Agribusiness Trajectory for Oilseed Producer Groups

Context

Uganda’s oilseed sector is evolving into a key engine for rural development, with increasing demand from both local and European organic markets. However, smallholder producers often lack the agronomic and business skills to meet quality standards and access these markets sustainably. This project addresses these challenges by implementing a three-year agribusiness trajectory under the CBI Uganda Oilseeds programme. The focus lies on equipping a select group of frontrunner Producer Groups (PGs) with the tools, knowledge, and networks to adopt sustainable, organic production and become export-ready. Through individual coaching, peer learning, and group training, PGs are empowered to develop viable, resilient, and inclusive agribusiness models.

Project goal and outputs

The project aims to strengthen the entrepreneurial and agronomic capacity of Producer Groups (PGs) in Uganda’s oilseed sector. Its main objective is to support these PGs in transitioning to sustainable, organic, and regenerative farming practices while improving their market access, especially towards EU markets.

Key Outputs:

Tailored roadmaps and Personal Development Plans (PDPs) for each PG
Monthly one-on-one coaching sessions focusing on business development, quality assurance, and certification
Structured peer learning via triads and collaborative learning
Group training sessions covering business planning, financial literacy, compliance, supply chain management, and inclusive practices
Monitoring and adaptive management to ensure relevance and progress

Development of toolkits and success stories for wider dissemination and scaling

Relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 1 (No Poverty): By improving income opportunities through organic oilseed value chains, smallholder livelihoods are strengthened.

SDG 15 (Life on Land): By promoting organic and regenerative practices, the project supports biodiversity, soil health, and sustainable land use.

SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): PGs are coached to become resilient agribusinesses that create jobs and add value locally.

SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Compliance with EU Organic Regulation and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) promotes responsible farming and value chain practices.

Involved organisations

The project engages a group of 6–16 selected Producer Groups (PGs) from across Uganda. These groups are active in organic oilseed farming and are identified as frontrunners by the CBI Uganda Oilseeds project team.

Within the project we work with a Ugandan agri-business consultant, Mr Okelei John Ariko.