Asili Agriculture and Yara Knowledge Centre (YKC) have partnered to advance sustainable agriculture in Uganda by empowering smallholder farmers with innovative training and crop management practices. This collaboration leverages Yara’s expertise in crop nutrition and Asili’s dedication to regenerative farming to enhance productivity, soil health, food security, and economic resilience among farming communities.
The partnership centers on a comprehensive approach to crop management, focusing on staple crops such as maize and soybeans. By integrating Yara’s advanced crop nutrition solutions with Asili’s sustainable agriculture practices, the initiative aims to help farmers transition to resilient and commercially viable farming systems. These efforts are expected to address challenges such as low productivity, soil degradation, and limited access to modern farming technologies.
A key component of the collaboration is the YKC facility within Asili, which provides hands-on training and demonstrations of effective crop fertilization and nutrition techniques. Farmers are introduced to sustainable practices they can implement on their farms to optimize yields and ensure long-term soil fertility. The facility also incorporates digital tools such as the FarmCare app and Yara Connect, empowering farmers to make data-driven decisions for improved crop management.
The initiative goes beyond training by providing farmers with essential resources, including soil testing, tailored input recommendations, and connections to financial and mechanization services. By addressing the entire spectrum of farming needs, the program seeks to create a holistic support system that enhances the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
An upgraded training hall, slated for completion in early 2025, will further strengthen the initiative’s capacity to deliver structured learning opportunities. This facility is expected to serve as a platform for addressing key agricultural challenges, equipping farmers with the knowledge and skills to adopt sustainable practices.
The collaboration underscores the importance of promoting soil health and advanced crop nutrition to support sustainable growth in Uganda’s agricultural sector. The focus on regenerative farming practices aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and ensure food security in the face of increasing environmental pressures.
Statistics illustrate the potential impact of such initiatives on Uganda’s agricultural landscape. For instance, soybean cultivation has grown from 144,000 hectares in 2004 to 200,000 hectares today. Similarly, maize production has surged from approximately 800,000 tonnes in 2000 to over 2.57 million tonnes. These increases highlight the capacity for continued growth with the adoption of modern farming practices and technologies.
Maize exports, in particular, have become a significant contributor to Uganda’s economy. Last year, the country generated $244.6 million in maize export earnings, a substantial increase from $88 million in 2022. This growth reflects the importance of improving crop productivity and quality to enhance competitiveness in international markets.
The initiative also aims to foster economic resilience among smallholder farmers by enabling them to adopt practices that reduce production costs and increase profitability. By integrating technology, education, and access to resources, the partnership seeks to bridge the gap between small-scale and commercial farming.
At the heart of the collaboration is a shared vision of empowering farmers to build sustainable farming systems that can adapt to changing environmental and economic conditions. This vision aligns with Uganda’s broader agricultural development goals and contributes to the global agenda for sustainable development.
By combining technical expertise, practical training, and resource access, the partnership between Asili Agriculture and YKC represents a transformative approach to supporting smallholder farmers. The focus on regenerative agriculture and advanced crop management is not only beneficial for farmers but also crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of Uganda’s agricultural sector.
