Past Projects
Development Initiative of Northern Uganda
REFRUIT (Resource Efficient Farming by Renewable Ugandan Irrigation Technology)
Village Savings & Loan Association (VSLA) Loan Financing Project
Training on organic production and financial management to Smallholder farmers in the GADC network
Ugandan West Nile Smallholder Access to Markets
Improving Smallholder Productivity, Rural Financial Inclusion and Performance of Agricultural Commodity Markets
The TRAIL programme takes a holistic approach to enhancing livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the East Acholi region of Northern Uganda. Funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) and in partnership with Mercy Corps, TRAIL cascades a specially developed training programme to 60,000 farmers, improves farmers’ access to financial services and improves the function of regional markets for economic security and growth.
Strategic Objectives
Improved production and productivity of targeted commodities for smallholder farmers
- Farmer training on agronomic best practices, organic production and post-harvest handling developed and delivered through expanded agriculture extension network.
- Establishment of demonstration plots for practical training.
- Increasing access to agricultural tools and services by leveraging extension network to connect farmers with selected private sector partners.
- Smart subsidies targeting vulnerable groups.
- Alternative extension service provisions: video training, radio programs etc.
- Farming technology innovations.
Improved production and productivity of targeted commodities for smallholder farmers
- Farmer training on agronomic best practices, organic production and post-harvest handling developed and delivered through expanded agriculture extension network.
- Establishment of demonstration plots for practical training.
- Increasing access to agricultural tools and services by leveraging extension network to connect farmers with selected private sector partners.
- Smart subsidies targeting vulnerable groups.
- Alternative extension service provisions: video training, radio programs etc.
- Farming technology innovations.
Improved performance of the key commodity markets.
- Promoting access to financial services
- Partnership with identified private businesses providing vital services to rural communities.
- Training, mentorship and coaching of village based agents/ small businesses
- Pre-financing: micro-credits are provided to independent buying agents to enable cash purchases of farmer crop, improving farmer’s cash flow and increasing market fairness.
- Technology innovations, pre-testing and promotions.
TRAIL’S Area of Operation
The Five Pillars
1. Economic growth:
Increasing farmer productivity targeting 35% increase in farmer incomes and profits.
2. Environmental protection:
Education on modern, sustainable agriculture practices and ongoing technical support enabling some farmers.
3. Gender and youth focus:
Viable livelihoods and new job creation targeting youth between the ages of 15-24 and women small holder farmers.
4. Technology and innovation:
Integration of technology to scale operations, enable efficiencies and small holder farmers to access services (information and finances) and impact reporting.
5. Conflict sensitivity and Do No Harm:
analysis of tensions in the operational areas to reduce potential negative impacts of the program and strengthen positive impacts.
The Model
- GADC delivers training and supports the creation of farmer groups leading to increased yields, crop diversification and market linkages for 60,000 smallholder farmers.
- Without obligation, farmers sell their crop directly to GADC through our network and receive immediate payment, providing income security. Certified organic farmers receive a price premium.
Farmers Trained
Income Increase
