More than 150 cassava farmers and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in Arua District have recently enhanced their skills in value addition through a comprehensive four-day training program organized by PostBank Uganda in collaboration with the Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises (FSME).
This initiative is part of the Agri-SME Skills Development Programme aimed at empowering local farmers to explore regional trade opportunities.
The training, held from July 22 to July 25, 2024, featured three days of technical instruction at Kabia and Sons Millers, where participants engaged in hands-on learning about the cassava flour production process.
They learned essential techniques in post-harvest handling to maintain quality, good manufacturing practices, and overall strategies for enhancing the value of their cassava products.
The final day focused on financial literacy, equipping farmers with the knowledge to manage their finances effectively and understand the agricultural products offered by PostBank to support their growth.
Kizito Enzama, a Personal Banker at PostBank Arua, emphasized the bank’s commitment to fostering prosperity among Ugandans, stating, “By upskilling farmers, we can enable them to transition from subsistence to commercial farming.”
This transformation is crucial for meeting both local and international market standards, ultimately improving their market base.
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The training concluded with a certificate ceremony attended by Mr. Charles Ichogor, the Resident City Commissioner of Arua Town, who expressed gratitude for the program and encouraged participants to implement what they learned to enhance the quality of their cassava products.
PostBank’s Agri-SME Skills Development Programme, launched in 2022, has already reached over 700 beneficiaries across the country, with this year’s cohort targeting 300 participants. The program has previously included training in millet processing in Soroti and agro-tourism in Fort Portal, with a final training session on coffee value addition scheduled for Kampala.
This initiative aligns with the Ugandan government’s efforts to promote value addition in agriculture, aiming to uplift the 39% of the population living in poverty. The partnership between PostBank and FSME underscores a commitment to the socio-economic transformation of Uganda, particularly within the agribusiness sector, by equipping SMEs with the necessary skills to thrive in a competitive market.
As the agricultural sector remains a backbone of Uganda’s economy, programs like these are essential for fostering sustainable growth and improving the livelihoods of farmers and SMEs throughout the region.
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