| 22 December 2009
Agriculture is the backbone of Uganda’s economy and is the main economic activity of the district. Nebbi’s fertile soils and favorable climatic conditions support the growing of a wide range of crops such as:
•Coffee, Tea and Cotton
•Tubers (Cassava, Irish and Sweet potatoes)
•Cereals (Sorghum, Millet, Maize, Rice)
•Oil seeds (Simsim, Sunflower, Soya beans and Cashew nuts)
•Vegetables (Okra, Tomatoes, Cabbages, Onions)
•Fruits (Pineapples, Bananas, Citrus, Mangoes)
•Spices (Vanilla and Chilies)
Agricultural Investment Opportunities include:
Commercial Farming
The availability of land allows for large scale farming of any of the above types of crops for the local and export market
Commodity Trade
Most agriculture products in Nebbi are organically produced and are high demand commodities on the world market
Investment activities here include:-
•Produce export marketing especially of simsim, cotton and coffee
•Establishment of cold storage facilities to pack and market fruits and vegetables
•Establishment of produce storage facilities etc.
Agro processing and value addition to crops
Possible areas include:-
•Coffee processing
•Tea processing
•Cotton ginning and spinning
•Food flour production
•Edible oil processing
•Fruits preservation (dehydration)
•Juice and Jam production
•Production of spices
Supply of Agricultural Inputs
Agricultural production is still largely dependent on labour intensive technology (hand hoes) as alternatives like use of tractors are too costly for most people in the sector. Opportunities therefore exist for the provision of appropriate and affordable technology farm tools and implements that can be accessed by a larger population engaged in agriculture, such as Hand driven tractors, Ox-ploughs, furrow ploughs, seeders and weeders.
Poverty Trends
According to the community, there was little knowledge of the trend of poverty; however, most community intimated an upward trend (falling into poverty). The negative poverty trends were largely associated with poor productivity, inadequate market access and low price, crop and animal pest. The community generally agreed that there is improved access to social services particularly education, water and health during the past five years. Apart from shoddy works in some SFG schools, the community says the services are being delivered, but called for the leadership to monitor closely the provision of services.
Bonna Bagaggawale (BB)
The district is ready to implement Prosperity for all program (BB). All the 19 LLGs have SACCOs locally known as the village Banks with 21 fully and encouragingly operational. This can be attributed to the active part played by the West Nile Private Sector promotion and development Centre. The population is eagerly waiting for the BB.
