*Uganda Launches Climate-Smart Agricultural Transformation Project (UCSATP)*

*By John Kusolo*

The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) has unveiled the Uganda Climate Smart Agricultural Transformation Project (UCSATP), a groundbreaking initiative designed to revolutionize agriculture in Uganda. With climate change posing significant challenges to the sector, UCSATP aims to enhance productivity, improve market access, and bolster resilience among farmers, ensuring sustainable growth in the face of environmental uncertainties.

Agriculture is the backbone of Uganda's economy, employing the majority of its population and contributing significantly to food security and livelihoods. However, climate change threatens this vital sector with unpredictable rainfall, prolonged droughts, and increased occurrences of pests and diseases. Recognizing these challenges, the MAAIF has developed UCSATP as part of its strategy to promote Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA), which focuses on:

Increasing sustainable agricultural productivity.

Building resilience to climate shocks.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions wherever possible.

Project Development Objective

The primary objective of UCSATP is to enhance the productivity, market access, and resilience of selected agricultural value chains. Additionally, the project aims to respond promptly and effectively to crises or emergencies impacting agriculture.

UCSATP has received significant backing from key stakeholders:

World Bank Approval: December 22, 2022.

Parliamentary and Cabinet Approval: 2023.

Financing Agreement Signed: February 27, 2024.

Operational Effectiveness Achieved: June 25, 2024.

The total funding for UCSATP amounts to USD 354.7 million, comprising:

External Funding: USD 350 million (USD 325 million as a loan and USD 25 million as a grant).

Government Counterpart Funding: USD 4.7 million.

Geographical Scope and Value Chains

UCSATP will be implemented in 69 districts, including 7 refugee-hosting districts, covering diverse agro-ecological zones such as the Karamoja region, Lango region, Teso region, western highlands, and more.

Implementing Districts:

1) North-eastern dry lands (Karamoja region covering the districts of Abim, Kaabong, Kotido, Nakapiripirit, Napak, and Moroto);

2) North-eastern savannah grasslands (Lango region covering the districts of Apac, Dokolo, Amolatar, Oyam, Alebtong, Otuke) and (East Acholi region covering the districts of Agago, Kitgum, Pader, Nwoya, Omoro, Lamwo);

3) Kyoga plains (Teso, Bukedi, and northern Busoga region covering the districts of Bukedea, Kaberamaido, Katakwi, Kumi, Ngora, Serere, Kalaki, Budaka, Butaleja, Kibuku, Pallisa, Tororo, Iganga, Mayuge, Buyende, Kamuli, Kaliro);

4) Western highlands, southern highlands, southern drylands, and Lake Albert crescent region covering the districts of Isingiro*, Kazo, Kiruhura, Sheema, Mitooma, Bundibugyo, Kamwenge*, Ntoroko, Kabarole, Kyegegwa*, Kabale, Rukungiri, Rubanda, Kisoro, Kibaale, Kiryandongo*, Kakumiro, Kikuube*, Mubende);

5) Eastern (Elgon) highlands (Bugisu and Sebei region covering the districts of Bulambuli, Bududa, Mbale, Sironko, Kween); and

6) Central region covering the districts of Nakasongola, Butambala, Kyankwanzi, Nakaseke, Gomba, and Sembabule).

7) The northwestern highlands (the West Nile region covering the districts of Adjumani*, Zombo, Nebbi and Yumbe).

The project will focus on the following value chains:

Crops: Coffee, cocoa, mango, citrus, Hass avocado, cashew nuts, cassava, soybeans, sorghum, maize.

Livestock: Dairy and beef.

Fisheries: Fish capture and aquaculture.

Beneficial Insects: Bees and black soldier fly larvae.

The project comprises five main components:

Strengthening Climate-Smart Agricultural Research and Systems:

Development of tailored CSA technologies.

Investments in research, seed systems, and agro-climatic monitoring.

Establishment of weather stations and research facilities.

Promoting CSA Technology Adoption:

Grants for CSA adoption and mechanization services.

Training programs for communities.

Provision of irrigation systems and animal holding grounds.

Market Development and Linkages:

Infrastructure for post-harvest management and value addition.

Strengthening producer associations and market alliances.

Contingency Emergency Response:

Interventions to address droughts, floods, pest outbreaks, and economic shocks.

Project Coordination and Monitoring:

Recruitment and training of staff.

Development of manuals for grants, grievance redress, and environmental safeguards.

Project Beneficiaries

The UCSATP will directly benefit 3.9 million individuals, with 40% female inclusion, and indirectly benefit 9.5 million individuals, including 265,000 refugees. Beneficiary households include:

Non-refugee households: 620,000.

Refugee households: 60,000.

Host community households: 80,000.

November 2024: Training of implementation staff and stakeholder engagement.

December 2024: Community mobilization and formation of farmer groups.

February 2025 and Beyond: Rollout of farmer contributions, profiling, and institutional development.

Anticipated Outcomes

Enhanced Productivity and Resilience:

Increased agricultural productivity through access to farming inputs on a 30:70 cost-sharing basis.

Grants for refugee-hosting districts to promote resilience.

Improved Market Linkages:

Reduction in post-harvest losses through improved infrastructure.

Enhanced value chains with facilities for value addition.

Institutional Strengthening:

Capacity building for institutions like the National Research Organization (NARO) and the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB).

Crisis Preparedness:

Robust emergency response mechanisms for climate-induced challenges.

Significance of UCSATP

The Uganda Climate Smart Agricultural Transformation Project is a bold step toward sustainable agricultural development. By addressing critical challenges, UCSATP aims to:

Transform the livelihoods of millions of farmers.

Enhance national food security.

Position Uganda as a regional leader in climate-smart agriculture.

As Uganda grapples with the realities of climate change, UCSATP provides a beacon of hope. By integrating innovative approaches, the project promises to secure the future of agriculture, ensure food security, and uplift the livelihoods of millions across the country.