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Transforming Uganda’s Cocoa and Beekeeping Sectors while Empowering Farmers for Economic Growth 

Uganda
30.10.2024
Swisscontact’s Dynamic Markets for Farmers project, is transforming the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Uganda by enhancing the cocoa and beekeeping sectors. Running from 2021 to 2024, the project is empowering farmers in 12 districts to improve their productivity, increase incomes, and access premium markets.
"This project showcases the potential of Uganda’s agricultural sector by equipping farmers with the skills and market access they need to thrive, "
said Alexander Lanz, Managing Director of the Happel Foundation, during his recent visit.
Mr. Alexander Lanz, Managing Director, Happel Foundation, seated under a tree with women cocoa farmers. 
Cocoa tree

Cocoa Sector Successes

Through comprehensive training and certification initiatives, the Dynamic Markets for Farmers (DMF) project has reached 14,079 cocoa farmers, including over 4,000 women, across Uganda. The project introduced Good Agronomic Practices (GAPs), leading to an average income increase of CHF 239 for 10,375 farmers. This additional income has empowered farmers to invest in education, better tools, and household needs, ultimately improving food security. The project also piloted a Community-Based Cocoa Facilitator (CBCF) model to provide localized support for farmers, as well as a 2-acre regenerative agriculture model to bolster food security.

The partnership with ICAM Chocolate and African Trade Winds has enabled 3,500 cocoa farmers to earn certifications, granting them access to premium markets.

Workers at ICAM Chocolate packaging cocoa beans. 
"Through the DMF project, Uganda’s cocoa sector is witnessing greater traceability and marketability, enhancing the nation’s export quality,"
stated Honorat Domont, Managing Director of African Trade Winds.
From left to right: Mr. Alexander Lanz observes as Mr. Honorat Domont, Managing Director of African Trade Winds (center), demonstrates the traceability system. To the right is Ms. Winnie Nambehela, Sustainability and Sourcing Manager at African Trade Winds.

Advancing Beekeeping Practices

Beekeeping is another key focus of the DMF project, with 4,797 farmers trained in recommended apiculture practices. These efforts have resulted in an average income boost of CHF 228, empowering many to transition from subsistence to commercial honey production. Collaborating with district governments, the project has developed a sustainable beekeeping community. In Masindi district, for example, average hive ownership increased from 16 to 21 hives, with honey production per hive doubling to 10 kg.

Kiiza Jackson, a former poacher who now works as a Community-Based Apiculture Trainer (CBAT), has become a model for sustainable livelihoods.

Jackson Kiiza, Community-Based Apiculture Trainer (CBAT) and api-tourism guide. 
"Beekeeping changed my life,"
Jackson shared. 
He now educates others on sustainable practices, sells honey, and even leads api-tourism activities for visitors to Murchison Falls National Park.

Building Resilience through Partnerships

The DMF project’s collaborative efforts with district governments and local organizations have created a supportive environment for Uganda’s farmers. These partnerships have allowed farmers to access inputs, benefit from exchange visits, and gain exposure to commercial practices.

"Our commitment is to continue supporting these transformative practices at a district level, ensuring that the progress achieved through DMF endures beyond the project’s timeline,"
said Saidah Mashaka, District Entomologist in Masindi.
Mr. Alexander Lanz (2nd from right) in a cordial conversation with Kiiza Jackson (3rd from right), alongside Saidah Mashaka, Masindi District Local Government Entomologist (far right). 

A Vision for Future Sustainability

The DMF project has built a strong foundation for Uganda’s farmers, linking them to markets, promoting sustainable agriculture, and ensuring food security. As the project nears completion, its successes have inspired similar initiatives, like the EcoProsperity project.

" I am inspired by the impact DMF has achieved, and I look forward to seeing these best practices expanded to other projects."
Alexander Lanz reflected on his experience, 
Swisscontact's Global Head of the Development Programme, Eliane Herrmann, sharing photos she captured with farmers.

The DMF project is financed by Linsi Foundation, City of Zurich, Medicor Foundations, canton of Baselland, among other donors. It is part of the Swisscontact Development Programme, co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA.

2021 - 2024
Uganda
Sustainable agriculture
Dynamic Markets for Farmers - Sustainable Cocoa and Honey
The project supports smallholder farmers in the cocoa and honey value chains by facilitating their access to extension services and markets, and by enabling them to improve their knowledge and skills.
Learn more