SEATINI Uganda Launches Maize Value Chain Project in Amuru and Gulu.
GULU CITY, Uganda—SEATINI Uganda has started a six-month project called "Strengthening the Maize Value Chain Compliance and Competitiveness in Amuru (Elegu Market) and Gulu." SEATINI is working with local government and farmer groups in Amuru and Gulu districts.
The project examines the entire maize value chain, including farmers, input dealers, technocrats, and produce dealers. Jane Nalunga, the executive director of SEATINI Uganda, spoke at the project launch in Gulu City on Friday. She said there are big concerns about maize quality, and farmers face challenges meeting market demand standards.
SEATINI will train farmers as part of the project. They will work with two sub-counties to pass by-laws and other measures. The goal is to improve maize quality and market access.
Amuru Resident District Commissioner Osborn Oceng praised the initiative. He said it will address cross-border agriculture issues between Uganda and South Sudan, support farmers, and boost opportunities in both districts. Oceng urged SEATINI and partner Trade Mark East Africa to help improve market infrastructure at the Elegu border, which would ease goods production and sales.
Gulu district vice chairperson Vicky Atim encouraged farmers to form groups. This would make it easier to support them. Amuru district farmer Patrick Okwong mentioned challenges with storage facilities. Rain sometimes damages produce, making it difficult to sell.
Trade Mark East Africa is supporting the project. In 2023, South Sudan seized 17,000 tonnes of maize and wheat from Uganda due to high aflatoxin levels.
GULU CITY, Uganda—SEATINI Uganda has started a six-month project called "Strengthening the Maize Value Chain Compliance and Competitiveness in Amuru (Elegu Market) and Gulu." SEATINI is working with local government and farmer groups in Amuru and Gulu districts.
The project examines the entire maize value chain, including farmers, input dealers, technocrats, and produce dealers. Jane Nalunga, the executive director of SEATINI Uganda, spoke at the project launch in Gulu City on Friday. She said there are big concerns about maize quality, and farmers face challenges meeting market demand standards.
SEATINI will train farmers as part of the project. They will work with two sub-counties to pass by-laws and other measures. The goal is to improve maize quality and market access.
Amuru Resident District Commissioner Osborn Oceng praised the initiative. He said it will address cross-border agriculture issues between Uganda and South Sudan, support farmers, and boost opportunities in both districts. Oceng urged SEATINI and partner Trade Mark East Africa to help improve market infrastructure at the Elegu border, which would ease goods production and sales.
Gulu district vice chairperson Vicky Atim encouraged farmers to form groups. This would make it easier to support them. Amuru district farmer Patrick Okwong mentioned challenges with storage facilities. Rain sometimes damages produce, making it difficult to sell.
Trade Mark East Africa is supporting the project. In 2023, South Sudan seized 17,000 tonnes of maize and wheat from Uganda due to high aflatoxin levels.
