agriculture 28 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
West Nile Expo Equips Farmers with Climate-Smart Techniques and Green Jobs
Farmers from West Nile gathered at the Omia Agribusiness and Renewable Energy Expo in Arua to learn modern farming practices, climate adaptation strategies, and market linkages, boosting incomes and job opportunities for young women. The event under the SIYEP programme highlights innovations like solar irrigation amid climate challenges. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/west-nile-expo-draws-farmers-to-climate-smart-agriculture-green-jobs-5406112
Small-scale farmers from rural and urban areas across Uganda’s West Nile sub-region attended a three-day agribusiness expo at the OPM grounds in Arua. The Omia Agribusiness and Renewable Energy Expo focused on climate-smart agriculture and green job creation, especially for young women.
Participants gained practical training in poultry management, irrigation systems, soil conservation, and technology-driven production methods to combat climate change effects.
Ms Winny Isaburu, a farmer from the region, shared how the sessions improved her chicken rearing skills, reducing losses and promising higher earnings to support her child’s education.
Young farmer Ms Naima Fikira from Yumbe District highlighted adopting solar-powered irrigation for watermelon farming in dry areas, now yielding significant harvests through techniques like mulching and fertilizers.
The expo, part of the Sustainable Inclusive Youth Employment Pathways (SIYEP) programme by the Agency for Accelerated Regional Development (AFARD) and partners including the Mastercard Foundation, connected over 170 young women to markets and agribusiness experts.
Mr Iganachi Razaki of Omia Agribusiness Development Group emphasized enabling farmers to earn enough for school fees and healthcare. SIYEP Programme Director Ms Joyce Wanican noted gains in skills, market access, and income growth.
AFARD Executive Director Mr Isaac Obong pointed to the programme’s timeliness against climate pressures and youth joblessness, targeting 258,000 young women nationwide, with 80,000 in West Nile districts like Adjumani, Yumbe, and Nebbi.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)