In Uganda, smallholder farmers are responsible for around 80% of the agricultural sector’s production. Among others, Uganda is the largest producer of granulated brown sugar in the East African Community, producing around 600,000 tonnes annually by 2021, making sugarcane the second largest crop in terms of tonnes after banana plantain, the country’s traditional staple food. While sugarcane farmers are demanding a better price for their produce, the support prices regularly announced by the government reportedly do not take into account the ever-increasing cost of inputs. Reduced income from sugar cane, coupled with the long maturity period, has led to a growing need for farmers to diversify into alternative crops to increase profitability and sustainable livelihoods.
As a smallholder sugarcane farmer of Buleeba village in Uganda’s Jinja district, Nkaire Wilson experienced the challenges that many farmers in the sector face. Over the years, Nkaire Wilson’s sugarcane farming yields diminished significantly. Earning 800,000 Ugandan Shilling (UGX) / 205 $, from one hectare of land every two years was no longer sustainable. These struggles led him to look for alternative farming methods that could provide more stability and better returns. To supplement his income, he began planting kales and tomatoes on less than a quarter acre of his land. Nkaire Wilson also relied on laborious manual watering methods, using jerry cans for the additional crops. This crop diversification earned him UGX 60,000/ 15 $ a week for kales and UGX 600,000 / 153 $ per harvest for tomatoes every crop cycle.
Profitable income streams and secure livelihoods thanks to Aptech’s solar irrigation systems
Nkaire Wilson’s journey took a significant turn at the end of 2021 when he attended an agricultural show in Jinja, where he heard about Aptech, a leading solar energy agri-tech company in Uganda. He learnt of the benefits of using solar irrigation, especially during the dry season when horticultural products are in low supply. What caught Nkaire’s attention was the fact that he could irrigate his land without having to purchase expensive diesel whilst also being able to pay for the pump in staggered installments. Another important aspect for him was the company’s ability to diagnose problems remotely and promptly send a technician when necessary, thanks to the Davix controllers manufactured by WE4F via GIZ supported innovator Innovex.
The impact of the use of a solar irrigation system on Nkaire Wilson’s farm was profound. The previously meagre income of UGX 60,000 / 15$ from kale a week skyrocketed to UGX 90,000 / 23$ a week during the crop cycle, while tomato revenue increased significantly from UGX 600,000 / 153$ to an impressive UGX 1.5 million / 384$ per harvest. The ability to grow crops all year around has opened new opportunities and transformed Nkaire Wilson’s financial prospects, providing him with stable and profitable income streams.
Aptech’s commitment to Nkaire Wilson’s success did not end with the initial sale – their regular monitoring and support ensured that his farm remains productive and efficient. The flexibility of payment terms which allow him to pay UGX 120,000 /30$ per month during active production and a reduced rate of UGX 15,000/ 4$ per month during inactive periods, eased his financial burden while also ensuring that he could still benefit from the solar irrigation system’s presence.
Innovex’s cutting-edge Davix technology allowed for remote diagnosis and performance monitoring of the irrigation pump. This capability ensured prompt servicing and timely maintenance of the irrigation system, minimizing downtime, and maximizing Nkaire Wilson’s productivity. He was able to rely on Aptech’s expertise and experience by being able to resolve any issues remotely.
Innovex’s community development: how success stories can inspire others
Inspired by Nkaire’s success, seven other farmers in his community purchased irrigation pumps, with another 15 individuals being introduced to solar-powered irrigation solutions by him. Nkaire Wilson’s role as an agent for Aptech has not only earned him a commission, it has also supported his livelihood and further cemented his status as an agricultural entrepreneur in the area. Innovex’s partnership with WE4F has been instrumental in supporting the development and promotion of the adoption of the company’s Davix technology. This has had a positive impact on the community as is evidenced by Nkaire Wilson’s transformation.
Nkaire Wilson’s journey from a struggling sugarcane farmer to a thriving agricultural entrepreneur is a testament to the transformative power of innovative farming techniques and technologies. Through his partnership with Aptech, he not only doubled his earnings during the dry seasons but also became an agent for change, spreading success and improving the livelihoods of other farmers in his community. Nkaire Wilson’s story serves as an inspiration for farmers facing challenges, highlighting the potential for growth and prosperity in the agricultural sector when embraced with determination and the right tools.
Find out more about Innovex’ work by watching this mini-documentary:
Contact
For more information about supported innovators, please have a look at the East Africa Hub Subpage or contact lucie.pluschke@giz.de (Regional Innovation Hub Manger) or kilian.blumenthal@giz.de (Technical Advisor).
