Uganda seeks new ways to fund its farms and food systems as international donors reduce their support. The Food and Agriculture Organization says money shortages block efforts to improve how the country grows and distributes food. Agriculture provides jobs for seven out of every 10 Ugandians and makes up nearly one-fourth of the nation's economic output. The sector also accounts for one-third of all exports from the East African country.
More than 12 million people struggle to find enough food despite agriculture's importance to Uganda's economy. About 34 percent of the population does not receive adequate nutrition according to recent government data. Poverty rates have fallen from 20 percent to 16 percent across the nation. Eastern and northern regions still face higher poverty levels at 23 percent and 27 percent respectively.
Government officials say current growth has not helped all communities equally. The agriculture minister acknowledged that more targeted investments must transform farming into a tool for sustainable development. Uganda has launched programs to help households move from growing food for survival to producing crops for sale. These efforts aim to increase what farmers earn and improve food security for families.
The upcoming National Development Plan emphasizes agriculture transformation as central to economic growth. Officials say the government cannot provide all needed funding alone. Uganda plans to focus on climate-smart farming methods and modernizing how crops move from farms to markets. The country also wants to strengthen connections between research centers and farmers to speed up adoption of new techniques.
More than 12 million people struggle to find enough food despite agriculture's importance to Uganda's economy. About 34 percent of the population does not receive adequate nutrition according to recent government data. Poverty rates have fallen from 20 percent to 16 percent across the nation. Eastern and northern regions still face higher poverty levels at 23 percent and 27 percent respectively.
Government officials say current growth has not helped all communities equally. The agriculture minister acknowledged that more targeted investments must transform farming into a tool for sustainable development. Uganda has launched programs to help households move from growing food for survival to producing crops for sale. These efforts aim to increase what farmers earn and improve food security for families.
The upcoming National Development Plan emphasizes agriculture transformation as central to economic growth. Officials say the government cannot provide all needed funding alone. Uganda plans to focus on climate-smart farming methods and modernizing how crops move from farms to markets. The country also wants to strengthen connections between research centers and farmers to speed up adoption of new techniques.
