The Gulu Agricultural Development Company (GADC) purchases a range of crops from smallholder farmer groups for processing and resale, and has played an important role in agricultural development in a conflict-prone zone. The partnership aims to strengthen linkages with (and services for) producer organizations to expand local sourcing. GADC aims to source 5,000 tons of sesame, 700 bales of organic cotton, 30 tons of spices and 130 tons of sunflower annually.
Achievements
Strengthen agribusiness clusters: engage SHFs in collective action, increase presence of marketing agents in proximity to communities, link agro-dealers for better access to quality inputs, broker with financial institutions to improve credit access
Improve post-harvest handling, by promoting use of tarpaulins for drying
Promote animal traction (oxen) to open up larger areas for cultivation and reduce labor costs
GADC to acquire an oil milling machine to increase throughput and profits while offering better prices to farmers
Targets:
Involve 25,000 smallholder farmers (11,000 women) and 250 small and medium enterprises (112 women-led) by 2017.
Market Segments:
Existing client base in Europe and Japan for organic sesame, cotton and chilies, who are seeking to buy larger volumes.