In a groundbreaking initiative to combat environmental degradation and enhance the livelihoods of Uganda's smallholder farmers, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives has launched the Market Linkages for Livelihoods and Land Restoration Project. Valued at £3.2 million, the ambitious project seeks to encourage smallholder farmers and private sector businesses to invest in sustainable land restoration practices.

The project targets 60,000 smallholder farmers with the goal of restoring 40,000 hectares of degraded land. By promoting sustainable agricultural practices, it aims to rehabilitate the environment, improve farmers' livelihoods, and ensure long-term food security.

Dr. Joshua Mutambi, Commissioner and Head of the Department of Processing and Marketing at the Ministry, highlighted the project's broader objectives.

"This initiative is working to diversify and increase incomes and food security for at least 80% of targeted smallholder farmers. It's also a crucial step in driving Uganda's Tenfold Growth strategy," Dr. Mutambi stated.

The project is expected to deliver transformative benefits, with 80% of targeted farmers projected to achieve significant improvements in income levels and food security. By establishing market linkages, the initiative ensures farmers can access sustainable markets, maximizing the benefits of their efforts in land restoration and agriculture.

Private sector participation is pivotal to the project's success. By incentivizing businesses to invest in land restoration, the project harnesses additional resources and expertise to amplify its impact. This collaboration aims to create a ripple effect, inspiring more stakeholders to adopt sustainable practices, thereby extending the initiative's benefits beyond its initial scope.

This project underscores Uganda's commitment to addressing climate change, promoting sustainable agriculture, and empowering smallholder farmers to secure a better future for themselves and the environment.