Quarterly Report APRIL-JUNE 2016
Contract No. AID-617-A-13-00009
Disclaimer This report is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of CARANA Corporation and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government. CONTENTS
PROJECT OVERVIEW ...... 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 2 ACTIVITIES PLANNED AND PROGRESS MADE ...... 4 OVERVIEW ...... 12 TASK 1: EXPAND ACCESS TO NEW HIGHER VALUE MARKET SEGMENT ...... 12 TASK 2: EXPAND AGROWAYS GRAIN HANDLING AND STORAGE CAPABILITES AND ESTABLISH 3 NEW VACS ...... 13 TASK 3: ESTABLISH MAIZE MARKET AND MIS ...... 13 COMPONENT B: INCREASE SALEABLE VALUE AND VOLUME OF SMALLHOLDER-PRODUCED MAIZE ...... 15 OVERVIEW ...... 15 TASK 1: PROVIDE TRAINING IN IMPROVED FARMING AND PHHS PRACTICES ...... 15 TASK 2: PROMOTE MECHANIZED MAIZE SHELLING TO INCREASE EFFICIENCY AND REDUCE LOSSES ...... 16 TASK 3: BUILD BACKWARD LINKAGES THROUGH AGROWAYS’ EMBEDDED SERVICES TO SUPPLIER GROUPS ...... 17 COMPONENT C: DEVELOP MAIZE GERM AND MAIZE BRAN PRODUCTS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION ...... 21 OVERVIEW ...... 21 TASK 1: AGROWAYS ESTABLISHES AN ALLIANCE WITH MAGANJO GRAIN MILLERS TO SUPPORT PRODUCTION OF MAIZE GERM AND MAIZE BRAN PRODUCTS ...... 21 TASK 2: SUPPORT PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT OF MAIZE GERM AND MAIZE BRAN PRODUCTS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION ...... 21 JUL-SEP 2016 PLANNED ACTIVITIES ...... 23 MONITORING AND EVALUATION ...... 25 COLLABORATION, LEARNING AND ADAPTING EFFORTS ...... 26 CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES ...... 27 GENDER ...... 27 ANNEX I: EMMP ...... 28 ANNEX II: PROJECT SUCCESS STORIES THAT ATTRACTED MEDIA ATTENTION ...... 35 Nelima Undertakes Commercial Farming with Her Stepson ...... 35 ANNEX III: EAGC REGIONAL GRAIN SECTOR NEWS ARTICLE ...... 36
i ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
ACE Area Cooperative Enterprise
AFO Agriculture Field Officer
AGRA Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa
AHCA Alur Highlands Coffee Alliance
ARD Action for Relief and Development
ATEFO Africa Trainers and Entrepreneurs Forum
BPFA Buyende Progressive Farmers Association
CAO Chief Administrative Officer
CDO District Community Officer
CKW Community Knowledge Worker
CPMA Commodity Production and marketing Activity
DAO District Agriculture Officer
DCA Development Credit Authority
DCO District Commercial Officer
DFA District Farmers Association
DISO District Internal Security Officer
DOP District Operations Plan
DPMO District Production and Marketing Officer
DPO District Production Officer
DSOP District Sub County Operations Plan
EAGC Eastern Africa Grain Council
EMMP Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan
FtF Feed the Future
GAP Good Agricultural Practices
ii GBC Grains Bulking Center
GF Grameen Foundation
GIS Geographical Information System
GoU Government of Uganda
KASFAA Kaliro Small Farmers Agri-business Association
M&E Monitoring and Evaluation
MIS Management Information System
MOU Memorandum of Understanding
MTIC Ministry of Trade Industry and Cooperatives
NAFADA Namutumba Farmers Development Association
NAMAFACO Namwendwa Maize Farmers’ Cooperative
NASECO Nalweyo Seed Company
NBL Nile Breweries Limited
NUCAFE National Union of Coffee Agribusinesses and Farm Enterprise
OPV Open-Pollinated Variety
ORDS Office of Relief and Development Support
OWC Operation Wealth Creation
PAS Principal Assistant Secretary
PERSUAP Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safer Use Action
PHH Post-Harvest Handling
PHHS Post-Harvest Handling and Storage
PMP Performance Management Plan
PIN Production for Improved Nutrition
PRS Performance Review System
PSFU Private Sector Foundation Uganda
R&D Research and Development
iii RDC Resident District Commissioner
RFA Request for Applications
RPO Rural Producer Organizations
SACCO Savings and Credit Cooperative
SOW Scope of Work
TA Technical Assistance
ToR Terms of Reference
ToT Training of trainers
UCE Uganda Commodity Exchange
UDB Uganda Development Bank
UDET Uganda Development Trust
UNADA Uganda National Agro-inputs Dealers Association
UNBS Uganda National Bureau of Standards
USA United States of America
USAID United States Agency for International Development
USG United States Government
UVAMA Uganda Value Added Maize Alliance
VAC Village Aggregation Center
VSLA Village Savings and Loans Association
WFP World Food Program
WRS Warehouse Receipt System
iv PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Uganda Value-Added Maize Alliance (UVAMA) is a partnership between USAID, AgroWays Ltd., and CARANA Corporation. This three-year initiative has opened a new and consistent market outlet for smallholder-grown maize through value addition to maize grain and the use of processed maize by- products in food items. The demand for quality-grade maize at higher prices is an incentive for smallholder farmers to adopt better production and Post- Harvest Handling and Storage (PHHS) practices, resulting in increased saleable yields. Consequently, the facilitation of new investments in processing and storage facilities is improving the integration of farmers into AgroWays’ supply network. Figure 1: A fully grown maize cob resulting from UVAMA training AgroWays, the main private sector partner in the Alliance, was the first licensed grain warehouse in Uganda to operate a warehouse receipt system (WRS). It deals in maize grain in two ways. First, under the WRS, AgroWays cleans, dries, and stores maize grain for depositors at a fee. Secondly, the company purchases maize, cleans and dries it, then sells some of the grain to buyers and processes some of it into maize grits, sold to Nile Breweries Limited (NBL). The by-product from the process of making maize grits is a mixture of maize bran and maize germ that is currently sold to animal feed processors.
To achieve its objectives of (1) commercializing smallholder maize farmers in the Busoga region, Ibanda, and Kamwenge districts to increase saleable yields and values; and (2) developing maize germ and maize bran products for human consumption to improve nutrition, the Alliance has organized its activities around three main components: Component A: Expand access for smallholders to a new, higher value market segment through AgroWays’ investments in new maize processing and storage facilities; establish three new Village Aggregation Centers (VACs) in the Busoga region; and develop a maize management and market information system (MIS). Component B: Increase saleable value and volume of smallholder-produced maize by training farmers in maize agronomy and PHHS practices; promote mechanized maize shelling to increase efficiency and reduce grain breakages; and strengthen AgroWays’ capacity to deliver or facilitate embedded services to its farmers. Component C: Develop maize germ and maize bran products for human consumption to improve nutritional outcomes by supporting Maganjo Grain Millers in the development and promotion of these nutritious products.
1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Activities carried out during the third quarter of Year 3 of the Uganda Value- Added Maize Alliance (UVAMA) have contributed to increased productivity by the project’s targeted maize farmers, expanded access to AgroWays and Maganjo Grain Millers markets, and greater investments in processing capabilities.
Under Component A, AgroWays continued to carry out construction and installation works at its Jinja grain bulking center (GBC) for the new de-germer mill (which processes maize into maize bran, maize germ, and maize grits as separate by- products), as well as for the four new silos with a total storage capacity 10,400 MT. Two new installed silos, each with a Figure 2: Ambassador Deborah Malac poses with project partners during her capacity of 2,600 MT, are now in use with recent visit to Jinja installation of the second two 2,600 MT silos set to be complete in upcoming quarters. All silos and storage bins were shipped from the U.S. Installation and dry testing of the de-germer line was also completed during the quarter, as was a 150 MT maize bran and maize germ store at the AgroWays Jinja GBC. Additionally, trial runs for the production of pure maize grits, maize bran, and maize germ were carried out, with full production expected to commence in August 2016. AgroWays’ additional capital investment during the quarter was $232,730 and contributed to a total leverage of $2,582,181.
Farmer agronomic activities during the third quarter focused mainly on planting, weeding, and pest control of the crop. The demo plots at the VACs continued to be training sites for the maize farmers located near these VACs while the three UVAMA grantee VACs were mostly non-operational awaiting harvest, as were the two small stores of about 100 MT capacity rented for farmers in Ibanda district during the quarter.
Implementation of the market information system (MIS) continued with Alliance partner Grameen Foundation (GF). During the quarter, UVAMA increased the number of individuals using the platform by 1,003 (517 male; 486 female), and, as a result, 5,217 (2,837 male; 2,380 female) farmers from 4,925 traceable households had been registered on the MIS platform as of the end of June 2016, far exceeding the original project target of 1,750 users. During this quarter, 70 farmer groups were also registered, and 654 information searches were performed, mainly covering issues related to crops, markets, and weather forecasts. UVAMA anticipates that the MIS platform will register another 500 farmers before the project ends.
To ensure that farmers improve the quality of maize they offer for sale, under Component B, UVAMA conducted six (6) training of trainers (ToT) sessions during May and June 2016 for 195 (107 male; 88 female) Lead Farmers in four (4) districts in the Busoga region and in Ibanda and Kamwenge districts in Western Uganda. These six ToTs covered maize Post-Harvest Handling and Storage (PHHS) as a follow-up to the ToTs on maize agronomy and ‘Farming as a Business’ that were held in February and March. Together with the Follower Farmer training sessions, 1,441 (675 male; 766 female) new farmers, from 1,230 households in 84 farmer groups, including 233 female youth, participated in UVAMA-facilitated training activities during the quarter. As of June 30, 2016, a total of 16,453 (7,123 male; 9,330 female) farmers from 13,634 households, including 5,838 (2,475 male; 3,363 female) youth (35%) have participated in UVAMA trainings. Separately, UVAMA organized 87 (51 male; 36 female) Lead Farmers from the 10 participating districts to attend the Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC) Exposition in Masindi from June 23-25, 2016.
2 In addition to the trainings, the Alliance financed another 20 mechanized maize shellers during the quarter and stationed them in various strategic locations – 9 in Busoga region and 11 in Western Uganda. Presently, farmers in Busoga region have access to 47 mechanized maize shellers in the 8 districts that UVAMA covers, while those in Ibanda and Kamwenge districts have access to 15 mechanized shellers – six of them at the three new VACs. Many more farmers and farmer groups are expressing interest in acquiring or accessing maize shellers in order to alleviate the time and cost of hand shelling, in addition to improving their maize grade through the reduction of broken grains. No maize was shelled during this quarter, as it is not yet the harvest season. In spite of this, the sheller operators have so far remitted UGX 1,925,000 ($583) into the bank account controlled by AgroWays for the purpose of purchasing more shellers.
The village agents used by Mobipay, a UVAMA subcontractor, assisted 1,432 farmer in the districts of Buyende, Jinja, Kamuli, Luuka, Mayuge, and Namutumba to purchase home silos worth UGX 194,595,000 ($58,968) that are being offered at subsidized prices by World Food Program (WFP) to curtail post-harvest losses at the household level. These included bags and plastic and metallic silos of up to 1 MT storage capacity. In addition, the farmers profiled by Mobipay in Bugaya Area Cooperative Enterprise (ACE) in Buyende district are participating in the Mobipay Feed the Future (FtF) Commodity Production and Marketing Activity (CPMA)’s loan recovery pilot that will use technology, digital financial services, and a buyer/off-taker module to test a concept of loan recovery designed to build confidence in financial institutions working with smallholder farmers. Fifty-two (52) UVAMA beneficiaries, under the Namwendwa Maize Farmers Cooperative (NAMAFACO), were profiled by Mobipay and received loans worth UGX 114,000,000 ($34,545) from Centenary Bank during the reporting period for inputs to prepare their gardens.
In the quarter, Africa Trainers and Enterprise Forum (ATEFO) was awarded a sub-contract to assist selected famer groups near established VACs in Buyende, Kaliro, Kamuli, and Namutumba in forming ACEs with corresponding business plans, to train members in group dynamics, and to strengthen their village savings and loans associations (VSLAs) with the aim of forming Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) in the future. ATEFO mapped 3,669 (1,542 male; 2,127 female) farmers in 159 farmer groups, trained 3,387 (1,404 male; 1,983 female) farmers in group dynamics, and assisted famer groups to form and register 16 rural producer organizations (RPOs) with their respective district administrations, a preliminary step to forming ACEs.
As of June 30, 2016, UVAMA’s interventions have benefited 21,422 farmers in 1,226 farmer groups from 18,110 households, including 11,471 women (54% total) and 7,811 (3,724 male; 4,087 female) youth (36% total). 3,233 (1,421 male; 1,812 female) farmers (15% total) in 268 farmer groups (22%) are from Western Uganda (Ibanda and Kamwenge districts).
Under Component C, UVAMA continued to support the development of new human food products using maize germ and maize bran. Through the Alliance’s partnership with Maganjo Grain Millers, UVAMA has been providing the services of a Food Scientist to help develop new products for the company. The project assisted Maganjo in developing Nutri-Xtra (a maize porridge that includes maize bran and maize germ as key ingredients), which is already on the market and readily used in schools, as well as a rice composite flour that was also certified by UNBS but has not yet been put on the market. Together with the Food Scientist, Maganjo has also developed additional products such as Power maize bran flour, high-fiber health bread, bran cookies, and snacks, such as bran sticks and bran flakes. These newly developed products have already undergone sensory evaluations, and UVAMA’s Food Scientist is assisting Maganjo to comply with the July 2015 UNBS audit queries so that its entire production process and product range is certified. The Food Scientist has helped Maganjo submit various product samples to the Government Analytical Laboratory for pesticide residue testing and analysis, one of UNBS’ requirements for safe food products. Complete production of some of the developed products awaits full commissioning of the AgroWays’ de-germer line that will produce clean maize bran and maize germ. In the meantime, the Communications Specialist worked with the Food Scientist to develop radio and television marketing concepts for the newly developed products.
Finally, during the reporting period, UVAMA continued assisting both AgroWays and Maganjo to update and modernize their websites. The AgroWays website will not only have the company profile but will also show where its GBCs, VACs, and the three grantee VACs are located, in addition to the various services the farmers can access through its network and contact details. Similarly, Maganjo’s website will show the products currently offered on the market, its main suppliers of raw materials, and the farmer groups with which it is working.
3 ACTIVITIES PLANNED AND PROGRESS MADE
Task Activity Timeline Progress
Component A: Expand Access for Smallholder Farmers in Busoga Region to New and Higher Value Maize Market Segment
Task 1: Facilitate Access to New Investment in Maize Value Addition A.1.a Complete Warehouse #4 at Jinja Oct – Warehouse foundation and roof GBC, install and commission the de- Dec 2015 completed. Installation of de-germer germer mill at AgroWays’ Jinja GBC line completed. Construction of maize bran and maize germ storehouse, to hold the maize bran and maize germ, expected to be completed at end of September 2016 due to installation of control room. Trial runs have been completed of the de-germer in May 2016. Full production of the maize grits and the pure maize germ and bran will begin in August 2016. A.1.b Complete installation and Jan – Mar 2016 New automated intake line at the Jinja commissioning of another intake, GBC installed and operational. cleaning and drying line at Corresponding cleaning and drying AgroWays’ GBC in Jinja equipment expected to be ordered during July – September 2016 with the 4th planned 2,600MT silo. A.1.c Testing of maize germ and bran as a Dec 2015 Installation of the de-germer line result of de-germing process complete. Testing of the pure maize germ and maize bran by the Food Scientist to be done in August 2016 upon start of full production. Task 2: Expand AgroWays’ Grain Handling and Storage Capacity and Establish Three VACs
A.2.a Officially launch UVAMA grantees’ VACs Feb 2016 VACs have been inactive during the and AgroWays’ de-germer line reporting period due to it not being harvest season. Grantees’ VACs should be launched in November 2016 to coincide with the Lessons Learned Workshop. A.2.b Explore the possibility of renting a Jan – Apr 2016 UVAMA rented two small stores, each store in Ishongororo Town Council for with about 50 MT capacity, for trained trained farmers in Ibanda district to farmers in Ibanda district in Nyamarebe aggregate their maize for sale and Kiburara Trading Centers. Lease will be continued through upcoming harvest season in July through September 2016.
4 A.2.c Install one 2600MT grain storage silo Jan 2016 Installation began at the end of March with two 320MT holding bins at 2016. Installation is expected to be AgroWays’ GBC in Jinja completed in August 2016.
A.2.d Modify the (old) Alvan Blanch dryer Apr-June 2016 Modification of dryer intake and intake and cleaning line at AgroWays cleaning line delayed until October Jinja GBC and install 250MT wet 2016 due to delays in installation of holding bin silos and de-germer. Task 3: Establish Maize Management and Market Information System
A.3.a Register farmers and farmer groups Oct 2015 – Aug MIS operators registered 1,003 (517 male 2016 and 486 female) farmers and another 70 farmer groups during the quarter. A.3.b Reach out to MIS operators to Ongoing MIS assessment to be undertaken in July - determine network gaps, and how we August 2016, which will include MIS might address performance monitoring operators to receive feedback on and improve communications suggested improvements. A.3.c Bulk SMS sent June 2016 Bulk SMS sent at end of June 2016 to 2,800 farmers in Busoga region and to 500 farmers in Ibanda district to prepare them for the harvest season starting in July 2016.
A.3.d Produce monthly and quarterly reports Apr-Jun 2016 Grameen provided monthly and quarterly on data usage information reports detailing performance of MIS operators, challenges, and recommended solutions.
A.3.d Perform adoption survey of MIS Jan – Mar 2016 ToR for MIS adoption survey completed. Candidates were interviewed to undertake the assignment. The survey will determine the benefits of the MIS system and ways to improve it for adoption by AgroWays. It will be carried during July – August 2016.
A.3.e Develop a sustainability plan between March - May Sustainability plan to be developed AW and Grameen 2016 according to findings from survey results. Plan to be developed in September 2016. Component B: Increase Saleable Value and Volume of Small-Producer Maize Task 1: Provide Training in Improved Farming and Post-Harvest Handling Practices B.1.a Conduct ToT sessions in Maize PHHS for May-Jun 2016 Four ToT sessions in PHHS for lead farmers lead farmers in Busoga region and were conducted in Busoga, as well as two Ibanda district in Western Uganda. A total of 195 (108 male and 87 female) lead farmers were trained during the quarter. B.1.b Air radio spot messages in Lusoga and June-July 2016 Talk shows will be conducted and spot Runyakitara and hold radio talk shows in messages will be aired on maize post- Lusoga on Maize PHHS harvest handling and storage in July 2016 in the Busoga region and Western Uganda.
B.1.e Supervise "Follower Farmer" trainings Mar – Jun 2016 1,441 new (685 male and 756 female) in in Maize Agronomy and Farming as a 84 farmer groups participated in trainings Business during the quarter.
5 B.1.f Feature success stories of farmers Ongoing None were featured during the period. trained in the media Stories will continued to be submitted to media outlets.
B.1.g Take selected lead farmers to the Jun-16 87 (51 male; 36 female) farmers (58 from annual Eastern Africa Grain Council Busoga; 29 from Western Uganda) (EAGC) Expo participated in this 3-day expo June 23- 25 in Masindi. B.1.h Introduce lead farmers trained in Jun-16 A total of 56 lead farmers from Western Ibanda to the Jinja GBC and processing Uganda visited both the Jinja GBC and site, and the Mbarara bulking center Mbarara bulking center on June 17th and June 30th.
Task 2: Promote Mechanized Maize Shelling to Increase Efficiency and Reduce Losses B.2.a Set up a sustainable business plan Nov 2015 Ownership of maize shellers will be and financing mechanism for long transferred to Famer Groups after they term management of mechanized sign Sheller Equipment Use Agreement maize shellers with AgroWays, allowing AgroWays to supervise use of the shellers and to oversee maintenance. Through the agreement, AgroWays also manages funds earned by the farmer groups through shelling to purchase additional shellers in the future.
B.2.b Oversee the development of savings Ongoing This is tied to the Sheller Equipment accounts for sheller operators Use Agreement. Fees collected for (through SACCOs, banks, mobile shelling are used to pay for money) maintenance, operations, and labor. Any excess amount is saved in a bank account of the sheller operator. Task 3: Build Backward Linkages through AgroWays’ Embedded Services to Supplier Groups B.3.a Maintain maize demo plots at VACs Mar - Jun 2016 The three demo plots previously set up and planted with maize at the end of March 2016 have been maintained by the farmer groups and overseen by the Agriculture Field Officers (AFOs) during the period. B.3.b Determine usefulness of UVAMA- Ongoing Demo plots are still being used by lead developed demo plots. farmers to train fellow farmers. Farmers are continuing to observe the benefits of improved seeds and fertilizers first hand. Lead Farmers’ personal plots are also being used as impromptu demo plots to demonstrate benefits of improved seeds. B.3.c Determine demand for seeds and other Ongoing Demand for improved seeds has increased agrochemicals at VACs due to the success of showcasing the benefits of improved seeds at VAC demo plots and Lead Farmer plots. AFOs are linking farmers to agro-input dealers to facilitate access to these improved seeds.
6 B.3.d Set up agro-inputs extension activities at Oct 2015 – Sep Africa Trainers and Entrepreneurs Forum new UVAMA VACs 2016 (ATEFO), a local NGO contracted to facilitate the establishment of four ACEs and strengthening their VSLAs, mapped 3669 (1542 male and 2127 female) farmers in 159 farmer groups, trained 3387 (1404 male and 1983 female) farmers in group dynamics and assisted famer groups to form 16 rural producer organizations (RPOs). These ACEs and VSLAs will focus on expanding input extension as AgroWays begins disengaging from seed distribution.
B.3.e Assist farmers acquire genuine agro- Oct 2015 – Aug AgroWays plans to facilitate access by inputs near them 2016 farmer groups operating VACs to non- traditional financial institutions in order to receive start-up capital to invest in agro-inputs. AFOs are linking farmer groups with local certified agro-input dealers. The village agents used by Mobipay, a UVAMA subcontractor, assisted 1,432 farmers in 8 districts of Busoga to purchase home storage equipment (silos and bags) worth UGX 194,595,000 ($58,968) that are being offered at subsidized prices by World Food Program to curtail post-harvest losses at the household level. B.3.f Determine farmers groups interested Nov 2015 Ndifakulya Kapyanga Farmers Cooperative in forming bigger associations Society Limited was fully registered with Bugiri district and Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperative while NAMAFACO submitted its registration documents to the Ministry during the quarter. ATEFO will facilitate selected farmer groups with the process to form four ACEs - 16 RPOs already registered at the districts. ACEs formed will be registered with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (MTIC).
B.3.g Assist in the documentation and Nov – Dec 2015 ATEFO is continuing to support forming registration of some farmers ACEs to develop business plans, and will associations with local authorities and work to strengthen VSLAs and form larger with financial institutions such as SACCOs. Centenary Bank has already Uganda Development Bank (UDB) given loans to 50 farmers from Namwendwa Maize Farmers Cooperative.
7 B.3.h Facilitate loans for Farmer Associations Mar-16 Fifty members of NAMAFACO received from UDB input loans from Centenary Bank worth UGX 114 Million ($34,545) during the reporting period. Also, farmers that were profiled by Mobipay in Bugaya ACE in Buyende district are to participate in the Mobipay/ Feed the Future (FtF) Commodity Production and Marketing Activity (CPMA)’s loan recovery pilot that will use technology, digital financial service, and buyer/off-taker module to test a concept of loan recovery theory to build confidence in financial institutions working with smallholder farmers. B.3.i Facilitate Associations' use of WRS by Ongoing Two groups (Ndifakulya Kapyanga linking them with AgroWays Farmers Cooperative Society in Bugiri and Simuntu Farmers Group in Luuka District) have registered with AgroWays as depositors. B.3.j Train farmer association leaders on Jan – Aug 2016 ATEFO will begin training on Financial Financial Literacy using the AHCA model Literacy and VSLA strengthening as well (approach Centenary again to co-design as formation of SACCOs during the next and carry out the training with UVAMA) quarter. B.3.k Update Mobipay profiles of farmers Jun-16 MobiPay has audited and updated the assessed during Aug - Sep 2015 information for the 5,000 farmers that can now be accessed on their web platform.
B.3.l Set up a functional AgroWays website Nov 2015 – Communication Specialist completed the Mar 2016 blueprint design of the website in the last quarter (http://wizimera.com/agroways/). She will continue work with AgroWays management to gather the necessary content during the next quarter. Component C: Develop Maize Germ and Maize Bran for Human Consumption to Improve Nutritional Outcomes Task 1: Establish an Alliance with Maganjo Grain Millers to Support Production of Maize Germ and Maize Bran Products C.1.a Develop operations behind supply of Jan – Sep 2016 AgroWays carried out test runs on the de- maize germ and maize bran from germer mill in May 2016. The Food AgroWays to Maganjo Scientist will assist both AgroWays and Maganjo in developing food safety guidelines and will train both partners on how maize bran and germ should be handled from AgroWays through intake at Maganjo during July - August 2016 once the de-germer line is commissioned.
8 Task 2: Support Product Development of Maize Germ and Bran for Human Consumption C.2.a Analyze and test maize germ and Oct 2015 - Powder maize bran flour, high fiber maize bran products developed for Aug 2016 bread, maize bran cookies, bran flakes, human consumption and flavored and non-flavored bran sticks have undergone sensory tests. The Food Scientist continues to develop food safety protocols with Maganjo. Further tests will be done in the July – September2016 after receiving clean maize germ and maize bran from AgroWays’ de-germer line
C.2.b Design and implement a food hygiene Feb – Mar 2016 Food Scientist has developed a food and safety training program for hygiene and safety training program. AgroWays and Maganjo at each of their AgroWays has suggested a start date of sites July 2016 for the trainings.
C.2.c Develop and roll out new food hygiene April-Jun 2016 Draft food safety protocols have been and safety protocols developed by the Food Scientist. Once the de-germer line is operational, it may be necessary to modify the protocols accordingly.
C.2.d Officially launch some of Maganjo’s new Official launch delayed because UNBS has products developed with support of not issued Maganjo a certificate for its UVAMA entire processing/production facility. The resolution of this matter is still ongoing.
C.2.e Set up a functional website promoting Mar – Jun 2016 Communications Specialist has created a Maganjo’s products basic design of the website (www.maganjograinmillers.co.ug) and is working with Maganjo to complete it. Expected to be completed during the Jul- Sep 2016 period. C.2.f Assist in identifying low-cost financing Ongoing UVAMA assisted Maganjo to submit a solutions to fund additional Maganjo Value-Addition project proposal to the investments Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) for a possible $100,000 matching grant. Maganjo is still awaiting a response. UVAMA is also considering co-funding a full food extrusion production line in order to begin producing products that have been developed. C.2.g Air TV commercials and radio spot Mar – Jul 2016 Ongoing; Communication Specialist is messages to promote the consumption continuing work on TV and radio concepts, of maize bran and maize germ products which will be aired in the Jul-Sep 2016 period.
9 PROGRESS AGAINST PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
The table below summarizes progress made against UVAMA’s performance indicator targets in Year 3: # Performance Indicator Unit of Year Year #2 Year #3 Y3 Q1 and Q2 Y3 Q3 Results Measure #1 Results Targets Results Results IR1: Improved Agricultural Productivity 1 FtF:4.5.2-42 Number of private # of entities 73 142 136 TBD (to be TBD (To be enterprises, producer measured on measured on organizations, water users an annual annual basis) associations, women’s groups, trade basis) and business associations, and community-based organizations (CBOs) that applied improved technologies or management practices 2 FtF: 4.5.2-5 Number of farmers and # of farmers M: 1,380 2,789 M: 854 Not yet Not yet others who have applied improved measured measured technologies or management practices as a result of USG assistance (new) F: 2,233 2,945 F: 571 Not yet Not yet measured measured
T: 3,613 5,734 M: 1,425 Not yet Not measured measured
3 FtF: 4.5.2-7 Number of individuals # of farmers M: 1,255 M:3,292 M: 1,740 M: 1,901 M: 685 who have received USG support short- term agricultural sector productivity or F: 2,286 F:3,966 F: 1,160 F: 2,312 F: 756 food security training (new) T: 3,541 T:7,258 T: 2,900 T: 4,213 T: 1,441
4 FtF: 4.5.2-13 Number of rural # of 3,654 5,847 1,462 5,285 2,051 households benefitting directly from households USG interventions (new) 5 FtF:4.5.2-11 Number of food security # of entities 170 296 90 382 225 private enterprises (for profit), producers organizations, water associations, women’s groups, trade and business associations, and community-based organizations (CBOs) receiving USG assistance (RiA)(WOG)
6 Custom Mission Indicator: Total # of 4,162 8,603 2,661 6,288 2,369 Number of beneficiaries beneficiaries
10 # Performance Indicator Unit of Year #1 Year #2 Year #3 Y3 Q1 and Q2 Y3 Q3 Results Measure Results Results Targets Results
IR2: Expand Markets and Trade
7 FtF: 4.5-10 Total increase in MT 2,400 6,850 2,400 3,070 0 installed storage capacity
8 Custom Indicator: Number of # of 452 1,272 700 2,490 1,003 individuals using the MIS platform individuals
IR3: Increased Investment in Agricultural and Nutrition Activities
10 FtF4.5.2-38 Value of new private USD $560,715 $1,479,664 $853,618 $309,072 $232,730 sector investment in the agriculture sector or food chain leveraged by FtF implementation
11 Custom Indicator: Number of food # of 4 2 1 2 0 products with greater nutritional Products value improved or developed and made available to the market with USG support
11 COMPONENT A: EXPAND ACCESS FOR SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN BUSOGA REGION TO NEW HIGHER VALUE MAIZE MARKET SEGMENT
OVERVIEW
Over the life of the project, UVAMA’s objective is to integrate 9,500 rural smallholder maize farmers from the Busoga region into an emerging value-added maize market — namely maize grits for the food and beverage industry and maize germ and bran for nutritious food products. This is expected to lead to higher incomes and more stable livelihoods, thereby enhancing local and regional food security. To further support the integration of farmers into Figure 3: Muhammad Kirunda, a project trained farmer in his garden. Through project AgroWays’ supply chain, support, his harvest increased from 15 bags to 50 bags on the same land. the project has constructed three new VACs in Buyende, Kaliro, and Namutumba districts. These VACs, with 840 MT total storage capacity, are a means of ensuring that higher quality maize at the farm and village levels is immediately delivered to AgroWays, while strengthening AgroWays’ linkages to farmers and farmer groups. UVAMA is also implementing a maize MIS in the targeted districts.
TASK 1: EXPAND ACCESS TO NEW HIGHER VALUE MARKET SEGMENT
Construction on Warehouse #4 at Jinja GBC has progressed well during the quarter. The foundation has been laid, the roof has been set, the de-germer line has been installed in part of Warehouse #4, and the maize bran and maize germ storehouse should be finished by the end of September 2016 once the control room is finalized.
12 Trial runs on the de-germer line have been completed, and full production of maize grits, pure maize germ, and pure maize bran are set to begin in July 2016 once the programming unit arrives. A specific amount of water is required to remove the germ and the outer cover of the grain, and this programming unit senses whether there is enough water already present in the maize or if water needs to be automatically added during processing. This unit will allow the de-germing process to become fully automated in a more streamlined, efficient manner. Once full production begins, this pure maize germ and pure maize bran from AgroWays will be used by the UVAMA Food Scientist and Maganjo Grain Millers to make value-added products, which will then undergo final testing by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS).
A new automated intake line at the AgroWays Jinja GBC was installed and is now operational. Corresponding cleaning and drying equipment should be ordered during the July–September 2016 quarter, along with the fourth planned 2,600 MT silo and silo extensions for all four silos. These extensions will double the storage capacity for each silo, resulting in 20,800 MT of total storage for the first four silos.
TASK 2: EXPAND AGROWAYS GRAIN HANDLING AND STORAGE CAPABILITES AND ESTABLISH 3 NEW VACS
As it was not yet harvest season, the VACs were inactive during the quarter and, therefore, delayed the official launch of the grantee VACs. The launch of the Kaliro VAC is expected to take place in November 2016 and will coincide with the Lessons Learned Workshop slated at that time. The Lessons Learned Workshop will highlight achievements made and challenges encountered by the project and will discuss which activities can be scaled up. The workshop is intended for USAID, private sector partners like AgroWays and Maganjo, government officials, and other interested USAID implementing partners and will likely be held in Jinja municipality.
Installation of the third 2,600 MT grain silo with two 320 MT holding bins at AgroWays Jinja GBC began at the end of March 2016 and is expected to be completed in August 2016. The completion of this grain storage silo will allow AgroWays to take in more maize grain during the upcoming harvest season (August – September 2016), which is expected to be more prolific than the previous season. The de-germer line at the Jinja GBC will begin operating in July 2016, but its official launch will take place only when the remaining construction activities are completed – installation of the silos, second dryer, and other equipment. The modification of the old Alvan Blanch dryer intake and cleaning line at AgroWays Jinja GBC has been delayed until October 2016 due to setbacks in the installation of silos and the de-germer. There will be a commissioning event to cover all of the activities at the Jinja GBC in 2017.
In order to encourage trained farmers in Ibanda district to aggregate their maize for sale, UVAMA rented two small stores in Nyamarebe and Kiburara Trading Centers. Each store has a 50 MT capacity, and the lease will be continued through the upcoming harvest season from the end of July through September 2016. Each store can serve up to 100 small farmers at a time, with each able to store five 100-kg bags. The bulking and storage of maize in a proper, secure environment allows maize to maintain quality longer and provides a central location to more easily facilitate collection by a buyer or buyers. Both Nyamarebe and Kiburara Trading Centers are very close to Ishongororo Town Council where buyers from all over Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi are purchasing maize throughout the year.
TASK 3: ESTABLISH MAIZE MARKET AND MIS
To date, a total of 5,217 (2,837 male; 2,380 female) identifiable farmers have been registered on the Market Information System (MIS) platform, which means that UVAMA has far surpassed its original target number of 1,750 registered farmers. This quarter alone, sixteen MIS operators registered 1,003 (517 male; 486 female) farmers, another 70 farmer groups, and performed e-extension services by carrying out 654 information searches for farmers on maize agronomy and PHHS issues, weather, and market prices. The MIS operators, now paid by UVAMA for registering more farmers and farmer groups, have worked hard to identify new farmers and
13 farmer groups to register.
During the quarter, UVAMA reached out to MIS operators to identify network gaps and how the project can address performance monitoring and improve communications. An MIS adoption assessment/survey is scheduled to take place during July-August 2016 and will include MIS operators in order to gather their input on improvements that should be made. The ToR for the MIS Adoption Survey have been completed, and candidates are currently being interviewed to manage the study, which will determine the benefits of the MIS system and ways it can be improved prior to adoption by AgroWays. This survey is being conducted at the request of CARANA/Palladium, with cooperation and input from AgroWays, to improve understanding of the value and sustainability of the MIS being implemented by the Grameen Foundation.
Results will be used to assess the effectiveness of the MIS platform and which aspects of the system are most relevant to producers and buyers. With this information, AgroWays will be able to determine if the MIS provides sufficient value in increased supply of quality maize to continue supporting the program after project close, and/or whether the services provided to producers have sufficient market value to support a cost-sharing, fee- for-service model. Based on these results, AgroWays and Grameen will develop a sustainability plan, if applicable, in September and October 2016.
Bulk SMS in Runyakitara and Lusoga were sent at end of June 2016 to 2,300 farmers in Busoga region and to 500 farmers in Ibanda district to prepare them for the harvest season from late July to September 2016. The message reminded farmers to use proper PHHS techniques and offered a contact number for more information.
“Dear farmer, for quality maize grains, do not leave your maize to dry in the garden. Harvest and dry your maize on a tarpaulin, concrete floor, or mats. Maize can also be harvested and put into a crib with good air movement to allow for further drying. Drying using machines can also be done if money is available. For more information about good farming practices, please contact 0800208178.”
Grameen provides monthly and quarterly reports detailing the performance of MIS operators, program challenges, and recommended solutions. According to Grameen, the quality of data submitted by the MIS operators has improved greatly, and there are very few cases of farmer ID duplication. In some remote areas, MIS operators have difficulties acquiring signals for their cellular telephones. Another challenge is that VAC operators lose or break their phones and, therefore, are unable to communicate effectively or at all. Grameen has suggested that, if a VAC operator is dedicated, AgroWays should assist them in buying a new phone that they can slowly pay off to AgroWays. AgroWays, however, is waiting to learn from the MIS survey if the system is useful enough to both farmers and to AgroWays before it commits to funding any part of the MIS.
14 COMPONENT B: INCREASE SALEABLE VALUE AND VOLUME OF SMALLHOLDER-PRODUCED MAIZE
OVERVIEW
Component B activities are centered on improving AgroWays’ services to farmers and increasing smallholder farmer productivity and farmer group capacity for a more formalized, integrated maize value chain. UVAMA is helping to expand the range of services offered by AgroWays and to improve their capacity to deliver each service. In order to increase the saleable value and volume of smallholder-produced maize, selected Lead Farmers are participating in ToTs to improve agronomical and PHHS practices, then transferring those skills and knowledge to their farmer group members. The project had an original target of providing training and technical assistance to 9,500 farmers (40% female), but this number has been surpassed. As of June 30, 2016, a total of 16,453 (7,123 male; 9,330 female) farmers from 13,634 households, including 5,838 (2,475 male; 3,363 female) youth (35%), have participated in UVAMA trainings. UVAMA is also promoting mechanized maize shelling to increase efficiency and reduce farm-level losses.
TASK 1: PROVIDE TRAINING IN IMPROVED FARMING AND PHHS PRACTICES
Between May and June 2016, UVAMA conducted four Maize PHHS ToT sessions for 127 Lead Farmers in Busoga region and two for 68 Lead Farmers in Ibanda district, Western region. These sessions covered information on harvesting, drying, shelling, storing, pest management/control, and maize grading that the Lead Farmers are expected to pass on to the 25-30 farmer members in each of their groups.
On June 17 and June 30, 56 Lead Farmers from Western Uganda visited both the Jinja GBC and Mbarara GBC. Their visit to the Jinja GBC allowed them to tour the facilities of a completed grain bulking center in order to appreciate why UVAMA and AgroWays emphasize the value of using proper planting, harvesting, and post-harvest techniques to yield the highest quality maize. At the Mbarara GBC, the farmers were able to see the progress on the construction of the bulking center that will be most accessible to them. Farmers were encouraged to ask questions to better understand the facilities and processes of the GBCs and how they can fully utilize them.
On June 29, 2016, US Ambassador to Uganda Deborah R Malac visited AgroWays in Jinja for a tour of the facilities and met one group of Lead Farmers on their last day of PHHS Figure 4: US Ambassador Deborah Malac at the training. She ceremonially presented training certificates Maganjo Grain Millers (project partner) stall during her and equipment to be used in a VAC and spoke about the visit to Jinja need to create more public-private sector partnerships like UVAMA in the future. This event appeared in the online
15 version of The New Vision newspaper on June 30, 2016 and in “EAGC Regional Grain Sector News” on July 5, 2016 (http://ratin.net/site/news_article/544) as shown in Annex III. Press staff from 14 media outlets (radio stations, newspapers, and TV stations) were present at this event where AgroWays staff were interviewed, which was broadcast that same evening and the following day on the stations based in Jinja.
Separate from Lead Farmer ToTs, 1,441 new Follower Farmers (685 male; 756 female) participated in maize agronomy and ‘Farming as a Business’ trainings led by previously trained Lead Farmers. AFOs attend these trainings to monitor and address any knowledge gaps to ensure that the correct information is being passed on to Follower Farmers. This technique of training Lead Farmers to train the Follower Farmers in their groups exponentially increases the number of farmers that can be trained and better ensures sustainability after the life of the project.
During this reporting period, bookings were made for radio spot messages and radio talk shows to be aired in July 2016 in advance of the upcoming harvest season. The radio spot messages advise farmers to prepare for the harvest season and are aired both in Busoga region and Western Uganda. In conjunction, radio talk shows offer farmers the opportunity to ask specific questions to UVAMA field officers and AgroWays staff and to receive immediate feedback and advice in preparation for harvest. The talk shows are held each harvest season and are expected to reach 2,000,000 people in Busoga and 500,000 in Western Uganda.
Although no project success stories were featured in the media Figure 5: US Ambassador Malac hands over equipment to Alaisa Naisikwe, the Kaliro VAC this quarter, UVAMA will continue to submit pieces on the success Manager of its farmers to media outlets.
The annual Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC) Expo was held in Masindi from June 23-25. UVAMA took 87 (36 female; 51 male) farmers (58 from Busoga; 29 from Western Uganda) to participate in this 3-day expo where farmers were exposed to modern agricultural practices, including improved inputs and equipment. In fact, the majority of the farmers at this event purchased inputs for their gardens. Farmers learned about modern maize farming practices, such as disease and pest prevention, and modern maize farming technologies, such as tillage, tools, and agrochemicals.
TASK 2: PROMOTE MECHANIZED MAIZE SHELLING TO INCREASE EFFICIENCY AND REDUCE LOSSES
Traditionally, farmers put maize cobs in sacks and beat them using sticks to remove the grains from the cobs. This method leads to breakage of some grains, which not only lowers the maize standard/grade but also attracts pests and fungi that could accelerate aflatoxin infestation. By promoting the use of mechanized maize shellers by farmer groups, UVAMA hopes that the traditional method of beating maize grain will cease. Interestingly, farmers pay between UGX 1,500-2,000 per 100-kg sack to shell maize mechanically, while charges for beating the maize with sticks to shell it are actually higher. UVAMA has observed an increase in use of these shellers by farmers, and more farmer groups want to acquire them due to the obvious benefits.
Currently, there are 62 shellers (15 in Western Uganda; 47 in Busoga) that will be actively shelling maize in the upcoming harvest season. Ownership of maize shellers will be transferred to famer groups after they sign a Sheller Equipment Use Agreement with AgroWays, allowing AgroWays to supervise use of the shellers and to oversee maintenance.
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Through the agreement, AgroWays also manages funds earned by the farmer groups through shelling. Fees collected for shelling are used to pay for maintenance, operations, and labor. Additionally, each month during the shelling season, sheller operators transfer a fixed amount of money to an account controlled by AgroWays that will be used to purchase additional shellers in the future. Any excess amount is saved in a bank account of the sheller operator. UVAMA field officers help facilitate the opening of bank, SACCO, or mobile money accounts for the sheller operators. To date, 12 sheller operators have deposited UGX 1,925,000 (US $583) into a bank account controlled by AgroWays for the purpose of purchasing more shellers.
TASK 3: BUILD BACKWARD LINKAGES THROUGH AGROWAYS’ EMBEDDED SERVICES TO SUPPLIER GROUPS
At the end of March 2016, three maize demonstration plots were established at the three grantee VACs and have been maintained by farmer groups and overseen by UVAMA AFOs during the period. These demo plots have served as practical learning centers for nearby farmers to observe Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and proper PHHS techniques. AFOs have noticed that farmers in the localities are already adopting the use of improved seeds and GAP technologies as a result of the demo plots. Demonstration plots serve as one of UVAMA’sprimary teaching tools. UVAMA Lead Farmers use their own gardens as demonstration plots to train Follower Farmers, allowing farmers to observe the benefits of improved seeds, fertilizers, and other GAPs first hand. As more farmers adopt technologies learned from the demo plots, their own plots also become informal demo plots for their neighbors, thereby expanding the reach of these practices to more farmers exponentially. Due to the success of showcasing the benefits of improved seeds at Lead Farmer and VAC demonstration plots, demand has increased. AFOs link farmers to agro-input dealers to facilitate access to improved seeds, and UVAMA has observed reduced use of local seeds when preparing gardens.
In addition to the establishment of the demo plots, UVAMA constructed soak pits to manage run-off water and prevent pooling at each of the three grantee VACs.
In April 2016, UVAMA contracted African Trainers & Entrepreneurs Forum (ATEFO-Uganda) to carry out trainings on Area Cooperative Enterprise (ACE) formation, group dynamics, financial literacy, and VSLA strengthening. ATEFO is a non-governmental organization that promotes Prosperity for All Ugandans (P.F.A.U.) and enhances sustainable development in Africa. ATEFO-Uganda was established in 2009 to equip rural and urban people with agribusiness technology and industrial skills to improve their standards of living. They accomplish this by strengthening gender equality and supporting innovations, entrepreneurship, and the capacity building of vulnerable people.
Eight inception and planning meetings were organized at the sub-county level to introduce ATEFO and its staff to UVAMA-supported farmer groups and their leaders, sharing the purpose and scope of work to be executed by ATEFO. The inception meetings included representatives from each farmer group and several other key stakeholders, such as the UVAMA area coordinators and contact persons. ATEFO worked closely with the UVAMA representatives in arranging the meeting sites and mobilizing the targeted participants. A total of 473 farmer leaders participated in the inception meetings.
Following successful inception meetings in all operational areas, the field implementation team embarked on a mapping and documentation exercise across all active sub-counties and districts that allowed ATEFO to introduce itself to project beneficiaries, become familiar with operational areas, and verify the existence of producer groups and members in comparison with the database. Of the current 1,226 farmer groups in the UVAMA database, 159 were mapped, verified, and profiled by ATEFO and include 30 groups from Buyende, 42 from Kamuli, 53 from Kaliro, and 34 from Namutumba. These 159 groups have a total membership of 3,669 members, of whom 1,542 are male and 2,127 are female. Each group mapped has an average of 23 members with 58% being female.
17 This quarter, ATEFO facilitated the establishment of four ACEs and trained farmers in group dynamics and VSLA strengthening. These ACEs and VSLAs will focus on expanding input extension as AgroWays begins disengaging from seed distribution. By forming ACEs and strengthening existing VSLAs, these groups will be able to access more financial products for the purchase of agro-inputs for their gardens.
Next quarter, ATEFO will continue to assist producer organizations in registering both at the district level and with the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives (MTIC) to form ACEs, since there is a minimum requirement that three registered producer organizations join together to form each ACE. ATEFO will continue to support ACEs in developing business plans and will work to strengthen VSLAs and form larger SACCOs.
A total of 3,387 farmer beneficiaries (1,404 male; 1,983 female) actively participated in and benefited from the group dynamics training held in April and May, which focused on group formation and sustainability; leadership, governance, and management; and constitution development and group registration procedures.
In order to improve access to agro-inputs, AgroWays plans to link farmer groups that are operating VACs with non-traditional financial institutions in order to receive start-up capital to invest in agro-inputs for resale. AFOs have been identifying certified agro-input dealers registered with the Uganda National Agro Inputs Dealers Association (UNADA) and linking farmers to them so that the farmers can purchase inputs directly from them. AFOs also carry samples of different agro-inputs to show farmers the difference between certified agro-inputs and adulterated or fake agro-inputs.
Since financial loans from UDB have not been forthcoming over the past reporting periods, UVAMA has been developing relationships with other financial institutions, such as Centenary Bank, that have been more willing to extend loans to farmers in registered producer organizations. Centenary Bank extended loans to 52 farmers from Namwendwa Maize Farmers Cooperative (NAMAFACO) for inputs and services worth UGX 114,000,000 ($34,545) during the reporting period. This is the first set of loans given out to farmers in the Busoga region, and UVAMA will link more registered farmer groups to Centenary Bank to facilitate future loans.
The village agents used by Mobipay, a UVAMA subcontractor, assisted 1,432 farmer in the districts of Buyende, Jinja, Kamuli, Luuka, Mayuge, and Namutumba in purchasing home silos worth UGX 194,595,000 (US $58,968). These plastic and metal silos of various capacities and grain bags are being offered at subsidized prices by World Food Program to curtail post-harvest losses at the household level. Additionally, the farmers that were profiled by Mobipay in Bugaya ACE in Buyende district participated in the Mobipay/Feed the Future (FtF) Commodity Production and Marketing Activity (CPMA)’s loan recovery pilot. When financial institutions are willing to lend to smallholder farmers, they usually charge high interest rates to mitigate the increased risk that farmers tend to present. The pilot will use the Digital Financial Service technology and a buyer/off-taker module to test a concept of loan recovery to build confidence in financial institutions working with smallholder farmers.
MobiPay was previously contracted in July 2015 to map and profile 5,000 farmers with the purpose of linking them to Uganda Development Bank (UDB) to apply for agro-input loans and services at very low interest rates (12-14% per annum). This service, however, was suspended by UDB. Mobipay audited and updated the information for 5,000 farmers (45% male; 55% female), which was assessed in August and September 2015. Total information for these farmers reflects 4,656 gardens that occupy 72,383 acres. The individual profiles can now be accessed on their web platform and show information such as area and location of each farmer’s garden, bio- data on the farmer, crops and area planted with each crop, land management techniques, inputs used, other livestock and agricultural activities, and expenses incurred. A sample profile is below:
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19 Two groups – Ndifakulya Kapyanga Farmers Cooperative Society in Bugiri and Simuntu Farmers Group in Luuka District – have registered with AgroWays as depositors in the Warehouse Receipt System (WRS). These groups are expected to store their maize from the upcoming harvest with AgroWays, which will allow them to keep their produce safely and sell at a later time when market prices are generally more favorable.
The UVAMA Communications Specialist completed the blueprint design of the AgroWays website during the April – June 2016 period (http://wizimera.com/agroways/), and she will continue to work with AgroWays management to gather necessary content through the next quarter so that the website is fully operational by the end of September 2016. The purpose of this website is to showcase the services that AgroWays offers, the locations of UVAMA and AgroWays VACs, and updated prices for purchasing maize from farmers/producers.
20 COMPONENT C: DEVELOP MAIZE GERM AND MAIZE BRAN PRODUCTS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION
OVERVIEW
With assistance from UVAMA, Maganjo Grain Millers Ltd. is developing highly nutritious food products made from maize germ and maize bran – by-products of AgroWays’ maize de-germing process. These products will be sold to customers, bakeries, confectioneries, and food security programs. The Alliance has also started to assist Maganjo in marketing and promoting the benefits of the products, and targeting new consumers, including schools, hospitals, and public institutions.
UVAMA’s work under Component C contributes to the USAID Feed the Future (FtF) objectives of improved access to and availability of food in Uganda. Through the support UVAMA provides to Maganjo, the project seeks to make more nutritious food accessible to low- and middle- income Ugandans.
TASK 1: AGROWAYS ESTABLISHES AN ALLIANCE WITH MAGANJO GRAIN MILLERS TO SUPPORT PRODUCTION OF MAIZE GERM AND MAIZE BRAN PRODUCTS
In order to avoid contamination of maize bran and maize germ along the supply chain from AgroWays to Maganjo, the UVAMA Food Scientist, a professor at Makerere University, will assist both AgroWays and Maganjo in developing food safety guidelines and training both partners on how maize bran and maize germ should be handled from AgroWays through intake at Maganjo once the de-germer line is fully commissioned in July 2016. AgroWays and Maganjo have already entered into a buyer/supplier agreement in which Maganjo will be given first priority to purchase the maize bran and maize germ, as well as maize grain, from AgroWays.
TASK 2: SUPPORT PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT OF MAIZE GERM AND MAIZE BRAN PRODUCTS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION
Several food products – maize bran flour, high fiber bread, maize bran cookies, bran flakes, and flavored and non-flavored bran sticks – have undergone sensory tests. Further tests will be done in the July-September quarter after the AgroWays de-germer line is fully operational and can produce clean maize germ and maize bran.
The Food Scientist has developed a food hygiene and safety training program for AgroWays and Maganjo at each of their sites, and AgroWays has suggested that the trainings begin in July 2016. These trainings will include information on benchmark standards for food production, regulations, consumer demands, industry best practices, and preparation for inspectors. This training program will ensure that the whole process of maize bran and germ production – and all subsequent value-added products – are compliant with industry standards and provide safe and healthy products to consumers. The Food Scientist continues to develop food safety protocols with Maganjo. Once the de-germer line is operational, it may be necessary to alter or edit these protocols accordingly. The official launch of Maganjo’s maize bran and maize germ products has been delayed because
21 UNBS has not yet issued Maganjo a certificate for its processing facility, products produced, and production staff. The resolution of this matter is ongoing.
The UVAMA Communications Specialist has created a basic design of the Maganjo website (www.maganjograinmillers.co.ug) and is working with Maganjo to complete it during the July-September 2016 period. This website will showcase all of Maganjo’s products - including the UVAMA-developed products - to increase consumer awareness, explain their nutritional value, and provide market prices. Consumers will also be able to order products directly from this website. The Communications Specialist continues to work on TV and radio concepts to explain the nutritional benefits and to promote the consumption of Maganjo maize bran and maize germ products. The commercials will be aired in the next quarter.
To fund additional investments, UVAMA assisted Maganjo in submitting a value-addition project proposal to the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) for a possible $100,000 matching grant for its complete food extrusion production line. Maganjo is still awaiting a response. UVAMA is also considering co-financing the complete food extrusion production line that can be used to produce the value-added products that UVAMA has assisted Maganjo in developing.
22 JUL-SEP 2016 PLANNED ACTIVITIES Task Activity Timeline Responsible Parties Component A: Expand Access for Smallholders in Busoga Region to New Higher Value Market Segment Task 1: Facilitate Access to New Investment in Maize Value Addition and Towards Corn Syrup Production
Complete warehouse #4 at Jinja GBC, complete installation and commissioning of de-germer mill at A.1.a AgroWays' GBC in Jinja Jul – Dec 2016 AgroWays Complete installation and commissioning of another A.1.b cleaning and drying line at AgroWays' GBC in Jinja Jul - Sep 2016 AgroWays Testing of maize germ and bran as a result of de-germing A.1.c process Jul – Sep 2016 AgroWays and Maganjo A.1.d Complete Mbarara GBC floor, install and commission –Sep - Dec 2016 AgroWays the cleaning drying plant and the grits making equipment A.1.e Establish a 500kVA Power House at the Mbarara GBC Jul - Sep 2016 AgroWays (early July) Task 2: Expand AgroWays’ Grain Handling and Storage Capacity and Establish Three VACs A.2.a Officially launch UVAMA grantees' VACs and July – Dec 2016 CARANA, AgroWays, Maganjo AgroWays’ de-germer line A.2.b Explore the possibility of renting a store in Ishongororo for Ongoing AgroWays and CARANA trained farmers to aggregate maize A.2.c Install one grain storage silo of 2,600 MT; install Oct – Dec 2016 AgroWays extensions to existing silos (10,400 MT) A.2.d Install the 2,400MT silos with 375MT holding bins at the Jul - Oct 2016 AgroWays Mbarara GBC A.2.e Modify the (old) Alvan Blanch dryer intake and cleaning July 2016 – AgroWays line at AgroWays Jinja GBC and install 250MT wet June 2017 holding bin Task 3: Establish Maize Management and Market Information System A.3.a Register farmers and farmer groups Oct 2015 - CARANA August 2016 A.3.b Reach out to MIS operators to determine network gaps, Ongoing CARANA and how we might address performance monitoring and improve communications A.3.c Send bulk SMS messages Jul & Nov 2016 Grameen A.3.d Produce monthly reports on farmers' usage of the MIS –Aug- Sep 2016 Grameen A.3.e Perform adoption survey of MIS system Jul – Aug 2016 CARANA A.3.f Develop a sustainability plan between AW and Grameen Jul - Sep 2016 Grameen and AgroWays Component B: Increase Saleable Value and Volume of Smallholder-Produced Maize Task 1: Provide Training in Improved Farming and Post-Harvest Handling Practices B.1.a Air radio spot messages in Lusoga and Runyakitara and July & Nov CARANA hold radio talk shows in Lusoga on Maize PHHS 2016 B.1.b Supervise "Follower Farmer" trainings in Maize PHHS July-Aug & Nov CARANA (AFOs) - Dec 2016 B.1.c Identify new farmer groups to benefit and new lead Jul 2016 CARANA, AgroWays farmers for ToT sessions in the sub counties of Gadumire in Kaliro, Namasagali in Kamuli, and Bukoma and Nawampiti in Luuka in Busoga) B.1.d Feature success stories of farmers trained in the media Ongoing CARANA B.1.e Take selected lead farmers to the annual National Jul-16 CARANA Agriculture Show in Jinja
23 Task Activity Timeline Responsible Parties B.1.f Introduce lead farmers trained in Ibanda to the Jinja GBC Jul 2016 CARANA and AgroWays and processing site, and the Mbarara bulking center B.1.m Handover plan of AFOs to AW's payroll Oct - Nov 2016 CARANA and AgroWays Task 2: Promote Mechanized Maize Shelling to Increase Efficiency and Reduce Losses B.2.a Set up a sustainable business plan and financing Nov-16 AgroWays mechanism for long term management of mobilized maize shellers
B.2.b Oversee the development of savings accounts for sheller Ongoing AgroWays operators (through SACCOs, banks, mobile money) Task 3: Build backward linkages through AgroWays’ embedded services to supplier groups B.3.a Maintain maize demo plots at VACs Jul - Nov 2016 AgroWays, CARANA (AFOs) B.3.b Determine usefulness of UVAMA-developed demo plots. Ongoing CARANA (AFOs) Determine demand for seeds and other agrochemicals at B.3.c VACs Ongoing AFOs Set up agro-inputs extension activities at new UVAMA B.3.d VACs Farmer groups B.3.e Assist farmers to acquire genuine agro inputs near them Aug – Sep 2016 AgroWays, CARANA (AFOs) Assist interested farmers groups in forming bigger B.3.f associations Jul – Sep2016 CARANA, ATEFO Assist in the documentation and registration of some farmers associations with local authorities and financial B.3.g institutions Jul – Sep 2016 CARANA, ATEFO B.3.h Support Associations develop business plan and loan Jul - Sep 2016 CARANA, ATEFO requests B.3.i Facilitate loans for farmer associations from financial Jul – Sep 2016 CARANA, ATEFO institutions B.3.j Facilitate associations' use of WRS by linking them with Ongoing AgroWays, CARANA AgroWays B.3.k Train farmer association leaders in Financial Literacy and Jul - Sep 2016 CARANA, ATEFO VSLA strengthening B.3.l Set up a functional AgroWays website Jul - Sep 2016 CARANA, AgroWays Component C: Develop Maize Germ for Human Consumption to Improve Nutritional Outcomes Task 1: Establish an Alliance with Maganjo Grain Millers to Support Production of Maize Germ and Bran Products C.1.a Develop operations behind the supply of germ and bran Jan - Sep 2016 AgroWays to Maganjo Task 2: Support Product Development of Maize Germ and Bran for Human Consumption C.2.a Analyze and test maize germ and maize bran products Jul - Aug 2016 CARANA, Maganjo developed for human consumption C.2.b Design and implement a food hygiene and safety training Jul - Aug 2016 CARANA program for AgroWays and Maganjo at each of their sites C.2.c Develop and roll out new food hygiene and safety Aug - Sep 2016 AgroWays and Maganjo protocols C.2.d Officially launch some of Maganjo’s new products Oct - Nov 2016 CARANA, Maganjo C.2.e Set up a functional website promoting Maganjo's products –Jul - Sep 2016 CARANA, Maganjo C.2.f Assist in developing Maganjo’s new marketing plan for Jul - Sep 2016 Maganjo new nutritious products developed and launched C.2.g Assist in identifying financing solutions to and/ or funding Ongoing CARANA, Maganjo additional Maganjo’s investments C.2.h Air TV commercials and radio spot messages to promote Aug - Nov 2016 CARANA w/ Maganjo the consumption of maize bran and germ products
24 MONITORING AND EVALUATION
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) efforts were implemented according to the project’s M&E Plan. UVAMA collects data on project activities and their impact from a variety of sources, including training attendance lists from Lead Farmers; surveys carried out by MIS operators; partner activity reports from AgroWays, Maganjo, and Grameen; grantee activity reports; ToT workshop reports; maize sheller operator reports; and VAC reports. Data is mainly channeled through the AFOs, who review weekly Lead Farmer reports on Follower Farmer trainings and rates of attendance. Work done by the MIS operators is available on Grameen’s dashboard, while supervisory reviews and site visits allow the project to organize and translate the data into UVAMA’s M&E system and indicator table. All data collection tools have been tailored to the targeted indicator definitions in the project PMP reference sheets.
During this reporting period, both the Project Director and Finance and Administration Manager separately visited and interacted with many Lead Farmers and Follower Farmers in both Busoga region and Western Uganda to physically assess whether the farmers were implementing what has been taught through trainings. They were accompanied by the respective AFOs for the areas. For the most part, farmers had adopted maize GAP techniques, but their crop was largely affected by the dry weather in May and June 2016, reflective of current global climatic conditions.
25 COLLABORATION, LEARNING AND ADAPTING EFFORTS
On April 1, 2016, the UVAMA Project Director attended the monthly Chiefs of Party (COP) meeting. Mr. Jae Song, USAID Special Investigator, informed the meeting that another three investigators would soon arrive to stay in Uganda. The USAID Uganda Education and Research to Improve Climate Change Adaptation Activity gave the main presentation on climate change impacts and the resources required for mitigation and adaptation. At the same time, the USAID Mission narrated the guiding principles for the next CDCS, which emphasized an integrated approach to development, including partnering with others that have more resources.
The Project Director, together with the respective AFOs, attended the District Management Meetings of Mayuge on April 12, 2016, Bugiri on April 13, 2016, Kamwenge on April 21, 2016, and Kamuli on April 28, 2016. UVAMA reported its activities in each of the meetings and received feedback and suggestions. It was recommended that AFOs advise farmers how to mitigate the effects of climate change to avoid losing the bulk of their planted crop. Including more female Lead Farmers in the ToT sessions was also suggested. The Bugiri DMC meeting was attended by a delegation from Dokolo district that came to learn more about DMCs, which are facilitated by USAID.
On May 5, 2016, the Finance and Administration Manager attended Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) workshop on taxation, which focused on how to encourage the informal sector to formalize their businesses.
Both the Project Director and Finance and Administration Manager attended the FtF Market System Monitoring Activity’s Market System Mapping and Measuring Workshop on May 16, 2016, which reviewed how to measure systematic change. It elaborated on maps for supply chain flow and behaviors-relationships-conditions- interventions and system indicators, such as high-level view compared to data available.
On May 24, 2016, the Busoga region AFOs and the Project Director met with officials of Action for Relief and Development (ARD) (formerly ORDS) led by Mr. Joseph Kyegombe, Program Manager, and discussed the possibility of partnering to support farmers in Busoga, particularly where WFP has assisted in constructing stores, such as Buyende, Jinja and Mayuge districts. ARD is now offering a one-day training in PHHS and is supplying subsidized home storage equipment in the region.
The Project Director attended the QED Learning Contract’s event, “Making Integration Work” on June 7, 2016. Dr. Gilles Bergeron was the guest speaker and presented ‘Program Integration in Development.’ The event was intended to collect feedback on USAID’s strategy for 2017-2040.
On June 29, 2016, US Ambassador Deborah R Malac toured AgroWays Jinja GBC facilities, discussed with some farmers their successes and challenges, handed out certificates to selected Lead Farmers who had attended the maize PHHS ToT session from Mbulamuti, and ceremonially handed over VAC equipment (weighing scale, moisture meter, and tarpaulins) to Ms. Alaisa Naisikwe, the Kaliro VAC Manager. The event was covered by 14 media outlets, includingthe press and radio and TV stations.
26 CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES
GENDER
UVAMA continued to encourage female farmers to attend ToT sessions and to take on the Lead Farmer role in their groups, as this approach will increase the transfer of skills to other women, the exposure by women to a female role model, and the familiarity of having women serve as leaders. Having women in these leadership positions allows UVAMA to assist more female farmers because the female leaders can directly relate to them in ways some male leaders may not be able to. Reaching more female farmers allows them to increase their yields, which leads to an increase in income.
During this reporting period, 45% of the Lead Farmers (88 out of 195) who attended the maize Post-Harvest Handling and Storage (PHHS) ToT sessions were women. Also, 36 of the 87 farmers who attended the EAGC Expo in June were women. Although UVAMA continues to encourage female participation, this can lead to jealousy in the rural areas as many men do not want their spouses to participate in trainings or gatherings where they are not present themselves. Nevertheless, 756 new female farmers out of 1,441 farmers (52%) attended the follow-up training sessions during this period.
The Alliance is also targeting women through its MIS and maize shelling activities. This commitment to female empowerment and gender equality is reflected in the composition of the project’s team. Two of the three grantee VACs are managed by women, and women are in charge of 20 of the 62 shellers given out by the project. Six of the 14 active Grameen MIS operators are women. More women and youth Lead Farmers are being sought out for training in the August – December 2016 period. UVAMA will continue with its efforts to promote gender equality and to empower women in agribusiness by encouraging female farmers to attend other UVAMA sponsored activities.
27 ANNEX I: EMMP
UVAMA incorporated the current Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safer User Action Plan (PERSUAP) into its maize training materials. The tracked activities and results against the EMMP are described in the table below.
Mitigation Measure from EMMP Monitoring Method, Frequency Status of Mitigation Outstanding Remarks of Monitoring & Reporting Measure Issues related to Mitigation Measures COMPONENT A: Expand Access for Smallholder Farmers in Busoga Region and Ibanda District to New Higher Value Market Segment
Task 1: Facilitate access to new investment in maize value addition
28 -UVAMA shall incorporate mitigation -Review sub-contract when N/A N/A measures into all construction or prepared; report in that De-germer line rehabilitation sub-contracts as follows: quarter’s Progress Report. installation completed. Maize grits from the de- Construction activities shall not result in the -Site visits at least one time germing process will be pollution of water or land resources; no during construction to ensure sold to Nile Breweries wetlands or waterways shall be filled or safeguards are in place; report and Maganjo Grain otherwise affected to construct the on adequacy of environmental Millers will purchase foundation; all construction material shall be safeguards at the site during some of the maize bran disposed of at a GOU approved location and construction phase in that and maize germ (by- in accordance with regulations; all fill quarter’s Progress Report. products) while other material required for construction shall be by-products will be sold sourced from an approved location; water to poultry and animal conservation measures shall be in place - Review documentation of GOU feeds industries. during the construction process; appropriate approvals obtained and report in erosion control measures and drainage shall There is no excess water that quarter’s Progress Report or solution released in be in place during construction; an air and noise pollution shall be within GOU limits. the de-germing process. All byproducts are sold -UVAMA shall ensure compliance with GOU - Review reuse/recycle plan, site off. environmental regulations, which may visit to check on implementation include, depending on scale, Environmental one time during operation. Maize bran and maize Impact Assessment and Pollution Control Report in that quarter’s Progress germ store together with procedures. Report the de-germer control room are expected to be completed in September 2016. No water source and no wetlands were filled during construction and no water drainage was blocked.
Project Director and/ or Finance and Administration Manager visit sites at least once a month.
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-UVAMA shall ensure that a re-use/recycle plan is in place that conserves water, AgroWays has energy, and other resources, and that constructed a 50,000 describes how disposal of all material is done liter ground concrete in an environmentally sound manner. tanks to harvest rain water from warehouse #4 and the maize bran store. This water is expected to be used in the de-germing process which also requires water.
30 Task 2: Expand AgroWays’ grain handling and storage capacity
-UVAMA shall incorporate mitigation -Review sub-contract when Civil works for installation of N/A N/A measures into all construction or prepared; report in that four (4) silos of 10,400 MT at rehabilitation sub-contracts as follows: quarter’s Progress Report. AgroWays GBC in Jinja completed. Two of the four Construction activities shall not result in the -Site visits at least one time new silos are currently being pollution of water or land resources; no during construction to ensure used. Installation of the 3rd wetlands or waterways shall be filled or safeguards are in place; report silo commence in April 2016 otherwise affected to construct the on adequacy of environmental and will be completed in foundation; all construction material shall be safeguards at the site during August 2016. No water disposed of at a GOU approved location and construction phase in that source or wetland were in accordance with regulations; all fill quarter’s Progress Report. filled and no drainage was material required for construction shall be blocked. sourced from an approved location; water conservation measures shall be in place - Review documentation of All 3 grantees’ VACs were during the construction process; appropriate approvals obtained and report in constructed on dry and erosion control measures and drainage shall that quarter’s Progress Report sloping land. No water be in place during construction; an air and noise pollution shall be within GOU limits. drainage blocked and construction did not -UVAMA shall ensure compliance with GOU -Review reuse/recycle plan, site increase water run-off at environmental regulations, which may visit to check on implementation the sites. VACs are fitted include, depending on scale, Environmental one time during operation. with ridges and farmer Impact Assessment and Pollution Control Report in that quarter’s Progress groups can harness rain procedures. Report water by connecting to the ridges and directing it into -UVAMA shall ensure that a re-use/recycle water tanks. Currently plan is in place that conserves water, this water is directed in energy, and other resources, and that soak pits which were describes how disposal of all material is done constructed in June 2016. in an environmentally sound manner.
Project Director and/ or Finance and Administration Manager visits sites at least once a month.
31 Component B: Increase Saleable Value and Volume of Smallholder-Produced Maize
Task 1: Provide training in improved farming and post-harvest handling practices
UVAMA shall incorporate a discussion of Review training curricula, radio Maize Agronomy and Farming N/A N/A mitigation of environmental impacts of scripts, printed material when as a Business ToT sessions and agricultural production in trainings, radio prepared; attend courses as radio talk shows in February shows, and printed material, in particular, necessary; report on in that – March 2016 included safe use of approved pesticides. information on conservation agriculture and quarter’s Progress Report discouraging conversion of natural Training curriculum ecosystems to agriculture; for trainings, includes the conditions of radios shows, and printed material that and info on PERSUAP. include fertilizer use, UVAMA shall include fertilizer best practices (See Attachment C); Training materials, for trainings, radio shows, and printed including Manuals and material that include use of pesticides, Pictorials are in UVAMA shall comply with UVAMA SUAP to be compliance. completed by 30 November 2015. Approved Pesticides Facts Booklet also circulated to lead farmers.
ToT sessions conducted by S/AFOs.
32 Task 3: Build backward linkages through AgroWays’ embedded services to supplier groups
-UVAMA shall ensure that demo plots are -Site visit to proposed demo plot Grantees’ and AgroWays’ N/A N/A located on land where agriculture is already one time prior to beginning VAC demo plots were established, and no natural areas shall be demo plantings, report on when planted with Longe 10H disturbed to establish the plot. site visit takes place maize in this quarter.
-UVAMA shall not promote GMOs and any -Review documentation of no Project does not promote activities involving promotion of GMOs shall GMOs; monitor and report on one GMOs. be subject to USAID biosafety review and time prior to planting at demo approval, as well as host country review and site S/AFO and AFOs visited approval before being introduced. UVAMA supported farmers -Review TA provided. Report and urged them to protect -UVAMA shall sensitize farmers by providing annually in Progress Report. the environment using technical assistance in conservation conservation agriculture. agriculture to promote environmental -Inspect demo site twice/year; They advised the farmers protection at the farm level. report in the quarter training to use only the occurs recommended pesticides -At demo plots, pesticide use shall be in -Inspect demo site twice/year; and fertilizers as well as compliance with the UVAMA SUAP to be spoke on the recommended completed by 30 November 2015. report in the quarter training occurs application practices. -Fertilizers shall be used in accordance with best practices in the Fertilizer Fact Sheet (Attachment C).
UVAMA shall train extension services to Review curricula, attend AFOs and lead N/A N/A support pesticide use in compliance with the trainings, as needed; report farmers were trained and UVAMA SUAP completed in when training given guidelines during the November 2015; and to promote fertilizers in occurs February – March 2016 Maize conjunction with best use practices (Annex Agronomy and Farming as a Business ToT sessions as B). well as in the PHHS sessions during May – June 2016.
33 -UVAMA assistance to acquire ago-inputs Monitor documentation that Presently the AFOs N/A N/A shall not be provided to obtain GMOs and any shows compliance quarterly, and recommend farmers to activities involving promotion of GMOs shall report on in annual statement in acquire agro-inputs from be subject to USAID biosafety review and the end of year Progress Report only UNADA members. UNADA does not promote approval, as well as host country review and GMOs. approval before being introduced. S/AFOs and AFOs only -UVAMA assistance to obtain agro-inputs shall promote use of DAP, UREA be in compliance with the UVAMA SUAP to be and NPK in maize growing. completed by 30 November 2015; and shall promote fertilizer use only in accordance with best practices, (Attachment C, Fertilizer Fact Sheet).
M & E System
UVAMA shall ensure all activities are in -Review documentation of All activities are in N/A N/A compliance with GoU regulations approvals obtained and report in compliance with GoU (environmental, zoning, pollution control, that quarter’s Progress Report regulations. labor).
UVAMA shall review each WP against the IEE Review documentation showing 2016 work plan was N/A N/A to ensure planned activities are included in screening of WP against the IEE; reviewed against the IEE the IEE; and if additional activities not report annually at the time of and was approved in described in the IEE are added to this WP development. January 2016 by USAID. program, an amended IEE must be prepared and approved before any funds can be obligated.
34 ANNEX II: PROJECT SUCCESS STORIES THAT ATTRACTED MEDIA ATTENTION
Nelima Undertakes Commercial Farming with Her Stepson
Ms. Justine Nelima is a 48-year old widow with five children. She is a resident of Butasa village, Buyende Sub County in Buyende district and is currently undertaking commercial farming with her stepson, Vincent Muteema, who is 46 years old.
She is among the 15 members from the Bwavu Mpologoma group who had the opportunity to be trained by the Uganda Value-Added Maize Alliance (UVAMA). Over the course of two weeks, the attending farmers learned about land preparation, maize marketing, storage, and post-harvest handling.
After implementing these practices, Mr. Muteema says that their family has been able to see improvements in their garden as a result of the UVAMA-led trainings. Nelima bought a plot of land and a four-room house in Mbwiko with the additional income received by selling the surplus maize she harvested from higher yields.
In the past, the family would plant maize without much thought. The harvest was small because the soil Nelima tending to her garden with her stepson in Butasa Village, Buyende district had lost fertility; at that time, they didn’t know the correct fertilizers to use since most of the fertilizers on the market were fake. Because of UVAMA trainings, they have learned and applied GAP techniques and have trained 22 other farmers in the area on maize agronomy, ‘Farming as a Business,’ and post-harvest handling and storage with the hopes that their neighbors can be as successful as they are.
35 ANNEX III: EAGC REGIONAL GRAIN
SECTOR NEWS ARTICLE
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