Dynamic Markets for Farmers - Sustainable Cocoa and Honey

The project

One in five Ugandans lives in extreme poverty and more than a third live on less than USD 1.90 per day. 67% of the population is employed in the agricultural sector, in which cocoa and honey have been identified as strategic national focus areas. The market potentials in these two sectors in Uganda present significant untapped opportunities as both produce do not meet market demand. The market supply gap is mainly attributed to limited access to good production practices. The project thus addressed insufficient agricultural know-how, lack of production volume and quality, and non-transparent business relations within these two value chains.

The project facilitated extension services and trainings offered to cocoa farmers and beekeepers by farmer organisations and SMEs. As a result, the farmers augmented their know-how and skills in the production of cocoa and honey, enabling them to enhance quality and achieve higher production volumes. At the same time, the farmers as members of farmer organisations were supported in selling their products. Farmer organisations gained negotiating skills, built stable relations with buyers, and developed new markets. The smallholder farmers thus generated living wages by means of the successful integration into the market system and improve their and their families’ living situation.

Furthermore, investments by public and private actors were triggered to enhance the sector coordination and development of improved standards and regulations. Specifically, the access to financial services and products was promoted for farmers to develop and grow their economic activities.

Additionally, in particular women and young adults of cocoa growing households were involved in food crop production, thereby improving not only their income but also the nutritional situation of their families.
 

Results

• 19 902 farmers (33% women) with mature cocoa gardens gained access to extension services and the market. 59% thereof were able to increase their production and, consequently, augmented their annual income by an average of CHF 505 per farmer.
• 6 059 women and young adults (80% women) of the above-mentioned cocoa farmers received additional training in food crop production (diversification strategy for food security).
• 5 851 beekeepers (39% women) gained access to extension services and the market. 72% thereof were able to increase their production of honey, which resulted in an annual income increase by an average of CHF 285 per beekeeper.
• Creation of 474 additional jobs in the cocoa sector (77 permanent and 397 seasonal) and 233 in the honey sector (73 permanent and 160 seasonal).

Partners

• Private sector: farmers' organisations, cooperatives and companies
• Public sector: Ministry of Agriculture, local government agencies, Uganda Export Promotion Board
• Trade associations such as The Uganda National Apiculture Development Organization (TUNADO) and Uganda Cooperative Alliance

Financing partners

This project was financed by Linsi Foundation, Happel Foundation, City of Zurich, Medicor Foundations, canton of Baselland, among other donors. It is part of the Swisscontact Development Programme, co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA.