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In Uganda, agriculture is the leading employer of the country’s largest labour force. In FY 2022/23, agriculture accounted for about 24% of GDP and 35% of export earnings. The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) estimates that about 68% of Uganda’s working population is employed in agriculture. Uganda produces a wide range of agricultural products, including coffee, tea, sugar, livestock, fish, edible oils, cotton, tobacco, plantains, corn, beans, cassava, sweet potatoes, millet, sorghum, and groundnuts.
As agriculture continues to anchor the economy and sustain millions of livelihoods, Yara East Africa has emerged as a transformative force in the region’s farming landscape. Led by John Rotich, Uganda’s Country Lead, the company is pioneering innovations that enhance productivity while championing sustainability. With a long-standing commitment to supporting farmers, Yara East Africa provides tailored fertiliser products, fosters community engagement, and builds networks that empower farmers to thrive.
In this insightful Q&A, John Rotich delves into the recent innovations driving Yara’s success, the direct impact of their efforts on local farmers, and the strategic goals that will shape the future of agriculture in East Africa. He also shares inspiring stories of transformation within farming communities, showcasing Yara’s dedication to sustainable agricultural practices and their strategic mission to uplift the lives of those who feed the country.
- What is Yara East Africa’s vision for advancing the agricultural sector in Uganda and the broader East African region?
Yara East Africa, a wholly owned subsidiary of Yara International ASA—the world’s leading crop nutrition company—is committed to advancing agriculture in Uganda and the broader East African region. Our mission is to feed the world while protecting the planet responsibly. We envision a collaborative society where hunger is eradicated and the planet is respected.
In alignment with Uganda Vision 2040, which identifies agriculture as one of the four key sectors vital for wealth and employment creation, Yara is dedicated to supporting and driving agricultural growth in Uganda. Through innovative solutions and partnerships, we aim to enhance food security and sustainability, contributing to the region’s socio-economic development.
2. Yara is renowned for its innovative agricultural solutions. Could you highlight some of the recent innovations introduced by Yara East Africa?
Innovation is at the core of Yara’s operations, and our commitment to research and development enables us to continually create solutions tailored to the specific needs of the East African region. We focus on empowering farmers with precise and balanced nutrient management tools, alongside high-quality fertiliser products, to enhance soil fertility and health—ensuring sustainability for future generations.
One notable innovation is the development of MiCrop, an affordable blended fertiliser specifically designed for smallholder farmers. MiCrop has significantly contributed to increasing yields, with farmers reporting up to an additional tonne per acre. Additionally, our digital platform, YaraConnect, enhances input traceability right down to the last mile, further supporting farmers with reliable and transparent agricultural practices.
3. How is Yara Uganda working directly with local farmers to improve their productivity and livelihoods?
Yara Uganda is deeply committed to supporting local farmers by enhancing their productivity and improving their livelihoods. Our approach involves a dedicated team of experienced agronomists who engage with farmers daily across various crop value chains. Through hands-on training and practical demonstration plots, we showcase best practices in farming, ensuring that farmers are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.
We also leverage a robust network of over 50 distributors and 1,000 agro-dealers spread across the country. This network not only provides farmers with access to high-quality products but also imparts essential knowledge to the farmers they serve. By empowering our distribution chain with key competencies, we ensure that farmers receive the support they need at the last mile.
Furthermore, we have established successful collaborations with several coffee and maize cooperatives over the years, resulting in significant improvements in yields and income for these farmers—some have seen their productivity and earnings triple. These efforts reflect our unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers across Uganda.
4. Are there any community engagement programs or success stories you would like to share?
We have numerous success stories that highlight the positive impact of our initiatives on local communities. A significant number of these success stories revolve around the remarkable yield improvements experienced by farmers using our fertiliser products. These improvements have empowered farmers to achieve decent livelihoods, secure better housing, and provide quality education for their children.
One of the key pillars of our community engagement is soil health management, an agenda we have consistently championed. We are proud to report that farmers who have adhered to our recommended protocols now enjoy healthier soils, characterised by reduced acidity and increased organic matter. This transformation has not only enhanced their current production levels but has also set them up for sustained agricultural success in the future.
These stories reflect our commitment to fostering sustainable agricultural practices that not only benefit individual farmers but also contribute to the broader development of their communities.
5. What are Yara East Africa’s strategic goals for the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5-10 years, Yara East Africa is committed to several strategic objectives designed to enhance agricultural productivity and support the growth of the agricultural sector across the region:
We aim to expand our fertiliser offerings to better suit the diverse crops and soil types in East Africa. This approach will provide cost-effective solutions for all farmers, from small-scale to large-scale operations, ensuring that every farmer has access to the most suitable products for their specific needs.
We are also dedicated to delivering both high-quality products and essential agronomic knowledge to farmers through our extensive retailer network. Through this, we seek to catalyse crop productivity, ultimately translating into higher incomes for farmers and improved livelihoods for their households.
Part of our plan involves upscalling our Yara Knowledge Centres, which play a critical role in promoting the adoption of modern agricultural technologies. These centres will reach millions of farmers, equipping them with the tools and knowledge necessary to improve their farming practices and achieve sustainable growth.
Additionally, our strategy includes expanding the reach of our retailer network, to secure at least two retail points per ward. Additionally, we are focused on enhancing the quality of services offered by these retailers to ensure that they provide comprehensive support to farmers at the last mile.
Our main goal is to ensure that all farmers who adopt our fertiliser solutions experience significant yield increases and profitability, thereby contributing to the increased development of the agricultural sector in East Africa.