PROMOTING FARMERS ENTREPRENURSHIP IN MBALE DISTRICT.

Rwenzori Information Centers Network (RIC-NET) in partnership with Agri-ProFocus Uganda contributed towards “Promoting Farmer Entrepreneurship” in Mable District during the 4^th Annual Farmers Symposium that was held on 29^th August, 2013 at Maluka Grounds Mbale District. This was done through information and knowledge sharing during exhibitions and several presentations on Market Information to enable farmers know and understand better agribusinesses, marketing, Financial Products and services available in the Eastern region of Uganda.

Since 2008, RIC-NET  has been offering market  information services to its  farmers in Rwenzori region using various E-platforms like use of  Bulk SMS  direct on farmers  telephone numbers stored in RIC-NET data base   , use of an  agricultural portal with a link of market information linked  on RIC-NET website www.ricnet.co.ug ,  others access  agricultural information direct from office, office notice boards or at  RIC-NET information points down in their respective villages.  This has helped our farmers to improve on crop quality production for marketing and selling of their produce.

RIC-NET in its vision of having informed, wealthy and active citizens in a democratic society managed to host over 320 participants 98 of them being women, 153 being men and 69 as others including farmers, business institutions, students, local government officials, other exhibitors and others.

people accessing market information  from RIC-NET stall during exhibition at Maluka grounds Mbale District.

It was observed during the Market Event Symposium, that the people of Mbale districts and neighboring districts like Iganga, Sirironko Districts were hungry for information especially Crop Protection, Fish Farming, Arabic Coffee Growing, Chicken Rearing, Community Library Information, Potential Buyers in Northern, Eastern and Western regions of Uganda where they can export their products for better market prices.  Participants requested RIC-NET to extend its services in Mbale district so that a strong partinership can be established for development.

RDC Mbale signing in our visitors book.

The Market Event was preside over by Mr.Nangoz Umor, the RDC Mbale District who appreciated the excellent Work done by RIC-NET and other CSO in Market Information Sharing geared towards Community Development and Wealth Creation. He encouraged all participants, especially farmers to actively and continuously have the zeal for Information Access as the only tool towards their development.