Watermelon, onions and tomato farmers in Kasese district are concerned about the poor state of their roads which make it difficult for them to access markets.
The farmers made this revelation in a meeting with the Japanese ambassador to Uganda, Kazuaki Kameda, last week.
The meeting was aimed at assessing the impact of Japan’s funding to agriculture in Kasese district.
During the meeting, Doviko Bagonza the chairperson Nyabubale Farmers Association, said farmers in the district are being exploited by traders and middle men, who use the excuse of impassable roads to offer them low prices.
“The problem we have now is lack of market. When buyers come they give us little money for our products,” Bagonza said.
Farmers also complained of pollution which they attributed to the toxic waste that comes from Hima Cement factory. They said it affects the quality of their crops.
Despite the challenges, the farmers applauded Japan for funding a number of their initiatives and equipping them with skills through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The Japanese ambassador, Kazuaki Kameda, said Japan’s future funding to the farmers will be more effective and responsive to the local needs.
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