Katakwi farmers decry poor access to markets and inputs

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Farmers in Katakwi district are facing major agricultural challenges due to limited access to high-quality seeds, markets, and proper storage equipment.

Many have resorted to using local seeds, which produce poor harvests and are prone to pests and diseases.

Michael Ekongot from the Magoro United Farmers Association noted that many farmers in the villages lack knowledge about which seeds to plant and which pesticides to use, leading them to grow whatever seeds they can find.

Kevin Akello, a farmer from Aujongaba village in Katakwi subcounty, echoed these concerns, emphasising the difficulties caused by limited information on where to obtain improved seeds and modern farming technologies.

Several agricultural products were showcased by farmers at the first-ever three-day Katakwi Agricultural Trade Show, held at Katakwi Technical School. (Photo by Delux Emmy Alomu)

These issues were raised during the first-ever three-day Katakwi Agricultural Tradeshow, held at Katakwi Technical School under the theme “Promoting Innovation, Networking, and Market Access to Farmers.”

Paul Akonyu, a project officer specialising in post-harvest management, observed that farmers struggle to connect with certified agro-input dealers and suppliers of essential storage equipment such as pix bags and tarpaulins for drying crops. Limited market access was identified as another key challenge affecting farmers in the district.

James Elungat, the Katakwi district agricultural officer (DAO), acknowledged the difficulty farmers face in sourcing quality certified seeds.

He attributed part of the problem to the reluctance among some farmers to seek assistance from extension workers based at the sub-counties.

The DAO noted that many are accustomed to purchasing inputs from open markets and reusing them year after year.

He stressed that for farmers to transition from subsistence to commercial farming, they must use quality seeds, which are available from certified input dealers across the sub-counties.

Emily Atuhaire, programme associate for agriculture and market support at the World Food Programme, explained that the tradeshow ha ended on August 15, 2025, was intended to connect farmers with markets for their produce and a wide range of farm suppliers.

The event brought together seed companies and suppliers from regions including Karamoja, Kampala, and Bugisu, who specialise in value addition and modern farming technologies.

The tradeshow received support from the Norwegian Embassy in Kampala, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP), and Andre Foods International (AFI), in collaboration with Katakwi District Local Government.