In 2011, the Uganda Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (UFAAS) embarked on a mission to transform the agricultural landscape of Uganda. With a focus on key themes such as policy, climate-smart agriculture, youth engagement, food security, and income generation, UFAAS aimed to usher in an era of innovation and efficiency in agricultural advisory services.
UFAAS: The Catalyst for Change
Uganda, like many African nations, underwent a significant transformation in its agricultural extension system. The introduction of the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) Act led to the replacement of the public extension system with a more privatized approach. This shift aimed to address the pressing issue of one extension professional serving approximately 2000 farmers, creating a need for supplementary support.
Advocating Professionalism and Ethical Standards
UFAAS, recognizing the importance of setting professional and ethical standards in agricultural advisory services, took proactive steps. Their objective was clear: to promote professionalism and ethics within the agricultural extension and advisory services (AEAS) system in Uganda. Notably, their efforts bore fruit in 2017 when they were invited to support the development of essential documents, including Extension Guidelines, Ethical Code of Conduct, and Proceedings for Registration and Accreditation of AEAS providers. These documents were subsequently approved by the top management team of the Ministry for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), marking a significant milestone.
Supporting Youth in Agriculture
One of UFAAS's critical areas of focus is youth engagement in agriculture. With Uganda grappling with high youth unemployment rates and food security challenges, UFAAS recognized the need to bridge the gap between unemployed youth and a career in agriculture. However, this endeavor presented several challenges:
Changing Perceptions: Agriculture was often perceived as "dirty" work, discouraging many young individuals from pursuing it as a viable career option.
Resource Constraints: For those interested in agriculture, acquiring land, resources, and capital proved to be a formidable barrier.
Lack of Exposure: Many youths lacked exposure to agriculture and had limited knowledge about the industry, making informed decisions difficult.
The NOFAIP-UFAAS Partnership
The case of the Nokia Farming Agricultural Innovation Platform (NOFAIP) exemplifies the impact of UFAAS's efforts. Established in 2010 with fewer than twenty members, NOFAIP saw tremendous growth, boasting over 300 members by 2017. The turning point was NOFAIP's decision to join UFAAS as dues-paying members. This strategic partnership unlocked a trove of knowledge and resources that played a pivotal role in their journey.
UFAAS's Approach: Training and Support
UFAAS's collaboration with NOFAIP followed a well-structured approach:
Understanding Needs: They engaged with NOFAIP to gain a comprehensive understanding of their requirements.
Assessing Capabilities: An assessment of existing capabilities and desired ones was carried out.
Identifying Resources: UFAAS identified training materials and resources, ensuring that NOFAIP members had access to essential knowledge.
Coordinating Training: UFAAS organized training opportunities for NOFAIP members, empowering them with the latest skills and practices.
Ongoing Support: UFAAS maintained a consistent support system, adapting to the evolving needs of NOFAIP members.
Knowledge Exchange: Collaborations with NOFAIP leadership facilitated the collection of best practices and information to enhance future training.
Impact on NOFAIP and Ugandan Youth
The results speak for themselves. NOFAIP has flourished, with over 300 registered members, 84 actively engaged in agricultural operations. They offer a wide range of services, from crop spraying to agronomic feedback, plowing, planting, weeding, irrigation, fertilizing, threshing, and market support. This success story demonstrates the tangible benefits of UFAAS's support.
The youth in NOFAIP have become a driving force in the field. They've acquired valuable skills, revolutionized agricultural practices, and helped farmers achieve higher yields. For instance, their ability to identify and address challenges such as citrus canker swiftly has saved entire crops from devastation.
The Bigger Picture
In conclusion, UFAAS's role in nurturing the potential of Uganda's youth and driving agricultural development is commendable. Their support to NOFAIP underscores the importance of training, empowerment, and knowledge exchange in the agricultural sector. It's a promising step towards ensuring the sustainability of Uganda's agriculture and inspiring similar initiatives across the nation and the African continent.
I've included a copy of the research below if you are interested in learning more. Please be sure to include your thoughts and input in the comments below.
Lamm, K. W., Lamm, A. J., Mulvaney, C., Davis, K., Masambuka, F., & Nahdy, S. (2021). Model of success: Extension services helping Ugandan youth find a career in agriculture. Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education, 28(3), 7-13.
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