In an effort to eliminate hunger in Uganda, the World Food Programme (WFP) has strengthened its collaboration with the private sector, aiming to enhance food production.
Marcus Prior, Deputy Country Director for WFP in Uganda, reported that in 2022, the organization provided assistance to 1.9 million people through various interventions, including food and cash transfers, nutritional support, school feeding, and agricultural market support for smallholder farmers.
During a meeting held in Kampala, Prior highlighted the need for stronger connections with food suppliers in Uganda to streamline their operations, emphasizing the potential benefits of engaging local firms or organizations as intermediaries.
WFP is currently in the process of forming a partnership with the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), a well-established organization with a solid track record and the trust of its members.
Prior stated, “Given our extensive presence in the country, WFP is eager to enhance its collaboration with the local private sector community,” recognizing Uganda’s role in hosting refugees and the importance of financial support from the private sector.
He added, “We see an opportunity to work with the private sector because of their presence and willingness.”
In 2023, WFP has assisted approximately 1.5 million individuals in Uganda, providing food, nutrition, and financial support, particularly in refugee camps. The organization has also worked on land degradation through asset creation and climate-smart interventions, supporting local economies and helping more than 320,000 farmers reduce harvest losses.
WFP has adjusted its strategy from providing refugees with processed foods to organic options, with a focus on high-demand crops like sorghum, maize, and millet. Farmers cultivating these crops will receive funding.
Stephen Asiimwe, Executive Director of PSFU, emphasized the potential to transform food delivery systems and agriculture in Uganda by involving the private sector, aiming to address food security issues and climate change simultaneously.
Asiimwe highlighted the significant role of the private sector in shaping Uganda’s economy positively and stated that increased funding would result in better quality products for at least 78% of the population.
Recent concerns over aflatoxins in Ugandan food products, including maize, eggs, and milk, were also discussed. Asiimwe indicated that this collaboration could help tackle these challenges.
While WFP did not disclose the exact investment amount for this partnership, it is expected that farmers will receive financial assistance through organizations like PSFU or trusted stakeholders such as banks.
Francis Kisirinya, also from PSFU, discussed the mutually beneficial aspects of the partnership, emphasizing the potential for financial assistance and the identification of opportunities by key stakeholders in the financial sector.
Kisirinya mentioned that companies are already working on aggregating, grading, and standardizing products from small farmers, creating additional markets for agricultural waste products, which will benefit farmers.
