How a farmer group in Adjumani is feeding thousands of Ugandans
Next to a heap of cassava in Agwarapi East Village, Adjumani district, a group of Ugandan farmers are seated, peeling and positioning the pealed cassava on tarpaulins under the sun for drying. Close to the cassava drying grounds is a small shelter which houses a cassava milling machine that grinds dried cassava to flour before its neatly packed in 100 kg sacks and transported to the market.
These farmers are members of Or-limi farmers’ group whose major source of income is agriculture. The group’s production numbers testify that their harvests feed millions of Ugandans.
“We harvest over 10 tons of cassava per hectare and supply cassava flour to three districts; Adjumani, Moyo and Gulu.” says Issa Biggo the group Chairperson “We got the idea of milling cassava during a training on food value addition by the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in 2017”
Biggo continues to say that the group plants cassava on 12 acres, sell a kilogram of cassava flour at UGX 2,000 and earn an average of UGX 20,000,000 per hectare harvested. The group distributes a portion of the money among themselves for their financial needs, reinvests another portion in their farming business and keeps the rest in a savings group.
Meanwhile, the agricultural sector is the backbone of Uganda’s economy; it employs over 60% of the population and also contributes over 70% of Uganda’s export earnings.
Maize and beans for schools
Or-limi farmers’ group owns 50 acres for farm land on which they not only plants cassava but maize and beans too. By planting maize and cassava, the group target’s schools for market. “Schools feed students on beans and maize flour, so, we plant, harvest and supply to them.” Says Charles Lagu, the group’s Secretary.
The group currently supplies maize and beans for food to three schools in Adjumani district including St. Mary’s Asumpta, St. Comboni and Mode Maduga primary school. “We feed thousands of students and also distribute the surplus to our migrant brothers in Nyumanzi and Ayillo refugee settlements.” Adds Lagu.
Individual and kitchen gardens for household food
While they feed millions of others, Or-limi farmers’ group also cultivates land for their household food. Each member owns an individual garden on an acre of land and kitchen garden for vegetables. Biggo explains that individual and kitchen gardens are a source of a variety of adequate food for their families.
The group was recommended to establish individual gardens by LWF’s team which also taught them to create and manage kitchen gardens. “We were also trained in improved agronomic practices, offered UGX 4.8 million to expand our agriculture business and UGX 4.7 million to construct a store for proper preservation of our harvest.” Says Biggo.
“With funds from PRM, LWF supports farmer groups to increase agriculture for improved and sustainable livelihoods and development as well as food security and nutrition among the targeted populaces.” Says LWF’s James Ahimbisibwe.
A commitment to sustainable agriculture
The group’s major source of income is agriculture from which they earn attractively. To sustain and expand the business, the group saves and reinvests a portion of its profits from each harvest.
“We reinvest at least 10% from profits of each harvest and that’s how we have managed to accumulate land and expand our farm from a mere 10 acres to 50-acres.” “We also use the money to buy more inputs like seeds and farming tools.” Says Albino Azar, one of the group members.
The group aims at expanding their farm to at least 100 acres, supply food to Uganda’s entire Northern region, mechanize their agriculture and also earn more profits from the business.
Individual businesses established from agricultural profits
The group keeps a portion of their profits in a savings group where each member can acquire a loan to establish a side business. 10 out of the 26 members of Or-limi farmers’ group have acquired loans and established side businesses to increase their income.
“I own two maize milling machines and two retail shops from which I earn at least UGX 800,000 a month.” Says Biggo. “With my earnings, I educate my children, 2 out of 14 are now employed graduates.”
Ezekiel Abuda and Azar have established retail shops from which they earn a daily income. With a loan from the group’s saving group, Lagu ventured in livestock farming with five heifers. He expects to expand the farm and supply dairy products in Adjumani district for cash.
