In the endeavor to ensure project excellence, the Agriculture Support Service Project (ASSP) underscores the significance of practical training for farmers and households. This commitment is manifested through the establishment of on-farm demonstration sites aimed at promoting technological advancements and improved agricultural practices.
“We have so far onboarded 22 demonstration farms across Buliisa, Kikuube, and Hoima Districts to promote technologies and improved practices,” emphasizes Kansiime, the Project Field Coordinator. These sites serve not only to showcase best practices but also to facilitate comparative analyses between traditional methods and modern approaches, fostering buy-in for the innovations being introduced.
Trainings covering the utilization of improved practices throughout the crop, tree, and livestock growth cycles have been conducted at carefully selected on-farm training sites. These locations, strategically situated near Project Affected Persons (PAP) households, particularly those within vulnerable categories, ensure accessibility and relevance at the community level.
To guarantee sustained access to these demonstration sites, farmers/PAPs have entered into agreements (MoUs) with aggregated PAP households. Furthermore, Demo Management Committees, comprising selected PAP representatives, have been established to oversee operations and provide invaluable feedback to project staff.
Under this initiative, PAPs receive comprehensive guidance and training in sound husbandry practices for prioritized enterprises encompassing crop cultivation, livestock management, and tree planting.
To date, 879 households have undergone training, surpassing the targeted figure of 1,200 by December 2022. Trainees benefitted from hands-on instruction and on-site exposure, equipping them with the skills needed to implement improved husbandry practices effectively.
Many of our PAPs were previously reliant on traditional farming methods, facing challenges in accessing extension services and agricultural advisory,” notes Moses Bogere, the Assistant Agronomist specializing in Livestock. [Graphical representation of Moses Bogere]
People have embraced new techniques in animal husbandry and cassava cultivation, a staple food in this community. With adherence to the knowledge imparted in our training sessions, we anticipate a significant improvement in their harvests,” adds Abubakar Mugisha, the project’s Monitoring & Evaluation Officer.
Furthermore, community-based facilitators (CBFs) have been identified and trained during these sessions to serve as ambassadors and support ongoing community activities. This approach ensures continuity and sustainability beyond the project’s lifespan, empowering communities for lasting impact.