Despite the importance of seeds in determining crop yields, many farmers struggle to obtain reliable, disease-resistant, and climate-tolerant varieties.
This challenge was highlighted by a panelist during the TechnoServe Uganda Horticulture Convention, themed “Building an Inclusive Horticulture Sector through Innovation and Collaboration.”
The convention is part of the Horticulture Market Acceleration Program (HortiMAP), a four-year initiative (2020-2024) funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (EKN) in Uganda.
This program has played a role in reducing poverty, improving food and nutrition security, and creating jobs by promoting an inclusive and competitive horticulture sector.
Tumwebaze, a cabbage farmer, who was impacted by the program said that TechnoServe linked him to extension workers and built his capacity in soil testing, which greatly improved his livelihood.
Key takeaways from the convention include:
Technology can be expensive, but it’s a worthwhile investment.
Quality and branding are crucial for horticulture exports.
Farmers benefit from working in groups, which can also facilitate self-financing through SACCOs, as funding opportunities often favor organized groups.
Mindset change is essential, with a focus on growing exportable agricultural produce.
Consistency in supply of quality inputs is key.
As donors pull out, NGOs need to explore alternative funding sources to ensure sustainability.