PostBank Uganda has empowered over 150 small holder farmers in Arua District with agri-innovative competences, through a four-day training under the PostBank Agri-SME Skills Development Programme.
This groundbreaking initiative represents the Bank’s significant effort to empower local farmers and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in Uganda, involved in the cassava value chain.
The initiative, executed in partnership with the Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises (FSME), aimed to equip these farmers and SMEs with crucial value addition skills to enhance their market reach.
The training unfolded at Kabia and Sons Millers and encompassed three days of technical sessions where participants engaged in hands-on learning.
They were introduced to the entire process of producing cassava flour, including proper post-harvest handling techniques to maintain quality, adherence to good manufacturing practices, and an overall approach to adding value to their cassava produce.
The training was also designed to prepare them for exploring regional trade opportunities by ensuring their products meet the required quality standards.
The final day of the training shifted focus to financial literacy, led by the team from PostBank Arua branch. This session aimed to empower farmers with the knowledge to manage their finances effectively and introduced them to various agricultural products offered by the bank that could support their growth and prosperity.
Kizito Enzama, a Personal Banker at PostBank Arua, who represented the branch manager emphasized PostBank’s commitment to fostering prosperity and helping farmers transition from subsistence to commercial farming to allow their products to meet both local and international market standards, improving their market base.
“At PostBank, we are committed to fostering prosperity for Ugandans, which aligns with our new tagline, Grow Prosper. By upskilling farmers, we can enable them to transition from subsistence to commercial farming. This transformation allows their products to meet both local and international market standards, improving their market base,” stated Kizito Enzama.
Upon completion, participants received certificates from the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Charles Ichogor, who praised the training’s positive impact and encouraged participants to apply their new knowledge for better cassava quality.
He commended PostBank Uganda and FSME for their efforts in supporting social and economic transformation.
“We are truly grateful that Arua District was selected for this very insightful training, and I encourage all the participants to adopt and put into practice the knowledge they have acquired to ensure better quality cassava products,” Ichogor said.
“I commend the efforts of PostBank Uganda and their implementation partner FSME towards extending such opportunities to our people which have a positive impact and overall, such engagements complement government efforts of social economic transformation of our people,” Ichogor added.
Launched in 2022 through PostBank’s Corporate Social Investment arm, the PostBank Agri-SME Skills Development Programme, has successfully trained over 700 beneficiaries across the country in various aspects of value addition and financial literacy.
The 2024 cohort, targeting 300 beneficiaries, was launched in March and has included training sessions on millet processing in Soroti District, agri-tourism in Fort Portal, and cassava processing in Arua District. The final training of the year, focusing on coffee value addition, is scheduled to take place in Kampala.
This initiative underlines PostBank unwavering commitment to fostering growth and prosperity among Ugandan farmers and SMEs, by equipping them with the necessary skills to transition from subsistence to commercial farming.
The approach is a crucial facet in bringing profound beauty to the lives of these farmers, through enhancing their economic prospects and contributing to the country’s broader development goals.
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