In the heart of Uganda’s vibrant agricultural landscape, a transformative initiative is taking root, significantly enhancing the well-being of farming communities while solidifying a major industry player’s commitment to local sourcing.
Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL), through its ‘Farm for Success’ program, is not only crafting authentic, homegrown products from grain to glass but also acting as a pivotal force in driving socio-economic transformation across the nation.
Agriculture has always been central to UBL’s operations. What began as the Local Raw Materials (LRM) program in 2010, and later rebranded as ‘Farm for Success’, has evolved into a comprehensive initiative that empowers thousands of local farmers to supply high-quality grain and ingredients essential for UBL’s distinctive brands.
This deep engagement ensures a sustainable supply chain for the company while providing a consistent and reliable market for Ugandan farmers.
The ‘Farm for Success’ initiative directly tackles long-standing agricultural challenges that often hinder smallholder farmers.
These include critical issues such as limited access to quality inputs, insufficient knowledge of advanced farming techniques, and persistent barriers to crucial financing opportunities.
UBL’s dedication lies in fostering sustainable solutions for these challenges, ultimately leading to shared prosperity across the agricultural value chain.
“At Uganda Breweries, we believe in the power of shared growth,” says Andrew Kilonzo, Managing Director of UBL.
“Our ‘Farm for Success’ program is more than just about sourcing raw materials; it’s about investing in the backbone of our economy, our farmers. We are proud to support them with training, market access, and partnerships that help them not only meet our high-quality standards but also improve their overall livelihoods and contribute significantly to Uganda’s economic resilience,” he adds.
Agriculture Key for Economic Transformation
UBL recognises that agriculture is a pivotal driver of economic growth in Uganda, profoundly impacting household incomes and contributing significantly to poverty eradication, as outlined in national blueprints like Uganda’s Vision 2040 and National Development Plan (NDP) II.
With over 72% of the workforce employed in this sector, primarily in rural areas, UBL’s support through the ‘Farm for Success’ program is thus vital to its advancement.
Capacity Building and Holistic Impact
The impact of ‘Farm for Success’ extends beyond simply providing a market. By providing training on improved farming practices, promoting better seed varieties, and facilitating access to financing, UBL helps farmers increase their yields and quality, ensuring greater profitability.
This direct support fosters sustainable farming practices and builds capacity within rural communities. The continuous demand from UBL provides farmers with a reliable income stream, enabling them to invest in their farms, educate their children, and improve their living standards.
This proactive approach by a leading private sector entity like UBL perfectly aligns with broader national development objectives and resonates deeply with initiatives aimed at transforming rural livelihoods.
Through ‘Farm for Success’, Uganda Breweries is not just brewing beverages; it’s cultivating a more prosperous and sustainable future for Uganda’s grain farming communities.