Dfcu Bank has flagged off a new cohort of top-performing Ugandan farmers to the Netherlands for advanced agricultural training and exposure, in a move aimed at accelerating Uganda’s transition from subsistence farming to commercial agribusiness.
The 13 farmers will travel aboard KLM Royal Dutch Airlines to one of the world’s most technologically advanced agricultural economies, where they will gain first-hand experience in modern farming systems, agribusiness management, value addition, climate-smart agriculture and export-oriented production.
The exposure trip forms part of the annual Best Farmers initiative, which has increasingly evolved into a platform for nurturing commercially minded farmers capable of driving Uganda’s agricultural productivity, food security and export earnings.
The partnership comes at a time when Uganda is increasingly positioning agriculture as a major pillar for export growth and industrialisation. According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Bank of Uganda, the country earned more than US$5 billion (about Shs18.5 trillion) from agricultural exports in 2025, with coffee remaining Uganda’s leading export commodity.
Despite the growth, experts argue that Uganda still exports largely raw agricultural commodities with limited value addition, reducing the country’s earnings potential and competitiveness in international markets.
In contrast, the Netherlands, a country geographically smaller than Uganda, is the world’s second-largest agricultural exporter after the United States, earning more than €120 billion annually from agricultural exports.
The Dutch agricultural model is built around technology, irrigation, greenhouse farming, mechanisation, precision agriculture, research and efficient supply chains — areas Uganda is increasingly seeking to strengthen.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, dfcu Bank Chief Retail Officer Annette Kiconco said Uganda’s agricultural future will depend on farmers embracing innovation, structured financing and modern farming technologies.
“As agriculture becomes more commercialised, farmers require more than hard work and passion. They need access to financing, modern technologies, insurance solutions and global exposure to compete effectively,” Kiconco said.
She noted that the banking sector has a critical role to play in accelerating agricultural transformation by providing patient capital and tailored financial products to farmers.
According to Kiconco, dfcu Bank has so far disbursed more than Shs58 billion under the Agricultural Credit Facility to over 130 farmers across Uganda, helping them expand production, mechanise operations and improve farm efficiency.
“Agriculture remains one of Uganda’s strongest economic sectors, but unlocking its full potential will require investment in knowledge, innovation and market-oriented farming,” she added.
Agriculture contributes nearly 24 percent to Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product and employs more than 70 percent of the population, according to government statistics. However, the sector continues to face challenges including low productivity, climate shocks, post-harvest losses, limited irrigation and inadequate access to affordable financing.
The Frederieke Quispel described the programme as an important bridge between Ugandan farmers and one of the world’s most successful agricultural ecosystems.
“The Netherlands may be geographically small, but we are among the world’s leading agricultural exporters because we invest heavily in innovation, research and collaboration,” Quispel said.
She revealed that the Netherlands invests approximately €80 million (about Shs330 billion) annually in Uganda’s agriculture sector through projects focused on sustainability, productivity improvement and market access.
Quispel said Uganda has enormous agricultural potential due to its fertile soils, favourable climate and youthful population, but noted that increasing productivity and value addition will be critical for the country to compete globally.
“We cannot take every Ugandan farmer to the Netherlands, but those who participate must become ambassadors of transformation by sharing the skills and practices they learn,” she said.
She also commended Ugandan farmers for increasingly embracing agribusiness, value addition and modern production techniques, saying the shifts are critical for improving competitiveness in regional and international markets.
The Best Farmers initiative has so far recognised 134 farmers across Uganda, with more than 120 benefiting from international exposure visits to the Netherlands. More than Shs1.5 billion in cash prizes has also been awarded to support farm expansion and agribusiness innovation.
Industry experts say exposure programmes such as these are becoming increasingly important as Uganda seeks to position agriculture as a driver of industrialisation, export growth and youth employment.
Lukia Otema encouraged the farmers to maximise the opportunity and build long-term networks that could open new agribusiness opportunities for Uganda.
“This is more than just a trip. It is an opportunity to learn from one of the best agricultural systems in the world and bring back ideas that can transform farming businesses and communities,” Otema said.