LEST YOU FORGET, WEEKLY NEWS UPDATES Edition (XVIII) 2024
AGROREF UGANDA
YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW; WEEKLY AGRICULTURE –COOPERATIVES
(AGRICO) NEWS UPDATES
LEST YOU FORGET; EDITION-(XVIII) 7th
, Oct, 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.
NORTH CAN GIVE UGANDA 20 MILLION BAGS OF
COFFEE’
The government has reechoed its efforts in
promoting coffee growing in Northern Uganda as it aims to achieve its ambitious
plans of producing 20 million bags of coffee by 2030. Eunice Kabibi, the acting
Managing Director of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) told
stakeholders Thursday that Northern Uganda still has abundant fertile land
suitable for coffee production. Speaking at the international Coffee Day
celebration held in Gulu City, Kabibi notes that the fertility of the land in
Northern Uganda makes it a strategic region for the country in pursuit of producing
20 million bags of coffee by 2030. “We have a team of UCDA that has been
doing soil testing here and it has been confirmed that we can do coffee in
Northern Uganda,” says Kabibi. https://www.independent.co.ug/north-can-give-uganda-20-million-bags-of-coffee/
FEMALE INNOVATORS TRIUMPH IN UGANDA’S AGRICULTURE TECH CONTEST
In a groundbreaking shift, Ugandan female youth innovators have outshone their male counterparts by clinching top prizes in the 2024 Agriculture, Youth, and Technology (AYuTe) challenge, a competition designed to transform Africa’s agricultural landscape. Organized annually by Heifer International, Uganda, AYuTe serves as a dynamic platform for young innovators to present innovative solutions to pressing agricultural challenges. Since its inception in 1944, Heifer International has partnered with over 39 million families worldwide to combat hunger and poverty sustainably. This year’s competition attracted a record 261 submissions, with 83 coming from female innovators—a remarkable increase from previous years. The innovations spanned a wide range, including soil testers, automated irrigation systems, robotics for farm monitoring, and pest detection devices. https://www.independent.co.ug/female-innovators-triumph-in-ugandas-agriculture-tech-contest/
NSSF LAUNCHES SAVING SCHEME FOR INFORMAL SECTOR WORKERS
The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has launched its livelihood support project. The initiative is aimed at recruiting informal sector workers to save with the fund.Launched in Otuke district on Friday, the project is currently being piloted in the four districts of Otuke in Northern Uganda, Kayunga in Central, and Sheema and Mitooma in Western Uganda. So far, over 10,780 new members have registered and started saving. Currently, only about 11 percent of Uganda’s working population is saving with NSSF. The project targets existing groups referred to as the “Livelihood Community” to accelerate their access to new skills and knowledge, productive assets to add value to their goods and services, markets for their goods and services, and higher income-earning opportunities. https://www.independent.co.ug/nssf-launches-saving-scheme-for-informal-sector-workers/
BUSOGA FARMERS SEEK GOV’T INTERVENTION IN SUGAR INDUSTRY
Farmers under their umbrella Busoga sugarcane growers Union-BSU have asked the government to address challenges in the sugar industry. While meeting with the National Resistance Movement-NRM Deputy Secretary General, Rosemary Namayanjja on Thursday, the farmers said that sugarcane growing is the backbone of Busoga’s economy, and called for the government’s intervention to make it profitable. Namayanjja is heading a fact-finding team of NRM secretariat officials who are assessing the declining support of the NRM party in the Busoga sub-region.The National Unity Platform-NUP president, Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobiwine defeated President Yoweri Museveni in the 2021 general polls. Kyagulanyi was the winner in Busoga’s seven districts and Jinja city, whereas, President Museveni excelled in the three districts of Kaliro, Namutumba and Buyende. https://www.independent.co.ug/busoga-farmers-seek-govt-intervention-in-sugar-industry/
UGANDA’S COFFEE EXPORT EARNINGS INCREASED BY 13% IN AUGUST
Uganda saw a rise in the value and volume of its coffee exports for August, according to a report released by the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA). The country earned USD 221.63 million in August, up from USD 210 million in July, marking a 13 percent increase. This difference of USD 11.6 million translates to UGX 41.7 billion. In August, Uganda exported 837,915 bags of coffee, each weighing 60 kilograms, which is 16,748 more bags than in July. Over the past twelve months, from September 2023 to August 2024, the total coffee exports reached 6.39 million bags worth USD 1.35 billion. This shows a significant rise compared to the same period in 2022-2023 when the country exported 6.08 million bags valued at USD 918.41 million. https://www.independent.co.ug/ugandas-coffee-export-earnings-increased-by-13-in-august/
COFFEE EXPORTS: UGANDA’S HIGH QUALITY BEANS CHARM CHINA
Uganda’s coffee exports to China surged fivefold in August compared to the previous month, according to a report by the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA).The UCDA’s latest report, released Monday, revealed that coffee exports to China increased from 2,100 bags in July to 11,580 bags in August.“Uganda’s coffee exports to China are on the rise, showcasing the growing appreciation for our high-quality beans,” it said. Judyth Nsababera, Uganda’s consul general in Guangzhou, China, told Xinhua by phone that the dramatic increase in exports is the result of strong bilateral relations, an effective marketing strategy, and improved coffee quality. https://www.independent.co.ug/ugandas-coffee-exports-to-china-soar-on-account-of-quality-beans/
BUGISU COOPERATIVE UNION DEMANDS COMPENSATION FOR MBALE INDUSTRIAL PARK LAND
Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU) is demanding additional compensation from the government for 619 acres of land currently occupied by Mbale Industrial Park. BCU owned over 800 acres of land in Doho, Industrial City Division, Mbale City, but 619 acres were sold to the government in 2009 by the former board led by John Wamulugwa at a price the current board deems too low.During a meeting with board members and officials from the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) at BCU headquarters on Friday, BCU Vice Chairperson John Musila expressed dissatisfaction with the sale, where each acre was sold at 4.8 million shillings. https://www.independent.co.ug/bugisu-cooperative-union-demands-compensation-for-mbale-industrial-park-land/
INTER-RELIGIOUS COUNCIL IRCU AGREES TO POPULARIZE COFFEE FARMERS’ REGISTRATION EXERCISE
The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) has agreed to join the crusade to rally coffee farmers across the country to get registered. Farmers need to register to enable the tracing of the origin of the coffee that Uganda exports to the European Union market. This process forms the first layer of compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulations (EUDR). Under these regulations, effective from 31st December, the EU will not allow any farm products produced on formerly deforested land, including coffee, to enter the market. According to the regulations, the burden of proof lies with the exporter to demonstrate that their produce does not originate from deforested land. It is worth noting that more than 65 percent of Uganda’s coffee is consumed by the EU market. Based on these statistics, the coffee sector managers in the country, led by the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), initiated activities to ensure compliance with the regulations, to maintain the country’s strong export position. Among these activities is the registration of all actors in the coffee value chain, starting with the farmers.https://www.independent.co.ug/ircu-agrees-to-popularize-coffee-farmers-registration-exercise/
BUGANDA MPS CALL FOR COFFEE FARMERS’ HOLIDAY
Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Buganda Parliamentary Caucus have proposed the establishment of a public holiday for coffee farmers, coinciding with an upcoming House debate on the government’s proposal to merge the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF). Though the date for the debate has yet to be confirmed, the Caucus has expressed strong opposition to the merger, which is part of a broader government rationalization plan aimed at consolidating various entities to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs. https://www.independent.co.ug/buganda-mps-call-for-coffee-farmers-holiday/
CATTLE DISEASES KILL 170 IN AGAGO
At least 179 cows have died of several cattle diseases in Agago district in the past six months. Among the diseases causing mass cattle deaths is the Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) which has affected 3,842 animals and killed 111 so far.CBPP is a respiratory infection of cattle that is common in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease is transmitted through contact between an infected and a susceptible animal, which becomes infected by inhaling droplets disseminated by coughing.The disease, which affects animals of all ages, presents with loss of appetite, fever, and respiratory signs such as rapid respiratory rate, cough, nasal discharges, and painful, difficult breathing. Animals that die of the disease present with yellowish coverings on the lungs. The disease also causes the infected animal to lose productivity in animals due to the high mortality and morbidity rates. https://www.independent.co.ug/cattle-diseases-kill-170-in-agago/
MOROTO FARMERS IRKED BY POOR QUALITY OF SORGHUM SEEDS
A section of farmers in Lotisan sub-county, Moroto district have expressed concern about the sorghum seeds supplied by the Welthunger Hilfe organization.The farmers claim that they were given seeds in March to plant during the rainy season and it took three months to get ready for harvest. This prompted them to abandon the local variety of seeds. However, since it was planted in March, it’s now seven months and the dry season is approaching yet sorghum has not started flowering. The farmers say that they are facing starvation after investing all their resources to plant the sorghum. They added that all their colleagues who plated the local variety are already harvesting and experiencing better yields. https://www.independent.co.ug/moroto-farmers-irked-by-poor-quality-of-sorghum-seeds/
COFFEE NOW SO EXPENSIVE THAT FARMS ARE
BECOMING CRIME SCENES
To stop his coffee crops being stolen yet again, Ugandan farmer Charles Waliggo has been waking during the night to patrol his plot. Others are being urged to turn to dogs to guard plantations — or even bees.The security measures are necessary to stop thieves snatching unharvested beans straight from trees under cover of darkness, a problem that has become much more serious as prices soar. Two of the country’s farming associations say coffee theft has hit unprecedented levels this year.It’s another example of how food and drink have become lucrative targets for criminals. In recent years, rising prices and a cost-of-living crisis sparked a string of thefts of everything from African cocoa beans and Spanish olive oil to ham and donuts. https://www.independent.co.ug/coffee-is-now-so-expensive-that-farms-are-becoming-crime-scenes/
FARMERS IN NORTHERN UGANDA DEMAND FOR A REFINED FOOD SECURITY STRATEGY
Leaders and farmers in the Lango and Acholi sub-region want the Uganda Global Food Security Strategy plan to address prices of seeds and markets for agricultural produce.The U.S. government launched the strategy, a five-year plan which aims to end global hunger, and malnutrition through the Feed the Future Initiative. The objectives of the plan are inclusive and sustainable agriculture-led growth, strengthened resilience among people and systems, and a well-nourished population, especially among women and children in 38 districts. However, farmers say despite producing in large quantities, low prices and lack of markets result in losses. Some say the high cost and poor quality of seeds are also affecting their production. https://www.independent.co.ug/farmers-in-northern-uganda-demand-for-a-refined-food-security-strategy/
BANANA DISEASE THREATENING FOOD SECURITY IN KASESE
The Banana Bunchy Top Diseases (BBTD) has been blamed for the death of plantations in Kasese district. The disease is, therefore, emerging as the biggest threat to food security in the district, especially in the lower local governments neighbouring DR Congo (DRC). Kasese district agricultural officer Julius Rukara made the revelation on October 6, 2024, in Karambi sub-county during a field tour and study of the most affected areas with key stakeholders from the agriculture ministry, farmers in districts neighbouring Kasese and non-governmental organisations, among others. According to Rukara, the disease was first registered in Karambi in May 2021 in one of the farmer's banana plantations and indicated the key characteristics as the bunching of the banana leaves, and stuntedness of the plants hence preventing it from yielding matooke. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/banana-disease-threatening-food-security-in-k-NV_197281
KENYA REINTRODUCES BROAD BEAN FARMING TO BOOST FOOD SECURITY
Kenya is reintroducing abandoned broad bean farming in a bid to boost food and nutritional security for communities and their livestock, senior officials said Thursday.Benson Muturi, a fodder crops researcher and livestock nutritionist at Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), said the government has partnered with private researchers to sell the seedlings to farmers for propagation. The composite seeds are sold at KALRO centers, according to Muturi, adding that researchers have been disseminating information on broad bean growing to farmers while offering guidance on its proper husbandry for maximum yield. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/kenya-reintroduces-broad-bean-farming-to-boos-NV_196951
HOPE FOR UGANDAN FARMERS AS TEA PRICES SURPASS $1
Ugandan tea farmers are experiencing renewed hope following a notable increase in tea prices at the Mombasa Tea Auction, Sale number 39 which was recently concluded. The average price of Ugandan tea rose to $1.01 (about sh3,773) per kilogram, marking a significant milestone, as it broke the $1 mark for the first time in 12 months. This represents an increase of $3 (about sh112) from the previous week, offering a much-needed reprieve for farmers who have struggled with low prices for most of the year. The rise in price at the Mombasa auction comes amid a backdrop of fluctuating tea prices across East Africa. Kenyan teas, known for their high quality, averaged $2.18 (about sh8,141) per kilogramme, up from $2.10 (sh7,839) the previous week. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/hope-for-ugandan-farmers-as-tea-prices-surpas-NV_196862
NEW DIGITISED EXTENSION PROGRAM TO BENEFIT NINE MILLION FARMERS
Ugandan farmers are among the nine million in seven countries that will access extension services through digital means. This follows the launch of a 1 million dollar project by AGRA Africa that will be channelled through the African Forum for Agriculture Advisory Services (AFAAS) over the next three years. Beneficiaries countries include farmers in Kenya, Uganda, Boukinafaso, Nigeria, Rwanda, Malawi and Zambia among others. The project that was launched during a meeting of stakeholders in Malawi on Thursday, September 26, aims at digitizing agriculture extension services to reach out to nine million smallholder farmers.
EXCITEMENT OVER KIKUUBE FOOD SECURITY ORDINANCE
Farmers and leaders in Kikuube are excited over the sugarcane farmers' protection and food security ordinance that the district council has passed. The formulation of the ordinance started last year but it was unanimously passed last week by the councillors during a council meeting at Kikuube district headquarters in Kisambo village, Kiziranfumbi town council. The bill which was presented by the district councillor for the elderly persons, Christopher Asiimwe who doubles as chairperson of social services committee said the council decided to come up with the ordinance after discovering that the farmer's rights were being violated Asiimwe, who has been the chairperson of the committee that formulated the ordinance, said they made a wide consultation from both the millers, farmers and leaders and the ordinance received positive support. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/excitement-over-kikuube-food-security-ordinan-NV_196130
EAST AFRICAN FARMERS TO BENEFIT FROM PAY-AS-YOU-GO TRACTOR INITIATIVE
Smallholder farmers in the East African Region have been asked to take advantage of available agriculture mechanization schemes to increase production. Surita Sandosham, President and CEO of Heifer International made the call on the sidelines of the just concluded Africa Food Systems Summit in Kigali Rwanda, where the Mechanization for Africa Initiative was extended to Rwanda. The Initiative aims to improve agricultural productivity, create jobs, and enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers through the introduction of modern technologies, practices, and innovative financing models while caring for the earth. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/east-african-farmers-to-benefit-from-pay-as-y-NV_196095
AFRICAN GOVTS ASKED TO PRIORITISE BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH
African governments have been urged to prioritise investment in biotechnology research and development to address pressing challenges in the sector. Challenges being experienced in the agricultural sector include climate change, pests and diseases, and declining soil fertility. The call was made to African ministers from six countries, including Rwanda, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Eswatini during a ministerial roundtable dialogue held on the sidelines of the African Food Systems in Kigali, Rwanda, on September 4, 2024. The heads of state said there is a need to harmonise policies and guidelines across the continent to strengthen regional co-operation in biotechnology research, development and trade. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/african-govts-asked-to-prioritise-biotechnolo-NV_195674
FOOD SYSTEMS FORUM ADVOCATES FOR INCLUSIVE AGRICULTURAL TRANSFORMATION
The Africa Food Systems Forum has emphasized the urgent need for an inclusive transformation of agriculture across the continent. The four-day Africa Food Systems Forum that was concluded on September 6, 2024, at the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) in Kigali, Rwanda, aimed to catalyse and sustain agricultural changes that hope to increase incomes and improve food security for 30 million smallholder households in Africa. According to the forum, this ambitious goal underscores a significant shift in the approach to agriculture, urging a transition from viewing it merely as a social sector to recognising it as a vibrant commercial enterprise. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/food-systems-forum-advocates-for-inclusive-ag-NV_195595
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