Rethinking Investment in Uganda's Agrifood Systems
As the inaugural Agrifood Systems Investment and Financing Summit took place in Kampala this June, a clear message emerged: to effectively address poverty, hunger, and climate vulnerability, it is essential to reevaluate how we invest in our food systems. For too long, agriculture discussions have focused on yields and inputs. However, modern agriculture is more than just what we grow; it encompasses the complex networks that transport food from farms to tables, support millions of livelihoods, and strengthen national economic resilience.
The Ugandan government, along with development partners and private sector stakeholders, has outlined ambitious plans under the National Development Plan IV, the African Union Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) Kampala Declaration, and commitments made at the UN Food Systems Summit. Yet, beneath these strategic frameworks lies a stark reality: the investment needed to transform Uganda’s agrifood systems far exceeds current financial flows.
The Financing Gap
Across the country, smallholder farmers face significant challenges, including limited access to credit, insurance, and markets. Women and youth, who constitute a large portion of the rural workforce, often find themselves excluded from traditional financial systems. Additionally, inadequate infrastructure such as poor roads, insufficient storage facilities, and limited irrigation further complicate agricultural operations, making them costly and risky.
This lack of access to resources leaves many rural communities trapped in cycles of poverty and food insecurity. Compounding this issue is the absence of reliable, up-to-date agricultural data, which hinders informed decision-making and targeted interventions in a sector that desperately needs evidence-based strategies.
A robust agrifood system benefits not only farmers but also school children who require nutritious meals, youth seeking employment, entrepreneurs building businesses along the value chain, and consumers looking for affordable, safe, and high-quality food.
Moreover, in the context of climate change, investing in resilient and sustainable agriculture is crucial. Healthy agrifood systems contribute to healthy ecosystems by protecting water sources, preserving biodiversity, and helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
From Summits to Action
The recent summit highlighted several promising pathways for progress. These include developing inclusive financial products tailored for rural households and utilizing digital tools like mobile money and blockchain to enhance efficiency and transparency. While the ideas are present, the challenge lies in translating them into concrete actions that reach even the most remote areas.
This requires reimagining partnerships. Governments alone cannot achieve these goals. There is a need for innovative models that attract private capital, promote climate-smart agriculture, and empower local banks and cooperatives to provide services deeper into rural regions. Development partners and investors must align their support with Uganda’s national priorities, focusing on initiatives that deliver measurable social and economic impact.
Investing in rural infrastructure such as feeder roads, storage facilities, and processing hubs is equally vital. These investments can reduce transaction costs, minimize post-harvest losses, and open up new markets, making agriculture a truly profitable enterprise.
We commend Uganda for its leadership in hosting this timely summit and driving forward the CAADP commitments. However, it is important to recognize that summits alone will not feed the nation. They must serve as catalysts for accelerated implementation.
As citizens, we must continue to urge our leaders to prioritize financing for agrifood systems, treating it as central to our economic transformation rather than an afterthought. As private sector actors, we should explore the vast opportunities in agribusiness with the same enthusiasm we apply to urban real estate or imports. And as development partners, we must remain committed to supporting Uganda in building strong, resilient, and inclusive food systems.
Investing boldly and smartly in Uganda’s agrifood systems is an investment in our collective future. It involves creating jobs, improving health, fostering wealth creation, and safeguarding our natural resources. The time to act is now, so that every Ugandan, from the farmer in Karamoja to the trader in Kikuubo, can thrive.
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