April 21, 2017
Government of Uganda Commits $5 Million to USADF’s Development Model
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Friday, April 21, 2017– The Government of Uganda recently renewed its commitment to supporting smallholder farmers and agribusinesses in Uganda, in partnership with the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF). Currently, both parties match funds for up to $1 million dollars each a year to fund agricultural enterprises to improve lives and livelihoods for Uganda’s poorest and most vulnerable populations. The Government has recently committed an additional $5 million dollars over 5 years. Over this 10-year partnership with the Government of Uganda, USADF has funded 78 agricultural enterprises and seen farmer incomes increase by over 152 billion Ugandan shillings, or $40 million US dollars.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with the Government of Uganda to ensure underserved communities have viable pathways to develop and prosper,” says C.D. Glin, President/CEO of the U.S. African Development Foundation. “Uganda remains one of our strongest partners as we continue to improve the lives and livelihoods for Africa’s poor and vulnerable. The Government of Uganda’s commitment to our program reinforces the value the USADF business model places on grant recipients at the forefront of their own development.”
This partnership, totaling nearly $20 million since 2006, is implemented through the Uganda Development Trust (UDET) to grow agricultural enterprises in Uganda, including farmer cooperatives, producer associations and small-scale agribusinesses. The Government of Uganda has already invested $9 million of its own resources and recently pledged an additional $5 million to co-fund USADF programs. The 2017 agreement was signed by the Honorable Matia Kasaija, Uganda’s Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
“The Government of Uganda is proud to continue our valuable partnership with the U.S. African Development Foundation for another five years,” says H.E. Oliver Wonekha, Ambassador of Uganda to the United States. “USADF has continuously demonstrated their ability to effectively utilize resources to improve household incomes, increase food security, and promote the economic development of farming communities. USADF's strong commitment to funding projects throughout Uganda and transparency in its operations gives us confidence that this will continue to be a strong partnership.”
USADF’s innovative co-funding platform allows host country governments to reach vulnerable communities directly, and relies on an African-led country team and implementing partners. By pairing seed capital with technical expertise, USADF is building resilience and catalyzing growth for agricultural enterprises working to sustain food security and economic prosperity in their communities.
In the last decade, export revenues for Uganda’s biggest crops, including coffee and tea, were increased by nearly $60 million dollars as a direct result of USADF funding, and over 50,000 jobs were created. In 2013, the USADF-Government of Uganda Program was recognized by the Uganda Ministry of Finance with an award as the best performing project for the year.
The USADF program has been lauded by Government of Uganda for transparency, accountability and effectiveness in the achievement of intended results, including increasing both food security and incomes for farmers. With direct grants to community enterprises, USADF is investing in local economic development for peace and security today and future trading partners for tomorrow.
Download official press release here.