Markets, agricultural trade get sh120b
Apr 21, 2009
THE African Development Bank group (AfDB) has approved a $55.8m (sh120.2b) loan to finance a markets and agricultural trade improvement project (MATP). “The funding got through the soft loan window of the bank, will be used to improve infrastructure in
By David Muwanga
THE African Development Bank group (AfDB) has approved a $55.8m (sh120.2b) loan to finance a markets and agricultural trade improvement project (MATP). “The funding got through the soft loan window of the bank, will be used to improve infrastructure in the different markets used by about 900,000 households in 19 selected districts,†the bank said in a press release recently.
It said the project was designed to support poverty reduction efforts and economic growth through enhanced commercialisation of agricultural produce and other merchandise in the country.
It will among other activities involve the construction of 21 markets in municipal and town councils including Kampala city.
Other districts that are to benefit include Jinja, Entebbe, Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, Fort Portal, Arua, Lira, Gulu, Moroto, Soroti, Mbale and Tororo.
The five town councils are Hoima, Kasese, Busia, Kitgum and Lugazi. “Apart from market infrastructure, the project will support market management and agricultural trade enhancement including capacity building, project management and coordination,†the release added.
It said the project was consistent with the country’s Poverty Eradication Action Plan that focuses on enhancing production, competitiveness and incomes. “The project is also in line with the Plan for the Modernisation of Agriculture, provision of agricultural extension and effective market management services and building of physical infrastructure,†it explained.
It said the project was also aimed at funding capital intensive hardware infrastructure, related development initiatives with other donor agencies involved in the provision of information and communication technology services, increased food production, post-harvest losses and increased productivity.
The AfDB is currently Uganda’s leading development partner, providing about 19.9% of the entire development assistance budget, particularly in the agriculture and transport sectors, representing 27% and 17%, respectively.
THE African Development Bank group (AfDB) has approved a $55.8m (sh120.2b) loan to finance a markets and agricultural trade improvement project (MATP). “The funding got through the soft loan window of the bank, will be used to improve infrastructure in the different markets used by about 900,000 households in 19 selected districts,†the bank said in a press release recently.
It said the project was designed to support poverty reduction efforts and economic growth through enhanced commercialisation of agricultural produce and other merchandise in the country.
It will among other activities involve the construction of 21 markets in municipal and town councils including Kampala city.
Other districts that are to benefit include Jinja, Entebbe, Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, Fort Portal, Arua, Lira, Gulu, Moroto, Soroti, Mbale and Tororo.
The five town councils are Hoima, Kasese, Busia, Kitgum and Lugazi. “Apart from market infrastructure, the project will support market management and agricultural trade enhancement including capacity building, project management and coordination,†the release added.
It said the project was consistent with the country’s Poverty Eradication Action Plan that focuses on enhancing production, competitiveness and incomes. “The project is also in line with the Plan for the Modernisation of Agriculture, provision of agricultural extension and effective market management services and building of physical infrastructure,†it explained.
It said the project was also aimed at funding capital intensive hardware infrastructure, related development initiatives with other donor agencies involved in the provision of information and communication technology services, increased food production, post-harvest losses and increased productivity.
The AfDB is currently Uganda’s leading development partner, providing about 19.9% of the entire development assistance budget, particularly in the agriculture and transport sectors, representing 27% and 17%, respectively.