AGROREF UGANDA
YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW; WEEKLY AGRICULTURE –COOPERATIVES (AGRICO) NEWS UPDATES
LEST YOU FORGET; EDITION-(19th) 5th , Nov, 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.
UGANDA’S LIVESTOCK SECTOR GETS MAJOR BOOST WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART MACHINERY
The National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB), an agency under the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries )MAAIF), has acquired animal feed production and seed multiplication machines to support Uganda’s livestock farmers with high-quality, affordable, and locally-produced animal feeds to enhance livestock productivity. https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-s-livestock-sector-gets-major-boost-with-state-of-the-art-machinery-4809718
UGANDAN BANANA FARMERS BOOST RESILIENCE TO CLIMATE CHANGE WITH INNOVATIVE INSURANCE
For Ahumwire Justine, a banana farmer from Shuku, in Uganda’s southwest, a rain and hailstorm last October underscored the vulnerability of her plantation to extreme weather, destroying 300 of her banana trees and killing two cows. This event highlighted the challenges faced by farmers in regions increasingly affected by climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has noted a rise in the frequency and intensity of such storms, exacerbating the struggle for farmers to protect their livelihoods and crops. https://www.freshplaza.com/europe/article/9674354/ugandan-banana-farmers-boost-resilience-to-climate-change-with-innovative-insurance/
KATIKKIRO: BUGANDA WILL GROW COFFEE EVEN WITHOUT UCDA
The Katikkiro (Prime Minister) of the Kingdom of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga has said coffee growing under their “Emmwanyi Terimba” initiative will go on unabated despite the planned disbandment of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA).I urge Baganda (and other Ugandans) to continue growing coffee: your livelihood is more important than the motives of present day politicians,” he said, a day after Parliament voted to advance the National Coffee (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which proposes the dissolution of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority after 32 years of operation. He said the Kingdom of Buganda has severally advised against scrapping UCDA since it superintends coffee production, upon which nearly two million Ugandan households depend. https://www.independent.co.ug/katikkiro-buganda-will-grow-coffee-even-without-ucda/
COFFEE EXPORT COMPROMISE
Sustained pressure from both within the European Union and coffee-producing countries such as Uganda has compelled the EU to extend the implementation of its Deforestation Regulation directive by 12 months. The ban is now set to take effect on Dec.30, 2025. In a statement issued on Oct.2, the European Commission said it was proposing a 12-month extension of “phasing-in period” to support the global implementation of the so-called EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The European Commission also published additional guidance documents to support third countries (non-EU member states) in their preparation for the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation. https://www.independent.co.ug/coffee-export-compromise/
CLIMATE CHANGE HURTING TEA PRODUCTION IN EAST AFRICA
The East African Tea Trade Association (Eatta) says exports have gone down from 517 million kilos in 2022 to 482 million kilos in 2023, a 6.8 percent decline. Addressing the 6th edition of the Africa Tea Convention and Exhibition in Kigali this week, Eatta managing director George Omuga also blamed increased production costs, economic and geopolitical factors, social dynamics, and the mismatch between supply and demand. Climate change hurting tea production in East Africa – The EastAfrican
MUSEVENI ON UCDA DEBATE: ‘IT’S WRONG TO SAY MINISTRIES CANNOT PERFORM’
As the debate on the rationalization of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) rages on, President Yoweri Museveni has again spoken out on the sticky matter, further making a case for the move and urging an end to “this circus”.
Standing his ground, Museveni says “it is more correct to use the departmental structure because it is countrywide and will cover all the crops, unlike UCDA that deals with only coffee or DDA that only deals with milk”. Using social media, the President — with 3.4 million followers on X — posted an additional statement on the divisive matter on Monday, meant to galvanize his stance in his earlier missive issued on Sunday. Museveni on UCDA debate: ‘It’s wrong to say ministries cannot perform’ – New Vision Official
HOIMA COFFEE FARMERS COUNT LOSSES AS WILT, TWIG BORER WREAK HAVOC
Coffee farmers in different parts of Hoima district are counting losses following the outbreak of coffee diseases, a rise in pests and theft of coffee in gardens. Kato Yoram, a coffee farmer from Marongo village in Kigorobya county, says recently, their coffee farms were invaded by the coffee wilt disease ravaging coffee gardens. He says once the wilt attacks a coffee plant, it causes the plant to dry up, prompting the coffee beans to ripen prematurely. Kato, who has an acre of coffee plantation, says quarter of his plantation has been affected, leaving him stranded.
Hoima coffee farmers count losses as wilt, twig borer wreak havoc – New Vision Official
18.4 MILLION UGANDANS FOOD INSECURE – REPORT
At least four in every 10 households in Ugandan are moderate or severely food insecure, according to the 2024 National Population and Housing Census report. This is affecting the livelihoods of at least 18.4 million Ugandans. Of these, Karamoja has the highest population affected, followed by Teso, Bukedi and West Nile regions. Also hit are Lango, Elgon and Busoga while the least affected are Buganda, Ankole and Bunyoro regions. In Karamoja, according to the report, 63% of the people are food insecure, while Teso and Bukedi stand at 50% each. West Nile stands at 48% while Lango, Elgon and Busoga are at 41%, 39% and 34%, respectively. 18.4 million Ugandans food insecure – report – New Vision Official
ETHIOPIAN MANAGEMENT TEAM MEETS SOROTI FRUIT FACTORY SUPPLIERS
The new management running the affairs of Soroti Fruit Factory on Friday (October 25) met with the farmers at the factory premises. Government three months ago handed the factory to Chimaki, an Ethiopian company headed by Azeb Mesfin, to take over the management of the complex and the entire processes including the procurement of fruits. During her first interaction with farmers’ leaders, Azeb promised to meet the farmers’ expectations by buying their fruits. She announced that in the next season which begins between November to late January, the factory will buy 2,000 metric tons of oranges which is more than what the factory used to buy from farmers. Ethiopian management team meets Soroti Fruit Factory suppliers – New Vision Official
MAYIGA URGES BUGANDA ON COFFEE GROWING DESPITE CONTROVERSY
The Katikiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has urged coffee growing areas of the country not to relent in their enthusiasm for growing the crop, saying the venture is very productive and is a good way to get out of poverty. He also said the Kingdom of Buganda is against scrapping the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) since it superintends coffee production, upon which nearly 2 million Ugandan households depend. He was on Saturday (October 26) weighing in on the controversy that has recently enveloped the crop, causing unease in Buganda where the crop is grown widely. On Thursday, Parliament voted to advance the National Coffee (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which proposes the dissolution of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) after 32 years of operation. Mayiga urges Buganda on coffee growing despite controversy – New Vision Official
MINISTER TUMWEBAZE CHAIRS AU MEETING ON AGRICULTURE
Agriculture minister Frank Tumwebaze has chaired a meeting of African Union’s (AU) specialised technical committee on agriculture, rural development, water and environment. The meeting was held on Friday (October 25) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Tumwebaze took to X, formerly Twitter, and said the meeting was in preparation for the extraordinary AU Heads of State and Government summit that will take place in Kampala in January 2025. “While substantial progress has been made by many AU states in developing resilient agri-food systems, 200 million Africans remain food insecure,” he said. He noted that food and feed production too, must balance well with environmental security. Minister Tumwebaze chairs AU meeting on agriculture – New Vision Official
WORLD LEADERS ASKED TO BUDGET FOR INNOVATIONS IN AGRICULTURE
The lack of funds for innovators is to blame for less adaptation of technologies and innovations that can unlock opportunities in the agriculture sector.
That is why global leaders have been asked to strengthen collaborations to secure funds that will advance the development of resilient food systems in Africa. The call was made by Adesuwa Ifedi, the vice-president for Africa programmes at Heifer International during the World Economic Forum that took place in Rome, during a panel discussion titled: From Start-Up to Scale at the Food and Agriculture Organisation Headquarters between October 14 and 18, 2024. World leaders asked to budget for innovations in agriculture – New Vision Official
CLIMATE CHANGE FUELLING FOOD INSECURITY IN WEST NILE
The agriculture sector in Uganda is experiencing climate change effects manifested through, frequent, intense and prolonged dry spells, droughts, floods, increases in temperature and higher incidences of pests and diseases. This has resulted in shifts in farming seasons, which has led to loss and damages, and ultimately contributed to the low agriculture performance. The West Nile region has not been spared from these climate change effects, which are partly being blamed for the growing food insecurity. The Food Rights Alliance (FRA) and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector have raised alarm over the food insecurity affecting various parts of Uganda. According to the census report by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) released last month, a food crisis across Uganda, particularly in the West Nile region looms. Climate change fuelling food insecurity in West Nile – New Vision Official
RWABWOGO TIPS TEA FARMERS ON BEST PRACTICES
Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) chairperson Odrek Rwabwogo has implored tea farmers across the country to adopt best farming practices.
The move, according to him, will enable the farmers to access lucrative markets abroad. “The market for Ugandan tea is available if only we meet the required market standards by self-regulating to get rid of bad tea growing practices,” he said.
Rwabwogo, who is also the senior presidential advisor on special duties, made the remarks on October 18, 2024, during a meeting of the greater Bushenyi’s tea sector stakeholders at Igara Tea Factory in Kyamuhunga sub-county, Bushenyi district. Rwabwogo tips tea farmers on best practices – New Vision Official
RHINO SETTLEMENT CAMP REFUGEES TRAINED IN RICE PROTECTION TECHNIQUES
Members of different vulnerable refugee groups, including widows, at Rhino Settlement Camp in Madi Okollo district in West Nile have been trained in inclusive techniques and knowledge of rice planting to enhance rice production, food security, and household income. The training was carried out by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in partnership with the Office of the Prime Minister, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) under the Promotion of Sustainable Rice Farming Development (Eco-PRiDe) project. Rhino settlement camp refugees trained in rice protection techniques – New Vision Official
UGANDA BANKS ON FAO’S INITIATIVE TO BOOST ECONOMY
Uganda is also banking on the Hand-in-Hand (HIH) initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to boost the economy that was hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. “The Hand-in-Hand initiative will support Uganda’s Vision 2040 to transform the economy into a competitive upper middle-income country,” animal industry state minister Bright Rwamirama, said on October 15, 2024. Rwamirama, who is also the Isingiro North MP, is currently participating in the HIH Investment Forum and World Food Forum 2024 at the FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. He took to X, formerly Twitter, and said at the three-day forum, he presented the four priority investment opportunities in Uganda: Dairy/milk processing, animal feeds manufacturing, foot and mouth disease vaccine production as well as maize processing.
Uganda banks on FAO’s initiative to boost economy – New Vision Official
FAO CALLS FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PRACTICES IN UGANDA
As Uganda joins the rest of the world in celebrating World Food Day, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Uganda has called for the adoption of science-based technologies, innovations, and artificial intelligence to address challenges facing the agriculture sector. In a statement issued by FAO on Tuesday, FAO’s country representative, Antonio Querido said that other technologies like biotechnology and digital agriculture among other technologies can improve agricultural productivity, reduce food waste, and promote sustainable practices that protect biodiversity. FAO calls for sustainable agriculture practices in Uganda – New Vision Official
‘SELLING HARVEST FOR ALCOHOL TO BLAME FOR TESO HUNGER’
As the country joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Food Day, today, October 16, 2024, agricultural experts are warning farmers against the sale of crops to buy liquor. The celebrations in Serere district are under the theme Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future, which shall have experts reflect on how best the country can secure its people from hunger. Statistics from the agriculture ministry indicate that the regions of Teso, Bukedi, North and West Nile are highly affected by food shortage, which exposes its people to malnutrition. Commissioner of agricultural extension and skills management Henry Nakelet Opolot says in Teso, most farmers sell their harvest to buy alcohol. ‘Selling harvest for alcohol to blame for Teso hunger’ – New Vision Official
AGRICULTURE AGENCIES DEFEND ROLES AMID GOVERNMENT RATIONALIZATION DEBATE
Agricultural agencies have mounted a defense against the government’s rationalisation programme, arguing that their roles are distinct from those of the agriculture ministry (MAAIF), their mother ministry. During an interface with the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture on October 10, 2024, the agencies outlined their positions asserting that there is no overlap between their mandates and the ministry’s responsibilities. They appeared alongside agriculture minister Frank Tumwebaze and public service minister Muruli Mukasa, who had gone to present and defend four agricultural Bills that had been tabled in Parliament on September 24, 2024. Agriculture agencies defend roles amid Government rationalization debate – New Vision Official
MOMBASA AUCTION STRANDED WITH 119M KILOS OF UNSOLD TEA
The business continues to grapple with tea stocks, driven by the high volumes of the commodity carried over from previous years, reaching three times more above international requirements. Over 119 million kilos were rolled over to this year. This is the first time Mombasa, which is the second-largest black tea auction centre in the world after Colombo in Sri Lanka, is rolling over huge volumes of tea, with traders and government blaming market mismanagement and cartels in the industry. Mombasa auction stranded with 119m kilos of unsold tea – The EastAfrican
Coffee our soul our Heritage
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