AGROREF UGANDA

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

LEST YOU FORGET; EDITION-(XV)                                                     22nd July, 2024

About Agriculture Reform Hub Uganda (AGROREF)

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.

AGRICULTURE EXTENSION WORKERS IN 81 DISTRICTS TO RECEIVE NEW MOTORCYCLES

The Government has given out a total of 162 motorbikes to 81 districts to support extension workers in their outreach work. Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze led the team that handed out the motorcycles to the district officials from the sub-regions of Lango, Bunyoro, Greater Luwero, Sebei, Teso, Acholi and West Nile. “Last year, we dispatched 200 units. It’s our plan to gradually cover, in the medium term, all sub-counties of Uganda,” he said on his X handle. He noted that effective extension services are key prerequisites for increasing production, productivity and disease control. “I appeal to district leaders and managers to always ensure that these tools of work aren’t misused,” he said.The leaders he implored are district chairpersons, chief accounting officers, Residence District Commissioners, as well as the district and sub-county internal security officers.Extension workers are experts who advise farmers to improve their agricultural practices by checking crop failures, livestock diseases, pests and vectors. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/agriculture-extension-workers-in-81-districts-NV_192465   

UNYAMA IRRIGATION SCHEME TO BENEFIT 3,500 HOUSEHOLDS

The Islamic Development Bank will fund the Unyama Irrigation Scheme, expected to benefit over 3,500 households. This scheme, managed by the Ministry of Water and Environment, will span a 1,500-hectare area in Amuru and Gulu districts and is set to become operational by the end of the year.  It will serve residents in Opara and Atiak sub-counties in Amuru district, as well as Patiko sub-county in Gulu district. Scovia Nakawuma, an environment officer at the Ministry of Water and Environment, revealed that stakeholders are currently being engaged on the project design and its benefits.  The project aims to boost household income, food security, and climate resilience through sustainable natural resource management.  Additionally, it seeks to improve access to sustainable water resources and promote agricultural enterprise development. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/unyama-irrigation-scheme-to-benefit-3500-hous-NV_192210           

NEW AGRIC PROGRAM LAUNCHED TO BOOST WOMEN’S PRODUCTION WITH MODERN TECHNOLOGY

A new agricultural program has been launched to empower women and build their capabilities by integrating modern technologies that will enhance their production. The program, dubbed “Empowering Women in Agriculture (EWA) also aims to provide women with the knowledge and skills needed to adopt modern farming techniques, sustainable practices, and effective business management among others. The program is currently spearheaded by Action Against Hunger and the Institute for Social Transformation (IST). It will focus on organizing women farmers around the cassava and millet value chains, extending support up to the last mile. The Chief Executive Officer of the Institute for Social Transformation, Maureen Wagubi, said the two value chains they have identified cut across different regions. “We are trying to ensure that they add value to these products. That is why we want to promote the two value chains that we are going to move forward with, which are millet and cassava,” she said. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/new-agric-program-launched-to-boost-womens-pr-NV_191921         

HALVING FOOD WASTE CAN REDUCE HUNGER FOR 153 MN PEOPLE: REPORT

Halving food waste could cut climate-warming emissions and end undernourishment for 153 million people globally, the OECD and the UN’s food agency said in a joint report Tuesday. Around a third of food produced for human consumption gets lost or wasted globally, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization — resulting in useless emissions and less available food for those who need it. By 2033, the number of calories lost and wasted between produce leaving farms and reaching shops and households could be more than twice the number of calories currently consumed in low-income countries in a year, the report warned. Cutting in two the amount of food lost and wasted along the journey from farm to fork “has the potential to reduce global agricultural greenhouse gas emissions by four percent and the number of undernourished people by 153 million by the year 2030,” according to the report. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/halving-food-waste-can-reduce-hunger-for-153-NV_191377           

JUDICIARY KEY ALLY IN ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION, SAYS BUTEERA

The Deputy Chief Justice, Richard Buteera, has said that Uganda has had emerging Jurisprudence intended to protect and preserve the environment. “Courts have been instrumental in making decisions that have helped people to learn to listen to one another, accommodate and respect the rights of others as commanded by the law and for the common good of the community. As a result, the effects of climatic change are being mitigated,” he said. The Deputy Chief Justice noted that the creation of the Standards, Wildlife and Utilities Court to hear and determine a wide range of specified criminal cases relating to the environment was established in Uganda in 2016. He made the remarks in Sandton, Johannesburg South Africa at the African Regional Judges Forum that started on June 26 and ended on June 29. The Deputy Chief Justice presented a paper on the Emerging Jurisprudence on the Environment and Climate Change in Uganda in a panel session moderated by Hon Lady Justice Eva K. Luswata, Justice of Appeal/ Constitutional Court. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/judiciary-key-ally-in-environment-protection-NV_191283         

WE MUST BALANCE ECONOMIC PROGRESS WITH ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION – NEMA BOSS

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Executive Director, Dr. Barirega Akankwasah, has called for a balance between economic progress and environmental preservation. “We need development as well as a sustainable environment. We need to balance economic progress with environmental preservation,” he said. “Sustainable development means creating policies and practices that ensure that natural resources are used efficiently and responsibly, so they can be preserved for future generations,” he added.He highlighted that sustainable practices in industries are not only about compliance with regulations but are also about corporate responsibility and ethical operations.He made the remarks at a ceremony where companies that have demonstrated exceptional dedication to environmental conservation and sustainable development were recognised. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/we-must-balance-economic-progress-with-enviro-NV_191343        

FMD VACCINATION: MINISTER WARNS VETS AGAINST EXTORTING FARMERS

As the country gears up to eradicate the deadly foot and mouth disease in cattle through mass vaccination, veterinary doctors have been warned against extorting poor farmers. The government started distributing vaccines for cattle vaccination in May and the exercise has commenced countrywide. “Farmers should not be asked by veterinary doctors to pay money to have their animals vaccinated because the vaccination drugs are for free,” said the State Minister for Agriculture in charge of fisheries Hellen Adoa. Adoa made the call while launching the vaccination of cows over the weekend in the Serere district which has 147,000 cows. The agriculture ministry earlier indicated it would make a shillings 200 payment to veterinary officers for each dose administered so that they do not charge any farmers. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/fmd-vaccination-minister-warns-vets-against-e-NV_191287   

MIXED FORTUNES FOR PRODUCE BUYERS IN IBANDA

The produce market in Ibanda district has been experiencing mixed trends, with some commodity prices rising and others falling over the past month. Traders in Ibanda town and Rushango Town Council quote mixed beans at sh2,000 per kilogramme, increasing from sh1,700 at the end of May 2024, and big white costs sh3,200 compared to sh3,000. However, prices for green, yellow, and Nambale short varieties have dropped to sh3,000 a kilo, down from sh3,200 over the reporting period, while that of Nambale long costs sh2,800 compared to sh3,000 previously. Namable short, yellow and green varieties cost about sh3,500 per kilogramme in Rushango, according to Vincent Kanane, a producer dealer in Rushango Town Council in Ibanda North County. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/mixed-fortunes-for-produce-buyers-in-ibanda-NV_191280     

PREMIER NABBANJA RALLIES GREATER MASAKA ON AGRICULTURE

The Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, has concluded an agriculture mobilisation tour in the greater Masaka. “Thank you, people, of Lwengo, Kyotera and Rakai in greater Masaka for embracing the ongoing agriculture mobilisation campaign conducted in your respective over the weekend,” Nabbanja said on her X formerly Twitter. The campaign is in response to President Yoweri Museveni’s six policy proposals that aim at mobilising farmers to increase agricultural production, productivity, and profitability. The campaign provides a platform to bring together small-scale and large-scale farmers, agricultural researchers, farmer associations, agro-input dealers, and other stakeholders to share knowledge and skills. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/premier-nabbanja-rallies-greater-masaka-on-ag-NV_191257           

NARO URGES EXPANSION OF FISH FARMING IN NORTHERN UGANDA

The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) has called upon farmers in the Lango and Acholi sub-regions to take up fish farming to meet the high market demand and benefit from its nutritional values. Dr Laban Turyagenda, the director of the Ngetta Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute, highlighted the significant market for fish in the sub-region, citing high demand, economic value, and nutritional needs. Speaking on Saturday, June 29, during the training of over 900 farmers on five different commodities—including fish farming, livestock (dairy and goats), soybean farming, cassava, and beekeeping—Dr. Turyagenda emphasised the importance of management and feeding for fish and livestock, and value addition for cassava. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/naro-urges-expansion-of-fish-farming-in-north-NV_191241    

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. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/horticulture-farmers-demand-govt-support-for-NV_190925      

GOVERNMENT DISTRIBUTES 500 IN-CALF HEIFERS TO BUSOGA RESIDENTS TO COMBAT POVERTY

Last week, in a significant effort to combat poverty in the Busoga region, the Government of Uganda, through the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS), provided 500 in-calf heifers to the residents of Busoga. This initiative aimed to enhance household earnings and improve livelihoods through strategic support in dairy farming, a critical enterprise that ensures food security and daily incomes for many families. The distribution of the heifers was meticulously planned to cover several districts within Busoga. https://naads.or.ug/government-distributes-500-in-calf-heifers-to-busoga-residents-to-combat-poverty/       

FISH FARMING BOOSTS UGANDA’S ECONOMY – STUDY

Uganda has increased investment in cage aquaculture, particularly on Lake Victoria, which is mainly privately-led, a situation that has resulted in a rise in national aquaculture production volumes. Uganda’s aquaculture sub-sector is rapidly developing, contributing up to 22 percent of all fish produced in the country. However, this sub-sector still faces challenges related to limited access to extension services, production inputs, post-harvest handling facilities, disease incidences, value-addition skills and weak market linkages. Although there have been isolated interventions at different aquaculture value-chain nodes, the registered challenges continue to recur.Naro Deputy DirectorGeneral in charge of Agricultural https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/farming/naro-starts-vegetable-seed-production-4696032       

AFRICA ANTI-CROP PEST FIGHT BEARS FRUIT IN UGANDA

 Agriculture and its related value chains drive most economies across the continent, contributing about 40% to Africa’s GDP and 15% of its exports, 75% to its intra-African trade, and 60-80% of employment. But the agriculture sector is under threat from pests that are moving faster and more easily across borders because of increased global travel and trade, human population boom, and climate change. The pests are also quickly adapting to new situations to survive. In the process, they are destroying crops and wild plants, leaving millions of people food insecure and shrinking livelihoods of smallholder and commercial farmers. Unfortunately, not all African countries have adequate technical capacity or phytosanitary infrastructure to prevent, detect and manage pests. That’s why the African Union Commission and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Secretariat of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) have launched a programme to bridge that gap. https://www.independent.co.ug/africa-anti-crop-pest-fight-bears-fruit-in-uganda/       

AFRICAN AGRICULTURE THRIVES WITH CHINESE TECHNOLOGY, MARKET ACCESS

At the Nigerian Agricultural Technology Demonstration Center near Abuja, the capital of the West African country, Chinese agricultural experts have a daily routine of examining newly harvested rice. As a result of years of dedicated work, experts from the Chinese company Green Agriculture West Africa Ltd. (GAWAL) have developed a high-yield rice seed tailored to local conditions, which outperforms native varieties by over 20 percent. This seed, endorsed by Nigerian agricultural authorities, is now planted across two-thirds of the country’s states. Lawal Musa, a farmer from Jigawa State, has been growing this rice for several years. “Rice is vital in Nigeria and every family consumes it. With China’s cooperation, Nigeria is on the path to achieving food self-sufficiency,” he said, praising the rice for its high productivity and ability to withstand diseases and drought. https://www.independent.co.ug/african-agriculture-thrives-with-chinese-technology-market-access/          

SMALLHOLDER FARMERS CENTRAL IN AFRICA’S FOOD SYSTEM

African smallholder farmers are central in the transitioning to nature-positive, sustainable, and climate-resilient food production systems across the continent. Smallholder farmers, who produce more than 70 percent of staple food, should be involved in formulating policies to facilitate a transition to agricultural practices that conserve habitats while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Delegates gathered for the Africa Protein Summit held on Thursday in Kenya’s capital Nairobi said that that Africa’s pursuit of a food-secure, green, and resilient future hinges on the adoption of ecologically sound farming practices at the smallholder level. The delegates, who included senior policymakers, representatives of civil society, academia, and industry, renewed the call for a smallholder-led overhaul of food systems to tackle Africa’s hunger crisis. https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202407/19/WS669a6f48a31095c51c50f02f.html          

ENHANCING REFUGEE PARTICIPATION IN UGANDA’S LABOUR MARKET

Participation of refugees and nationals in the labour market remains skewed in favour of nationals for both formal and informal jobs. Agriculture, which accounts for about 70 percent of employment nationwide, presents a particular challenge. Nationals have a significant advantage in terms of access to, ownership of, and utilization of land. According to the Refugee Act of 2006, refugees cannot own land but can only access it through renting from owners or landlords. A study conducted by KRC-Uganda among the settlements of Rhino, Bidibidi, and Palabek found that the cost of renting land is prohibitive for many refugees, limiting their ability to access land. The size of land allocated per household, typically 30 by 30 meters, is barely sufficient for both shelter and agriculture. Consequently, refugees often seek additional land for farming from host communities, renting it on an annual or seasonal basis. In contrast, nationals generally access land at little to no cost, as they are often considered clan members or tribesmen. https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/letters/enhancing-refugee-participation-in-uganda-s-labour-market-4695686         

FARMERS COUNT LOSSES AS DRY SPELL SCORCHES MAIZE GARDENS

During the first planting season, which usually kicks off in March, many farmers had hoped for a bumper harvest. However, the unrelenting dry spell in some parts of the country has withered the crops, resulting in poor food harvests mainly maize and beans. Although some districts received rains last week, many farmers, especially those growing maize and groundnuts, are counting losses after several acres of the crops got scorched by sunshine. In the central region, the most affected are farmers in the districts of Nakasongola, Kiboga, Kayunga, Mubende, Kyankwanzi, Gomba, and parts of Rakai. In Nakasongola District, the most affected sub-counties include; Nabiswera, Wabinyonyi, Kalungi, and Kalongo where farmers now stare at eminent hunger and lost cash invested in their respective gardens. https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/farmers-count-losses-as-dry-spell-scorches-maize-gardens-4695666         

LEGUME GENETIC DISCOVERY COULD IMPROVE CROP GROWTH

Agenetic “off switch” that shuts down the process in which legume plants convert atmospheric nitrogen into nutrients has been identified for the first time by a team of international scientists, led by researchers of La Trobe University in Australia. Legumes like beans, peas and lentils are unique among crops for their ability to interact with soil bacteria to convert or “fix” nitrogen into a usable form of nutrients. However, this energy-intensive biological process is reduced when nitrogen is already abundant in the soil either through natural processes or through the application of synthetic fertiliser. The latest discovery of the genetic regulator that turns off nitrogen fixation when soil nitrate levels are high allowed scientists to remove the gene in model legumes, ensuring that they continued to fix nitrogen regardless of the soil environment. Increasing the biological ability of legumes to fix nitrogen could help increase crop growth and yield while also reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers, which contribute to agriculture’s environmental footprint. https://farmingfirst.org/2024/07/legume-genetic-discovery-could-improve-crop-growth/

SUSTAINABLE HEALTHY DIETS: 2024 GLOBAL FOOD POLICY REPORT PROVIDES ROADMAP

In the face of growing challenges posed by unhealthy diets, malnutrition and environmental constraints, the 2024 Global Food Policy Report (GFPR), recently released by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), has highlighted the importance of transforming complex global food systems to ensure sustainable healthy diets for all. Progress in reducing undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies has slowed in low-and-middle-income countries, while overweight and obesity has rapidly increased worldwide. Many countries are facing a double burden of malnutrition — meaning that undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies coexist with overweight and obesity or diet-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) within individuals, households, communities and across the life course. https://farmingfirst.org/2024/06/food-policy-report-stresses-urgent-need-for-sustainable-healthy-diets/  

NINE FOOD SECURITY INNOVATIONS ENHANCING ZERO HUNGER IN AFRICA

Nine food security innovations, supported by the second edition of the Kofi Annan Award for Innovation in Africa, are enhancing food security and food systems resilience across Africa with technology-powered solutions and approaches. Innovative food security ideas and creative impulses are necessary to build a robust food supply now and in the future. Particularly in Africa, where hunger is still on the rise ever since COVID-19 disrupted the global food system, the challenge to achieve SDG 2 remains stark. It is important to redouble global efforts to transform agri-food systems requires new innovative solutions. To support these efforts, the Austrian Federal Chancellery and the Kofi Annan Foundation created the second edition of the Kofi Annan Award for Innovation in Africa. Operationally supported by the Austrian Development Agency and the WFP Innovation Accelerator, this edition of the award seeks to regain lost progress on SDG 2 in Africa. https://farmingfirst.org/2024/06/nine-food-security-innovations-enhancing-zero-hunger-in-africa/         

SUSTAINABLE PESTICIDE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME REPORTS PROGRESS GLOBALLY

CropLife International has published the 2023 Annual Report for its Sustainable Pesticide Management Framework (SPMF) programme, highlighting the substantial progress made in advancing sustainable pesticide management practices globally with a specific focus on Kenya, Morocco, Thailand and Vietnam. The flagship SPMF programme was launched in 2021, rooted in the industry’s foundational commitment to the International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management to ensure existing crop protection tools are used responsibly and efficiently. It sets out an integrated approach to manage the transition towards sustainable pesticide use, emphasising better governance, systematic risk assessment and mitigation. https://farmingfirst.org/2024/05/pesticide-management-spmf-program-reports-progress-in-key-countries/ 

CHANGES IN FARM AND FOOD PRODUCTION CAN CUT GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS BY A THIRD

The global agrifood system presents a huge opportunity to cut almost a third of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions through affordable and readily available actions, while continuing to feed a growing population, according to a new World Bank report. Recipe for a Livable Planet: Achieving Net Zero Emissions in the Agrifood System outlines actions every country can take. These will make food supplies more secure, help the food system better withstand climate change and protect vulnerable people during this transition. While the food on your table may taste good, it is also a hefty slice of the climate change emissions pie. The good news is that the global food system can heal the planet – making soils, ecosystems and people healthier, while keeping carbon in the ground. This is within reach in our lifetimes, but countries must act now: simply changing how middle-income countries use land, such as forests and ecosystems, for food production can cut agrifood emissions by a third by 2030.”  https://farmingfirst.org/2024/05/changes-in-farm-and-food-production-can-cut-greenhouse-gas-emissions-by-a-third/           

GLOBAL REPORT ON FOOD CRISES: ACUTE HUNGER PERSISTENTLY HIGH IN 59 COUNTRIES

According to the latest Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC), nearly 282 million people in 59 countries and territories experienced high levels of acute hunger in 2023 – a worldwide increase of 24 million from the previous year. This rise was due to the report’s increased coverage of food crisis contexts as well as a sharp deterioration in food security, especially in the Gaza Strip and the Sudan. For four consecutive years, the proportion of people facing acute food insecurity has remained persistently high at almost 22 per cent of those assessed, significantly exceeding pre-COVID-19 levels. Children and women are at the forefront of these hunger crises, with over 36 million children under 5 years of age acutely malnourished across 32 countries, the report shows. Acute malnutrition worsened in 2023, particularly among people displaced because of conflict and disasters. The Global Network Against Food Crises urgently calls for a transformative approach that integrates peace, prevention and development action alongside at-scale emergency efforts to break the cycle of acute hunger which remains at high levels. https://farmingfirst.org/2024/05/food-crises-acute-hunger-persistently-high-in-59-countries/

AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY

The economies and livelihoods of citizens in East Africa are predominantly dependent on agriculture. The sector accounts for 25%-40% of EAC Partner States (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and Republic of South Sudan) Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is a leading employer for over 80% of the population in the region. More than 70% of the industries in the EAC are agro-based and depend on agriculture as the main source of raw materials. Agricultural commodities constitute about 65% of the volume of intra-regional trade in the EAC. The agricultural sector is dominated by smallholder mixed farming of livestock, food crops, cash crops, fishing and aquaculture. The major food crops are maize, rice, potatoes, bananas, cassava, beans, vegetables, sugar, wheat, sorghum, millet and pulses. https://www.eac.int/agriculture    

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