U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF)’s Post

#Agricultural #Business #Development #Services (BDS) play a pivotal role in fostering sustainable agricultural growth and empowering rural communities in Uganda. At its core, BDS encompasses a spectrum of support services tailored to enhance the productivity, efficiency, and profitability of agricultural enterprises. From access to finance and market information to technology adoption and capacity building, BDS initiatives are supposed to cater to the diverse needs of farmers, agribusinesses, and stakeholders across the value chain.  This has not been the case in Uganda with many BDS service providers, Financial Institutions Development Partners, and Government focusing on other “quick win” sectors and paying lip-service to the Ag. space. It is important to note that agricultural BDS serves as a catalyst for inclusive economic development by bridging the gap between smallholder farmers and markets, resulting in promotion of food security, poverty reduction, and rural livelihood enhancement. By facilitating quality knowledge transfer, fostering innovation, and promoting best practices, BDS initiatives empower farmers to adapt to evolving market dynamics, mitigate risks, and capitalize on emerging opportunities. In the context of policy and advocacy in Uganda, recognizing the importance of #Agricultural #BDS is paramount. It underscores the need for strategic catalytic first loss investments, supportive regulatory frameworks, and multi-stakeholder collaborations to strengthen the ecosystem for agricultural entrepreneurship and innovation. By advocating for the integration of BDS principles into national agricultural strategies, policymakers can unlock the full potential of the sector, driving sustainable development, and fostering resilience in the face of global challenges such as climate change and market volatility. In essence, Agricultural BDS is not merely a support service but a cornerstone of agricultural development, unlocking opportunities, transforming livelihoods, and paving the way for a more inclusive and resilient agricultural sector. Goldstone Consulting holds the Agricultural space dear as one of the value streams that deliver sustainable development, and help create sustainable and dignified jobs in Uganda. The others are; Renewable Energy, Education and WASH. It is in these sectors that the pangs of poverty and underdevelopment are felt. Work with us, lets flip the narrative. USAID Feed the Future Uganda Strategic Investments Activity (SIA) Aceli Africa GIZ Uganda The Uhuru Institute for Social Development AMEA (Agribusiness Market Ecosystem Alliance) Financial Sector Deepening Uganda (FSD Uganda) African Guarantee Fund African Development Bank Group African Management Institute Federation of Small & Medium Enterprises-Uganda Self Help Africa Swisscontact Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries Ministry of Trade Industry and Cooperatives Goldstone Enterprise Consulting and Training

TANZANIA'S AGRICULTURAL SUCCESS: A MODEL FOR AFRICA Tanzania has set a remarkable example for African nations by achieving 128% food security and becoming a net exporter of agricultural products. Key strategies and lessons for other African countries: 1) Prioritize Agriculture Tanzania's commitment to investing in agriculture has paid off. By allocating resources and supporting farmers, African countries can achieve food security. 2) Value-Addition and Export Tanzania's transformation into a cashew nut processor and exporter demonstrates the potential for African countries to move up the value chain and boost their economies. 3) Youth Empowerment By providing land and training to young people, Tanzania is creating a new generation of skilled agricultural entrepreneurs. 4) Infrastructure Development Rural electrification has played a crucial role in Tanzania's agricultural success. Investing in infrastructure is essential for unlocking the potential of rural areas. https://lnkd.in/dN6bmtGV

Ag Ploutos and GIZ Uganda are joining forces in Uganda to equip smallholder farmers and cooperatives with climate-smart solutions for a more resilient future. Our partnership aims to: 1️⃣ Training village agents: Empowering local experts to disseminate climate-smart technologies for maize and cattle production. 2️⃣ Disseminating climate-smart innovations: Introducing sustainable practices to enhance resilience and productivity. 3️⃣ Facilitating access to climate-smart innovations: Connecting farmers with resources and markets to boost incomes. 4️⃣ Securing off-taker agreements: Ensuring reliable market access for both cattle and crop farmers. 5️⃣ Promoting value-added byproducts: Maximizing the potential of maize and cattle value chains. 6️⃣ Incubating youth and women-led businesses: Fostering entrepreneurship and job creation in rural communities. 7️⃣ Creating rural employment: Generating 1200 jobs along the agricultural value chain. We believe that by harnessing the power of climate-smart agriculture, we can build a more sustainable and prosperous future for Uganda's agricultural sector. This partnership represents a significant step forward in our mission to empower farmers and foster economic growth. #AgPloutos #GIZ #Uganda #ClimateSmartAgriculture #SmallholderFarmers #Sustainability #Resilience #Innovation #Partnership #Agriculture #Empowerment #RuralDevelopment #JobCreation #ValueChains #Maize #Cattle #AgroPastoralism #YouthEmpowerment #WomenEmpowerment #SustainableDevelopmentGoals

Why commit if failure is guaranteed??? In today’s new vision paper, i gave my thoughts on the upcoming extra-ordinary AU summit on the post-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme Agenda happening in Kampala, Uganda. Plans are crucial in ensuring that countries achieve their development aspirations as desired and in the most effecient way focusing on long lasting impact. But what happens if plans are not adhered to??? Yes, the results are not always so impressive. Agriculture remains Africa’s single most viable economy activity employing over 60% of the continent’s population and bringing 30% in GDP contributions. But financing to the sector has remained minimal, fewer than 20% of rural Small scalle farmers have access to credit trapping them in the viscious cycle of poverty while hunger and malnutrition continue to salvage the continent. This is because while plans are well penned down, their actualization is never fostered. 📌So as African heads of states meet to sign off the Kampala declaration, their emphasis should focus on strategizing on deepening the implementation of these commitments for better outcomes.

I recently participated in ongoing discussions around the Food Systems Resilience Project (FSRP) during a workshop focused on exploring #innovative strategies to ensure food security and resilience in Kenya. These conversations are a crucial part of the preparations for the upcoming #Africa Food Systems #Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, this September. As part of these efforts, we also proposed the launch of a #Youth #Entrepreneurship Initiative - a bold step towards industrializing #agriculture, boosting food security, and creating employment opportunities across the continent. This initiative is particularly exciting because it focuses on accelerating #agri-food systems opportunities for the youth, encouraging them to see farming as a profitable and #sustainable business. Under the guidance of the Kenya Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development and aligned with the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), we’re not only capable of building a more resilient #foodsystem but also empowering the next generation to lead in this vital sector. Excited to be part of these transformative efforts and looking forward to the positive impact across Kenya and beyond. KYEOP Youth Kenya #FoodSystems #Innovation #Resilience #Kenya #AFSForum24 #AGRAImpact

📚 New report on "Local Seed Business: Learning from Uganda" - a study visit by experts from South Sudan to explore farmer-led seed production groups under the FNS-REPRO programme. 💡 Key Takeaways: ✅ Farmer groups can successfully produce & market quality seed as a business, increasing access to improved varieties 💰 It boosts incomes & food security when done right - with training, an enabling policy environment & access to inputs 🤝 Collaboration between government, NGOs, researchers & farmers is crucial for sustainability This study visit was organized by ISSD Uganda, in collaboration with WCDI: Wageningen University & Research. This approach holds great potential for strengthening seed systems in crisis-affected regions like South Sudan. 💪 Worth exploring for resilient agricultural development! #SeedSystems #FarmerLedInnovation #FoodSecurity #Resilience #Learning #FNSREPRO #WUR Wageningen Centre for Development Innovation ISSD Plus Uganda

How can micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises advance agricultural technologies to help young people and women who work in agriculture? 🧑🌾 We spoke to Laura Balassa from PEP - Partnership for Economic Policy about their work as part of the Clean Energy for Development (CEDCA) cohort. In Kenya, the project is focused on two SMEs in Nairobi, with more branches across Kenya. The project also focuses on Burkina Faso, Uganda, and Vietnam. Researchers talk to youth and women to see what the most common challenges are and help to find innovative agricultural solutions to address these problems 💡 Read more about PEP's role in the project here ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eHnkiR8T #CleanEnergy #Ce4dev #AgriTech #Agriculture #Kenya EFAfrica Group Ltd AGRI MEET FOUNDATION Agora Microfinance Zambia (AMZ) International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Environment for Development Laura Barasa

Celebrating Uganda's Independence: Transforming Africa's Agriculture through Innovation. As Uganda marks its 62nd Independence Day, I reflect on our nation's progress and the role agriculture plays in shaping our future. As an AgriTech entrepreneur, I'm passionate about harnessing innovation to transform Africa's agriculture. My journey is driven by three key pillars: 1. Sustainable Farming: Conserving resources, promoting eco-friendly practices. 2. Food Security: Ensuring access to nutritious food for all Africans. 3. Economic Growth: Empowering farmers, creating jobs, and stimulating local economies. With 60% of the world's arable land, Africa has the potential to become a global breadbasket. However, challenges persist: 1. Climate change 2. Limited market access 3. Inefficient value chains. Through AgriTech, we can: 1. Enhance crop yields 2. Improve market access 3. Streamline value chains 4. Promote sustainable practices. Let's work together to transform Africa's agriculture and create a brighter future for our continent. Share your thoughts on AgriTech's potential in Africa. Connect with me for potential collaborations. #UgandaIndependenceDay #AgriTech #SustainableAgriculture #FoodSecurity #EconomicGrowth #Africa

As I reflect on my journey as an entrepreneur and economist, I’m reminded of the incredible milestones we’ve achieved at Hematon Agro Services. From humble beginnings to training over 10,000 farmers (60% of whom are youths and women), our mission has always been clear: to make farming a sustainable and profitable business for every farmer we serve. One of our proudest innovations has been the introduction of customized farm record books, empowering farmers to take control of their operations with accurate records. These tools, coupled with our services in contract farming, out grower scheme facilitation, and agricultural education, have helped build a competitive future for farming in Zambia and beyond. Highlights like hosting His Excellency,Hakainde Hichilema, the President of Zambia, and collaborating on the Southern African Women Records Initiative (SAWRI), remind me why we do what we do: to create meaningful change, one farmer at a time. To every young entrepreneur out there: never underestimate the power of passion, resilience, and family support. Here’s to innovation, collaboration, and growth—because agriculture is the heartbeat of Africa’s future. Happy New Year! #Agribusiness #Innovation #Leadership #WomenInAgriculture #FarmingForTheFuture #Entrepreneurship

Continuing the Dialogue at the Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) 2024. During the panel discussion on the theme of “Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation: Shaping the Future of Inclusive Agricultural Transformation in Africa,” Adesuwa Ifedi, Senior Vice President for Africa Region at Heifer International, spoke about the pivotal role of technology and financing in transforming agriculture: “I want to highlight the role of technology as a critical tool for addressing challenges in agriculture. When we talk about Africa, one of the key barriers we face is infrastructure and digital literacy. We cannot afford to wait for it to catch up. Instead, we must think innovatively about leveraging technology to bridge these gaps. For instance, we're seeing progress where technology solutions are being implemented to support local smallholder farmers who may not be tech-savvy. Young people rooted in the community are stepping up, delivering essential services such as access to market information or weather forecasting, which are critical for smallholder farmers. However, achieving this transformation requires significant investment—both in technology and financial support for these initiatives. Stakeholders must recognize how interconnected these issues are. Whether it’s funding infrastructure, capacity building, or ensuring equitable access to technology, we must ask: when, where, and who should we engage to ensure coordinated investment that makes a meaningful impact?” At Heifer International, we are committed to championing innovative solutions and partnerships that empower smallholder farmers, foster resilience, and drive Africa’s agricultural transformation. Follow Heifer International Africa Africa for more. #AWIEF2024 #TechnologyInAgriculture #HeiferAfrica #Agripreneurship AGRA, The World Bank, OCP AFRICA, Nedbank, Hello Tractor, ignitia, ThriveAgric, AYuTe Africa, Heifer Nigeria, Heifer International Ethiopia, Heifer International Uganda, Heifer International Tanzania