Transforming Smallholder Farmers’ Lives Through Contract Farming
In rural Uganda, smallholder farmers often face challenges such as unpredictable weather, limited access to markets, and insufficient capital to expand their operations. The UCU-AIRTEA project, which is titled “Enhancing inclusive market access for African Indigenous Vegetables (AIV), seed and value-added products by Smallholder farmers in Uganda has been a game-changer for these farmers, particularly the youth, by introducing them to contract farming. This model has provided farmers with stable markets, financial security, and improved livelihoods, especially in the cultivation of pumpkins, tomatoes, and other indigenous African vegetables.
Contract farming under the AIRTEA initiative has allowed smallholder farmers to cultivate high-demand crops with guaranteed markets. The project partnered with agricultural companies, processors, and retailers, offering farmers pre-agreed prices for their produce, which significantly reduced the risks associated with price fluctuations. This stability has given farmers the confidence to scale up production and improve the quality of their crops, knowing they have a buyer for their harvest.
The project focused primarily on youth, helping to rejuvenate Uganda’s agricultural sector by encouraging the younger generation to see farming as a viable and profitable career. Many young farmers had previously been reluctant to invest in agriculture due to uncertain market conditions, but the AIRTEA project has shown them that with the right partnerships, farming can be a pathway to financial independence.
Crops like pumpkins and tomatoes, which are staples in many Ugandan diets, have thrived under this model. AIRTEA supported farmers with training on best practices, including crop management, pest control, and sustainable farming techniques. With better knowledge and resources, farmers have reported increased yields and improved produce quality, which in turn has boosted their income.
For many participants, the results have been life-changing. Farmers have been able to invest in education for their children, improve their homes, and even expand their farms. The success of the AIRTEA project has demonstrated that when smallholder farmers are empowered with knowledge and access to markets, they can reap big rewards—transforming not just their lives but their entire communities. All project Knowledge products are available at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at Uganda Christian University (UCU) website. This EU-funded project brought together strategic partnerships from Uganda Christian University, the Uganda National Farmers Federation, SYOVA SEED (U) LTD, and Farm Gain Africa.
