World Bank to support Songhai agricultural model

Nov 30, 2018

The Songhai Model is primarily a regenerative agriculture which uses agro-ecological practices to boost soil fertility, increase yields while protecting the environment.

AGRICULTURE

The World Bank has pledged to support the government on the implementation of the Songhai integrated agricultural model to promote commercial agriculture in rural areas.

Under the model, a replica from West Africa, a farmer can use a small piece for different agricultural enterprises.

The Songhai Model is primarily a regenerative agriculture which uses agro-ecological practices to boost soil fertility, increase yields while protecting the environment.

The model puts emphasis on production of more with less or zero waste, creation of green jobs, inclusive economy and self -reliance.

All its processes are purely organic and integrate crop production, animal husbandry and aquaculture.

 (Left to right ) Songhai model project field supervisor, Pamela Mbabazi shows one of the harvested organic eggplants to World Bank Uganda country manager, Anthony Thompson (centre) as Permanent secretary Ministry of Gender , Labour and Social Development, Pius Bigirimana looks on during the touring of Songhai model project at Kampiringisa in Mpigi district . (Photo by Juliet Kasirye)

 

During the tour of the project at Kampiringisa in Mpigi district on Wednesday, the World Bank country manager Antony Thompson noted that agriculture is Uganda's ‘green gold' that can transform the economy and the lives of farmers.

"We pledge to support the implementation of this model in various ways including provision of experience and knowledge from the other part of the world," he said.

Thompson added that they would also advance soft loans and grants to the government so that the model can be scaled out to other villages.

"The other support would come inform of equipment to foster value addition," he said.

He advised government to drive these high priority actions by forging a pact with the farmers and other private sector actors.

The permanent secretary, ministry of gender Pius Bigirimana noted that the model also incorporates marketing of its products and provision of training services for youth, women and community members interested in the model.

 

"The Songhai Model initiative is not just another agriculture method but a project of the new Africa. It is about how to radically and sustainably address the vicious cycle of poverty," he explained.

He further stressed that the model is simply an African initiative designed not only to reverse poverty but to develop new capacities for authentic and sustainable development.

"This model reminds us to go back to our indigenous knowledge to boost our agriculture. It improves yields by using a method that is healthier for the soil," he said.

During the tour of the Songhai farm, there were many activities ranging from the first generation of crops that are now at the admirable green vegetation stage, the construction of the necessary infrastructure such as the modern fish ponds and the agro-forestry.

Bigirimana said the essence of this Songhai model organic farming practice is not only to  tap into the growing demand for organic products world over but also create green jobs to Ugandan youths and women.

Green jobs help in reducing the negative environmental impact and promote safety and health at work.

The core ingredients of green jobs include promotion of good working conditions; improvement of energy and raw materials efficiency, minimisation of waste and industrial pollution and protection and restoration of ecosystems.

The project is co-funded by the government of Uganda which has so far spent sh2b for infrastructure development and the UNDP that has injected  sh4b that has catered for training and technical works.

Currently, the administration block that will have a training hall for groups coming from across Uganda and the entire East African region, a recreation centre among other facilities is at completion stage.

Piggery and poultry structures are already in place whereas the construction of 18 ponds is at completion stage.

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