Area-Based Agricultural Modernization Programme  

This programme has had a significant impact on the modernization of agriculture in south-west Uganda. Activities have led to an increase in agricultural productivity and in farmers’ incomes, which are its main goals. The programme has contributed to a change in farmers’ attitudes towards agriculture, helping them see it as a source of income rather than simply as a source of food, and encouraging them to invest in production.

The change in farmers’ attitudes and improvements in their incomes have led to an increase in the demand for savings and credit. In turn this has led to strong growth of Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs), which are local, member-owned microfinance groups. The programme includes 32 SACCOs, with a total membership that is well over the number that was the programme’s initial target.

The programme includes three main activities:

• agricultural commercialization, including market linkages and access to rural financial services
• rural infrastructure development such as access to water points and a revolving fund through which participating farmers pass on seeds or seed offspring to other farmers
• community mobilization, including awareness-building among participants, groups and communities

Source: IFAD