EAGC’s Uganda Agribusiness Expo Steers Sustainable Agriculture and Economic Growth

[Masindi, Uganda - 28th June 2024] - The Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC), in partnership with Masindi District, TradeMark Africa (TMA) through its USAID-funded Economic Recovery and Reform Activity (USAID-ERRA) program, the World Food Programme (WFP) Uganda, and Danida Green Business Partnerships (DGBP), has today championed sustainability of food systems in Uganda and climate-smart agriculture for inclusive trade and wealth creation at its 12th annual agribusiness expo hosted at Masindi Demonstration Centre.

This year's expo comes at an opportune time when farmers in Masindi are gearing up for the next harvesting season in July, making it a crucial period for learning and implementing post-harvest handling and management. EAGC has also expanded its horizon, attracting farmers from regions such as the Bunyoro-Kitara subregion, West Nile, Teso, Acholi, and Lango subregion. This broad participation demonstrates Uganda's growing interest and commitment to sustainable agriculture. The expo featured crop and livestock demonstration units, an exhibition arena, a machinery display, B2B meetings, and farmers' training sessions.

In his remarks on behalf of EAGC's Executive Director, Paul Ochuna, EAGC Country Manager Uganda, highlighted that "adopting climate-smart technologies and sustainable agricultural practices is not just a necessity but a catalyst for economic growth and food security in our region. This year's expo is a testament to our commitment to empowering farmers with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in an ever-changing environment."

Advanced agricultural technologies were showcased to empower farmers to achieve greater productivity and sustainability. Irrigation systems were demonstrated, offering solutions to optimize water usage and ensure crops receive adequate moisture, even during dry spells. Mechanization was also a key focus, with various machinery on display designed to reduce labor-intensive tasks, improve efficiency, and increase yield. Improved seed varieties were showcased, promising higher resistance to pests and diseases and better adaptability to changing climate conditions. Additionally, advancements in animal nutrition were presented, emphasizing the importance of balanced diets to enhance livestock health and productivity.

Speaking at the expo, TMA's Country Director, Uganda, Anna Nambooze, remarked, "At TradeMark Africa, we continue to foster economic resilience in collaboration with EAGC. The ongoing project to strengthen the competitiveness of staple food value chains in East Africa will address challenges contributing to reduced cross-border trade, production deficits, and postharvest losses that threaten the region's food security."

The Country Director for the World Food Programme Uganda stated, "The World Food Programme is proud to be part of this initiative aimed at strengthening food systems and promoting climate-smart agriculture. With our joint efforts, we will work towards enhancing nutrition in women and children, supporting smallholder farmers in improving productivity and reducing losses, and helping communities prepare for and cope with climate-related shocks."

Thirty companies took up exhibition stands to create awareness, train, and sell climate-smart technologies and innovations to over 3,000 farmers. Looking ahead, EAGC and its partners remain committed to supporting farmers and stakeholders in the agricultural value chain to embrace innovations that promote sustainability and economic growth. EAGC is scheduled to host another agribusiness expo in central Uganda at NACRI on August 22nd & 23rd, where farmers will benefit from the technologies and innovations that over 40 exhibiting companies will showcase. Contact us to showcase your services and products at our upcoming expo.