More than 80% of Ugandans live in rural areas and depend on agriculture for their livelihood. The USAID/Production for Improved Nutrition project is strengthening the agricultural practices of small scale farmers in 21 districts in Uganda for improved livelihoods by producing quality crops for home consumption and selling surplus produce to strategic markets including RECO industries for the production of Ready to Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTFs) and Fortified Blended Foods.
EQUIP: Lead farmers are equipped in Farmer Field Schools with modern agronomic skills mainly through demonstration and they practice what they have learnt in dedicated nurseries and gardens in the field schools, and mentor farmers in their communities.
ENTERPRISE: Producer Organisations (POs) are market driven farmer groups, supported to form cooperative enterprises. The POs help to generate demand for farmer produce, raise capital, link farmers to trade opportunities, continuing education, and partnerships. POs leadership is intentional about including the most vulnerable and marginalized such as women and People Living with HIV/AIDS.
EXPERTISE: Partnerships with experts, both in the private sector and local government specialists at the district level ensure that farmers optimally leverage opportunities including national agriculture initiatives. Key partners include inputs suppliers, financial institutions and cultural institutions for increased effectiveness.