AGROREF UGANDA
YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW; WEEKLY AGRICULTURE –COOPERATIVES (AGRICO) NEWS UPDATES
LEST YOU FORGET; EDITION-(I) 01st January to 31st March 2025
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.
MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, ANIMAL INDUSTRY AND
FISHERIES [JULY 2024 TO DATE]
| NAME | CONSTITUENCY | PARTY | |
| 1. | HON. AUMA LINDA AGNES CHAIRPERSON | DWR, LIRA | INDEP. |
| 2. | HON. NAKAZIBWE HOPE GRANNIA DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON | DWR, MUBENDE | NRM |
| 3. | HON. RUGUMAYO EDSON | YOUTH REP., WESTERN | NRM |
| 4. | HON. MUHUMUZA DAVID | MWENGE NORTH | NRM |
| 5. | HON. AKELLO CHRISTINE | ERUTE COUNTY NORTH | NRM |
| 6. | HON. ISAMAT ABRAHAM | KAPIR COUNTY | NRM |
| 7. | HON. BIRAARO EPHARAIM G. | BUHWEJU WEST COUNTY | NRM |
| 8. | HON. ACEN DORCUS | DWR, ALEPTONG | NRM |
| 9. | HON. KOMOL JOSEPH MIDI | DODOTH NORTH COUNTY | NRM |
| 10. | HON. LEMATIA JOHN | AYIVU DIVISION WEST | NRM |
| 11. | HON. LOCAP PETERKHEN | BOKORA EAST COUNTY | NRM |
| 12. | HON. KASAIJA STEPHEN KAGWERA | BURAHYA COUNTY | NRM |
| 13. | HON. MIGADDE ROBERT | BUVUMA ISLANDS COUNTY | NRM |
| 14. | HON. LOKII JOHN BABPTIST | MATHENIKO COUNTY | NRM |
| 15. | HON. ESENU ANTHONY ALDEN | KAPELEBYONG COUNTY | NRM |
| 16. | HON. DRWARU JENNIFER | DWR, MARACHA | NRM |
| 17. | HON. ANYWAR RICKY RICHARD | AGAGO WEST COUNTY | NRM |
| 18. | HON. NYONGORE ENOCK | NAKASEKE NORTH COUNTY | NRM |
| 19. | HON. BEGUMISA MARY | DWR, SSEMBABULE | NRM |
| 20. | HON. MAGOOLA RACHEL MIRIEL | DWR, BUGWERI | NRM |
| 21. | HON. MBAYO ESTHER MBULAKUBUZA | DWR, LUUKA | NRM |
| 22. | HON. OKULLO ANTHONY AABUKA | LAMWO COUNTY | NRM |
| 23. | HON. ALYEK JUDITH | DWR, KOLE | NRM |
| 24. | HON. AKELLO CHRISTINE | ERUTE COUNTY NORTH | NRM |
| 25. | HON. OJOK ANDREW OULANYAH | OMORO COUNTY | NRM |
| 26. | HON. BWANIKA ABED | KIMAANYA-KABONERA DIVISION | NUP |
| 27. | HON. MATOVU CHARLES | BUSIRO COUNTY SOUTH | NUP |
| 28. | HON. NANYONDO VERONICA | DWR, BUKOMANSIMBI | NUP |
| 29. | HON. AOL BETTY OCAN | CWR, GULU CITY | FDC |
| 30. | HON. APOLOT STELLA ISODO | NGORA DISTRICT | FDC |
| 31. | HON. KABUGHO FLORENCE | DWR, KASESE | FDC |
| 32. | HON. NYAKATO ASANANSI | DWR, HOIMA CITY | FDC |
| 33. | HON. LUKWAGO JOHN PAUL M. | KYOTERA COUNTY | DP |
| 34. | HON. AKORA MAXWELL EBONG | MARUZI COUNTY | UPC |
| 35. | HON. OKOT SANTA | ARUU NORTH COUNTY | PPP |
| 36. | HON. OBONG VINCENT SHEDRICK | LIRA WEST DIVISION | INDEP. |
| 37. | HON. NAMUTAAWE JOAN | DWR, MASAKA | INDEP. |
| 38. | HON. MUKASA JULIUS OPONDO | BUJUMBA COUNTY | INDEP. |
| 40. | HON. TUSIIME JULIUS | RWAMPARA EAST COUNTY | INDEP. |
| 41. | HON. ACORA NANCY | DWR, LAMWO | INDEP. |
| 42. | HON. SAM KAVUMA (MAJ. GEN.) | UPDF | |
| 43. | HON. THEMBO GIDEON MUJUNGU | BUSONGORA COUNTY SOUTH | NRM |
| 44. | HON. RWAKOOJO ROBINA GUREME | GOMBA WEST COUNTY | NRM |
| 45. | HON. OTAALA EMMANUEL OTIAM | WEST BUDAMA COUNTY SOUTH | NRM |
COMMENTARY
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2025: CELEBRATING WOMEN IN THE AGRICULTURE SECTOR IN UGANDA
On 8th March 2025, Uganda joined the rest of the world to commememoate the International women’s day. AgroRef Uganda takes pride in key pillars of equity, equality, fairness, justice and rule of law in the agriculture sector and the cooperatives in particular. Our work is hinged on a Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA) as both a call to action to the duty bearers but also a practice internally for our organisation and all other organisation we work with. It is our duty and responsibility to aspire but also inspire these principles in our daily work and generally all farmers and cooperators. That is why one of our key program areas focuses on Human Rights and Justice.
AGROREF Uganda therefore takes this opportunity to wish all women in Uganda and across the global but more especially women engaged in agriculture, our small-holder farmers, a happy Women’s Day
THE COMPREHENSIVE AFRICA AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (CAADP) SUMMIT
The summit took place from January 9 to 11, 2025, in Kampala, Uganda. Hosted by the African Union Commission (AUC) and the Government of Uganda, the summit’s theme was “Building Resilient Agri-Food Systems in Africa.” Over 2,000 participants attended, including African Heads of State, government officials, private-sector representatives, farmer organizations, scientists, and researchers.
A primary objective was adopting the CAADP Strategy and Action Plan for 2026–2035, aiming to transform African agri-food systems through sustainable food production, agro-industrialization, and trade. This 10-year plan aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, focusing on achieving food security, nutrition, and economic growth.
The summit featured various sessions, including meetings of Ministers in Charge of Agriculture, Rural Development, Water, and Environment, as well as joint sessions with Ministers of Foreign Affairs. Discussions centered on strategies to enhance agricultural growth, address climate change impacts, and empower smallholder farmers.
Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni emphasized the importance of harnessing Africa’s agricultural potential for economic transformation and self-reliance. He highlighted agriculture’s role in reducing dependency on external markets and driving socio-economic development.
The summit concluded with the adoption of the Kampala Declaration, reinforcing commitments to agricultural transformation and resilient food systems across the continent.
PARISH DEVELOPMENT MODEL (PDM) PRESIDENTIAL TOURS
President Yoweri Museveni’s recent tours to assess the implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM) have sparked a range of reactions. These tours aim to evaluate the impact of the PDM in transitioning households from subsistence to a money economy by providing financial support and promoting accountability at the grassroots level.
In regions like Busoga, Museveni has urged residents to move beyond traditional sugarcane farming, which he believes has perpetuated poverty, and to embrace the PDM for economic advancement. He acknowledged past shortcomings in poverty alleviation programs and emphasized the direct financial support model of the PDM as a more effective approach.
However, these tours have also faced criticism. Some observers question the authenticity of the showcased successes, suggesting that the presented images and stories might resemble a “Potemkin Village,” designed to create a deceptive appearance of prosperity. They call for more transparency, such as providing business details like names, locations, and tax identification numbers, to verify the reported progress.
Furthermore, reports indicate that while some beneficiaries have benefited from PDM funds, there are concerns about fund mismanagement and underutilization. The President has pledged to hold officials accountable for any mismanagement, emphasizing transparency and progress.
In summary, while President Museveni’s PDM assessment tours highlight the government’s efforts to promote economic transformation, they also face scrutiny regarding their effectiveness and transparency. Continued dialogue and accountability are essential to ensure that the PDM achieves its intended goals.
COMPILED NEWS
UN AGRICULTURE FUND CALLS FOR INVESTMENT IN RURAL AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
At its annual Governing Council meeting in Rome, the International Fund for Agricultural Development’s (IFAD) member states highlighted the link between stable rural communities and global food security.
Rural communities are enduring the brunt of food insecurity, poverty, and hunger and catalytic investments into this population specifically are needed to change that.
That was the main message coming from world leaders and U.N. officials at the International Fund for Agricultural Development’s annual Governing Council meeting in Rome last week.
Four out of 5 of the world’s extreme poor live in rural areas, yet it is often these communities of fisherfolk and farmers that produce the majority of countries’ food, according to IFAD, a specialized U.N. agency and financial institution. As it stands, U.N. Sustainable Development Goal 2 on achieving zero hunger is not on track to meet the 2030 deadline.
THE INAUGURATION OF THE NEW BOARD OF UGANDA FREE ZONES AND EXPORT PROMOTIONS AUTHORITY BOARD(UFZEPA)
The Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives Francis Mwebesa officially inaugurated the inaugural board of the Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotion Authority (UFZEPA). The ceremony was held at the Ministry headquarters in Kampala, the appointment of a diverse group of experts and stakeholders from various sectors, including trade, industry, and finance, constitute the board. https://www.mtic.go.ug/the-inauguration-of-the-new-board-of-uganda-free-zones-and-export-promotions-authority-boardufzepa/
MAKERERE RESEARCHERS ADVOCATE FOR EFFICIENT USE OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AT 8TH UGANDA WATER AND ENVIRONMENT WEEK
At the 8th Uganda Water and Environment Week (UWEWK 2025), held from March 17 to 21 at the Ministry of Water and Environment’s headquarters. Makerere University researchers called for more efficient management of water and environmental resources. The event, organized by the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) through the Water Resources Institute brought together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss challenges and solutions related to water, environmental sustainability, and climate change. https://news.mak.ac.ug/2025/03/makerere-researchers-advocate-for-efficient-use-of-water-and-environmental-resources-at-8th-uganda-water-and-environment-week
ALGERIANS ORDER 800 TONS OF UGANDAN COFFEE, COMPLAIN OF HURDLES WITH SECURING MILK
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the Algerian Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Youcef Cherfa held a meeting in which they discussed Uganda’s coffee and milk export. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the African Union Extraordinary Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
Highlighting the recent progress in the coffee sector, the minister noted Algeria’s increasing interest in Ugandan coffee.“We have started importing coffee from Uganda. The last contract, signed at the end of 2024, secured 800 tonnes, with the first shipment expected in February 2025. Moving forward, we are ready to import 20,000 tonnes annually,” Cherfa revealed. https://www.independent.co.ug/algerians-order-800-tons-of-ugandan-coffee-complain-of-hurdles-with-securing-milk/
KASESE FARMERS ASK GOV’T TO ADDRESS PRICE FLUCTUATIONS OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS
Farmers in Kasese district have appealed to the government to intervene in the increased price fluctuations of agricultural products, especially food items.
They argue that such intervention will keep them in the practice and further attract young people to join farming activities.
The farmers say that there is a need for the government to devise solutions now and industrialize the agricultural sector.
Rashid Kabotire, a resident of Buhaghura Parish in Rukoki Sub County argues that as the government calls on the community to venture into commercial crops such as coffee, there must be deliberate intentions by the government to help farmers get better prices.
GOV’T: ALL AGRO CHEMICALS IN UGANDA GLOBALLY APPROVED
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries has denied that the hazardous pesticides banned elsewhere are allowed into Uganda and used on farms. This follows bitter responses by health and agriculture scientists to an opinion by Prof Maurice Ogenga Latigo that the issue of the use of chemicals on farm pests and weeds and in households was being overhyped.
In his article published in the media last week, Latigo said the targeted chemical insecticides and herbicides were being used in other countries. Calling him dishonest, other experts then urged the government to ban the importation and use of any substance dubbed hazardous by expert research.
https://www.independent.co.ug/govt-all-agro-chemicals-in-uganda-globally-approved/
UCDA, DDA AND NAADS HAND OVER OPERATIONS TO AGRIC MINISTRY
The Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), Cotton Development Organization (CDO), National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) and the Dairy Development Authority (DDA) handed over their operations to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF). Government says this is a move to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
This transition follows the recent dissolution of these agencies after President Museveni assented to amended Acts on 20th December and 23rd December 2024. The formal handover ceremony was held at MAAIF headquarters in Entebbe.
At the function, MAAF Permanent Secretary Maj Gen David Kasura-Kyomukama emphasised that “rationalization is not abolishment but a reallocation of resources to improve efficiency.” https://www.independent.co.ug/ucda-hands-over-operations-to-agriculture-ministry/
KANUNGU COFFEE COOPS GRAPPLE WITH POOR QUALITY AS MIDDLEMEN SMUGGLE STOCKS FROM THE DRC INTO UGANDAN MARKET
Kanungu district, located in the southwestern Uganda, borders the Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC] and is a key point for cross-border trade. The district’s Ishasha border links up with DRC, creating numerous trade opportunities in different products.
However, the presence of good market prices for coffee in Uganda has led to a disturbing trend whereby middlemen smuggle poor-quality coffee stocks from the neighbouring DRC through porous borders into the district. This has significantly impacted coffee quality, causing a drop in prices and undermining the local coffee market. https://thecooperator.news/kanungu-coffee-coops-grapple-with-poor-quality-as-middlemen-smuggle-stocks-from-the-drc-into-ugandan-market/
FINANCE TABLES SHS40.7 TRILLION BUDGET FOR FY 2025/26
Government has presented a Shs40.7 trillion budget for the 2025/26 financial year, outlining significant investments across key sectors to drive economic growth and development. This is contained in the Appropriation Bill, 2025 tabled for its first reading by the Minister of State for Finance (General Duties) Henry Musasizi during the House sitting on Thursday, 27 March 2025. Agriculture is set to receive Shs611.5 billion for development projects and Shs188.1 billion for recurrent expenditures. These funds will support agricultural research, livestock development, and fisheries management programs nationwide.
https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/3655/finance-tables-shs407-trillion-budget-fy-202526
GOVT TABLES SHS4.8 TRILLION SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION BILL
Government has tabled before Parliament the Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2025, aimed at allocating up to Shs4.8 trillion to critical priorities including defence, security and infrastructure. The Minister of State for Finance, Planning, and Economic Development (General Duties), Henry Musasizi, tabled the Bill on behalf of government during a plenary sitting chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa on Thursday, 27 March 2025. According to the breakdown, the biggest portion of the funding goes to; State House with Shs374 billion in recurrent allocations, Shs189 billion for Ministry of Defence, Shs137 billion for security, Shs16 billion for foreign missions and Shs152 billion for National Council of Sports.
MPS EXAMINE PERFORMANCE OF GROW PROJECT
The Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project has come under scrutiny following the under-absorption of funds.
According to the Auditor General’s report for the financial year ended 31 June 2024, only Shs18.52 billion out of Shs75.1 billion was spent.
The report further indicates the unspent balance of Shs56.6 billion affected the provision of line of credit to financial participating institutions that were supposed to finance the beneficiaries.
https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/3642/mps-examine-performance-grow-project
TAYEBWA TO PUSH FOR LIFTING OF RESTRICTIONS ON EXPORT OF CROPS TO EU
The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa will start off his duty as President of the Organization of Africa, Caribbean and Pacific States Joint Parliamentary Assembly (OACPS) with mediations on restriction of export of specific crops to the European Union (EU) market.
Tayebwa said this while chairing the sitting of the House on Tuesday, 03 March 2025 following his recent election as OACPS President. He automatically assumed the role of Co-chair of the OACPS-European Union Joint Parliamentary Assembly which convenes alternately in an ACP and an EU country under democratic principles.
https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/3618/tayebwa-push-lifting-restrictions-export-crops-eu
POLITICAL INTERFERENCE FRUSTRATING YOUTH AND WOMEN PROGRAMMES
The Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Hon. Balaam Barugahara has revealed that the political interference is hindering the implementation of the Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP) and Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP).
While appearing before the Committee on Gender, Labour and Social Development on Tuesday, 25 February 2025, the minister said that politicians are frustrating the programmes by sending wrong messages that the funds are a reward from government.
https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/3600/political-interference-frustrating-youth-and-women-programmes
LAW TO REGULATE LAND ACQUISITION, REAL ESTATE IN THE OFFING
Land acquisition processes are expected to become efficient once the Valuation Bill, 2024 is passed into law. It is further projected that the proposed law will lead to improved efficiency of the real estate and financial markets.
The Bill was tabled for its first reading by the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Judith Nabakooba on Tuesday, 11 February 2025.
The new law also aims at increasing public confidence in the valuation function and services, by establishing the Institute of Certified Valuers of Uganda and the council as a governing body.
https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/3579/law-regulate-land-acquisition-real-estate-offing
‘STOP FUNDING TO INSPIRE AFRICA COFFEE’
The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi has asked government to stop any further allocation of funds to Inspire Africa Coffee, a private entity financed by government to establish a coffee factory as a tertiary hub for last mile coffee value addition in Ntungamo District. Ssenyonyi said the financing should be halted until government comes out clearly on the terms of the partnership, which he said could not be established when he visited the factory on 24 December 2025 with other MPs on the Shadow Cabinet.
https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/3578/stop-funding-inspire-africa-coffee
SHS1.2 TRILLION APPROVED TO FACILITATE MERGED AGENCIES
Parliament has approved a supplementary budget of over Shs1.2 trillion to facilitate the transfer of funds from rationalised government agencies to the receiving institutions.
The supplementary expenditure schedule No.2 for the financial year 2024/2025 was presented by the Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (General Duties), Hon. Henry Musasizi on Thursday, 06 February 2025.
https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/3571/shs12-trillion-approved-facilitate-merged-agencies
GOV’T PROPOSES LAW ON USE OF CLEAN ENERGY
Government has intensified efforts to promote clean energy use and efficiency with the introduction of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Bill, 2024.
The bill tabled before Parliament by State Minister for Energy, Hon. Sidronius Opolot on Tuesday, 04 February 2024, seeks to regulate energy consumption, curb waste and enhance the adoption of sustainable cooking technologies across the country.
According to the Bill, “currently, there are no regulations governing the manufacture, distribution, and use of clean cooking efficient technologies.”
https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/3561/govt-proposes-law-use-clean-energy
SUGARCANE MILLERS TO SHARE PROCEEDS FROM BI-PRODUCTS WITH FARMERS
Sugarcane millers will share proceeds from sugar and its bi-products with farmers once the Sugar (Amendment) Bill, 2023 is passed into law.
This resolution was reached at a meeting of millers and farmers chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa at Parliament on Tuesday, 28 January 2024.
The meeting was meant to settle disagreements between millers and farmers over the provisions of the Sugar Bill.
The meeting resolved that millers upon the sale of bi-products such as molasses, manure, spirits and biogas, will deduct 45 per cent of production costs and then share 55 per cent of the balance with farmers who supply sugarcane.
ANTI-TICK VACCINE FACTORY ON ICE OVER SHS60 BILLION FUNDING
A last minute adjustment in the corrigenda of the 2024/2025 national budget denied the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) Shs60 billion in funding to operationalise the anti-tick vaccine factory for commercial production.
The revelation was made by the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon. Frack Tumwebaze during a meeting with the sectoral committee at Parliament on Friday, 17 January 2025.
“This money was in the last budget but at the last minute, it did not appear in the corrigenda. Because of that, NARO has missed its target of January 2025 for commercial production of the anti-tick vaccine,” said the minister.
https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/3512/anti-tick-vaccine-factory-ice-over-shs60-billion-funding
REGIONAL AND GLOBAL UPDATES
TRUMP WANTS INDIA TO BUY US CORN – BUT HERE’S WHY IT PROBABLY WON’T
India’s journey from scarcity to surplus is a triumph of its agriculture sector
Why won’t India buy even a single bushel of American corn?
That’s the question US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick raised recently while criticising India’s trade policies, taking a swipe at its market restrictions.
In another interview, Lutnick accused India of blocking US farmers and urged it to open its agricultural market – suggesting quotas or limits as a possible approach.
Agriculture is a key battleground in US President Donald Trump’s escalating trade war, with tit-for-tat or reciprocal tariffs set to kick in on 2 April.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c204q6n0lzvo
FIRST YOUTH COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CONFERENCE HELD IN INDIA
The Public Relations and Publications Division of the National Cooperative Union of India [NCUI] recently organised the First Cooperative Youth Research Conference to commemorate the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 [IYC 2025].
The conference, themed “Cooperatives: Key for Achieving SDGs,” was sponsored by Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited [IFFCO],National Cooperative Consumers Federation of India [NCCF], Souharda Federation, Unnati, and Power Gilt. Out of 90 abstracts submitted by researchers under the age of 40, 20 were selected for presentation https://thecooperator.news/first-youth-cooperative-research-conference-held-in-india/
ORGANIC FERTILISERS PROVE EFFECTIVE ON TEA AS FARMERS ABANDON SYNTHETIC INPUTS
On the outskirts of Kericho town within Kenya’s Rift Valley region, Kaptepeswet tea farm, an organic tea estate sprawling on a 50-acre piece of land, is a testament that organic fertilisers can be used on mature tea bushes and still produce the desired quantity and quality of premium leaves.
“We have always used the NPK fertilisers on our tea estate, but for the past three years, we have started trials with organic fertilisers and soil conditioners deliberately to convert our tea into an organic product to serve the constantly growing global demand for organic tea,” said Gilbert Korir, the farm Manager at the Kaptepeswet Farm.
COOP BRAND AWARENESS CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED IN SINGAPORE
Singapore’s National Cooperative Federation recently launched a social media brand awareness campaign to showcase cooperatives’ social impact.
The Coop of the Day campaign, a celebration the centenary of Singapore’s cooperative movement, features a series of short-form, vertical videos produced in collaboration with media production company It’s Like Depth.
“We embarked on this project with the aim of showcasing the meaningful work of our co-operatives through ways that resonates with today’s youths – capturing the essence of their work in a concise, engaging and relatable manner,” said Verene Cheong, SNCF’s head of marketing, communications and strategy.
https://thecooperator.news/coop-brand-awareness-campaign-launched-in-singapore/
COOPS WARN EU OVER PROPOSED SANCTIONS ON RUSSIAN FERTILISERS
Committee of Professional Agricultural Organisations [COPA] and General Confederation of Agricultural Cooperatives [COGECA], together known as COPA-COGECA, have warned that the European Commission’s [EC] adoption of a proposal to impose sanctions on nitrogen-based fertilisers from Russia and Belarus could result in extensive economic harm to European Union [EU] agriculture. The farmer and agri-cooperatives aver that no prior impact assessment was conducted to gauge the proposal’s effects on the region’s food security and the economy. Moreover, they warn the current proposal leaves farmers with no viable alternatives.
https://thecooperator.news/coops-warn-eu-over-proposed-sanctions-on-russian-fertilisers/
AFDB MULLS US$ 500 MILLION FACILITY TO MOBILISE FINANCING FOR SMALLHOLDER FARMERS
African Development Bank Group [AfDB] President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has announced plans to launch a US$ 500 million facility designed to unlock US$ 10 billion in financing for smallholder farmers and small agribusiness enterprises across Africa. Speaking at the High-Level Conference on Scaling Finance for Smallholder Farmers in Nairobi, Adesina revealed that Bank management is currently consulting with its Board of Directors on establishing this groundbreaking facility.
NAIROBI TO HOST VALIDATION WORKSHOP ON NATIONAL COOPERATIVE GENDER PLATFORM
The International Cooperative Alliance Africa [ ICA–Africa] Gender Equality Committee is set to host a pivotal Validation Workshop on the establishment of the National Cooperative Gender Platform [NCGP]. Scheduled for March 28, 2025, the hybrid event will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders to refine and validate the NCGP framework. The workshop aims to address systemic gender barriers within cooperatives and promote inclusive policies and practices. It will serve as a focal point for advancing gender-responsive initiatives, ensuring representation and empowerment of women and marginalized groups in cooperative governance, leadership, and decision-making.
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