Key Information: The Agro-net platform will offer weather reports, price information for markets, agricultural advice, extensio...
Key Information:
- The Agro-net platform will offer weather reports, price information for markets, agricultural advice, extension services, and online payment solutions.
Ugandan farmers are expected to gain from an emerging range of digital farming solutions after an agreement was signed between Enterprise Uganda and Hamilton Telecom in Kampala.
The collaboration will introduce AgroNet, a telecommunications-based platform intended to enhance farming efficiency, increase access to markets, and strengthen financial inclusion in rural areas. Otaremwa Otuhumurize, the Chief Executive Officer of Hamilton Telecom, stated that the partnership seeks to eliminate persistent information obstacles that have hindered agricultural development throughout the nation.
"Farmers suffer significant losses due to the absence of timely and relevant information. With this agrotel network, our goal is to empower smallholder farmers by providing real-time data, advisory services, and secure communication channels," he stated. Mr. Otuhumurize mentions that Hamilton Telecom's national infrastructure will allow the network to extend to the most isolated communities. "Our objective is straightforward - to ensure that farmers in remote areas such as Karamoja or Buliisa have access to the same digital opportunities as a merchant in Kampala. Connectivity shouldn't be a luxury; it should serve as a means for national progress," he concluded.
He mentioned that the AgroNet platform will offer weather information, market price updates, agricultural advice, extension services, and digital payment solutions.
"It will also assist farmers in maintaining digital records of their sales and deliveries, thereby establishing financial profiles that can facilitate access to credit and insurance," he stated.
The head of Enterprise Uganda, Charles Ocici, stated that the project serves as a timely support for the nation's continuous efforts in agricultural digitalization.
"Digital services are no longer a choice. They are crucial for any farmer aiming to boost efficiency, minimize dangers, and obtain cost-effective financial support," Ocici stated. He mentioned that digital records will assist agricultural families in proving their ability to repay loans.
Available opportunities
"When a farmer has verifiable information, they are no longer hidden from banks. Access to credit becomes feasible, insurance becomes attainable, and planning improves," he said. He mentioned that as part of the collaboration, Enterprise Uganda will take the lead in providing training to help farmers, Saccos, cooperatives, and youth groups make effective use of the new digital tools.
"Technology by itself does not change lives; it is people who bring about the change. This is why we will educate farmers and business groups to make the most of these platforms," Ocici stressed.
Shan Sultan, the Commercial Head at Hamilton Telecom, mentioned that the MoU also details initiatives to assist cooperatives by enabling them to combine their products, monitor supply chains, and secure improved pricing through digital solutions.
"This is anticipated to enhance efficiency and openness throughout the agricultural supply chain since the system is designed to develop alongside the industry," she stated.
She mentioned that this is not a universal system. It is designed to evolve alongside the farmer, the cooperative, and the entire agricultural network. She further noted that, in addition to individual farmers, the AgroNet platform will greatly enhance farmer cooperatives. "With digital solutions, cooperatives will be able to: Collect products more effectively, Monitor supply chains and shipments, secure improved pricing, interact immediately with buyers, and enhance openness and responsibility," she states.
She mentions that for rural markets, AgroNet will establish a more reliable and structured supply system, assisting in minimizing losses due to inadequate coordination or late market information. Mr. David Baziwane, the Partnership and Ecosystem Development Manager from Enterprise Uganda, stated that the organization will take charge of nationwide training and capacity-building programs to ensure that farmers, traders, Saccos, cooperatives, and youth groups can utilize the new tools efficiently.
"Technology by itself does not change lives; people do. That's why we will train farmers and business groups to make the most of these platforms," he stated. A System Designed to Expand Alongside Farmers Otaremwa noted that Agro Net is built to be adaptable and expandable, able to grow and adjust as farmers' requirements evolve.
"This is not a universal system. It is designed to evolve alongside the farmer, the cooperative, and the broader agricultural environment," he mentioned.
He mentioned that the AgroNet initiative has the potential to significantly transform Uganda's agricultural industry, which supports more than 70 percent of the population.
"By making ICT tools the core of agriculture, the collaboration aims to boost efficiency, cut down on waste, and enhance farmers' earnings," he stated.
He mentioned that the agreement will be monitored by a joint coordination committee to guarantee effective execution and synchronization of activities. Both organizations conveyed confidence that the collaboration will play a major role in increasing farmers' earnings.
