In an effort to bridge the digital divide and enhance agricultural productivity, a comprehensive five-day digital skills training was successfully conducted across four districts in Uganda – Rukiga, Serere, Katakwi, and Sheema by Eight Tech in collaboration with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC). This initiative is fully aimed at equipping farmers with essential digital skills to modernize their farming practices, improve market access, and enhance their productivity.
The training program saw outstanding participation, with over 500 farmers engaging in hands-on learning sessions tailored to their unique needs. The sessions covered various digital tools and platforms that can support agricultural activities, financial management, and communication.
District Training Highlights
Rukiga District: Adopting Digital Tools for Agricultural Growth
Held at Rwamucucu Sub County Hall, the training in Rukiga attracted 102 participants, with a strong presence of women (70 females and 32 males). Farmers learned fundamental digital skills, including the use of Microsoft Word, email management, and popular mobile applications such as WhatsApp, TikTok, and YouTube. The sessions emphasized how digital tools can be leveraged for communication, accessing farming resources, and marketing produce online.
Serere District: Engaging Youth in Digital Agriculture
At Olio Primary School, 100 farmers (70 males and 30 females) participated in the training, with a notable majority aged between 18 and 35 years. The training focused on search engines, Google Maps, and agricultural platforms like ICT for Farmers and e-Agriculture Academy. Despite challenges with internet connectivity, farmers remained enthusiastic about integrating digital tools into their farming practices.
Katakwi District: Strengthening Financial and Market Access
Katakwi Primary School hosted 98 participants, including 62 males and 36 females. The training covered essential ICT skills such as using Microsoft Word, email communication, and digital financial services. One of the key moments was a session led by Mr. Godfrey, PostBank Manager for Soroti Branch, who educated farmers on leveraging banking services to improve their financial stability.
Sheema District: Enhancing Agricultural Efficiency with Digital Platforms
At Revival Church, 100 farmers (47 males and 53 females) took part in the training, which emphasized ICT for farmers, social media marketing, and e-government services. Farmers also explored budgeting tools through Microsoft Excel and were introduced to PostBank’s “Wendi” account, designed to facilitate savings and financial planning for rural communities.
The training yielded significant outcomes:
- Increased Digital Literacy: Many farmers had their first hands-on experience with digital devices, learning how to create and manage documents, emails, and online accounts.
- Improved Market Access: Farmers gained knowledge on how to use digital platforms to market their produce, connect with buyers, and access agricultural resources.
- Financial Inclusion: The partnership with PostBank introduced farmers to digital banking services, improving their access to credit and savings facilities.
- Enhanced Agricultural Efficiency: Farmers explored digital tools for weather forecasting, pest control, and fertilizer use, helping them optimize productivity.
While the training was largely successful, certain challenges such as electricity interruptions and unstable internet connections were encountered. The enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by the participants shows the transformative potential of digital skills in agriculture. As farmers integrate these new technologies into their daily activities, the future of farming in Uganda looks increasingly promising. This initiative marks a significant step toward fostering a digitally inclusive and economically empowered agricultural sector.
