The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) is spearheading a national effort to revolutionize oilseed production in Uganda.
Through the 7-year National Oilseeds Project (NOSP), funded by International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) and Opec Fund for International Development (OFID) loans, the government aims to transform rural areas through sustainable oilseed development.
MAAIF’s two-day Financial Literacy training at Source of the Nile Hotel in Jinja (April 24-25, 2025) equipped local farmers with strategies to improve oilseed productivity through modern farming practices and quality standards.”
The Ministry in collaboration with NOSP educated Community Development Officers (CDOs), Commercial Officers, and managers of farmer groups in Busoga as part of a nationwide initiative to promote oilseed production and support rural development.
Mr. Grifas Opio, a financial specialist at NOSP stated that the project also aims to commercialize key oilseed value chains, improve livelihoods and resilience of smallholder farmers.
According to him, 81 districts across 6 hubs will benefit. 120,000 smallholder households will be clustered and supported. Women, men, and youth would receive equal focus.
Two key components: oilseed value chain development and market linkage infrastructure. “We are looking at increasing production of oilseeds and establishing market linkages through constructing roads in several areas where our farmers are located,” Mr. Opio said.
Among the project’s long-term goals is reducing trade deficit through increased exports, improve foreign exchange and smallholder wealth and replicate successful strategies in the livestock industry.
Mr. Patrick Kawanguzi led a session on risk management for oilseed farmers, highlighting its importance for sustainability and profitability. He identified various types of risks, including climatic, economic, biological, and institutional, and outlined a five-step process to manage them.
This process involves identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks, developing management strategies, building resilience, and ongoing monitoring and review. Mr. Kawanguzi also provided examples of specific risks, such as weather-related events, pests, diseases, and market fluctuations.
Mr. Geoffrey Nkulunziza, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Jinja district, closed the two-day training session by commending the informative and constructive education on financial literacy. He expressed optimism that the Busoga region, known for its productivity, would greatly benefit from embracing oilseed production, which offers both commercial and consumption value.
Mr. Nkulunziza urged the change agents to model exemplary financial discipline, emphasizing the importance of wise saving and investment practices. As he noted, “Let’s learn to save wisely,” highlighting the need for better financial habits, especially given that many participants might be struggling with loan repayments, deducting 50% of their salaries.
Shakira Naigaga, a Community Development Officer (CDO) of Bulamagi subcounty in Iganga district, emphasized the importance of having a clear vision for local farmers. She noted that many farmers lack specific goals and objectives, which can impact their focus on projects.
Naigaga said, “We have educated farmers on the importance of having an intended vision in any project they undertake.”
The training covered financial disciplines, including proper budgeting, savings, and investment, and expressed her commitment to sharing this knowledge with local farmers in her area.
Mr. Kyampa Lubanga, the Bugweri District Commercial Officer, emphasized the importance of retirement planning, noting that it’s essential for both civil servants and farmers. He highlighted the plight of many farmers who continue working with hand hoes well into old age due to lack of planning.
“I have learned the value of planning for retirement, regardless of one’s profession,” he said.
Mr. Lubanga pledged to share this knowledge with local farmers in Bugweri district, encouraging his colleagues to do the same and not hoard the information gained.
