Farmer organisations shaping the development of food systems – Towards more inclusive food systems in Uganda through the social and economic empowerment of smallholder farmers

Uganda

Main sectors: Environment, agriculture, entrepreneurship

Target groups: 15,000 smallholder farmers (of whom 30% are women, youth and/or refugees)

Partner organisations:

• HODFA – Hoima District Farmers Association

• MADFA – Masindi District Farmers Association

• ZODFA – Zombo District Farmers Association

• TUNADO – The Uganda National Apiculture Development Organisation

Other partners: AgriCord

Donor: German International Cooperation Society (GIZ)

Budget: 400,000 euros

Duration: 2023–2026

Project activities and expected results:
The project supports smallholder farmers in Uganda with a particular focus on women, youth and refugees. Its objective is to strengthen farmer organisations, promote climate‑smart agriculture and influence the development of inclusive food systems.

The project:

• Trains farmers in sustainable agricultural practices.

• Supports the transition towards semi‑commercial farming.

• Provides guidance on certification and food safety.

• Strengthens the leadership and advocacy capacities of farmer organisations to influence national guidelines towards more inclusive and climate‑resilient food systems.

Climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods

Uganda

Main sectors: Environment, agriculture (potato), green financing
Target groups: A total of 8,900 smallholder farmers

Project partners:

• Zombo District Farmers’ Association (ZODFA):
  A farmer organisation with 11,862 producers (46% men, 54% women, 44% youth).

• Nyaravur Farmers’ Savings and Credit Society Ltd (Nyaravur SACCO):
  A member‑owned financial institution that provides financial services to farming members. It has 17,311 members (57% men, 43% women, 31% youth).

Other project partners:
Trias, an international civil society organisation specialised in strengthening member‑based organisations of family farmers and small entrepreneurs.

Donor: Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland

Budget: 392,290 euros

Duration: 2023–2026

Project activities and expected results:
The project aims to strengthen the climate resilience of smallholder farmers and forest producers in Uganda by enhancing the institutional capacities of ZODFA and Nyaravur SACCO.

The project:

• Trains farmers in climate‑resilient practices, such as agroforestry and agroecology.

• Supports farming as a business.

• Develops financial products to facilitate market access.

• Promotes business linkages to support sustainable livelihood opportunities.