Uganda

Uganda is a landlocked and fertile country with many lakes and rivers. About 68% of the population live in rural areas.

The economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, making up close to one quarter of Uganda’s economy.

Uganda’s agricultural sector presents significant opportunities to reduce poverty.

Challenges 

Despite Uganda’s good soil and favourable weather, there are many barriers preventing farmers making the most of the country’s growing economy.

Extreme weather events such as floods, landslides, and prolonged drought are becoming more frequent.

Many households depend on subsistence farming and are extremely vulnerable to external shocks and stresses, including those brought on by climate change and conflict.¹

Agricultural yields are also held back by farmers’ small plots of land, low access to training and credit, poor soil management techniques, and lack of quality seeds, fertilisers and pesticides.

When farmers do have a surplus straight after harvesting, prices are at their lowest and they struggle to make money at local food markets.

This creates a vicious circle in which farmers have little incentive to raise production levels or invest in new techniques.

Uganda is among the poorest and least food secure countries in the world,  with 41% of people living in poverty and 65% to 70% of the population are moderately to severely food insecure.

Farm Africa in Uganda

Farm Africa has been operating in Uganda since 2003, partnering with rural communities to develop practical, locally led solutions that strengthen livelihoods while protecting the environment.

We help a range of people, ranging from pastoralists in Karamoja, to horticulture and cereal producers in northern and eastern Uganda, coffee producers in southwestern Uganda and refugees living in settlements in northern and western Uganda.

We work with them to build climate-resilient farming businesses by increasing their knowledge of good agricultural practices and boosting their access to farming inputs, finance and markets.

We also support rural communities to have more of a voice in shaping the policies that affect their lives.

Women and young people

Women and young people play a vital role in Uganda’s food systems yet are disproportionately affected by poverty and climate change due to cultural dynamics that constrain their access to resources and opportunities.

Farm Africa supports female and young farmers in Uganda to increase their knowledge and skills on production; increase access to markets and finance; and productive resources such as land.

We help them join cooperatives and participate more in decision-making in their households so they can have more say over the profits generated from their agricultural efforts.

We help give children the best start in life by supporting their parents to produce climate-resilient nutrient-dense foods and learn about the importance of dietary diversity to their families’ health.

Supporting refugee communities

Farm Africa is working with UNHCR to support refugee and host community families in the Bidibidi and Kyangwali settlements to create green jobs and reduce pressure on woodlands.

Together, we are expanding communities’ access to clean cooking solutions, reducing reliance on firewood, improving air quality and lowering carbon emissions.

The programme is also restoring land through agroforestry, community tree planting and natural regeneration.

An entrepreneurial approach 

Farm Africa helps smallholder farmers in Uganda to build their entrepreneurial skills. We offer training in business planning, financial management, marketing and adding value to produce.

For example, farmers can now connect with Quality Declared Seed producers, ensuring other groups benefit from easier access to high-quality, reliable and affordable seeds.

With our support, farmers are building diversified livelihoods that provide stable sources of income and developing foundational skills that enable them to participate in the market economy and become productive members of the society.