycling of nutrients

Farm energy utilizationThis emphasizes the use or renewable energy source like solar, wind, running water, biogas, animal and human power, improving then efficiency eg, through the use of wood saving cooking stoves and by minimizing the use of non-renewable energy sources such as petrol, diesel and paraffin. All these practices should be integrated in the farming system. This relies on the expertise of farmers agricultural development workers and policy makers.

How to establish a sustainable agriculture Farm?When establishing a sustainable agriculture farm, one needs to focus on the biological interactions between the different enterprises – crops and animals – and the family’s own needs for food, income, fuel wood and social welfare. Integration of crop and animal husbandry ensures a diversification of production and minimizes risks of farm failures. Animals produce many different things which

provide the farmer with a range of products for family use and sale. For example cattle produces milk, meat, skin, draught power and manure. Introducing different types of animals on the farm increases the productivity of the farm through diversified utilization of farm resources. It is however, important that the two complement each other. For example animal dung should be used to improve soil fertility to ensure higher crop yields while the crop remains to provide animal feed. Furthermore, sustainable agriculture needs more than new technologies and practices. It needs agricultural professionals willing and able to learn from farmers and other stakeholders; it needs supportive external institutions, it needs local groups and institutions capable of managing resources effectively and above all it needs agricultural policies that support these features. It also requires to look closely at the very nature of the way we conceptualize sustainability and how it might be achieved.During the past fifty years, agricultural development policies have been remarkably successful at emphasizing external inputs as the means to increase food production. This has produced remarkable growth in global consumption of pesticides, inorganic fertilizer, animal feed stuffs and tractors and other machinery. These external inputs have, however subsitutued for natural control processes and resource, rendering them more vulnerable. Pesticides have replaced biological, cultural and mechanical methods for controlling pests, weeds and diseases; inorganic fertilizers have substituted for livestock manures, composts and nitrogen-fixing crops; information for management decisions comes from input suppliers, researchers and extensionists rather than from local sources; and fossil fuels have substituted for locally generated energy sources. What were once valued local resources have often now become waste products.The basic challenge for sustainable agriculture is to make better use of available physical and human resources. This can be done by minimizing the use of external l inputs, by regenerating internal resources more effectively, or by combination of both. This ensures the efficient and effective use of what is available, and ensures that any changes will persist as dependencies on external systems are kept to reasonable minimum.

A sustainable agriculture, therefore is any system of food or fibre production that systematically pursues the following farming objectives: • A thorough incorporation of natural processes such as nutrient cycling, nitrogen fixation, and pest predator relationships into agricultural production, processes, so ensuring profitable and efficient food production.• A reduction in the use of those external and non renewable inputs with the greatest potential to damage the environment or harm the health of farmers and consumers, and a more targeted use of the remaining inputs used with view to minimizing costs.• The full participation of farmers and rural people in all processes of problem analysis, and technology

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In January 2007, I attended the World social forum in Nairobi. I was particularly attracted to a group of people wearing T-Shirts bearing the words:“STOP, THINK AND RESIST EPAs” I didn’t spend a lot of time to find out what the group actually was saying because there was a more relevant topic in another room of Moi International Stadium at Kasarani. I therefore went for the presentation and debate on the impact of cattle rustling in Karamoja.

Little did I know that by not joining the “STOP EPAs” group, I was abdicating my role to amplify the voices of many women and farmers out there who will be hard hit by the signing of EPAs yet they are not involved in the EPAs negotiations!Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) are new trade agreements being negotiated by the European

Union (EU) to regulate trade between the EU and the ACP (Africa, Caribbean and Pacific) group of developing countries. Uganda, as member of the Eastern and Southern Africa negotiating group is negotiating the Economic Partnership agreements (EPAs) - with in the frame work of the Contonou partnership agreement with the European Union (EU).

The EU is strengthening its hand in the EPA negotiations by threatening ACP countries that they will face dramatically raised tariffs on their exports to the EU if they do not sign an EPA by 31 December 2007. On this date, the Cotonou Agreement will expire because it is World Trade Organization (WTO) incompatible.

EPAs are free trade agreements based on the principle of reciprocity, meaning that Africa will be required to open its boarders to duty free and tariff- free goods and services from Europe. Despite their promise of reducing poverty and providinga choice to African consumers, many activists say that EPAs will undermine the development objectives of African Countries.

The costs of entering a reciprocal trade

agreement with the EU could be high for least developed countries. The EU has proposed detailed EPA texts in all ACP regions and analysis to date suggests that if the EC’s text is adopted, it would pose a clear threat to development.

Firstly EPAs require reciprocal tariff liberalization, so that ACP governments would have to grant duty-free, quota-free access to ‘substantially all’ EU imports. This would not only drastically decrease government income from tariff revenue, but would also expose ACP producers to direct competition from EU goods.Secondly, the EU is insisting on including a whole range of non-trade issues in EPAs, such as requirements on investment, services, intellectual property, competition and government procurement. Under Cotonou, there is no requirement to negotiate on these issues. Whilst it is important that developing countries have effective rules in these areas, they arguably have nothing to gain, and much to lose, from including them in a trade agreement with the EU. According to a growing number of experts that have analysed the EU’s draft texts, the EU’s proposals in these areas

EU/AFRICA TRADE RELATIONS: Where is the Farmer in the Economic Partnership Agreements?By Leonard Imanishimwe (Head Of Programmes, SATNET).

diversity of enterprises within farms combined with increased linkages and flows between them. By-products or wastes from one component or enterprise become inputs to another. As natural processes increasingly substitute for external inputs, so the impact on the environment is reduced.

I hope that this message contributes to the current theme of the Agriculture and Trade show “ Become wealthy and prosperous through profitable agriculture”. A “successful” project that leads to improvements that neither persist nor spread beyond the project boundary should not be considered sustainable.

For god and my country

development, adaptation and extension• A more equitable access to productive resources and opportunities and progress towards more socially-just forms of agriculture• A greater productive use of local knowledge and practices, including innovative approaches not yet fully understood by scientists or widely adopted by farmers• An increase in self-reliance amongst farmers and rural people• An improvement in the match between cropping patterns and the productive potential and environmental constraints of climate and landscape to ensure long-term sustainability of current production levels.

In conclusion, sustainable agriculture seeks the integrated use of a wide range of pest, nutrient, soil and water management technologies. It aims for an increased

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would impose strict rules that would severely restrict a government’s ability to provide development-appropriate policy. EPAs will harm Africa’s agricultural sector and thus its ability to feed its peoples. The EPAs will mean an increased burden for the African woman, less food for her family and increased unemployment

SATNET together with her partners and local governments will organize a stop EPAs campaign asking government not to sign the EPAs. The campaign will target policy makers particularly our members of Parliament and Parliamentary committee on trade.

We are not saying that we do not want to trade with the EU. What we are saying is that any trade cooperation arrangements between EU-ACP countries should promote sustainable development and works in favour of poor people, improving their livelihoods and well-being; leaves Uganda better off than it is under the current ACP preferences and trade arrangement; fosters Uganda’s integration into the world economy( under fair and equitable terms); encourages and supports regional integration and regional trade with in ACP rather than detracting from it and addresses the existing problems faced by Uganda when trading with the EU such as the supply side constraints and restrictive rules of origin.

At the national level, SATNET will work closely with Oxfam GB, ACTADE, SEATIN, PELUM, and Africa 2000 Network among others, to push forward the campaign and target members of parliament on the Tourism, trade and Industry.As a farmer, you could take the initiative and ask your area Member of Parliament or the Minister of your area what guarantees are in place to protect you from unbridled competition that will come with the signing of the EPAs. You could send him a Christmas card saying “The best Christmas present this government can give to the people of Uganda, particularly the women and farmers is by saying NO to the EPAs”.

Banana Bacterial Wilt Threatens Kabarole Farmers LivelihoodsBy Mugumu B. Amos (District Agriculture Officer, Kabarole)

Infected bananasThe Banana Bacterial Wilt was identified in Kabende, Hakibaale sub-county in January 2005 and now has spread into Kicwamba. Bukuuku, Mugusu, Kateebwa and Ruteete in about 24 villages. Efforts to contain the disease through sensitization over Voice of Tooro, training of Extension

staff and local leaders and formation of Task Forces have been made.Continuous removal of the male buds, cutting down the diseased plants, disinfecting of the farm tools and planting suckers from infected plantations and continuous monitoring are some of the basic preventive measures. Manager your banana shambas well as advised.

Community Action plans to control the disease spearheaded by the Chairpersons of LC I, II, and III remain the most effective way to control the disease. Keep alert and inform the nearest Agricultural staff and Local leaders. Otherwise looming catastrophe on the key livelihood base faces extinction.

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The Government of Uganda c o n c e i v e d a n d f o r m u l a t e d development pol icy frames to eradicate poverty through the Plan for Modernisation of Agriculture (PMA) way back in 1997. Area Based Agricultural Modernisation Programme (AAMP) was a precausor to agricultural commercialization through increased production, yields and farm incomes of smallholder farmers and economic interest groups and investing in key areas that affect agricultural commercialization.

The design and implementation strategy hinged on flexible participatory d e v e l o p m e n t m a n a g e m e n t approaches through stakeholder institutions of local Governments and farmer institutions priorities. The programme components included: 1. Community mobilization 2. Agricultural commercialization

3. Rural financial services training4. Programme facilitation and capacity buildingT h e p r o g r a m m e i m p a c t s i n commercializing high value crops (Upland rice), horticultural crops (Apple and mangoes), technologies of Treadle pump and coffee wet processing machines and attracting

private sector investments to add value a case of rice processing in Fort Portal and Rwimi.In addition the infrastructures inform of rehabilitating feeder roads (70km) opening of community roads (130km) and construction of market structures has helped farmers easy access to markets and improved hygienic and quality in our markets.To crown it all the rural farmers have been mobilized and formed three SACCOs in Busoro, Rwimi and Buheesi

where over 52 million shillings have been mobilized in form of savings and share capital from over 700 members. AAMP has mobilized and trained their members and their executives and supported them with safes and regular supervision and guidance.

The programme has gone a long way to achieve its vision of improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and economic interest groups. The programme goal of increased incomes among smallholder farmers has been achieved and it has also achieved its mission of facilitation economic transformation process of smallholder subsistence farmers to commercial farmers. It has introduced logical framework approaches to farmers to plan for their households and invest wisely for wealth creation at household level.

Collaboration of extension staff with key stakeholders of technology, research, development partners, local leaders, farmers and their institutions, plus the private sector initiatives have ensured successful smallholder income growth “AAMP the small \holder income booster

Impact of Area based Agricultural Modernization Programme (AAMP) in KabaroleBy Mugumu B. Amos (District Agriculture Officer/PSO – Kabarole)

NAADS Supports Wealth Creation Through Profitable Agriculture in KabaroleBy Grace Kazigati (NAADS District Coordinator)

National Agr icul tural Advisory Services (NAADS) is one of the core programmes under the Plan for Modernization (PMA) and is designed to be a decentralized, farmer owned and private sector- serviced extension system contributing to the realization of the agricultural sector

objectives. It was created by an Act of Parliament in 2001 to specifically address constraints of lack of access to agricultural information, knowledge and improved technology among rural poor farmers in the country. The programme began in 6 Districts and 24 S/Cs but has now expanded

to 79 Districts and 753 Sub counties benefiting 45.000 Households.

In Kabarole; the programme was launched in 2002/03 and is currently operating in 13 out 16 Subcounties directly. NAADS entry point to communities is the farmer groups and

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todate the program has registered 819 in the 10 old Subcounties. It has overtime set up the relevant structures and processes required to guide and support effective implementation of the program. Some of these include farmer institutions Farmer Groups (FGs), Parish Coordination Committees (PCCs), Community Based Facilitators (CBFs), Subcounty Farmer Forum (SFF), Procurement Committees (PCs), District Farmer Forum (DFF) and National Forum (DFF); Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation (PM&E), Procurement, Techn i ca l aud i t s , Repo r t i ng procedures etc.

NAADS was established to provide farmer led and contract based agricultural advisory services. It targets economically active poor and contr ibutes to enhancing enterprise productivity and profitability through increasing farmer access to information, knowledge and technologies. In order to achieve its objectives, NAADS operations are based on 6 components ie ;• Establishment of appropriate farmer institutions and capacity development for effective advisory service delivery, • Provision of appropriate advice and information to different categories of farmers in a cost effective manner, • Development of Agribusiness systems and market linkages• Enhancement of service provider and inst i tut ional capaci ty to meet farmer demand for advisory services, • Establishment of appropriate systems to ensure effective NAADS performance at all levels• Programme management and coordination.

In Kabarole, the key entry point for NAADS to making agriculture profitable is the selected enterprises. Such enterprises selected and being promoted include: Banana, Apiary,

Garlic, Poultry, Goats, Piggery, Climbing Beans, Coffee and Vanilla. Through the above components the following have been addressed;

A) Increased access to knowledge and information through 158 AAS contracts for the under mentioned enterprises;Bananas, Apiary, Garlic, Vanilla, Goats and Poultry. The broad areas for service provision have been along the value chain and include; Enterprise selection based on Gross margin analysis among others, Selection of good quality breeds/varieties, Recommended husbandry practices, Post harvest handling and storage, Formation of Higher Level Associations and Marketing.B) Increased access to technologies where the following TDSs have been established; • 37 Banana multiplication centers in Mugusu, West Division, Bukuuku, Kichwamba.• 7000 kgs of Garl ic seed in Mugusu, Kichwamba, Bukuuku and Kisomoro. • 32 Pure Grade Goats (28 Does and 5 Bucks) in Bukuuku, Hakibaale, Rutete and Kasenda• Over 1,500 Bee hives( about 450 Langstroth and 1,050 Kenya Top Bars) in all the 10 old NAADS Subcounties• 150 improved Cocks in Karambi, West Division and Kisomoro• 350 Vanilla technology development sites in all the 10 old NAADS Subcounties apart from West Division.. • 22 Field trials on Apples, Plums and Pears in Bukuuku, Kisomoro, Kichwamba and Mugusu• 2 mother gardens for Apples of 250 rootstocks each in Kisomoro• 2 mother gardens for table Grapes of 250 plants each in Kisomoro• Backyard Gardens in West Division, Ruteete and Kisomoro• Fuel saving cook stoves in West Division, Ruteete and Kisomoro• Soi l fer t i l i ty management

technologies especially in Banana (ISFG) in all the 10 old NAADS Subcounties. • A processing unit for Bananas in Ruteete• 1 Queen Rearing unit in Mugusu

C ) C o n t i n u o u s s u p p o r t t o implementation to enhance efficiency and effectiveness through• Institutional strengthening of farmer based structures mentioned above,• Process monitoring and evaluation at Subcounty, District and National levels by Political and technical leadership• Self monitoring at Farmer level.• Technical auditing of goods and services for quality assurance,• Financial audits to ensure efficiency and effect iveness in f inancial operations• Integrated Support to Farmer Groups fund• Participatory monitoring and evaluation,• Joint planning at District and Subcounty level• Monthly coordination meetings at District level• Semi Annual and Annual reviews for critical reflections at District and Subcounty.• Exposure trips for farmers and staff• Annual retreats for farmers and staff• Establishment of model villages

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In line with the above 3 key areas, the 5 years of NAADS have not passed without tangible and memorable achievements with respect to increased farmer empowerment (knowledge, development skills, increased incomes, access to and control of advisory services and decision making). A more detailed breakdown indicates the following; • Increased production and product iv i ty for the se lected enterprises-� 20-30 Lorries of Banana exported to areas within and outside the country. With a carrying capacity of 400 bunches each lorry and a bunch selling an average of 3,000/=, the District earns 24,000,000/= to 36,000,000/= per day. In a year the total income is estimated at 10. 8 billion.

� About 15 tones of Garlic a season with each kilo sold at an average of 3,000/= hence 45,000,000/= and therefore 90,000,000/= a year � 33, 750/= kgs of honey of honey. With each Lang troth yielding an average of 40 kgs per year and each kilo sold at 3,000/= ; an income of 54,000,000/= is realized. From Kenya Top Bar, with an average of 15 kgs each per year at 3,000/= each kg a total of 47,250,000/= is realized. Hence a total sum of 101,250,000/=

from Honey.� 950 kgs of fresh Vanilla vines per year at an average of 2,000/= per kilo totaling to 1,900,000/=

� Over 300 Goat off springs of 50% grade with each being sold at 50,000/= hence 15, 000,000/=

Note that from the above sales, the District earns a gross income of 11.008.150 billion shillings per year.From the above analysis and as earlier mentioned, NAADS is currently working with 819 FGs i.e 12.285 households out of 59.000 farm households. The challenge now remains on how to encourage the rest of the farm households to actively participate in NAADS but also other development efforts by Government and Non Government Organizations. • Reinvestments in other income generating projects such as Goats, Poultry, petty trade.• Improved capacity for better housing, meeting medical and education needs for families.• Improved food security at household level.• Improved household relations

It is important to note that the high farmer ownership and participation and enterprise approach in NAADS have been important factors to the above achievements and the flexibility in programme design allowed for quick response to emerging challenges as it expanded to more Districts.

Daunting challenges: • Bringing more of the poor farm households aboard NAADS but also targeting other farmer categories.• Ensuring farmer uptake and s u s t a i n e d u s e o f i m p r o v e d technologies provided• Because of the fact that microfina-nce component of PMA

designed to ease farmer access to investment capital has not resulted in development of suitable credit products for investment in Agricultural production thus far, farmers newly acquired knowledge and skills are not being translated into increased farmer investment to acquire improved technologies, for improved productivity, profitability and therefore household incomes.• Un harmonized expectations by various stakeholders• Proper documentation and widely sharing program achievements and challenges• Limited functionality of other PMA components expected to compliment NAADS.

Lessons learnt;• G iven NAADS mandate , stakeholders at all levels should allow ample time and provide the relevant support required to nurture the programme through all the natural stages of the theory of change. This will ensure a smooth and realistic transit ion from subsistence to market oriented farming which will directly contribute to the realization of the overall government goal of eradicating poverty.• Critical reflections on experiences, successes and challenges among various stakeholders through periodic inter and intra district meetings, reviews, retreats and exchange visits for key stakeholders needs to be promoted and supported further. Such activities would enable documentation of best practices for immediate replication and gaps for quick corrective action based on lessons learnt.• Farmer groups who have engaged in savings and credit with proper guidance have proved relatively more cohesive and successful in meeting their targets and co funding obligation. Part of the savings used to

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acquire improved technologies from TDSs by individual group members. This practice should therefore be replicated among all FGs.• Active involvement of political leaders in mobilization and monitoring NAADS activities is key to enhancing participation of farmers and other stakeholders at both District and Sub county levels.• Technology uptake and adoption is indeed a gradual process as exemplif ied from the relatively high adoption levels of FGs who benefited from other programmes/

projects before NAADS against those who have just started with NAADS programme. Increased technology uptake and adoption is therefore a question of time, continued guidance and active participation of all key stakeholders.

In conclusion, for the five years NAADS has been implemented in Kabarole; farmers’ skills and knowledge levels have drastically improved and resulted into a gradual shift in incomes hence people becoming wealthy and prosperous

overtime. It is therefore important that the District leadership engages in more intensive mobilization of the farming communities and more support to NAADS, Prosperity for all and other development interventions in order to ensure harmonization of resource use, optimize participation, empowerment and ownership hence wealth for its people. It is also important to note that the responsiveness of extension systems to small holder farmers depends on how structures function together rather than how one structure function in isolation.

A specialized Micro Finance Institution founded in 2005 by Catholic Dioceses of Fort Portal, Hoima and Kasese with funding and technical support from CRS.

Head Office contact

HOFOKAM LTD P.O BOX 228Lugard Road Plot 21 Fort Portal Tel/Fax 0483422234 Email: [email protected]

OUTREACHHOFOKAM serves over 15,000 clients through a network of 4 branches and 17 field offices in the Districts of Masindi, Hoima, Kibale, Kyenjojo, Kamwenge, Kabarole, Bundibugyo and Kasese.

OUR PRODUCTS � Group Guarantee Loans � Individual Loans � Salary Loans, loans to

employees with regular salaries (working poor)

� Agriculture loans - Targeting smallholder

farmers to boost their animal & crop production.

- Can be accessed as a group of 5-25 people or individually for those with tangible securities.

- Loan ranges 100,000- 3,000,000

- Period 6-12months

Vanilla Poultry Bee Keeping

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Associat ion of Human Rights Organisations (AHURIO), is a network of human rights organisations defending and promoting human rights in the Rwenzori region comprising of twenty member organisations in the districts of Kasese, Kabarole, Kamwenge, Kyenjojo and Bundibugyo.

AHURIO’s objectives are:� To collect’ document and disseminate human rights related information through networking with national and international bodies for lobbying and advocacy and � To empower the local communit ies through member organisations and other stakeholders to be able to demand for their rights.

The Rwenzori region is characterized by various human rights violations especially relating to land, defilement & early marriages, child neglect and domestic violence. Many of the land issues result from inheritance, where the caretakers decide to manage the deceased’s land even forget to provide the basic care to the children. Some of the land issues are as a result of un clear boundaries since most people in the region do not have land titles.

AHURIO in the year of 2006-7 has received 108 land cases.Just like any other region in Uganda, the Rwenzori region is equally affected by the bad vice of defilement. AHURIO has therefore found out home police that over thirty cases are reported at Boma police post at a monthly basis. The common ones living a situation where the relatives take advantage of the

girls, many cases are not reported however because of the relationship of the victim and the defiler, if not a neighbor, he is a care giver or a friend. By the fact that there are gaps in the law of defilement for example it favours the females more than the males of the same age, where an old women has sex with a young boy it is called indecent assault but not defilement and its penalty being death has made reporting worse.Most cases reported on domestic violence are due to polygamy, children born out of the wedlock, d r u n k a r d n e s s , p o v e r t y a n d unfaithfulness on both males and females. Child neglect, family break down, assaults, murder have become the end result. AHURIO reminds and encourages people to make wills to avoid scenarios of land grabbing and self styled care takers whose motive is to grab whatever they land on, encouraging children to own land by themselves than waiting to inherit from their parents, and to involve children in planning for the families.The gap in the law of defilement ought to be bridged by relating the penalty to the different age groups. This is being done as AHURIO together with other civil society organisations are lobbying through the parliamentarians to amend the law on defilement.Also it is an appeal to government hospitals to offer free tests to defilement victims so that it easy for the poor to report defilement since the services are at a free cost.Awareness to the likely victims of domestic violence to report these issues for the law to protect them, people are encouraged to follow proper marriage procedures to avoid any loophole that may lead to violances in their homes.AHURIO has gone on to look for

other marginalized people who are the prisoners. These are the people whose rights are not effected, they are always least though of like they do not any more.AHURIO coordinates activities of paralegal advisory services which aims at decongesting the detention centres particularly Katojo government prison, Fort Portal remand home and Boma police station. This is done through creating awareness to the inmates on their basic rights of bail or bond and tracing of their sureties.The common cases found in cells are theft, threatening violence, stealing of cattle, simple robbery, assault, causing grievous harm, child neglect and debtors.The main challenges are that habitual petty offenders and the fact that capital offences are not considered because of the complexity of the court process and yet they are the majority in cells for example murder, defilement, robbery, rape and these always cases from the whole region since we have one high court.Through the help of the paralegals twenty (20) children have been resettled from the remand home, 1451 have got bail, 1935 have had bond or be set free from police cells and 55 have had direct releases from court.Our call is that more voices should be raised to advocate for the marginalized people such as the prisoners for them to have hope.Human rights violations are very common in the region and they need combined efforts from government, civil society organisations, the community and all human rights activities.“Be empowered and know your rights”

Ahurio improves Human Rights in the Rwenzori RegionBy AHURIO

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BACK GROUND OF THE ORGANISATIONAssociation of Human Rights O r g a n i z a t i o n s ( A H U R I O ) is a network of human rights organizations that are implementing human rights work in the Rwenzori region (Kasese, Kabarole, Kyenjojo, Kamwenge and Bundibugyo districts). Currently the network has

20 member organizations and has its core business as defending and promoting human rights.

AHURIO’S MEMBER ORGANIZATIONSIntegrated Women Development program, Rural reconstruction Movement, Development foundation for Rural AreasKabarole Research and Resource Centre, Kaguma Broad Based Integrated Child Care, Literacy and Empowerment,Toro Development agency, Parents concern for young people, Evangelization Strategy for Africa, Ruroko Foundation for peace and Justice, Good Hope Foundation for Rural Development, Action for Community Development – Uganda, Tukole Women group, Youth and Women Empowerment, National association of Women organizations in Uganda, Development for Human rights Observance, African network for prevention and protection against child abuse and neglect, Gender and Development association, Kilembe Women Group, and Centre For Rural Development.

VISION OF THE ORGANISATIONAn Empowered and Enlightened society that respects human rights.

MISSION OF THE ORGANISATIONTo strengthen the capacity of member organizations and other stakeholders through facilitating information sharing, training, lobbying, advocacy and legal accessibility to rural people.

P R I M A R Y S T R A T E G I E S O F T H E ORGANISATION.Organization Positioning, Capacity Building, Network strengthening, Resource mobilization, Vibrant Activism, Research and Information Management, and Institutional Development.

PROJECTS IMPLEMENTED BY AHURIO:Paralegal advisory services which is supported by the Legal Aid Basket fund-DANIDA through Foundation for Human Rights Initiative National Coordinating office) - . Its goal is the decongestion of detention places such as Police Cells, prisons and remand home, by assisting suspects and inmates to access bond or bail so that they can attend trial, without unnecessarily being locked up.

AHURIO is also involved in a project called “Enhancing intercultural and inter ethnic understanding between Bakonjo and Batooro and promoting the rights of the minority and vulnerable groups in Karugutu sub county Bundibugyo district.” The project is supported by European Union, and has its theme as “advancing Equality Peace and Tolerance” promoting peaceful coexistence for and respect for rights as a means towards sustainable development.

With support from Save the Children in Uganda, AHURIO is participating in a project on Community Based Child Rights Protection and Policy monitoring. The project is being piloted in Kicwamba and Kibito sub counties Kabarole districts and aims at strengthening community based structures and stakeholders for more effective service delivery in the area of child rights protection.

Other services offered by AHURIO include:Legal services to venerable people; Legal Counseling, Mediation, and referral for further assistance to appropriate stakeholders, for clients with various disputes, or whose rights have been violated.

“Be empowered, know your rights”

Kabarole District has a land size of 1814.44 km2 of which 1569 km2 is available for farming. It has a high population density of 198 people per km2, with 69.708 households of which 59.461 households (85%) are involved in agriculture. On average 2.2 hectares (5 acres) would be available per household for agriculture.The district is endowed with good

fertile, volcanic soil, average bimodal annal rainfall of 1200mm-1500mm, undulating hills and cool temperatures averaging 22 Cº-25Cº. The district has at least 52 undeveloped crater lakes.

The district has three district agro ecological zones:1. The North Eastern Zone with lithosol laterite (reddish) acidic soils which supports the cultivation of tea,

bananas, clonal coffee, upland rice, dairy cattle and apiary.2. The middle zone with deep black volcanic soi ls which support the cultivation of bananas, horticulture crops, upland rice, dairy cattle and apiary.3. The highland zone with well drained soils supports the cultivation of bananas, Arabica coffee, passion fruit, temperature fruit, apiary and goats

Agricultural Investment Potential in Kabarole DistrictBy Dr. Thomas B. Nsemeriirwe (District Production Coordinator, Kabarole)

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INVESTMENT POTENTIAL IN KABAROLE

Artemisia Mangoes

Fruits for sale Bogoya Bee keeping

Animal traction

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INVESTMENT POTENTIAL IN KABAROLE

Pepperoni Matoke

Marketing The cows donated by the president for Rwengaju model village

Ground Nuts

Vanilla Farmer

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Farmers have been advised to invest in commercial enterprises with higher profit returns suitable to each agro-ecological zone, these formulated the zoning strategy of the district

The major commercial agricultural enterprises in the district include tea, bananas, Arabica coffee, upland rice, maize, diary cattle, bee keeping, avocadoes and other horticultural crops.

The District through the Production Department, Non Government Organizations and Community Based Organizations have been implementing the Poverty Eradiction Action Plan through a number of strategies like the Plan for Modernisation of Agriculture, the Rural Development Strategy and Bona Bagagawale.

To achieve these strategies various government programmes are active in the district and these include the following:

1. National Agriculture Advisory Services (NAADS)Plan for Mondernisation of Agriculture Non Sectoral Conditional grant (PMA-NSCG)2. Agricultural Extension Conditional Grant (AECG)3 . A r e a B a s e d A g r i c u l t u r a l Modernisation Programme (AAMP)4. District Agriculture Training and Information Centre (DATIC) at Kyembogo

These programmes are supporting farmers to invest in the enterprises recommended zoning strategy. The public sector staff are working in partnership with the private sector service providers to provide agricultural services to the farmers. Notable amongst the private sector providers include the NGOs like Sustainable Agr icu l ture Tra iners Network (SATNET), Kabarole Research and Resource Center (KRC), Engabu Za Tooro and Joint Effort to Save the Environment (JESE), individuals

and companies registered under the NAADS programmes

The District has active thriving farmer organizations/ and companies which among others include the following:Mpanga Tea Growers Association, Tooro Dairy Cooperative Society, Kabarole Bee Keepers Association, Kabarole Silk Farmers Association, Kabarole District Farmers Forum and Rwenzori Commodities Limited

Due to the thrust of the government to commercialize agriculture in the district, there has been significant increase in production of tea, banana upland rice, milk, honey and horticultural crops like avocados, tomatoes and cabbage. The enterprises provide sufficient primary products in the district to attract investors in agro processing which will in turn trigger off increased production and incomes to our farmers

Tea Plantation

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SATNET is a network in the Rwenzori region and promotes sustainable Agriculture; farmer owned and managed enterprises and linkages to markets. At the moment a number of marketing associations promote different enterprise ranging from selling locally produced products to processed products have emerged.

Some of the enterprises being promoted and supported by SATNET are honey production with groups like Bunyanagabu Bee Keepers Community (BBC), based in Rubona Kabarole Bee Keepers Association (KBA) and Nyabubale Foundation. Bothe these organizations are farmer owned and managed. They have contributed a lot to raising house hold incomes of the rural communities they work with in the Bee Keeping sub sector. What makes their honey and other bee products unique on the market is the natural means of production that they use which leaves the nutrients in the honey not tempered with. Also in Kabarole, KIWED is promoting rice production and mushroom.

In Kamwenge there are other organizations that promote farmer owned enterprises with the capacity building from SATNET. These are CWA Kamwenge, a women’s group that is producing, bulking and collectively selling their maize and beans together. In Kamwenge we also support Community sustainable link (COSIL) which is promoting rice production, processing and marketing. At the moment the group is packaging rice in 5kg, 10Kg, 25Kg and 50Kg bags targeting different levels of different income earners and for the convenience of the buyers..

SATNET has also built capacity of members in Kyenjojo. Rural Reconstruction Movement- Kyaka (RRMK) has created and supported two farmer owned cooperative societies (KAMUKAMU and KIOFA) which are producing maize and beans. Agriculture development Programme (ADP) has done wonders for the communities in Kyenjojo. The project has supported farmers by building them collection centers, linking them to potential markets, encouraging savings and credit schemes in the marketing

associations, training groups in management, leadership and business skills. Joint Effort to Save the Environment (JESE) is one of the strong members of SATNET. It has mobilized farmer groups and trained them in skills like good governess, business skills, good farming practices and created farmer owned enterprises. Another example is Nyangwanzi farmers who are promoting the produce and sale of pineapples in Nyangwanzi Sub County.

In Kasese SATNET also promotes collective marketing.. Kyempara a farmer’s owned cooperative is producing and processing sun flower oil which is competing well on the market. Other Member organizations like KIIMA FOODS, Green Home, Ikongo, Mutiba Foundation and Bukonzo East. New Eden, Caritas Kasese, GEDA are promoting environmental protection group marketing too.

In Bundibugyo BASO, AMA and NORRACOL are SATNET members who are supporting farmer owned enterprises in production of cocoa and rice production. NORRACO has a rice hulling machine which ahs helped the rice farmers to be able to hurl their rice before selling taking it to the market.

This is just to mention a few of what SATNET has done in the sector of Agro business development. We therefore encourage all potential investors and other partners to join us in the struggle to fight poverty through farmer empowerment in the Rwenzori region.

ACHIEVEMENTS OF SATNET IN RURAL AGRO PROCESSING AND MARKETINGBy Masereka Longino (Market Linkage Officer, SATNET)

Machinery to extract sunflower oil at Kyempara

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Background In mid 60s and early 70s, Kabarole used to hold District shows or fairs that were mainly for entertainment and cosmetic purposes and not targeting agricultural technology transfer and dissemination of improved farming practices. Such shows used to exhibit wild game animals like lions, leopards, apes and snakes among others and it would also be blended with acrobatics and conjures for commercial purposes. There was no clear message as to the objectives of the show for the planners, exhibitors and show goers.

In 2002 the District gave KDFA the task of being the lead implementation organisation with start up funding from the PMA budget and the rest was to be realised from well wishers and exhibitors.

The first show was held from 30th Oct. – 1st Nov. 2003 after a series of planning meetings with the stakeholders under the theme; “BEYOND YOUR HOMES PRODUCE FOR MARKET” The second show was held on 28th – 30th Oct. 2004 under the theme; “AGRI-BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY, WAY TO PROSPERITY”.

The last show under the theme; “WEALTH FOR ALL, THROUGH AGRIBUSINESS AND TRADE” was held from 8th – 10th June 2006. All the above shows were spear headed by Kabarole District Farmers Association and were graced by high profile dignitaries from the different Ministries in Kampala, ambassadors, members of Parliament and District leaders who officiated at both opening and closing ceremonies.

The current District Administration has brought a change in the running of this function and has opted for a rotational approach where different organizations will be given the opportunity to spearhead the

show planning and implementation process.

This year’s show will be spearheaded by SATNET an NGO working in the Rwenzori region and will be held from 18th – 20th Oct. 2007 at Booma show ground under the theme; “BECOME WEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS THROUGH PROFITABLE AGRICULTURE”

Exhibitors showing their different produce and products during the Agriculture & Tradeshow 2006

Impact and Achievements A lot has been achieved during the last 3 shows and this has been evident from the increasing number of exhibitors and show goers, who have averaged at approximately 37 and 30,000 respectively. Since one of the main objectives of the show has been the dissemination of improved farming technologies, we are glad to mention that this has been achieved where farmers, school children and students have been given equal opportunities to attend the show as recorded from the on spot interviews and testimonials conducted during and after the show. For the farmers, the show is a source of advisory services, improved planting materials and breeds of livestock; while for the school children and students it is a continuation of the learning process where there is practical demonstration of the subjects learnt theoretical from the classroom.

The foreign exhibitors and processors have also realized the potential of the

District in the both the agriculture and commercial sectors. A point to note was the presence of the Italian ambassador to Uganda who attended the last show and was impressed with the enormous resources and opportunities the District is endowered with.

Constraints and ChallengesLack of start up funds to start up funds usually delayed the initial planning process. In all the last shows the organizers worked on half the budget, but nonetheless we tried our best to offer the best we could.Considering the size of the business community in Fort Portal, neighboring Districts and Sub Counties, there is still a gap in participation. During the last shows, in spite of all the contacts made, the turn up could have been better.

Failure to secure a permanent and enclosed show ground limits the possibility of raising funds through show goers, who would otherwise pay entry fee. We have also been making looses through the construction materials that are often bought expensively and discarded immediately after use.

Sustainability Strategies A permanent show ground would be the way forward for sustainable future agriculture and trade show exhibitions. This is because interested exhibitors would be leased space to erect their own stalls and this will not only bring in the working capital needed, but will also create a sense of ownership by the exhibitors. The data collected regarding the attendance, category of exhibitors, nature of goods exhibited etc... would give the organizers the basis to plan the subsequent shows properly.

It is also highly recommended that the show planning process starts at least more than six months before

The Agriculture and Trade Show reviewed By Joseph Baguma (Coordinator, Kabarole District Farmers Association KDFA)

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the event so that the planners, exhibitors and show goers get ample time to prepare for the show. In this way, the exhibitors could even arrange result demonstration exhibition where for example farmers could plant their crops at the show ground to demonstrate the improved farming practices and the yields realized.

AppreciationSpecial thanks go to the organizers of all the past shows who actually planned without having any past experience for use as a reference; however because of their commitment and dedication, the shows yielded the intended objectives in spite of the numerous challenges met.

Special recognition go to both the District Chairperson and the Secretary for Production and Land use by then and who have since retired, the Chairman Kabarole District Farmers Association who was at the same time the Chairman of the steering committees and the District Production Coordinator without whose effort the past shows would not have been a reality.

Last but not least, we thank all our well wishers who contributed materially and financially including our chief guests, the exhibitors in all categories, show goers especially the students and school children and the general public who embraced the all the past shows and made them a success.

Former State Minister of Agriculture, Executive Director NAADS and the Production Coordinator visiting a demonstration ground during the show of 2006

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Kyembogo District Agricultural Training and Information centre (DATIC) is a district institution put in place in the premises of the former District Farm Institute at Kyembogo campus and occupies 540 hectares of land. DATIC’s objective is to promote increased productivity and increased share of marketed production for economically active low income small farmers.The centre is a public autonomous corporate Institution of the District Local Government founded in line with the PMA’s mission of eradicating poverty by transforming subsistence agriculture to commercial agriculture. The centre is thus a focal point for agricultural education, training and information established to serve farmers in the district on the basis of four main elements. • Training and information service to farmers, extension staff, and other groups involved in rural development.

• Farmer School for youth interested in becoming professional farmers and makes a living out of farming.

• Support to rural youth associations or clubs, to ensure youth access agricultural related activities through organized groups managed by the youth themselves.

• Commercial production activities for financial self sustainability of the DATIC.

The five outputs areas upon whichDATIC activities are based are:

D AT I C s t r a n s f o r m e d i n t o a u t o n o m o u s t r a i n i n g a n d information management centres.Agricultural education at the DATIC expanded and improvedThe DATIC runs Farmer school course for rural youth whereby youth are recruited, accommodated and given farming fields at the centre to practice by doing farming as a business. The goal is to change the attitude of rural youth so that they discover for themselves that one can

make a good living and generate income by undertaking business farming. Forum for rural youth strengthened – supporting rural youth working in groups.In an effort to strengthen the rural youth clubs, Kyembogo DATIC has supported several activities geared towards improving the livelihood of the youth. Most of the youth are engaged in small scale farming, especially in vegetable growing, beekeeping, poultry keeping, piggery project, and goat rearing, all these activities are being carried on small scale. Linkages between research CBO/NGOs/CSO and advisory services strengthened.Under this output, DATIC strives to establish collaborative linkages with other public and private organizations promoting agriculture in the region for the benefit of small holder rural farmers. In this regard the following collaboration projects have been undertaken previously.a) Silk production technology project with District Local government funded by Maendeleo Agricultural Technology Fund.

b) Artemisia production promotion funded by Enterprise Innovation Fund and contract production of Artemisia seedlings with East Africa Botanicals Ltd.

c) Trial demonstration of Pepperoni and hot pepper in Kabarole district and Drip irrigation with Balton Uganda Ltd

d) Mosaic resistant cassava multiplication and garlic seedling multiplication with Kabarole District Farmers Association.

e) Clonal Eucalyptus production and agro-forestry training with Gatsby

f) Commercial hybrid maize seed production with Monsanto

g) Boer goat breeding/multiplication with Kabarole Distr ict Local Government.

h ) En t rep reneursh ip sk i l l development training program for rural youth at farmer school with PRICON.

Commercial production and financial support practices for the sustainability of the centre enhanced.Under this output Kyembogo DATIC develops agriculture production business plans and ventures into commercial agriculture production. The major areas of specialty have been hybrid maize seed production, maize grain production and milling, pure boer goat breeding, commercial Matoke production and running a piggery breeding unit.

AchievementsThe following achievements have so far been realized.• Recruitment and maintenance of 10 management staff.

• Rehabilitation of old infrastructure a n d c o n s t r u c t i o n o f n e w structures.

• The farmer school was established and to date 96 students have undergone through a one year young commercial training course.

• An Active Forum for youth interested in farming totaling to 572 youth spread in 12 subcounties is in place and has been trained and supported in various projects.

• Various district based agricultural training for primary school teachers, extension staff and farmers have been conducted.• A farmer school curriculum has been developed and reviewed• Established on-farm student demonstrations on various high value crops.• Successfully introduced cultivation of Artemisia in the district and produced a simplified growers’ information production manual.• A number of l inkages have been established for purposes of information collection packing and dissemination• A resource information centre with internet access was put in place at the centre• Turned around commercial hybrid maize seed production into a profitable venture.• Aboard of directors has been put in

A Brief Profile of Kyembogo DATIC – A Rural Agricultural Education Centre and Farmer School By Dr Julius Kasigwa Kyaligonza (Centre Manager, Kyembogo DATIC)

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place and an AGM was conducted.• DATIC has been routinely audited • A number of tailor-made training modules have been developed.

The challenges being faced by Kyembogo DATICFarmer school sustainabilityThe DATIC farmer school is meant to be a self financial sustainable institution operating on a cost recovery model. Contributions by students have not been forth coming due to failure by students and their parents to raise required fees (one million shillings per student per year - being poor rural youth). In addition, there has been

inadequate realization of fund support to youth in this program by GOU, NGO/CBO and the private sector at the centre where the entire burden of attitude change and mind setting of the rural youth into commercial producers has been left to Danida.Support to rural youth forumFunding of rural youth support

initiative is below average and as such trained youth are vulnerable to quitting the program in favor or odd jobs despite the practical training and skills endowed in them. There is need to put in place a strong funded youth agriculture enterprise promotion program in order to harness the acquired skills among youth and in order to demonstrate that farming can generate improved livelihood basing on the foundation put in place.

Training Facilities at DATIC.In order for DATIC to realize its objective of being a sustainable and leading district based institution providing agricultural training and information, there is need to put in place a rural farmers’ training hall and accommodation complex. Such facility will be used as a forum for farmers, as a training hub and as a source of revenue by hosting seminars and workshops from clients such as the District local government and other clients.

Agricultural information dissemination and publicityConsidering the low literacy level among rural farming communities in Uganda and cogn izant o f that rural farmers require tailor made information packages and communication in order to bring about change and education, DATIC is keen to advance the use of information and communication strategies to reach out to farmers and link up with other agriculture promoters. As such, DATIC requires support in form of staff capacity development in information design, packaging and dissemination and development of a rural youth agricultural communication strategy.

Kyembogo DATICPo Box 92, Fort PortalTel: 0483 [email protected]

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MOUNTAINS OF THE MOON UNIVERSITY P.O. BOX 837 FORT PORTAL, UGANDA Website: www.mmu.ac.ugE-mail: [email protected] Telephone +25648325770

Names and Location of the University: Mountains of the Moon University is named after the Rwenzori which is a range of mountains that link the following areas together: Kabarole, Kasese, Bundibugyo, Kyenjojo, Kamwenge, Kibaale, Bushenyi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mountains of the Moon University is found in Kabarole, Fort –portal Municipality 300km West of Kampala the capital city of Uganda. The operational Campus is at Kabundaire behind the Uganda Post office and Gardens Restaurant

Historical Background: The University obtained its provisional license on March 29, 2005, and was the first University to begin its operations with a license. The University officially opened with sixteen students at diploma level in May 2005. And degree programs begun 1st September 2005.The number of students since then has grown to 262 students

The Administration of the University is made up of: The Board of Trustees, the Governing council. And the day to day administration is as follows:-The university chancellor, Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Registrar Academic, Registrar Administration, and the University Librarian

Vision of the UniversityThe VISION of the University is to be a Leading Centre of Excellence in teaching, research and service to the Community.

MissionThe MISSION is to produce graduates well trained, educated, innovative, Practical, morally and spiritually balanced, socially responsible and problem solvers with competence, confidence, commitment, enthusiasm, team spirit, respect, integrity and honesty.

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WISHING YOU A FRUITFUL STAY AT MOUNTAINS OF THE MOON UNIVERSITY

Compiled by Grace M. Karungi (MMU)

For more information contact:Registrar Academic – 048325770, 0772647166, 048322637

Greenhouse at campus Seedlings for fruit trees

The Green House at Campus Seedlings of Fruit Trees Our New location atLake Saka

The Objectives of the UniversityTo develop the human resource potential of the country through:

� Provision of quality education. � Provision of areas of study that are vital to the challenges of the country and the

Western Region in particular. � Promotion of research � Producing independent minded, socially conscious and responsible individuals � Produce hands on professionals who are job creators

Uniqueness of Mountains of the Moon University Mountains of the Moon University is being distinguished by the following major characteristics, which in total make the University unique and an example to be followed.

� The University is to establish and maintain very close ties with the communities of the Rwenzori Region both socially and through formal and informal technical arrangements with business communities. These ties are to ensure that the University is true to its foundation pledge to be responsive to the needs and aspirations of the Region.

� The University has specifically taken on staff at all levels that have had relevant experience in the non-academic world.

� All students are required to undertake placement (in-service training) during the long vacations. In order to get integrated in the community and the business world.

� All courses are planned to meet the regional and National needs especially, Public Health, Education, public Administration, Horticulture and Community Development-targeting Micro finance Organizations

Admission Requirements:DEGREE COURSES- (3YEARS) Candidates intending to apply for the degree programs must have an “A” level certificate with a minimum of two principal passes. In the case of Horticulture and Public Health, the principal passes should be in Biology and Chemistry.

SHS US

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Members of New Eden Christian Foundation believe and support tree planting as a source of profitable agriculture. New Eden Christian Foundation operates in Kasese district. Kasese district is found in Western Uganda within the equator line.

Aware that trees (forests) contribute much to rainfall attraction, both crop and animal production cannot be realized unless it rains. Trees affect the climate in their vicinity by reducing wind speed at ground level, and by shading the ground which causes heating, to be raised to canopy level. Where the forest maintains deep soils that otherwise would be unexploited by roots or eroded away, the resulting retention of water for local evaporation makes lower temperature and higher relative humidity than would prevail if the forest was absent.

In addition to rainfall, tree planting embraces a spectrum of situations ranging from woodlots in areas which are short of wood and other forest products for local needs. This to the people living in the developing countries, trees provide fuel and other goods essential to meeting base needs at the household and community level. Forests and

forest lands provide food and the environmental stability necessary for continued food production. More than 1.5 thousand million people use wood daily for cooking their food and for maintaining essential levels of warmth in the homes. Wood is the preferred fuel because it can be used without complex equipment, both for use and distribution, and can be acquired at little cost, often not more than the cost involved in gathering it. There are many other ways in which communities can draw upon the forests for food in one part of the world or another. Bush meat and honey provide supplementary food sources, as do a wide variety of tubers, fruits and leaves. Food production in swamps or mangrove forests can also be an important protein source. For mangroves and swamp forests offer a most valuable protective and productive habitat for fish. In many areas trees are a source of fodder. Forests and trees can give rise to cash crops such as mushrooms., chestnuts, walnuts and fine kernels. Bamboo can be cultivated for shoot production as is done in Japan.

Note it with concern that there is need to plant more trees because billions of trees have been cut

down and very few have been replaced . Restoration of an area to scenic beauty will contribute, in addition to the psychological, esthetic and physical benefits on the community involved to making it more attractive to tourists through the improvement of landscapes and the establishment of recreational possibilities. The implementation of recreational facilities will provide additional employment and cash income to the local community.Tree plantations may also be established in waste and sewage disposal areas, this making better use of the land, preventing wind and water borne diseases from affecting neighboring areas and promoting the recycling of water and nutrients.

May I therefore appeal to all donor agencies involved in tree planting (environmental conservat ion) programmes to give and join New Eden Christian Foundation in the struggle. To know more about the activities of New Eden Christian Foundation or if you would like to support our activities, please contact the Executive Director at telephone number: 078-2309778 or e-mail: [email protected]

Tree planting as a source of profitable agriculture By Rev. Canon Nason Baluku [Executive Director, New Eden Christian Foundation]

Tree seedlings at New EdenNew Eden employees sorting out seedlings ready for planting

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Issue No. 03, 2007/2008


In the previous issue, sustainable agriculture production and microfinance models were highlighted in regard to the rural farmers mobilizing and using their own resources and generated funds to create their own appropriate services that suit their own specific contexts.

Through experience that Kabarole Research and Resource Center (KRC) has built over the last ten years, it has been realized that to improve livelihoods of the people, there is urgent need to boost their already existing potentials with a pro-active research on ways through which they could participate in their own development processes.

Writing in his best selling master piece ‘people first’ Stan Barky tells us that to understand the people, you have to ‘stay with them, live with them, and get to know them,’ The fact that the people (read communities) must be given precedence, then KRC has always cherished to work with and not to ‘donate’ to the community initiatives that it partners with a big paradigm shift, considering that most development actors usually impose their own Agenda onto the communities through the inconspicuous (unremarkable) top down methodology.

Cognizant of the fact that improving livelihoods through savings and credit can only be achieved if the loans given commensurate with people’s capacity to invest in profitable ventures, and fully aware that over 80%of the population is agro-based, KRC has tirelessly worked with the communities to come up with a micro-finance model that will best suit the rural farming poor,-and stand the test of time.-and it has. Community owned, managed-and community benefiting.

To this effect therefore, KRC has supported rural communities technically and financially in agricultural production and rural savings and credit through the Middle-Level Organizations (MLAOs) and Micro-Finance Associations (MFAs) models.

Since 92% of the population in the region lives in rural areas, the microfinance model which creates

community owned micro finance associations has provided rural farmers with the necessary credit to invest in agriculture (an unfavorable venture to most Micro-Finance institutions since farmers repay their loans after selling off their produce)

Since most farmers are now accessing credit services though their own MFAs there has been a steady increase in agricultural production hence a need for proper marketing.

It is a known fact that, farmers toil a lot during production but are usually frustrated by low prices of their products due to lack of value addition and proper marketing. Processing of agro products and better marketing strategies become necessary prerequisites to ensure better prices and improved livelihoods for the farmers. This has also led to the rise of structures that empower farmers to effectively negotiate and add value to their products.

Farmers are always exploited by middlemen, who normally offer low farm gate prices but incur transport costs and in some cases add some value to the products before being sold to other buyers or end users. However, using the value chain analysis, in reality, crop prices are never low as it always appears. Therefore, facilitating farmers to form bigger production units, marketing and micro finance associations or cooperatives will help lift farmers out of their vulnerability. During any lean periods or any eventuality, a community owned Micro finance association offers an opportunity for farmers to draw from their savings or acquire a loan at a friendly interest rate instead of selling their produce at give away prices.

Marketing associations will also be able to access credit from the MFAs to pay for at least 40% value of the farmers produce at delivery to the collecting centers for collective marketing. 40% payment for the products at delivery for collective marketing will help farmers meet their basic needs at household levels instead of selling all their produce at very low prices during harvesting seasons.

MFA’s come of Age, as Farmers Embrace Collective MarketingBy Baguma Deborah and Mugisa Jared (Kabarole Research and Resource Center – KRC)

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The working relationship between the MFAs, MLAOs and the Marketing associations is strengthened by the signed Memorandum of understanding (MOUs) since all the three are community owned but operating under separate leaderships, rules and regulations but with a common cause.

As we hold this 2007 Kabarole District Agriculture trade Show, as KRC, we would like to call upon all stakeholders in the development of agriculture to galvanize efforts if meaningful and sustainable development is to be realized as we explore the potentials of the rural active poor.

Agriculture f o r m s the most important sector of Uganda’s economy, employing o v e r 8 0 per cent of the work force and accounting for more

than 30 per cent of GDP in the country. The world organic market has grown by 20% per year in the last 15 years, reaching US$25 billion in

2005 from US$13 billion in 1998, and the estimate growth in the future would range from 10 to 50 per cent annually depending on country. This increasing global demand of organic foods has also been shifting African farming into the market, mainly because of the geographical closeness of the region to EU countries.

While organic food products have increased their market share in the past decade, only a relatively small percentage of people in Uganda consume organic food with any degree of regularity. In this mix are included people who utilize organic food supplement products. Because of the inherent benefits of organic food, there are ample reasons why organic food should be promoted in the Rwenzori region and in Uganda at large. Indeed, the

The Future of Organic Food and Agriculture: A look at Emerging Trends By Sarah Namusoke (Marketing Officer, Programme Marketing Sustainable Agriculture Products PIMSAP)

Fruits for sale

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benefits that can be derived from a more complete transition to organic agriculture warrant a broad and expansive promotional program nationally. There are numerous reasons associated with personal health that warrant the promotion of organic food products. The benefits of eating organic food truly run the gambit and all warrant a broader market share on the part of consumers everywhere. One of the most compelling reasons that organic food should be promoted widely rests in the fact that these products are free of the chemical residues that infest conventionally grown and raised food products. Organic agriculture and organic gardening prohibits the usage of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides in the production of food products. Consequently, these fruits and vegetables go to market free of any chemical residue that otherwise would end up being ingested by people eating these products. The same holds true for organically raised livestock. These animals are fed only organically produced grains and other products. As a result, the meat products that are derived from these animals is free of the possibly harmful chemicals associated with conventional farming practices. If the health benefits of organic agriculture and organic gardening were not enough to warrant and support the widespread promotion of these products, a consideration of the beneficial effect organic farming and organic gardening can and does have on the environment should drive the marketplace forward.

The future of organic food and the future of organic agriculture appear to be rather bright on many levels. Perhaps the most important reason as to why proponents of organic agriculture are optimistic rests in the reality that an ever growing segment of the general public is beginning to use at least some organic food and other types of organic products in their everyday lives. One of the emerging trends that is important to broadening the appeal of organic food, organic farming and organic gardening on into the future is an expansion of educational and informational programs relating to organics and organic practices. This awareness has been mostly emphasized by

the civil society organizations like SATNET and PIMSAP in Kabarole district in collaboration with the National Organic Agricultute Movement of Uganda (NOGAMU). To help farmers get certified organic foods and sell it to both local and international markets, NOGAMU unites farmers, producers, exporters and others, representing 50,000 farmers and 25 exporters nationally.

Initiatives like Kabarole Organic Agriculture Products Marketing (KOAPM) Company have cropped up. KOAPM is a limited company with shares initiated by organic farmers in Kabarole district with the help of NOGAMU and SATNET with an aim of marketing organic products in the region. KOAPM owns an outlet/organic shop located on Baliya road next to Little Rock Café in Fort Portal town. Organic products sold in the shop include fruits like Pineapples, Pawpaws, eggs, bananas; vegetables and processed products like honey, juice concentrates etc

A significant amount of research has been undertaken in regard to organic farming and organic gardening practices and the positive impact these agricultural regimens have on the environment. First and foremost, organic agricultural practices result in the lessening of the amount in soil and water of harmful chemical residues from herbicides, insecticides and synthetic fertilizers. These chemicals remain ingrained (quite literally) in soil for years and leach into water systems causing further short and long term damage. Additionally, it has been demonstrated time and again that organic agricultural practices work to lessen soil erosion to a very significant degree.

On so many levels, the inherent and demonstrable benefits of organic food and organic agricultural practices speak for themselves. With news reports about GMs (Genetically Modified foods), health scares about eating beef, chemicals on food affecting peoples’ health and the intelligence of children, it is no wonder that many are looking to organic foods as an option. Therefore, organic food and organic agricultural practices actually beg to be promoted and marketed across the globe as we move forward into the 21st century.

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become wealthy and prosperous through profitable agrculture

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