Uganda

Country Context

Uganda’s economic backbone is its agricultural sector, which employs 70 percent of the workforce and accounts for a quarter of its gross domestic product. Despite rich soil throughout the country, farming is plagued by inefficiencies and low output due to outdated farming techniques and a lack of access to modern technology. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Uganda’s fertile land has the potential to feed 200 million people (four times the country’s population), yet only 35 percent of arable land is being cultivated. Agricultural hurdles are compounded by environmental challenges, including recurring floods and severe droughts that are expected to intensify without climate adaptation.

Most of Uganda’s population under age 30 works in informal jobs, often earning inconsistent income without stable employment or benefits. This is partly due to a disconnect between the education system and the needs of the job market. The nation’s economic stability is further compromised by inflation, which impacts the cost of living. Although Uganda enjoys relative political stability and some signs of economic recovery, poverty levels are expected to decline only slightly in the near term. The success of poverty reduction efforts will depend on improvements in food security, a more affordable cost of living and adaptation to climate and environmental changes.

Our Response

Heifer Uganda is committed to transforming the lives of 400,000 smallholder farmers — 60 percent of whom will be women — by 2030 through the inclusive development of value chains in which these farmers have the potential to earn more income. We aim to enhance farmers’ competitiveness and build their climate resilience by facilitating access to renewable energy sources such as solar power, finance, extension services, information, insurance and mechanization. We also work with women farmers to earn a living income in agriculture, and we support young agri-entrepreneurs who are driving innovation in farming.

At the heart of our efforts is our community-led development approach, which encourages collaborative problem-solving and collective action within farming communities. This approach strengthens social capital, laying the groundwork for local investment in programs’ success and sustained progress over time. Together, this work contributes to economic stability, job creation and increased food security, helping to position agriculture as a cornerstone of Uganda’s future.

Our primary objective is helping families achieve a sustainable living income, our measure for the amount of money required for a decent life — including safe shelter, nutritious food, clothing, education and health care — while also reaching additional benchmarks for economic and climate resilience.

The Uganda Signature Program

Heifer International’s work is organized at the country level into signature programs focused on large-scale and measurable impact achieved by building partnerships at all levels. Each program supports farmers through time-bound projects designed to increase their household income.

Inclusive Markets for Agribusiness Agenda

Heifer’s signature program in Uganda, Inclusive Markets for Agribusiness Agenda, is working to enhance the competitiveness, employability and resilience of 400,000 smallholder farmers in the dairy, oilseeds, poultry and horticulture value chains. The program’s ultimate goal is to help them achieve a sustainable living income and live dignified lives.