LEST YOU FORGET, WEEKLY AGRICO-NEWS UPDATES Edition (XIV) 2024

AGROREF UGANDA

YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW; WEEKLY AGRICULTURE –COOPERATIVES (AGRICO) NEWS UPDATES

LEST YOU FORGET; EDITION-(XIV)                             30th June, 2024

About AgroRef Uganda

Agriculture Reform (AgroRef) Uganda is a Non-Governmental and Not-for-Profit Organization focusing on advancing agricultural policy reforms, budget advocacy; and supporting the building of systems, fostering values of equity, accountability, transparency, and sustainability of organisations, especially smallholder farmer organizations including but not limited to agricultural cooperatives using a Human Rights Based Approach.

AgroRef Uganda compiles news from different media houses and outlets that have been published during the week and shares them with our key stakeholders. The purpose is to keep farmers updated and informed of the operating environment in the country.

REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE FOR COFFEE FARMERS

Coffee farmers in Uganda have earned a lot more money from the crop than they have ever done in many years. The ongoing coffee harvest season has made it a lot clearer to the farmers that they have indeed been growing a cash crop since this time round they are seeing a lot of cash coming their way. Coffee is as good as cash because it has a readily available market. This is the reason most farmers spend sleepless nights worrying about the crop’s security in the gardens where quite often thieves have been caught harvesting the crop and subjected to mob justice. However, according to an article titled “Global Coffee Platform on the importance of regenerative agriculture” authored by Jason Fan and published in the Global Coffee Report just over a week ago; the impact of climate change and the global cost of living crisis are threatening the future of coffee farming.  https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/farming/regenerative-agriculture-for-coffee-farmers-4673918    

FARMERS FROM 22 DISTRICTS RECEIVE FISH FINGERINGS AND FISH FEEDS FROM NAADS

Through the Government of Uganda’s initiative to increase fish production through aquaculture, the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) has distributed a total of 2,243,552 fish fingerings and 58,706 kilograms of start-up feeds to beneficiary farmers in 22 district local governments. The fingerings and feeds are part of the livestock materials that NAADS has distributed to farmers across the country this year. The support to farmers aims to improve their household incomes, increasing fish production and export earnings. The Livestock development officer at NAADS Dr. Thomas Nsemerirwe said out of the fingerings distributed, 1,397,066 were tilapia while 846,486 ate catfish. He said the fingerings can stock up to 500 fish ponds at an average of 4,000 fingerings per standard fish pond of 20m by 50m. https://naads.or.ug/farmers-from-22-districts-receive-fish-fingerings-and-fish-feeds-from-naads/  

3 TESO TRADITIONAL SCHOOLS & WOMEN LEADERS RECEIVE HEIFERS AND KUROILER CHICKS

The Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo has handed over 12 in-calf Friesian heifers to three secondary schools in the Teso sub-region to boost the agricultural department with practical inputs as schools implement the new curriculum. The schools that received each four heifers include Teso College Aloet-TCA, Ngora High School, and St. Mary’s Girls SS, Madera following a request they submitted to the Vice President. Three additional in-calf Friesian heifers were given to the family of the former parish priest of Kachumbala catholic parish in Bukedea District, the late Rev. Fr. Alex Ben Odeke.  Handing over the heifers to the beneficiaries at Teso College Aloet-TCA, Alupo congratulated the schools for promoting the principles of Universal Primary Education and Universal Secondary Education including access to education, relevance to education, and quality of education. https://naads.or.ug/3-teso-traditional-schools-women-leaders-receive-heifers-and-kuroiler-chicks/ 

NEW REPORT NOTES THE GLOBAL STRUGGLE OVER FARMLAND AND FOOD SOVEREIGNTY

The International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food) recently released its report entitled Land Squeeze. It finds that land ownership is being consolidated in the hands of a few powerful actors, squeezing out smaller farmers, pastoralists, Indigenous Peoples, and others who rely on traditional farmland. Since 2000, land around twice the size of Germany has been snatched up globally in transnational deals, according to IPES-Food’s report. Approximately 87 percent of these land grabs occurred in regions of high biodiversity. The top 1 percent of world’s largest farms now control 70 percent of land, leaving smaller-scale farmers behind.Nettie Wiebe, an organic farmer, professor of ethics, and a co-author of the report, tells Food Tank that the report addresses how the land squeeze is playing out in different parts of the world, instead of simply focusing on one region. https://foodtank.com/news/2024/06/new-report-notes-the-global-struggle-over-farmland-and-food-sovereignty/     

WHO WILL RESTORE FOREST COVER IN REFUGEES-HOSTING DISTRICTS?

Uganda ranks among the world’s largest hosts of refugees, accommodating 1,660,524 individuals as of March. The significant influx of refugees is driven by various factors in Uganda’s neighbouring countries, notably conflict and violence in South Sudan and the DR Congo, compounded by economic crises and political instability in the region. Despite efforts by the Government and development partners to ensure the well-being of refugees, they continue to face numerous challenges in accessing social services. One of the largest refugee settlements in Uganda is Bidibidi in Yumbe district, housing over 198,184 refugees, predominantly from South Sudan. Spanning 250 square kilometres, the settlement significantly increases the population of the host communities, bringing the total to approximately one million people.  https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/report/who-will-restore-forest-cover-in-refugees-hos-NV_191153

KARAMOJA BUCKET PROJECT EXPECTS ANOTHER BUMPER HARVEST

The Bucket Project of the Miracle Church Ministries, growing hybrid sorghum in Karamoja sub-region for the second season to feed the hungry communities is projecting another bumper harvest in the coming four weeks. This is going to be the second harvest of the short-sweet sorghum that was planted in early April on the 2,000-acre piece of land located at Lomulaangale pan village in Lorengecora sub-county, Napak district. The farm is under the Yeshua Life Limited under the Robert Kayanja Bucket Initiative and was started to help the people of Karamoja get enough food to eat and learn the skills of modern agriculture to take part in feeding their families. In the first season, between October 2023 and January 2024, the Bucket Project got good yields from the 2,000 acres planted on land donated by the residents. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/karamoja-bucket-project-expects-another-bumpe-NV_190979          

HORTICULTURE FARMERS DEMAND GOVT SUPPORT FOR QUALITY SEEDLINGS

Horticulture farmers have appealed to the government to provide them with quality  seedlings, crucial for exporting produce and generating substantial economic benefits. This was revealed during the launch of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the East African Community (EAC) Horticulture Accelerator (CEHA), Uganda National Chapter, which aims to expedite the growth of the fruit and vegetable sub-sector across the COMESA and EAC regions, with a specific focus on Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. CEHA targets intra-regional trade value in fruits and vegetables to be $25 million (about shillings 92.7b) and global exports from $416 million to $950 million (shillings 3.5trillion) by 2031.
Florence Nakitto, the CEHA chairperson in Uganda, noted that the emphasis is on two key anchor value chains in Uganda, which are avocado and onions.  https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/horticulture-farmers-demand-govt-support-for-NV_190925#google_vignette          

KAMPALA AIR POLLUTION LEVEL EXCEEDS RECOMMENDED STANDARDS

Kampala’s average air pollution level of 37 micrograms per cubic meter exceeds the recommended standards. This calls for urgent action to reverse the trend. According to a new study by Air Quality, Kampala’s primary air pollution sources include residential combustion, transportation, dust, industry, and waste burning. These findings emphasise the need for comprehensive strategies targeting each pollution source. Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) organised a two-day training for its staff on air quality management. The training delved into the dire consequences of both short- and long-term exposure to air pollution, linking it to a range of diseases such as stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and various cancers.  https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/kampala-air-pollution-level-exceeds-recommend-NV_190921   

 STAKEHOLDERS CALL FOR POLICY REVIEW ON INCLUSIVENESS

“Being disabled does not mean you are unable,” says Bob George Sunday, the senior agricultural officer in charge of food security in the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF). Sunday emphasised that Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) can participate in many sectors, particularly in the long value chain of production. He explained that if someone cannot physically cultivate, they can engage in marketing, value addition, or transportation, highlighting the importance of identifying a specific segment in which they can participate. Sunday stressed that there is no government discrimination against disability. For instance, the Parish Development Model (PDM) allocates 30% specifically to PWDs. He advised PWDs to find something useful to do regardless of their disability.  https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/stakeholders-call-for-policy-review-on-inclus-NV_190881             

INCREASE YOUR MILK INTAKE – RWAMIRAMA TELLS UGANDANS

With over 2.4 million children with stunted growth, Bright Rwamirama, the state minister for animal industry from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has asked Ugandans to increase their milk intake. “It has been recorded that people who take milk get the wholesome value of the nutrients that the body deserves but in Uganda, the intake of milk is still low,” Rwamirama said today (June 21) during the celebration of the National Milk Day organized by the Diary Development Authority (DDA) in Ngoma town, Nakaseke district. The event was organised under the theme; ‘Dairy for Improved Household Income’. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that an adult consume at least 200 to 250 liters of milk per year to meet the body’s requirement for nutrient intake so some micronutrients. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/increase-your-milk-intake-rwamirama-tells-uga-NV_190641   

TEA EXPERTS SPEAK OUT ON SECTOR CRISIS, PROPOSE SOLUTIONSUganda’s tea industry, a significant source of revenue and livelihood for over 1.2 million people, is facing a crisis.Prices have plummeted, pushing farmers to abandon their crops and factories to the brink of closure.Experts have delved into the root causes of the crisis, proposed solutions, and examined whether there’s still room for optimism in this vital sector.At the heart of the crisis lies a global oversupply of tea. According to Gregory Mugabe, chairperson of the Uganda Tea Association (UTA), production outstripped consumption in 2023 by a staggering 391 million kilogrammes.This surplus has carried over into 2024, putting downward pressure on prices.Mugabe said several solutions have been proposed to navigate this turbulent market. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/tea-experts-speak-out-on-sector-crisis-propos-NV_190514      

ACT TO MITIGATE CLIMATE CHANGE EFFECT

Uganda, like many nations, is grappling with the harsh realities of climate change. Fluctuating weather patterns have caused water levels in various waterways to decline, exacerbating floods, landslides, and prolonged droughts, which threaten the livelihoods of its people. The Karamoja sub-region in northeastern Uganda, for instance, witnessed over 900 hunger-related deaths, predominantly attributed to severe drought. Nearly eight out of 10 households in the region faced food insecurity, placing approximately 23,000 children at risk of severe acute malnutrition. Human activities, notably deforestation, have significantly disrupted Uganda’s natural ecosystem. The depletion of forest reserves, such as Budongo and Bugoma, coupled with the encroachment on numerous protected areas, has led to the loss of at least 20% of forest cover along the Kafu River. Practices, such as bush burning and swamp reclamation have further exacerbated the adverse effects of climate change, evident in the rising temperatures across the country. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/act-to-mitigate-climate-change-effect-NV_190423 

WHO PROFITS FROM THE SOARING PRICE OF COCOA?

Though  cocoa prices on the financial markets have soared, the rise is benefiting  cocoa growers, bean processors, speculators and chocolatiers in unequal measure. In March, prices rocketed to more than $10,000 a tonne in New York after a poor harvest in West Africa due to a combination of bad weather conditions and disease devastating ageing plantations. They have since fallen back from the peak, yet are still three times higher than last year. In Ivory Coast and Ghana, the world’s largest cocoa producers, prices are set by the authorities in October on the basis of the previous months. But by that point the harvests “have already been largely pre-sold”, said Tancrede Voituriez of the French agricultural research and cooperation organisation CIRAD. This reduces the impact of  cocoa price fluctuations — whether upwards and downwards. As a result, small-scale producers, who generally earn barely enough to live on, did not immediately benefit from the surge. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/who-profits-from-the-soaring-price-of-cocoa-NV_190731             

OVER 18,000 BENEFIT FROM KCCA’S AGRO-INDUSTRIALISATION PROGRAM

The  Kampala Food Event has highlighted Kampala Capital City Authorities’ (KCCA) commitment to combating malnutrition and promoting urban farming. Celebrated under the theme “Unveiling the potential of farming for improved food, nutrition, and income,” the event, was held at Railway grounds on Friday. The event was organized under the Building Sustainable, Learning, and Inclusive Cities – Kampala and Strasbourg (SLICKS) project, and showcased the city’s commitment to tackling food insecurity and malnutrition through innovative agricultural practices. Eng. David Luyimbazi, Deputy Executive Director of KCCA, representing the Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka, emphasized KCCA’s ongoing interventions in addressing malnutrition. He highlighted the Agro-industrialization program, through which KCCA has supported over 18,000 beneficiaries with agricultural inputs and extension services since the fiscal year 2011. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/over-18000-benefit-from-kccas-agro-industrial-NV_190325   

HIGH TEMPERATURES, ERRATIC RAINS, AFFECT COCOA FARMING

Cocoa growing is being threatened by harsh weather conditions in Uganda, according to experts. This was especially witnessed in the last seasonal rains that flooded the main cocoa-producing districts in the Rwenzori region, especially Bundibugyo district. Other cocoa-producing districts include Mukono, Buikwe, Mityana, Mayuge, Hoima, Kibale, and Mpigi. Although the rains seem to be reducing, higher temperatures in June, July, and August, as predicted by the Uganda National Meteorology Authority (UNMA), are a danger to cocoa, which has been identified in the National Development Plan 3 as the next foreign exchange earner for the country. In addition to challenges with weather, the crop lacks special attention through extension services when it comes to good farming practices, agro-inputs use and quality, storage, value addition, as well as marketing structures, despite its demand on the world market. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/high-temperatures-erratic-rains-affect-cocoa-NV_190418     

NATIONAL AGRIC SHOW TO INSPIRE YOUTH WITH AGRI-TECH SOLUTIONS

While the agriculture sector in Uganda has significant potential to provide gainful employment for young people, many continue to shun it.  “Many youths these days want quick money, and when they look at the agriculture sector, they think it takes too long to earn the money they desire,” stated Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the  Uganda National Farmers Federation ( UNFFE), Perezi Kawumi. He made these remarks at a press conference at their offices in Nakasero on June 21, 2024, while announcing the 3rd National Agriculture  Education Show 2024, slated for Monday, June 24.  Kawumi further said the  education show, which will be held at the Source of the Nile Show Grounds in Jinja City under the theme “Young Innovations Transforming Agriculture for National Prosperity,” will be officially opened by the First Lady and Minister of  Education and Sports, Mrs Janet Museveni, on Wednesday. He said, “The rate at which the service and industry sectors create jobs is slow, amidst an increasing skills mismatch among young people.” https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/national-agric-show-to-inspire-youth-with-agr-NV_190772#google_vignette     

NARO IN NEW DEAL TO BOOST GOAT FARMING

The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) has partnered with Menigte Farms (MeFarms) Limited to revolutionize the goat farming industry across the country.
In a Memorandum of Understanding signed at NARO’s headquarters in Entebbe on Tuesday June 18, 2024, the two organizations seek to advance research, breeding, management, and commercialization programs for goats, ensuring a reliable and sustainable supply of quality goat products for both domestic and international markets. The pact was signed by NARO Director General Dr. Yona Baguma and MeFarms’ Managing Director Mr. Kule Brian on behalf of their respective organizations. By leveraging NARO’s extensive research capabilities and MeFarms’ practical farming expertise, the initiative aims to transform the goat farming landscape, making it more efficient, profitable, and sustainable.  https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/naro-in-new-deal-to-boost-goat-farming-NV_190474     

LUWERO DISTRICT STUCK WITH MOTORCYCLES FOR EXTENSION WORKERS

Four motorcycles donated by the Prime Minister to extension workers are rusting away at Luwero district headquarters over lack of number plates. In September 2023 Prime Minister Robinah Nabanja donated five brand-new motorcycles to agricultural extension workers in the Wobulenzi, Kamira, Zirobwe and Busika town councils. The fifth motorcycle was handed to an extension worker in Kamira sub county. Nabanja handed over the motorcycles to extension workers during an agricultural expo organized by her office at Kasana UMEA Playground in Luwero town. Nabanja donated the motorcycles after extension workers complained that they could not conduct farmers’ visits due to a lack of motorcycles. But 10 months later, the motorcycles remain parked and rusting away at Luwero district council hall. https://www.independent.co.ug/luwero-district-stuck-with-motorcycles-for-extension-workers/  

GOV’T GIVES BUSOGA REGION HEIFERS WORTH SHS1.5BILLION

The Ministry of Agriculture has donated 500 heifers worth 1.5 Billion Shillings to address poverty in the Busoga sub-region. The heifers were procured through, the National Agriculture Advisory Services-NAADS. Thomas Nsemerirwe, the NAADS livestock development officer,  says that the heifers issued to the beneficiaries are disease resistant, which will prevent premature deaths and overly ease management by the farmers, most of whom are new in this field. He said that NAADS officials have been tasked to skill farmers on acceptable livestock farming practices to ensure better outcomes. Nsemerirwe notes that all the heifers were artificially inseminated before and the beneficiaries have been educated on the right pastures required. https://www.independent.co.ug/govt-donates-heifers-worth-shs1-5bn-to-address-poverty-in-busoga/           

UGANDA’ COFFEE EXPORTS TO TURKEY UP BY 2,000% IN 5 YEARS

From a modest 2000 bags (120 tons) in 2019, Uganda’s coffee exports to Turkey have surged to 44,000 bags (2,640 tons) in 2024. Ugandan coffee has gained popularity in Turkey due to its excellent intrinsic quality characteristics, with many coffees suitable for differentiated markets. In particular, there is a strong demand for Robusta coffees, especially Screen 18 and Screen 15, which Uganda can supply. “Turkey offers a significant opportunity for Ugandan coffee exporters, with its large population and growing economy making it an attractive market,” said Counselor Julius Mwijutsya, in charge of Economic and Commercial Diplomacy at the Uganda Embassy in Ankara. https://www.independent.co.ug/uganda-coffee-exports-to-turkey-up-by-2000-in-5-years/        

HUMAN- WILDLIFE CONFLICT; BALANCING CONSERVATION AND HUMAN LIFE

In April 2019, seven-month-pregnant Dorcus Aceng met her death when she unknowingly came into contact with an agitated elephant that had strayed from Murchison National Park. That fateful day, Aceng was at home going about her normal business when the elephant came running across her compound located in Onea ‘A’ village, Juma parish in Oyam district. The wild animal having been chased by villagers from a maize plantation pounced on Aceng, tearing her chest and belly. She died on the spot. That same elephant later killed a catechist in the next village bordering the park. This is one of the many cases of wild animals not only injuring but also killing locals especially those living along the park line.  https://www.independent.co.ug/human-wildlife-conflict-balancing-conservation-and-human-life/      

NARO UNVEILS NEW DISEASE RESISTANT IRISH POTATO SEEDS

Two fresh Irish Potato seed varieties have been unveiled in Uganda thanks to months of research by the National Agriculture Research Organization (NARO), and Kachwekano Zonal Agriculture Research Institute. The varieties that have been named NARO Pot 5 and NARO Pot 6 are disease resistant, according to Jorom Kubiriba, the Director of Research for Kachwekano Zonal Agriculture Research Institute. Kubiriba says that in addition to disease resistance, the new varieties are resistant to drought, have high dry matter content for processing and are good for eating as well as short dormancy.  He says that the production of varieties started three years ago in the areas of Kigezi, where Irish Potatoes are both a staple food and a source of income for the farmers. https://www.independent.co.ug/naro-unveils-new-disease-resistant-irish-potato-seed-varieties/        

EXPERTS CONVENE IN UGANDA TO TACKLE FOOD INSECURITY IN IGAD REGION

Crop and livestock experts are meeting in Uganda to address emerging threats to food security, particularly in the livestock sector. The three-day summit that kicked off on Tuesday at the Imperial Golf View Hotel in Entebbe, aims to identify challenges, develop strategies, and adopt policy proposals to enhance food resilience and security in IGAD Member States. Dr Senait Regassa, the IGAD Food Systems Resilience Program Coordinator, emphasized that the primary goal of the summit is to mitigate food security challenges that undermine livestock food systems. Dr William Ssendaula, a senior Veterinary Officer in Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture observed that establishing robust food security frameworks is essential for the region’s socio-economic stability. https://www.independent.co.ug/experts-convene-in-uganda-to-tackle-food-insecurity-in-igad-region/    

TRADE MINISTRY OFFICIAL JOINS MPS IN LUZIRA IN SH3.4 BILLION COURT CASE

The Anti-corruption Court in Kampala has remanded Leonard Kavundira, the Principal Cooperative Officer from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives to Luzira prison for allegedly conspiring with three legislators and a lawyer to divert more than sh3.4billion. Kavundira on Monday afternoon appeared before the Court presided over by Grade One Magistrate Esther Asiimwe who sat in for the trial Chief Magistrate who was indisposed. Asiimwe then read to Kavundira one charge of conspiracy to defraud government of 3.4 billion shillings that was meant to compensate Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society Limited after the war. He is jointly charged with four other people who were remanded last week on related charges.  https://www.independent.co.ug/trade-ministry-official-joins-mps-in-luzira-in-sh3-4-billion-court-case/     

WOMEN DEMAND FOR EMPOWERMENT ON LAND RIGHTS

Women in Kiboga have called for reforms in land laws and support for women in land registration and ownership. They say one of the challenges they face in the district and the country at large is limited land ownership. They contend that women’s land rights are essential for various aspects of livelihoods including economic empowerment, food security and poverty reduction noting that secure land rights for them will enable them participate in formal trading, access higher income from emerging markets and have a say in household decision making. The women made the revelations at the Kiboga district headquarters during a dialogue organized by Uganda Community Based Association for women and children welfare-UCOBAC in partnership with GIZ, a Germany agency, aimed at helping stakeholders and policy makers to put more emphasis on the importance of women rights to land and to set better strategies on women’s awareness on these rights, and to understand how land rights violations can be addressed at the grassroots level. https://www.independent.co.ug/women-demand-for-empowerment-on-land-rights/   

Follow our blog below;

https://agroref-ug.blogspot.com/2024/06/lest-you-forget-weekly-news-updates_30.html