In Uganda, where agriculture is more than just a livelihood—it is the backbone of survival—dfcu Bank stands as a beacon of progress. With development finance at its core, the bank continues to drive positive change, empowering farmers, businesses, and communities to achieve sustainable growth.
A testament to this commitment is dfcu’s partnership with the Agribusiness Development Centre (ADC), which has been pivotal in helping smallholder farmers, cooperatives, and SMEs reach their full potential. The recently released ADC Impact Report for 2022/2023 highlights the far-reaching effects of this initiative, showcasing transformative success stories that are reshaping Uganda’s agricultural landscape.
Empowering Farmers and Cooperatives
One remarkable success story is that of Rubanga Cooperative Society, a key beneficiary of ADC’s capacity-building programs. Before its involvement with ADC, the cooperative struggled to access export markets and lacked financial support and training. Through ADC’s tailored programs, Rubanga received crucial training in governance, marketing, and financial management. As a result, the cooperative secured over USD 2.7 million in export contracts, expanded its processing capabilities, and increased prices by 38% through Fair Trade Certification. This transformation has directly impacted over 9,000 farmers, improving their financial stability and livelihoods.
Rubanga’s story is just one of many. Over the past year, ADC has supported 885 enterprises and 27,079 smallholder farmers through initiatives focused on governance, financial literacy, marketing, innovation, coaching, mentorship, and climate-smart agriculture. By equipping participants with essential skills, ADC is helping them boost productivity, access markets, and mitigate risks, making a significant difference in Uganda’s agricultural communities.
Driving Gender Equality and Leadership
A standout aspect of ADC’s work is its commitment to gender equality. In 2023, 51.7% of ADC’s beneficiaries were female, surpassing the initial target of 40%. This increase has fostered greater female participation in decision-making, improving household incomes and community leadership. Furthermore, ADC’s programs have successfully cultivated leadership among underrepresented groups, with 48.1% of youth and 61.8% of women trained by ADC advancing into management roles. These figures highlight the organization’s role in developing leaders and promoting inclusive growth.
Boosting Economic Growth and Financial Inclusion
ADC’s initiatives have made tangible economic contributions, particularly in job creation. In 2022/2023, ADC facilitated the creation of 554 new jobs, moving closer to its target of 1,114. This effort not only reduces unemployment but also drives economic development in rural areas where job opportunities are scarce.
Financial inclusion remains a key focus. Partnering with the DFCU Foundation, ADC helped 84 enterprises and over 2,177 smallholder farmers gain access to formal banking services. Improved financial literacy and access to working capital have empowered these enterprises, leading to an additional income of UGX 6.5 billion—an impressive 17.2% increase from baseline figures.
Innovation and Digital Solutions
Innovation is at the heart of ADC’s impact. In 2023, ADC partnered with Agtual to launch the ADC BeanBook, a digital market information system for coffee and cocoa farmer producer organizations (FPOs). For farmers like Samuel, who previously struggled with pricing negotiations, this tool has been a game-changer. Access to real-time market data has enabled him to make informed pricing decisions, securing better profits and financial security for his family.
Strategic Partnerships for Greater Impact
ADC’s collaborations with organizations such as ABI Development, SEATINI, and GOPA Worldwide Consultants have strengthened its ability to support farmers. Initiatives like the Climate Smart Agriculture Project, which targets over 1,000 farmers across 30 FPOs, and the Business Accelerator Program, which enhances SME competitiveness, illustrate how these partnerships expand ADC’s reach and effectiveness.
A prime example of ADC’s impact is Grace Akatuha, a leader at Kikazi Agri Enterprises. Struggling to scale her business, she joined ADC’s Business Accelerator Program, where she received training in governance, financial management, and digital tools. This support enabled her to transition her business into a registered company with sound governance practices. Today, her enterprise thrives, and she mentors other female entrepreneurs, demonstrating ADC’s role in fostering business growth and community leadership.
A Future of Inclusive Growth and Sustainability
Looking ahead, dfcu Bank remains committed to strengthening Uganda’s agricultural sector through ADC. The USD 205,000 funding secured during the reporting period, coupled with dfcu’s USD 173,000 investment in the Agricultural Exchange Programme, highlights the bank’s dedication to fostering long-term sustainability and innovation.
With over 14,881 learners engaged through virtual and physical training and 270 enterprises added to the Business Accelerator Program, ADC continues to drive positive change across Uganda. Its clean audit status reflects a commitment to transparency and accountability, further cementing its reputation as a trusted development partner.
