Collaboration In Action: Enhancing Rice Productivity In Uganda
30 October 2024, Uganda: Enhancement of Rice Productivity through Adaptation of Climate Smart Agricultural Options and Market Responsive Business Strategies in Uganda (APNRF-Uganda Rice)
Significant strides have been made in the African Plant Nutrition Research Fund (APNRF) project aimed at enhancing rice productivity through climate-smart agricultural methods. As the project enters its third year of implementation, key achievements and activities undertaken are detailed, particularly focusing on community engagement, cooperative formation, and agricultural research.
Formation of the Farmers’ Cooperative Society
To address challenges faced by farmers—such as limited access to bulk inputs, low market prices, and inadequate legal structures for negotiation—the establishment of a farmers’ cooperative society has been prioritized. Over the past two years, more than 500 farmers from Kikuube district have been trained in proper agronomic practices, with positive feedback received from the community regarding these initiatives.
The formation of the Kikuube Mixed Farmers’ Cooperative Society Ltd aims to foster several key objectives. First, it encourages members to cultivate a habit of saving, with the goal of building up funds for future use. Additionally, it enables members to access loans from banks and other sources at minimal interest rates and convenient repayment terms. The cooperative will also serve to connect farmers with input dealers, facilitating the acquisition of necessary inputs on credit. Furthermore, the cooperative will promote collaborative decision-making among members and organize collective marketing efforts, connecting them to rice millers and international buyers.
Registration Progress for the Cooperative Society
Significant progress has been made in the legal registration of the cooperative society. Various activities have been conducted to ensure proper registration, including meetings with agricultural and commercial production officers to understand the guidelines for forming cooperatives. Farmers have been sensitized about the Cooperative Societies Act.
Membership forms have been signed, authorizing the formation of the cooperative, and the names for registration have been confirmed. To complete the registration process, necessary documentation is being compiled, including national IDs for members, proof of residency, and the cooperative’s proposed bylaws for submission to government authorities.
MOU Implementation and Business Partnerships
In addition to cooperative formation, progress has been made on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among business partners involved in the rice production value chain. The MOU aims to empower farmers to take the lead in rice production and marketing, helping them overcome barriers to accessing inputs, credit, and markets.
Key activities related to the MOU have included organizing sensitization meetings with farmers to discuss its operationalization. Engagements with local banks and strategic partners have secured partnerships with agro-input dealers and insurance providers. Furthermore, efforts are underway to motivate farmers to proceed with rice production, despite current challenges in accessing agro-inputs.
Trials on Soil Types and Nutrient Response
As part of agricultural research efforts, trials have been established across three different soil types—Ferralsol, Gleysols, and Plinthsols—to assess the impact of phosphorus (P) application on rice yields. Each trial field measures 16 m by 35.5 m and has been divided into blocks, with treatments designed to evaluate the influence of nutrients on rice productivity.
Student Engagement and Progress
Support continues for postgraduate students involved in the project, with various stages of research and thesis preparation underway. Key updates include students advancing their research in soil science and agribusiness management, while new recruits focus on studying rice production and land use changes.
Upcoming Activities
Looking ahead, several activities are planned, including the development of end-term survey protocols to evaluate how farmer practices have changed due to training and demonstrations. Surveys will also be conducted to assess the overall impact of these initiatives, with ongoing data analysis and manuscript writing workshops organized.
In conclusion, the APNRF project is demonstrating strong community engagement, advancements in cooperative registration, and collaborative partnerships with stakeholders. Despite some delays in the formal registration of the Kikuube Mixed Farmers’ Cooperative Society Ltd, a solid foundation for sustainable rice production is being established, aiming to improve the livelihoods of farmers in the region.
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