By Moses Nampala
The Government’s initiative to establish a model farm serving a significant number of smallholder farmers in the eastern region is gaining momentum.
The first phase of infrastructural development on a 14-acre model farm at Akwar-kwar village in Bukedea district has achieved several key milestones.
These include securing the land with a chain-link fence, complete with a gate and sentries. Additional developments at the site include the construction of office blocks, excavation of a agriculture ministry-drilled water source and the establishment of facilities, such as a cow shed and a chicken hatchery.
The site will also house a variety of equipment, including farm tractors, planters and harvesters, available for hire by individuals and farmer groups interested in modern farming practices.
Once fully operational, smallholder farmer communities from the surrounding regions will have access to these facilities.
The energy ministry is currently finalising the connection of the public utility to the power grid.
Judith Apilu Ewichu, the senior private secretary to the President on women’s affairs, officially commissioned the first phase of the model farm last Tuesday.
Upon completion, this pioneering public utility will serve as a benchmark for smallholder farmer communities, particularly women, from the sub-regions of Teso, Bugisu, Bukedi and Sebei.
Ewichu emphasised that the facility will become a central hub for farmers to learn modern agronomic, poultry and animal husbandry practices.
The model farm aims to demonstrate a range of agricultural disciplines, from horticulture and food crop cultivation to poultry and piggery.
Ewichu underscored that the well-maintained demonstration gardens and pens are intended to empower smallholder farmers, offering practical examples that can help lift households out of poverty.
Looking ahead, future infrastructural phases will include dedicated wings for aquaculture, featuring fish hatchery centres.
A variety of farmer community representatives attended the event, each offering their perspectives.
Kevin Amikuyu, a smallholder farmer from Kumi district, expressed relief over the establishment of the Akwar-kwar Model Farm, emphasising its significance for the local farming community.
He pointed out the challenges faced by farmers in the region, where study tours to distant model farms in central and western Uganda were financially burdensome and often unfruitful due to a lack of information sharing upon return.
“With a model farm now established in our own eastern region,” Amikuyu remarked, “the costs of study tours will become affordable and many smallholders will eagerly visit to learn.”
Ann Nanyama, representing smallholder farmers from Bududa, highlighted her interest in zero grazing techniques.
“Given our mountainous terrain,” she explained, “many households prefer zero grazing for their livestock.
However, we have struggled with selecting suitable pasture, impacting dairy production. Having a model farm nearby will allow us to engage with experts and improve our practices.”
These sentiments underscore the local enthusiasm and practical benefits expected from the newly established model farm in Akwar-kwar village.
Agnes Cherop, a smallholder farmer representing Kween district, highlighted a significant challenge faced by her community, despite the fertile volcanic soils they have.
She noted that limited knowledge about vegetable farming has hindered them from exploring economically viable opportunities, such as cultivating okra.
“Exporters of fresh produce have been encouraging us to supply them with okra in large quantities for export,” Cherop explained, “but our lack of expertise and familiarity with this vegetable has held us back.
We believe that having the model farm nearby will provide us with the necessary insights and guidance from experts on-site.”
The land was acquired by Gender Rights Uganda Limited, a community-based organisation.
The organisation’s management entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Government to facilitate the establishment of the model farm public utility on this land.
LEAD PHOTO CAPTION: Akwar kwar Model Farm in Bukedea district.
