Agriculture sees Investment, Lacks Productivity

Uganda’s New Vision recently reported that over the last five years, the agriculture sector has seen increased investment from lenders aimed at boosting production, processing and marketing. However, more needs to be done to increase labour productivity.
According to the publication:

Finding in the year book released by the Economic Policy Research Center (EPRC) indicates that despite the perceived riskiness of the sector, lending hit sh876b in 2014 from sh450b in 2007.
The report also indicated that the performance of the Agricultural Credit Facility (ACF) has steadily improved since it was established in 2009 with disbursements having increased to sh179.02b in June 2015, from sh150.2b in June 2014 and sh118.5b in June 2013.

Louis Kasekende, the deputy governor Bank of Uganda said

“There is need for advice on improved techniques of production, fertilizer, improved seeds, credit and training especially in the area of post-harvest handling. The issues in the agriculture should be handled in a holistic approach by looking at value chains.
“Modernizing agriculture is a challenge which is central to economic development and poverty reduction despite the existence of several minerals.

Click here to view the full article on New Vision.