By Our Reporter
dfcu Bank in partnership with Vision Group, KLM, Embassy of Netherlands in Uganda, and Koudjis has launched the 11th edition of the Best Farmers Competition to be held under the theme “Value Addition with Focus on Large Scale Farmers and Cooperatives”.
The competition was officially unveiled during an event held at Prime Agro Farm in in Zirobwe, Luweero District. The farm is owned by Sebastian Ruta Ngabwa, the winner of the 2023 edition of the Best Farmers Competition.
Over the years, the competition has significantly contributed to increased agricultural production on farms countrywide. This year, the focus shifts towards value addition, with an emphasis on enhancing the quality and marketability of farm outputs.
All the winners from the various sub-regions will be required to showcase how they add value to their products, demonstrating innovations in processing, packaging, or branding. Through this approach, the competition aims to promote proper post-harvest handling practices and ensure that farmers maximize returns from their produce.
Speaking during the launch, Mathias Jumba, Head of Integrated Channels at dfcu, said, “the Best Farmers Competition celebrates Uganda’s most impactful farmers, and in doing so, inspires many more to turn agriculture from mere survival to sustainable prosperity. For over 60 years, dfcu has been a steadfast partner to Uganda’s farmers and agribusinesses. Our focus was, and remains: to bridge the financing gap, support value chains, and uplift both large-scale agribusinesses and smallholder farmers across all regions of this country.”
He added, “Through innovations such as agricultural loans and asset financing, the bank has provided not only capital but also a strong foundation for growth and expansion to thousands of farmers. As a result, farmers now have better access to markets, infrastructure, and expertise, enabling them to scale their operations and achieve their dreams.”
Alex Madolo, Sector Head, Agriculture at dfcu Bank noted, “We are privileged to witness the transformation of farmers’ lives and livelihoods through access to finance and training. At dfcu Bank, we see ourselves not just as a financial services provider, but as a committed partner in the growth and success of businesses across Uganda.”
He also applauded the sponsoring partners of the initiative, who have been a part of its 11-year journey. “Vision Group, the Embassy of the Netherlands, KLM, Koudijs have remained committed to this vision of Transforming the lives of agriculture practitioners, their families, communities and businesses.”
For 2025, new competition categories including, Large-Scale Farmers, Small and Medium-Scale Farmers and Farmer Cooperatives have been added to the initiative.
Through its agricultural sector support arm, the dfcu Foundation, dfcu Bank has made significant contributions to the development of the agricultural sector in Uganda.
As of December 31st, 2024, the Centre recorded remarkable achievements in empowering agribusiness enterprises and farmers across the country. Key achievements include: support to 1,281 agribusiness enterprises through a combination of debt financing and capacity-building programs aimed at enhancing productivity and operational efficiency; acceleration support for 490 enterprises, enabling them to scale and sustain growth through tailored mentorship and business development interventions; 52% women inclusion rate achieved since 2018, underscoring the Foundation’s commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women in agribusiness; and a total outreach of 59,000 beneficiaries, demonstrating a far-reaching impact on the sector through training, advisory services, and financial inclusion, among others.