KOLE:
Judith Alyek, Chairperson of the Lango Parliamentary Group, has encouraged cooperative groups in the Lango sub region to utilize government programs and initiatives to promote sustainable agriculture.
During the event held in Awili village, Lwala parish of Okwerodot sub-county, under the theme “Taking Farming as a Business for Improved Livelihood and Sustainable Development,” Alyek emphasized the difficulties of conducting commercial agriculture due to limited government support.
“This is insufficient to serve a cooperative society comprising many farmers,” Alyek said, calling on the government to provide more resources, such as tractors, and to enhance support in terms of value addition and farmer training.
Despite the challenges, Alito Joint Multipurpose Cooperative has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable farming in the region. According to Programs Coordinator Isaac Okello, the cooperative is focused on imparting knowledge to farmers to produce quality products and access better markets.
The cooperative’s success has been attributed to team spirit and cooperation among the farmers, according to board member Tom Ogwal Ekuka. He also emphasized the importance of prompt payments after bulking, which has kept the cooperative thriving.
With a primary goal of improving the living standards of farming communities through modern farming and collective marketing, the union currently operates in 14 districts across Lango, serving over 16,000 farmers.
As Uganda continues to grapple with food insecurity, the efforts of cooperatives like Alito Joint Farmers Multiple Purpose Cooperative Society Limited play a critical role in promoting sustainable farming practices and supporting farmers to improve their livelihoods. With increased government support, more farmers can benefit from improved agricultural practices and better access to markets.
The silver jubilee celebration of Alito Joint Farmers Multiple Purpose Cooperative Society Limited not only marked an important milestone for the cooperative but also served as a reminder of the potential for agriculture to drive development and improve livelihoods in rural Uganda.
While the cooperative’s success provides hope for the future of agriculture in the region, there is still much work to be done. Challenges like inadequate funding, limited access to technology and equipment, and vulnerability to climate change continue to threaten the livelihoods of farmers in Lango subregion and across Uganda.
Increased investment in the agricultural sector, both from the government and the private sector, is crucial for addressing these challenges and supporting the growth of cooperatives like Alito Joint Farmers Multiple Purpose Cooperative Society Limited.
The silver jubilee celebration of Alito Joint Farmers Multiple Purpose Cooperative Society Limited serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for cooperatives to drive sustainable agricultural development and improve livelihoods in rural Uganda.
With increased support from the government and the private sector, cooperatives can play a vital role in addressing the challenges facing farmers in the Lango subregion and across the country.
The story of Alito Joint Farmers Multiple Purpose Cooperative Society Limited is a hopeful one, offering a glimpse into the possibilities that exist for a more just and sustainable future in Uganda’s agricultural sector.