3,600 Teso Farmers to Shift from Subsistence to Market-Driven Agriculture

By Abraham Ekwaru, Communication Officer Soroti

At least 3,600 smallholder farmers in the Teso sub-region are set to transition from subsistence farming to market-oriented agriculture following the launch of a Shs4.1 billion value chain project aimed at reducing losses and improving incomes.

The project, titled Promoting Sustainable Agriculture and Value Chain among Smallholder Farmers in Teso, will run until October 2029 and will be implemented in Awaliwal and Ocokican sub-counties in Soroti District.

It targets farmers from Soroti, Katakwi, Kalaki, Ngora and Kapelebyong districts.

The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and is being implemented by the Ateker Development Foundation (ADEFO) in partnership with the German private organisation, Sign of Hope e.V.

Implemented under ADEFO’s MAP platform, the intervention focuses on shifting farmers’ production mindset from subsistence farming to agribusiness and structured market engagement along agricultural value chains.

According to Mr Ben Boham Okiror, the ADEFO Teso Regional Coordinator, the project is expected to directly benefit 3,600 farming households, with women accounting for 60 percent of the beneficiaries.

“The project prioritises agribusiness training, research and academic linkages, and access to markets to address persistent post-harvest losses that continue to undermine farmers’ incomes,” Mr Okiror said during the launch held at the Soroti District boardroom onFriday 30^th January, 2026.

Mr Moses Esatu, the Soroti District Principal Secretary, said the project has the potential to sustain livelihoods if farmers embrace improved practices and market-driven production.

“As a district, we are focusing on interventions that promote sustainability. If farmers adopt value addition and market-oriented production, this project will contribute to stable livelihoods and reduced dependency,” Mr Asatu said, adding that the district technical team will support implementation through extension services and monitoring.

Meanwhile, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Mr Victor Mutai, called on farmers to take advantage of the project, noting that government alone cannot address the structural challenges facing smallholder agriculture.

“Government programmes and partner interventions can only succeed if farmers take ownership. This project provides an opportunity to improve incomes, but commitment from beneficiaries is critical,” Mr Mutai said