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  3. Swisscontact Marks the Successful Completion of the Dynamic Market for Farmers (DMF) Project

From Individual Enterprise to a Thriving Agricultural Ecosystem

Uganda
Sustainable agriculture
27.02.2025
Swisscontact Uganda, alongside esteemed partners, farmers, and government stakeholders, marked the successful conclusion of the Dynamic Market for Farmers (DMF) Project, a groundbreaking 12-year initiative that revolutionized Uganda’s agricultural landscape. This event was a celebration of resilience, innovation, and the future of Uganda’s agricultural sector.

A Journey of Growth and Impact

From its inception, the DMF Project sought to bridge gaps in market access, financial inclusion, and sustainable farming practices for smallholder cocoa and honey farmers. By leveraging market-driven approaches, the initiative facilitated private sector investment, increased agricultural productivity, and empowered thousands of farmers.

Md. Arafat Hossain, Country Director of Swisscontact Uganda, delivers his speech, highlighting the achievements of the DMF Project before welcoming the guest speakers at the close-out event
"Uganda’s agricultural sector, which employs 67% of the population and contributes 24% to GDP, holds immense potential to drive economic transformation. The DMF project has demonstrated that market systems work - smallholder farmers do not just need support; they need access to knowledge, technology, and structured market linkages."
Opening the event, Arafat Hossain, Country Director of Swisscontact Uganda, emphasized the importance of long-term, system-wide change over short-term relief:
Md. Arafat Hossain greets the Third Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda, Hon. Lukia Isanga Nakadama, as she arrives at the event. Also present are the State Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Fred Bwino, and Swisscontact’s Director of Products and Solutions, Franziska Koller, among other distinguished guests

Government Endorsement: A Call for Continued Growth

Government representatives at the event reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining and scaling the DMF Project’s impact. The Rt. Hon. Lukia Isanga Nakadama, Third Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda, reflected on the initiative’s significance, particularly in her home district of Mayuge:

"I recall witnessing one of your key interventions - the Two-Acre Model - aimed at enhancing food security among cocoa farmers. Seeing how this initiative has transformed lives fills me with immense joy. This is not just about increasing production; it is about building resilient, competitive, and inclusive agricultural markets."
The Third Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda, Hon. Lukia Isanga Nakadama, delivers her keynote address at the DMF Close-Out Event

Echoing this sentiment, Hon. Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, State Minister of Agriculture, highlighted the tremendous growth in Uganda’s cocoa sector, attributing it in part to strategic interventions supported by Swisscontact:

"Uganda’s cocoa exports have more than doubled over the past decade, reaching 56,281 metric tonnes and generating $296 million. The government has already allocated UGX 13.9 billion towards mapping cocoa farmers and ensuring compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Our next step is expanding value addition, increasing farmer training, and ensuring sustainable production practices."
Hon. Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, State Minister of Agriculture, delivers his remarks on sustaining growth and investment in Uganda’s agricultural markets at the DMF Close-Out Event

Project Achievements: Measurable Impact

The DMF Project has left an indelible mark on Uganda’s agricultural economy, with key milestones including:

  • 23,000+ farmers benefitted, with cocoa farmers experiencing a 142% rise in earnings and beekeepers seeing a 127% increase in income.
  • $25 million in private sector investment mobilized, exceeding initial projections by 16 times.
  • 54% growth in Uganda’s national cocoa exports, enhancing global competitiveness.
  • UGX 225 million ($60,000) mobilized by community savings groups, reinforcing financial resilience.
  • 5.2 million cocoa seedlings distributed, supporting farm expansion and long-term productivity.
  • Development of the National Cocoa Production Manual, a key resource for extension services and policy alignment.
  • Implementation of Uganda’s first traceability system for honey, ensuring sustainability and market compliance.
Kenneth Aedu, Project Manager of DMF, guides Basil a member of the Swisscontact's scientific board of through a maze showcasing the project's key milestones and impact on Uganda’s agricultural sector at the DMF Close-Out Event
Kenneth Aedu, Project Manager of DMF, guides guests through a maze showcasing the project's key milestones and impact on Uganda’s agricultural sector at the DMF Close-Out Event
Tumuramye Labani, Market Innovation Specialist of DMF Project engages attendees at the DMF Close-Out Event, walking them through key project milestones and the transformative impact of the Two-Acre Regenerative Agriculture Model
Attendees at the DMF Close-Out Event immerse themselves in the project's milestones, learning about its impact on Uganda’s cocoa and honey market systems and the success of smallholder farmers.

The Human Impact: Farmers at the Core of Progress

For farmers like Mary Ntambi, a community-based cocoa facilitator, the DMF Project has been life-changing.

"Before this project, many of us struggled to find stable markets. Through DMF, I not only increased my yields but also learned sustainable farming techniques that secured my family’s future. The knowledge we have gained will carry forward for generations. Women can do it too, and it is empowering to know that we can generate our own income. It is good for women to have their own money—not just for household needs but to build independence and invest in their future. DMF has given us the tools and confidence to stand on our own."
Mary Ntambi, a community-based cocoa facilitator, shares her inspiring journey at the DMF Close-Out Event, highlighting the impact of the project on her livelihood and the future of Uganda’s cocoa farmers

A Future Built on Market-Driven Solutions

While the DMF Project has concluded, Swisscontact remains committed to sustaining Uganda’s agricultural growth. Franziska Koller, Director of Products & Solutions at Swisscontact, underscored this commitment:

"Today is not just about closing a project; it is about recognizing what has been built. Market-driven solutions are the future, and Swisscontact will continue fostering innovation, investing in agribusiness, and strengthening Uganda’s agricultural markets."
Franziska Koller, Director of Products and Solutions and Member of the Executive Board at Swisscontact, delivers her remarks at the DMF Close-Out Event, emphasizing the importance of market-driven solutions and long-term partnerships in strengthening Uganda’s agricultural sector

As Swisscontact transitions into the next phase, initiatives such as EcoProsperity and HortiMarkets Dynamics will focus on climate-resilient agriculture, improved market infrastructure, and increased financial access for farmers, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future.

Looking Ahead: A New Era for Uganda’s Agriculture

The success of the DMF Project is a testament to the power of collaboration. As Rt. Hon. Lukia Isanga Nakadama aptly put it:

"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."

The journey of transformation does not end here. With continued investment, strategic partnerships, and policy alignment, Uganda’s agricultural sector is poised to thrive, ensuring long-term economic sustainability for generations to come.

About DMF Project

The project supported 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.

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

Media and Engagement

Uganda's Cocoa Production Increase - NBS TV, Uganda
94 MB
Nakadama rallies private sector players on agric value chain investment - New Vision, Uganda
The cocoa and honey value chains have registered growth in the past decade with increased value to sector players - Twitter, NBS Television
Cocoa farmers lead in adapting to EU deforestation rules - NTV, Uganda
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