Government has raised concern over persistent weaknesses in agricultural extension services, market access and agro-processing management in the Greater Masaka Sub-region, warning that the challenges could slow the implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM).
The concerns were contained in a speech by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, which was delivered by Commissioner for Local Economic Development, Anthony Namara, during the opening of a stakeholder workshop for local government technical officers and extension workers in Masaka.
“The Greater Masaka Sub-region possesses enormous potential in agriculture, livestock, fisheries and agro-processing. However, the region continues to face challenges including limited extension coverage, weak market linkages, inadequate value addition, low commercialization levels and limited technical capacity for management of agro-processing facilities,” Kumumanya said.
The workshop brought together Chief Administrative Officers, District Production Officers, Commercial Officers, extension workers and representatives of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to strengthen extension service delivery and management of agro-processing facilities under the PDM.
Kumumanya noted that the success of the Parish Development Model largely depends on effective local government structures and technical officers who support communities to move from subsistence production to the money economy.
“Production Officers, Commercial Officers, Extension Workers and Input Dealers play a critical role in guiding farmers and producer groups to improve productivity, adopt modern farming practices, access markets and efficiently manage agro-processing facilities,” he said.
He added that improved extension services and value addition are critical in reducing post-harvest losses, creating jobs, increasing household incomes and stimulating local economic growth.
Kumumanya urged district accounting officers to provide stronger leadership and supervision of technical departments, while calling on production and commercial officers to work closely together in integrating production and commercialization within local economic development programmes.
“I wish to emphasize that extension services should not only focus on production, but also on enterprise development, value chain strengthening, business management, market access and investment promotion,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary also challenged extension officers and input dealers to uphold professionalism, integrity and accountability in ensuring farmers receive quality inputs, appropriate technologies and reliable advisory services.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening local government capacity to support implementation of the Parish Development Model and accelerate socio-economic transformation across the country.
The Greater Masaka Sub-region is one of Uganda’s major agricultural zones with significant potential in crop production, livestock farming, fisheries and agro-processing.