KAMPALA: Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has today launched a new five-year strategy toboostthe competitiveness of Uganda’s agri-food systemsin line with the country’sdevelopment blueprint, Vision 2040.
The new strategy builds on AGRA’s work in the country, mainly focusing on increasing smallholder farmers’ income, food security and nutrition, thus driving productivity. Bybuilding inclusive and competitive markets, the strategy will ensure increased volumes and value of traded agriculturalcommodities, and employment opportunities for women and youth.
The strategy prioritisesincreasingsmallholder farmers’ incomes and food security and managing climate andmarket risks. Over the next five years, AGRA will be working towards strengthening financial and non-financial services forSMEs involved in staple crops to make them sustainable. This will be done through investments in policy and advocacy work, matching grant support for business improvement and expansion, and linking the businesses with new technology and funding mechanisms. 
AGRA’s Deputy Vice President for PID, Dr. George Birigwa/Courtesy Photo.
Speaking during an event to launch the strategy, AGRA’sDeputy Vice President for PID, Dr. George Birigwa, said: “Agriculture is the backbone of Uganda’s economy and has always been a critical pillar of its economic development. The country has taken another step towards a sustainable agricultural future with its well-articulated framework. We are committed to working with the government and the private sector tobuild a resilient food system, ensuring that the benefits of agricultural transformation reach all Ugandans.”
The strategy is aligned withthe Government of Uganda’s third Agriculture Sector Strategic Plan (2020/21–2024/25) that aims to transform Uganda’s agricultural sector from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture. This is through the identification of priority commodities, which include coffee, dairy, fish, livestock, and a range of staple crops.
Hon. Bwino Fred Kyakulaga, Uganda’s State for Agriculture is seen withn other digintaries after the launch/ Courtesy Photo.
Uganda’s Minister of State for Agriculture: Hon. Bwino Fred Kyakulaga, said: “We appreciate the invaluable contribution that AGRA has made in our country. I am optimistic that together we can enhance food security in Uganda and address our country’s strategic decision to stop relying on imported seed.”
AGRA has invested over$62.8 million in supporting SMEs, issued $3.6 million worth ofgrants to boost the capacities of rice farmers and SMEs and spent $0.24 millionto reach 25,000 farmers directly to promotefertiliser use through partnerships.
About AGRA.
Founded in 2006, AGRA is an African-led African-based organisation that seeks to catalyse Agriculture Transformation in Africa. AGRA is focused on putting smallholder farmers at the centre of the continent’s growing economy by transforming agriculture from a solitary struggle to survive into farming as a business that thrives.
As the sector that employs the majority of Africa’s people, nearly all of them small-scale farmers, AGRA recognizes that developing smallholder agriculture into a productive, efficient, and sustainable system is essential to ensuring food security, lifting millions out of poverty, and driving equitable growth across the continent.