FINASP Hosts Agri-Business Cluster Workshop to Strengthen SHF Access to Services and Markets

Lira City, Uganda — FINASP hosted an Agri-Business Cluster (ABC) Workshop at the FINASP Innovations and Business Technology Centre in Anyomorem, Lira City East, bringing together private sector actors, government officials, agricultural service providers, and other stakeholders to strengthen linkages between farmers and essential agricultural services.

The workshop brought together a diverse range of private sector actors, including agricultural input dealers, suppliers of farm machinery and irrigation equipment, financial institutions, and agricultural advisory organizations such as NARO and ZARDI. The engagement provided an opportunity for stakeholders to share experiences, understand farmers’ needs, and explore practical ways of improving access to quality agricultural inputs, technologies, finance, and advisory services.

District leadership was also well represented, including the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), District Production and Marketing Officer (DPMO), District Agricultural Officer (DAO), as well as stakeholders from Agweng, Ogur, Ayami, Barr, Itek, and Agali Subcounties.

FINASP Innovations Centre: A Practical Learning Space

During the workshop, participants had an opportunity to appreciate the work taking place at the FINASP Innovations and Business Technology Centre, which serves as a practical hub for innovation, skills development, and sustainable enterprises.

The centre hosts a number of enterprises and demonstrations, including goat and sheep rearing, poultry and brooding facilities, apiary and honey processing, Azolla production, and Black Soldier Fly (BSF) technology. The BSF technology provides an alternative source of feed for poultry and piggery, demonstrating practical approaches to reducing production costs and promoting circular agricultural practices.

The RDC commended FINASP for establishing the centre and described it as an important initiative that can support farmers and young people to learn, innovate, and explore sustainable enterprises.

The District Agricultural Officer also appreciated FINASP’s efforts in establishing a range of indigenous and improved tree species at the centre. The tree planting initiative was highlighted as a practical demonstration of agroecological practices that farmers can adopt within their own communities and households.

Connecting Farmers to the Private Sector

A key part of the ABC workshop was the interaction between farmers and private sector actors. Farmers shared their experiences, challenges, and expectations, particularly around access to quality agricultural inputs, improved seeds, machinery, irrigation technologies, finance, and technical advice.

The engagement created an opportunity for agro-input dealers and other service providers to better understand the realities facing smallholder farmers. In response, participating agro-input dealers pledged their support to improving farmers’ access to quality and reliable agricultural inputs, while strengthening relationships with communities.

These linkages are important in supporting farmers to increase productivity while ensuring that the services and products they need are available closer to their communities.

A Seasonal Platform for Stronger Agricultural Partnerships

The Agri-Business Cluster meeting is designed to take place around each agricultural season, providing a regular platform for stakeholders to connect, share information, and respond to emerging needs. With Northern Uganda having two major planting seasons, the platform creates an opportunity for businesses and agricultural stakeholders to engage with farmers ahead of each season.

The latest workshop was a success, bringing together key actors, generating meaningful discussions, strengthening partnerships, and creating opportunities for business linkages.

Through the Agri-Business Cluster approach, FINASP and its partners continue to contribute to stronger agricultural value chains by bringing services, technologies, knowledge, and business opportunities closer to smallholder farmers.