CIDI’s agriculture programs in the central region in Uganda cover the districts of Masaka, Rakai, Mityana, and Mpigi, where a total of 6,480 farmers are reached, organized into 216 groups and formed into 26 associations. In the North Eastern part of the country, CIDI has running agriculture projects in the districts of Soroti, Amuria, Sererem, Napak and Katakwi reaching a total 9,600 farmers that are organized into 180 farmer groups and 8 farmer associations. For the central region, hopes and plans to extend and reach Luwero, Mukono, Kayunga and Buikwe are as well under way, as for the Norht East, CIDI intends to reach up to Ngora district and do more in Katakwi and Napak districts which are on the Teso- Karamoja border. 

Picture above: CIDI has establish a farmer association in Katine in Soroti district

The strategic objectives for the agricultural programs of CIDI can be expressed as below:

1. To improve the knowledge and skills of CID farmers in integrated crop, livestock and agro forestry farming.
2. To improve the access to production resources among CIDI farmers.
3. To develop and strengthen group marketing among CIDI farmers.
4. To increase collaboration between CIDI, community beneficiary groups and local authorities.

CIDI has for the last ten years been undertaking agriculture programs that are holistically planned to impart knowledge and skills but also to supply inputs like seeds and farm implements to kick start and /or enhance crop, livestock or fish farming.

Some achievements:

• In the central region a total of 6,480 farmers are reached, organized into 216 groups and 26 associations, while in the North Eastern part of Uganda, CIDI has reached a total of 9,600 farmers, organized into 180 farmer groups and 9 farmer associations.
• A network of 300 agriculture trainers were trained by CIDI in collaboration with district production officials and agriculture training institutions
• Adaption of energy saving technologies and use of alternative energy sources is on an increase, for example 1600 households have kitchen facilities, while 960 beneficiaries have fuel saving stoves.
• All the 270 groups have established Savings and Credit schemes which enhance access to credit for the households and they also engage in on-farm and off-farm small scale businesses
• A total of 3600 households have accessed from the project at least 2 major improved crops for food and income and are now in active production.
• 180 groups have received 5 bulls each and a plough.

 Looking into the near future, CIDI under this thematic area has a strategic objective to develop capacity, skills and technologies in agriculture for improved food security and sustainable environment for agricultural production.