The problem: In Uganda, 81% of the population relies on agriculture to earn an income, but local farmers lack space for producing and processing their agricultural products. Uganda has only one government-owned agro-processing and production center, and access to the center is extremely limited. Without access to a quality control center, many farmers in Uganda are unable to meet national and international quality control standards, which results in a reduction in market share and profitability.

The solution: BAFANI intends to roll out a two-year project aimed at establishing an agro-processing and skilling training center in Kamuli district targeting rural and urban farmers in the Eastern region of Uganda. With this center, farmers shall be trained in processing of their agro-products, production, and value addition and link them to markets where they can sell their products.

In addition, BAFANI will launch a 2-year campaign for planting 1,000,000 trees which will be planted in Kamuli and the neighboring districts in three phases. The project will be integrated with dissemination of health messages on prevention of HIV/AIDS and unplanned teenage pregnancies caused by poverty and unemployment in the district.

The impact with SAF investment: Under the initial SAF-funded project, BAFANI purchased land, built an agro-processing facility to house machinery (e.g., maize processor), and acquired space for quality-controlled storage of goods.

The Kamuli community has organized into savings circles and begun planning for the projects and outlets for business growth through the agro-processing facility.

Agro-processing Facility Updates: 

The SAF Agro-processing Facility project is now constructed to ensure quality control and drive broader market access for local community agriculture (12 percent increase) creating 150 jobs for women. The facility also provides room for cultural parts to uplift the community.