The French Ambassador to Uganda, Xavier Sticker, has announced that France is committing sh200b to support agriculture in Uganda, with a special focus on smallholder farmers in the Karamoja sub-region.
Sticker revealed that the funds will be accessed through selected banks, which will lend to farmers at affordable interest rates.
He noted that France will soon sign memoranda of understanding with the respective institutions.
Sticker said once all administrative procedures are complete, the money will be available to support agricultural activities.
“France expects smallholder farmers to make use of the funds profitably,” he emphasised.
Land regeneration
Sticker made these remarks on Monday, while monitoring and evaluating embassy-funded projects in Nakapiripirit and Amudat districts.
The intervention is part of a broader initiative titled; Improving Food Security and Nutrition of Vulnerable Communities in the Karamoja Sub-region, which was launched in 2018.
Earlier in the day, the ambassador visited several farmer groups in Nadipu parish, Tokora sub-county.
He also toured Tokora Primary School gardens and visited the home of Zaccheaus Sagal to inspect a functioning biogas digester system in the area.
The ambassador reiterated France’s commitment to addressing the concerns of farmers.
He said the new funding will improve food security and also support land regeneration efforts, such as excavating water channels to restore soil fertility.
“We expect farmers to acquire adequate knowledge on better agricultural practices,” he said, noting that part of the fund will be dedicated to farmer training.
Sticker expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far.
“Households can now access clean energy by use of biogas,” he noted, describing the overall results as successful.
Sustainability question
However, Nakapiripirit chief administrative officer, Lawrence Wadada, raised concerns about the sustainability of the intervention.
“How do we ensure that there is continuity following the withdrawal of the embassy in the future?” he asked.
Wadada stressed the importance of active involvement by both the sub-county and district local governments to ensure sustainability.
Wadada, the chief administrative officer, commended the French Embassy for its timely support to farmers and households in the selected sub-counties.
Beneficiaries speakout
James Aleper, a vegetable farmer from Nakwat village, said the initiative equipped him with skills in vegetable cultivation.
“I grow collards, eggplants, sour berries, onions and tomatoes,” he said, adding that the project has improved his family’s nutrition and income.
“The family feeds on the greens and the excess is sold for income. Issues of malnutrition have greatly reduced in my family.”
Another beneficiary, Rose Lokol, shared how the project improved her family’s wellbeing.
“I could move with children from clinic to clinic,” she said, adding that mounting debts previously hindered her from accessing medical care.
She praised the French Embassy for uplifting living standards in the community
LEAD PHOTO CAPTION: Sticker (second-right) looks at a biogas digester at Zaccheaus Sagal’s home during his visit to embassy-funded projects in Tokora sub-county, Nakapiripirit district. (Photo by Olandason Wanyama)
