Contract farming project improving women farmers’ lives
In anticipation of International Women’s Day on 8th March 2025, we celebrate the incredible achievements of women farmers in Mityana, Uganda.
IN MITYANA, a rural town in central Uganda, agriculture is a crucial economic activity but is constrained by low productivity, limited access to land, inputs, markets, and finance.
Women face significant barriers like control over resources, limited decision-making power, and participation in value chains, leading to increased food insecurity, malnutrition, and poverty.
To address these challenges, Finn Church Aid (FCA) and Women’s Bank, Finland, introduced the “Promoting Entrepreneurship in the Maize and Poultry Value Chain Project,” also known as the Contract Farming project.
The initiative enhances food security, boosts income, and strengthens climate resilience among rural women.
By fostering poultry farming growth, promoting climate-smart agricultural practices, securing land for production, and improving market access, this project has significantly uplifted the livelihoods of women farmers.
Improved family well-being and financial stability
Nalongo Mary Babirye, a resident of Katiti Village in Mityana, has seen her life transformed by the project.
She says, “We used to solely depend on farming as a family. We struggled to put our three children in school and to feed them. That was until I was introduced to the contract farming project by FCA. They gave me maize seeds, taught me how to grow them well, and after the first harvest, they gave me a market for the maize grain.”
“I also have a big coffee garden where I am able to earn at least UGX 1.3 million every season,” she adds.
The project also strengthens the financial and business management skills of local women’s Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), and cooperative societies.
“I joined the Agalya Awaamu Women’s savings group and was able to save some little money. After a while, I got a loan from the group and used the money to expand my garden and pay school fees. I was able to repay it back and then get a larger loan. This VSLA is life-saving, especially when I have an emergency,” Nalongo adds.
Her husband is proud of her and supports her. “My wife and I live in harmony, and we respect each other because of our contributions to the family.”
Nalongo was appointed as the savings group treasurer and lead farmer. She says, “I feel proud that other farmers seek my guidance on how to boost their sales and increase their produce.”
Enhanced quality of life for Harriet’s family
Harriet Nakangyako, a 37-year-old farmer, has also benefited from the project.
She shares, “I had been farming since I got married 15 years ago, but all I planted was consumed at home. Everything changed when I joined the contract farming project. They introduced new seeds and better farming practices, which multiplied my yields and improved our way of life.”
Her income diversified as she ventured into cattle and poultry farming, providing not only a steady daily income but also improving her family’s diet.
“Now we drink milk and eat eggs as and when we wish. My children’s health has improved, they don’t fall sick as often as they used to. With fewer medical bills, we are able to use the money to buy a variety of food for the children and also take them to good schools,” she adds.
Harriet expresses gratitude, “I am thankful for the contract farming project and for how far I’ve come. I smile because life got better.” She dreams of acquiring more land and expanding her farming endeavors, hoping to build rental houses and establish a large poultry farm.
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Text: Linda Kabuzire