Netherlands has reiterated its unwavering commitment to supporting Uganda’s horticulture sector.
Speaking during the closing ceremony of the two-day Horticulture Convention organized by TechnoServe Uganda at Kampala Serena Hotel, Dutch Deputy Ambassador to Uganda is Joost van Ettro said Netherlands has over the years supported Uganda’s agricultural sector, especially horticulture with a number of interventions, noting that the collaboration will even grow further.
“Agriculture is central in the government of Uganda’s plans for economic growth. With Uganda clocking over 6% economic growth per year, agriculture is a key sector in this unprecedented growth. For that reason, we are proud to be part of this great transformation,” Ettro said.
He also commented about the Horticulture Market Acceleration Program (HortiMAP), a four-year project implemented by TechnoServe Uganda and funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands aimed at improving farmer livelihoods, boost household nutrition, and create jobs in Uganda’s horticulture sector.
The Dutch Ambassador said the program which has ended has been key in supporting farmers.
“As one farmer said, before this program, they were like fish, swimming without knowing where the market was but now, they know where exactly to go. Amongst the many things that HortiMap did, was create a digital platform to bring together farmers, buyers and extension services delivering real-time market information ensuring farmers negotiate better prices. The result is farmers’ incomes increasing by at least 30% and the yields, up to 25%,” Ettro said.
The Dutch deputy ambassador said Uganda’s National Development Plans three and four emphasise modernization of agriculture and use of technology to increase productivity, noting that HortiMap is a practical embodiment of these ambitions.
He hinted at introducing a new program similar to the Horticulture Market Acceleration Program(HortiMAP) to support horticulture farmers in Uganda.
Ettro said Netherlands will continue supporting Uganda’s agricultural sector, noting that mainly the private sector will always be their main focus.
The TechnoServe Uganda regional director, Pamela Chitenhe hailed the Horticulture Market Acceleration Program that she said has helped add 24,000 more tonnes in horticulture sales as well as crating 9,268 full-time equivalent jobs.
“Export revenue doubled to USD 32.6 million, 239 SMEs met improved quality standards while market-facing SMEs earned €1.19 million in incremental revenue and €2.5 million was mobilized through credit, grants and guarantees,” Chitenhe said.
She noted that the program helped yield for farmers increase by 12.1%, 1,379 famers improved storage and handling infrastructure but also rise in adoption of improved agronomic practices.