By Umar Nsubuga
Agriculture is the lifeblood of Uganda’s economy, essential for food security and poverty alleviation.
With over 70% of the population engaged in agricultural activities, the sector sustains livelihoods and underpins national economic stability.
However, Uganda faces significant challenges in maximising its agricultural potential, necessitating a concerted effort to increase productivity.
This narrative explores the multifaceted reasons Uganda must enhance agricultural productivity and the steps needed to achieve this goal.
The importance of agricultural productivity
Increasing agricultural productivity is crucial for several reasons. Mike Senoga, a commercial farmer and an economist, says improved productivity directly correlates with food security.
By adopting enhanced agricultural practices, farmers can achieve higher yields, ensuring that all Ugandans have access to sufficient and nutritious food.
For a country like Uganda, where malnutrition remains a pressing issue, this is not merely an economic concern but a moral imperative.
Senoga says increased agricultural productivity holds significant promise for boosting Uganda’s export potential.
As farmers maximise yields, the country can expand its export capabilities, generate foreign exchange and improve its trade balance.
This, in turn, paves the way for sustained economic growth, providing a solid foundation for future development.
The state minister for privatisation and investment, Evelyn Anite, emphasises the critical need for Uganda to increase productivity, adding: “The nation’s future prosperity lies in effectively leveraging its abundant agricultural resources.”
Despite Uganda’s vast potential characterised by fertile land and rich natural resources, the persistence of poverty remains a troubling reality.
Anite says Uganda relies on imported food items, such as rice from Tanzania, despite having ample land and a dedicated workforce.
“Why should we import food when we have free land and hardworking people?” she questions.
This reality calls for a transformative shift in the agricultural landscape, moving from mere subsistence farming to a more commercial approach prioritising value addition.
A significant part of Anite’s message revolves around the importance of embracing commercial farming, particularly through value addition in key sectors like coffee and honey.
By enhancing production for both domestic consumption and export, Uganda can boost its economy and create a sustainable agricultural framework.
Anite also draws attention to the untapped potential in local industries, such as tile and furniture manufacturing, which depend heavily on imports.
The minister says local governments are actively offering free land to investors committed to adding value to agricultural products like maize, which can significantly enhance profits while ensuring long-term growth for the nation.
Insights from commercial farmers
In Uganda’s drive to improve agricultural efficiency, several commercial farmers have shared their perspectives on what must be done to ensure food security.
Farmers such as Isaac Malinga, Kenneth Kabagambe and Phoebe Kagambe offer unique insights based on their experiences in commercial farming.
Malinga, a rice farmer from Kapchorwa, believes that Uganda’s agricultural sector has the potential to feed the nation and generate a surplus for export.
He says increasing productivity starts with equipping farmers with the right tools and knowledge.
“Many farmers lack access to modern farming techniques and equipment, which limits their output,” Malinga says.
He adds that training farmers on modern irrigation methods and soil management can increase yields, especially in regions like Kapchorwa, where rice farming thrives but faces challenges like inconsistent rainfall.
Kabagambe, a mixed farmer in Kabarole district, highlights the importance of value addition in boosting agricultural productivity.
He says Uganda’s agricultural sector often suffers from exporting raw produce, which fetches lower prices in international markets.
“We need to shift from just growing coffee to processing it. The more we add value, the more we can increase our earnings,” Kabagambe says.
He urges the Government to establish more processing plants for products like coffee and maize, noting that value-added products command higher prices both locally and globally.
Phoebe Kagambe, another prominent commercial farmer in Kyenjojo, focuses on the role of women and youth in increasing agricultural productivity.
She has dedicated her career to training women and young farmers in sustainable farming practices.
“If we are to truly boost agricultural output, we need to involve everyone in the community, especially the youth who are often unemployed,” Kagambe says.
She believes empowering these groups with training and access to credit can transform smallholder farms into profitable commercial ventures.
Kagambe also highlights the importance of co-operatives, saying collective farming efforts can increase efficiency, reduce costs and give farmers better bargaining power when selling their produce.
The role of development partners
David Wozemba, the country director for AGRA Uganda, underscores the critical connection between sustainable agriculture and agri-processing, emphasising the role of development partners and policymakers.
He says sustainable agriculture serves as the foundation for long-term food security and economic growth, but it must be supported by robust agri-processing to fully unlock its potential.
Wozemba adds that Uganda’s agro-industrialisation efforts need more than just increased productivity; they require value addition through processing, packaging and marketing agricultural products to meet both local and international demand.
He underscores the importance of development partners in providing technical assistance, funding, and capacity-building programs to strengthen agricultural value chains.
Need for a supportive policy environment
Wozemba notes that private sector engagement is vital for advancing Uganda’s agro-industrialisation goals, as businesses can drive innovation and create jobs along the entire value chain.
Policymakers must create a conducive environment by aligning national policies with sectoral strategies that prioritise agro-industrialisation.
Capitalising on changing consumer trends
David Wozemba, the country director for AGRA Uganda, says Uganda is experiencing a shift in food consumption patterns, driven by rapid population growth, urbanisation and rising incomes.
Urban consumers now demand convenience, quality and consistency, which has sparked the growth of the food processing, packaging and marketing industries.
To seize these opportunities, Uganda must invest strategically in its food-processing sector to capitalise on these emerging trends, fostering economic growth and enhanced food security.
