SNV Uganda 2009 Annual Report

In 2009, pineapples within the Rwenzori region
were attacked by pineapple wilt, a disease unknown
to local farmers. This issue was tackled through an
SNV-initiated platform that brings together farmers,
researchers, education institutions, businessmen
and government organisations like the National
Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO).
Immediately, researchers were able to take samples
of the affected pineapples, test them and come up
with possible solutions. The wilt remains a challenge.
Efforts are being made nationally to understand it
and to make farm-based trials to contain its spread.
Today, a pineapple production guide stipulating good agricultural
practices has been developed in English and farmers in Rwenzori and
Luwero districts are currently using it. The next step is to translate
this guide into Runyakitara, Luganda and other local languages of pineapple-growing communities.
In 2010, SNV commits to further enhance collaboration within this sector by seeking more partnerships
to address sector challenges including the wilt disease, strengthening of producer groups, linking input
suppliers to farmer groups in-order to provide timely and adequate supply of inputs, links to markets and
formation of strong value chains to lobby for favourable policies.
Oilseed
Portfolio
North East
District local governments with
whom we work
Bukedea, Kapchorwa, Kumi, Lira,
Mbale, Soroti
Other partners
Popular Kumi Women’s Initiative,
Vredeseilanden Coopibo (VeCO) Uganda
Islamic University in Uganda, Uganda
Wildlife Authority, Mukwano
Rwenzori Bundibugyo, Kasese Nyakatonzi Growers Cooperative Union,
Karughe
West Nile
Adjumani, Arua, Moyo, Nebbi,
Yumbe
National partners: Uganda Oilseed Producers and Processors Association, VODP-[Vegetable Oil
Development Project], IFAD, VECO, NAADS, Mukwano
In the oilseed sector, SNV works within 13 districts to enhance production and marketing. During the last
season in 2009, the production volume and incomes of oilseed increased by approximately 20%. These
figures confirm the entry of new participants in the sector, from households to donors and private sector
organisations and increased collaboration through the Oilseed Sub-sector Platform.
The Oilseed Sub-sector Platform emerged out of a need identified by oilseed stakeholders,
particularly those in the sunflower value chain, and by SNV Uganda. The platform comprises
different private and public actors whose common interest is to enhance coordination.
Aware of the need to act with one voice to influence policies and attract public and donor
support, in 2009 the members organised a strategic meeting to advocate coherent sectorspecific
policy and legislation. Three key areas were identified during this event:
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