Oikocredit’s Post

Ag Ploutos and GIZ Uganda are joining forces in Uganda to equip smallholder farmers and cooperatives with climate-smart solutions for a more resilient future. Our partnership aims to: 1️⃣ Training village agents: Empowering local experts to disseminate climate-smart technologies for maize and cattle production. 2️⃣ Disseminating climate-smart innovations: Introducing sustainable practices to enhance resilience and productivity. 3️⃣ Facilitating access to climate-smart innovations: Connecting farmers with resources and markets to boost incomes. 4️⃣ Securing off-taker agreements: Ensuring reliable market access for both cattle and crop farmers. 5️⃣ Promoting value-added byproducts: Maximizing the potential of maize and cattle value chains. 6️⃣ Incubating youth and women-led businesses: Fostering entrepreneurship and job creation in rural communities. 7️⃣ Creating rural employment: Generating 1200 jobs along the agricultural value chain. We believe that by harnessing the power of climate-smart agriculture, we can build a more sustainable and prosperous future for Uganda's agricultural sector. This partnership represents a significant step forward in our mission to empower farmers and foster economic growth. #AgPloutos #GIZ #Uganda #ClimateSmartAgriculture #SmallholderFarmers #Sustainability #Resilience #Innovation #Partnership #Agriculture #Empowerment #RuralDevelopment #JobCreation #ValueChains #Maize #Cattle #AgroPastoralism #YouthEmpowerment #WomenEmpowerment #SustainableDevelopmentGoals

🌾 Celebrating Value Chains and Farmers’ Day in Zambia 🌾 As Farmers’ Day approaches in Zambia, it’s essential to reflect on the significance of value chains in our agricultural sector. From the hardworking farmers who plant and harvest crops, to the intricate processes that bring food to our tables, every step in the value chain plays a critical role in sustaining our communities and economy. 👩🌾👩🏾🌾 The Heart of Agriculture 👩🌾👩🏾🌾 Farmers are the backbone of our nation. Their dedication and resilience ensure that we have access to fresh, nutritious produce. By supporting them, we foster growth, innovation, and sustainability in agriculture. 🚜 Building Strong Value Chains 🚜 A robust value chain not only enhances productivity but also ensures that every stakeholder, from farmers to consumers, benefits. Efficient transportation, fair pricing, and modern technology are vital in creating a seamless flow from farm to fork. 🌍 Why It Matters 🌍 • Economic Growth: Strengthening value chains boosts local economies, providing jobs and improving livelihoods. • Food Security: Ensuring a steady supply of food reduces hunger and malnutrition. • Sustainable Practices: Promoting eco-friendly farming and processing methods protects our environment for future generations. #ValueChains #Agriculture #Sustainability #Zambia #SupportFarmers #EconomicGrowth #FoodSecurity

Encouraging Agrarian Women: She Farms Africa's First Town Hall Wonderful updates from She Farms Africa! Our inaugural community gathering with rural farmers was conducted recently, and it was an amazing event full of thought-provoking conversations and mutual learning. The meeting's highlights were: 1. Eco-Friendly Agriculture Methods: We delved into specific techniques such as organic farming, crop rotation, and water conservation. These methods, among others, were discussed as creative ways to protect the environment and increase crop production. Farmers were enthusiastic about implementing these techniques that offered increased sustainability and production. 2. Market Access: One of the main discussion topics, which holds great potential for improving your livelihoods and expanding your reach, was how to increase access to domestic and foreign markets. We discussed ways to link growers and consumers and guarantee fair prices for your produce. 3. Financial Literacy: Educating farmers about investment alternatives and money management is critical. We discussed specific savings plans like the 'Susu' system and micro-lending options like 'Esusu'. We also explored how to expand; they reinvest in their crops, including diversifying income sources and managing cash flow. 4.Community Building: One of the main objectives was to fortify the ties among farmers. We discussed how to create a helpful group of people who can exchange information, skills, and experiences. Why This Is Important At She Farms Africa, the foundation of sustainable agricultural development is the empowerment of rural farmers. By giving them the resources, information, and assistance they require, we improve their standard of living while simultaneously promoting food security and economic expansion in Nigeria. Our Next Actions: We're determined to keep talking to our rural communities. This was only the start of the meeting. To fulfil our common objectives, we will not stop cooperating, developing, and learning. We are here for you, every step of the way, committed to your success. Many thanks to every farmer who took part and shared their insightful observations. One farm at a time, we are changing the world together. #SheFarmsAfrica #RuralDevelopment #SustainableAgriculture #CommunityEmpowerment #FarmersFirst #Agribusiness #FoodSecurity #EconomicGrowth

🌱🌍 Exciting News in Agricultural Development! 🌍🌱 Since 2019, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) in Uganda, spearheading the National Oil Palm Project, has been leading a remarkable journey towards inclusive rural transformation through oil palm production across Uganda. Embarking on this transformative mission, MAAIF initially focused its efforts in the Kalangala region, catalyzing change through the Vegetable Oil Development Project phases I and II. Witnessing the success and impact in Kalangala, the project has now set its sights on expanding its reach to other vital hubs such as Buvuma, Mayuge, and Masaka. What's truly inspiring about this initiative is its commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. With a visionary approach, MAAIF secured a substantial USD 75.8 million loan from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). This funding isn't just about numbers; it's about creating meaningful opportunities for the community. The aim? To positively impact over 30,000 beneficiary households, with a deliberate focus on uplifting women (30%) and youth (40%). This isn't just about agriculture; it's about catalyzing holistic change, fostering economic empowerment, and paving the way for a brighter future for Uganda's rural communities. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to sow the seeds of progress and prosperity across Uganda! 🌟🌿 #AgriculturalDevelopment #InclusiveGrowth #CommunityEmpowerment #MAAIF #IFAD #UgandaGrowth #Sustainability

Agriculture is a cornerstone of the global economy. With the world’s population continuing to grow the demand for food will only go up. The African Development Bank reports that Africa’s agriculture sector valued at $280 billion annually in 2023 is expected to reach $1 trillion by 2030. This is a call to all Investors. Because by simply Investing in agriculture you get to diversify your portfolio while yielding consistent returns. Also, there is a bigger picture. It’s not just about financial gain, It's about Ethical Investing. You become a part of a grand plan to ensure food security, poverty reduction and economic development. In Agriculture, you can invest In many ways: 1. Value Addition - Transforming basic agricultural products into higher-value items. 2. Input Sales - Like what we do. Selling high-quality hybrid seeds at affordable prices to subsistence farmers. At Zamseed Tanzania we say "It's time you rethink about Agricultural Investment in Africa." #zamseedtanzania #goodseed #pureseed

In this compelling and interactive short informative documentary, ESAFF (Eastern and Southern Africa Small-Scale Farmers' Forum) takes you back to the genesis of Africa's #Agriculture sector sector which was destroyed by the structural adjustment programs (SAPs) which required African governments not to support agriculture sector and other public sector which led to worse food insecurity, more poverty, hunger social chaos in the continent. The Maputo Declaration on Agriculture in 2005 was an attempt to salvage the situation. It called for #10% of the national budget to be allocated to agriculture sector within 5 years. By 2008 handful had been achieved. And during the Malabo Declaration in 2014, Africa did not strongly put rural Transformation at the centre. This video reminds policy makers and law makers on the game changer policies and investment that could spur African agriculture to another level in the next decade. Towards the new AU #CAADP Kampala Declaration 2025, Smallholder Farmers are calling and demand for 3 game changer approaches to transform agriculture through rural Transformation... 1. Demand for Quality Rural Financing (for Good governance, rural electricity, quality rural roads, irrigation access water, quality education, ICT, market, better extension services) to make rural areas center of Agri-food Systems in Africa that could lead to quality, dignified happy prosperous rural life. 2. Call for Decentralization of the CAADP to rural areas to increase ownership to those who matters most so they can hold decision makers into account through social accountability. 3. Call for the ratification of the Kampala Declaration by parliaments at RECs and national level to give it legal mandate for financing and fully implementation That is the agriculture we want. Watch the full documentary here: https://lnkd.in/dzHg5Z9R

At Wuntira Agribusiness Ventures - WAV one of our key goals as a youth-led social enterprise is capacitating and encouraging the youth to start taking the centre stage in the food production value chain. Non-youth has been running the affairs of global food production process, Africa most especially. The average age of a farmer in Ghana is 55yrs, hence the gap between the non-youth and youth in the farming value chain is wide, and efforts must be instate to encourage and engage youth participation in food production practices, to ensure and enhance food security, create employment opportunities, mitigate hunger and effects of global climate change, respectively. Thus, the efforts instating by WAV and #gsa as implementation partners in the execution of the Shea Business Empowerment Program (SBEP). #youthinagriculture #foodsecurity #youthemployment #sdgs #agriculture #agribusiness #youthempowerment

🌍 Reflecting on my Recent Advisory Trip to Northern Mozambique: The Power of "DESMAMAR" 👉 I recently returned from an eye-opening 10-day journey to northern Mozambique, where the word that resonates in my mind, echoed by numerous stakeholders, is "DESMAMAR" - the Portuguese term for gradually weaning a baby off its mother's milk. 👉 But what does "DESMAMAR" have to do with my agricultural work at Helvetas? 👉 In Mozambique, this term is used to describe the effects of provision of free or subsidized products like pesticides, seeds, and fertilizers to small-scale farmers. While this may initially seem beneficial, it often creates dependencies and distorts the market, leading to eventual market destruction. 👉 That's why the Promoting Sustainable Agricultural Market System (PROMAS) project, jointly led by Helvetas and DAI, takes a different approach. Instead of simply distributing products, we collaborate with the private sector and government to build a functioning market system that provides necessary resources to impoverished small-scale farmers and connects them to viable markets for their products. 👉 Our work aligns with the Market Systems Development Approach #MSD, which recognizes the complexity of markets and addresses the root causes of poverty. It goes beyond temporary fixes, aiming for sustainable changes that empower communities and foster market-driven economic growth. 👉In the pursuit of poverty alleviation, we believe in empowering farmers, helping them grow their businesses, and nurturing resilient market systems that benefit all stakeholders. By focusing on systemic change, we can break the cycle of dependency and unlock the potential for long-lasting transformation. 🌟 Together, through collaborative efforts, we can create a sustainable and inclusive market system that enables communities in Mozambique and beyond to thrive.

Farmer's Day Celebration - December 1st. Yesterday, December was Farmers day celebration in Ghana. I took time to reflect hence the 1 day gap in my post. People that know me in the work l do at Access View Africa, know of my passion for Agricultire and Agribusiness in general, so for me there is no special day, everyday is their day because we eat everyday. However, let's talk of Farmers day please 🙏🏾 This is my 15th year in Ghana and every December 1st, we celebrate our Farmers that toil our very rich fertile soil for food to feed the nation. What has changed from last 15years? What is the difference between Farmers day prior to the introduction of planting for food and Job policy in Ghana to date. Regrettably nothing! Simply put, agriculture is the foundation for the impactful growth that we long to see in our various countries in Africa. I was happy to see that Ghana acknowledges this fact, to set aside a day to mark the celebration of this noble profession, but we should go beyond celebrating them and have a call to action to ensure we raise our subsistence level of farming to commercial agriculture that applies modern smart agri technology and scale up our farming to achieve the desired outcomes of feeding our nation and reducing our imports significantly. We have to be intentional in getting our countries to refocus on agriculture, support our farmers for smart farming, in a way that we achieve real import substitution that will enable us stabilise our various African currencies. We have today neglected and failed our farmers in supporting them to evolve with the modern agricultural practices and techniques that when implemented, will indeed begin to close the huge gap that currently exists when compared with developed countries. At Access View Africa, we support and enable agribusinesses from farm, through processing. Working with our various investment partners, we push capacity building, organic input supplies, value addition /processing, export discounting and access to market. Being intentional is the key as we talk about supporting our farmers. We want to make sure that by the next Farmer's day in 2024, we shall be counting our successes in this area. We appreciate our farmers and all those who work in the space to support and improve their work. We look forward to a great year ahead in this regard. God bless our farmers and Africa at large🙏🏾 🙏🏾 #happyfarmersday #foodsecurity #sustainableagriculture #impactinvestment #agribusiness #sdggoals #farmerssupport #farmersfirst