POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN AGRICULTURAL RISK AND FINANCE

NAME: MUBIRU CYRUS

REG NUMBER: UIB/ARF/2016/023

PROGRAM: PGD IN AGRICULTURAL RISK AND FINANCE

INSTITUTION: THE UGANDA INSTITUTE OF BANKING AND

FINANCIAL SERVICES

HOST INSTITUTION:

DECEMBER, 2017

A FIELDWORK EXPOSURE REPORT SUBMITTED TO THE UGANDA INSTITUTE OF

BANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES IN PARTIAL FULLFILLMENT FOR THE
AWARD OF A POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN AGRICULTURAL RISK AND
FINANCE

Telephone/Mobile: +256 702 150 031/ Email: cyrusmubiru@gmail.com

 DECLARATION

I sincerely declare that the work presented in this fieldwork report. It has
not been submitted for award of a Post Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Risk and Finance in
any University or Institution in Uganda

SIGNITURE:

MUBIRU CYRUS

(Candidate)

DATE:

i
 APPROVAL

This is to certify that this fieldwork/exposure report has been under my supervision and is

ready to be submitted for examination with my approval as The Institutions/University

Supervisor

Signature:

Mr. Richard Wemesa (Supervisor)

Date:

ii
 DEDICATION

This report is dedicated to my family, friends and colleagues who have been encouraging

during the period of study. Through their support, encouragement and facilitation, I

gathered the momentum to pursue this course.

iii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First, I thank God the almighty for giving me wisdom, strength and understanding that guided

me till the completion of this special project.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to my supervisor Mr. Richard Wemesa for his time,

kindness, inspiration and his competent guidance which enabled me complete this special

project report.

I give special thanks to my family for the encouragement and support they gave me. I also

thank Mr. Godfrey Kigoye for the agricultural knowledge rendered to me during the

fieldwork research project.

I also acknowledge the Management of The Uganda Institute of Banking and Finance

Services for rendering me this opportunity to pursue a Post Graduate Diploma in Agricultural

Risk and Finance.

Lastly to my dear course mates, I thank all of you for the love, co-operation, support,

encouragement and the good environment you gave me which enabled me to complete the

course.

iv
 LIST OF ACRONYMS

UBOS Uganda Bureau of Statistics

KHRUTC Katende Harambe Rural-Urban Training Centre

CEO Chief Executive Officer

BOD Board of Directors

MFIs Microfinance Institutions

NGOs Non-Government Organizations

CAN Calcium Ammonium Nitrate fertilizers

NPK Nitrogen Phosphorous and Potassium fertilizers

DFA District Farmers Association

URA Uganda Revenue Authority

KCCA Kampala Capital City Authority

FAO Food and Agricultural Organisation

WFP World Food Programme

MAIF Ministry of Agriculture Industry and Fisheries

NACCRI National Agriculture Cash Crop Research Institute

NARO National Agricultural Research Organisation

MDI Microfinance Development Initiative

UIBFS Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services

v
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION i
APPROVAL ii
DEDICATION iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iv
LIST OF ACRONYMS v
TABLE OF CONTENTS vi
LIST OF FIGURES ix
ABSTRACT x
CHAPTER ONE 1
GENERAL INTRODUCTION 1
1.0 Introduction 1
1.1 Objectives of the Field Work Exposure 1
1.2 Background of the Katende Harambe Rural Urban Training Centre 2
1.3 Location and Map of Katende Harambe Rural Urban Training Centre 3
1.3 Objectives of Katende Harambe Rural-Urban Training Center 4
1.4. Activities of Katende Harambe Rural Urban Training Centre 4
1.5 Project Enterprise Activities 5
1.6. Organizational Structure/Directors/Ownership of KHRUTC 6
1.7 Forms of Training at Katende Harambe Rural-Urban Training Centre 8
1.8 Agribusiness outreach programs 8
1.9 Partnerships/Netwarks of Katende Harambe Rural Urban TC 8
CHAPTER TWO 9
CROP, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND AGRIBUSINESS INNOVATIONS 9
2.0 Introduction 9
2.1 Agribusiness Plant Husbandry practices at KHRUTC 9
2.1.1 Fruits and vegetables 9
2.2 Agribusiness Animal Husbandry practices at KHRUTC 14
CHAPTER THREE 22
AGRIBUSINESS ENTERPRISE RISKS/CHALLENGES & FINANCING OPTIONS 22
3.0 Introduction 22
3.1 Agricultural risks or challenges associated with agribusiness production 22

3.2 Storage, packaging and Marketing practices 24

vi
CHAPTER FOUR 26
EVALUATION OF THE FIELD WORK STUDY/ECXPOSURE 26
4.0 Introduction 26
4.1 Lessons learnt and challenges encountered 26
4.2 Most interesting experience 27
4.3 Challenges during the fieldwork study/Exposure 28
4.3.1 Personal challenges.........................................................................................................28
4.3.2 Organizational challenges...............................................................................................28
CHAPTER FIVE 29
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 29
5.0 Introduction 29
5.1 Conclusions 29
5.2 Recommendations..............................................................................................................30
References 32

vii
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Map of Katende Harambe Rural Urban Training Centre............................................3

Figure 2: Picture of Passion Fruit plant in a nursery bed at the KHRUTC farm.......................8

Figure 3: Picture of Mango growing at KHRUTC.....................................................................9

Figure 4: Picture of Orange growing at KHRUTC..................................................................10

Figure 5: Picture of Vegetable growing at KHRUTC..............................................................11

Figure 6: Picture of cattle at KHRUTC....................................................................................13

Figure 7: Picture of Goats at KHRUTC...................................................................................14

Figure 8: Picture of Chicken rearing........................................................................................16

Figure 9: Picture of Pig rearing................................................................................................17

Figure 10: Picture of the Tank..................................................................................................19

viii
 ABSTRACT

Agricultural production can in many ways be that process that focuses at value

addition right from the farm to the plate. Agriculture on the other side is also for

business or commercial purposes which includes crop production, crop breeding,

distribution, processing and farm engineering not forgetting marketing.

The agricultural sector has employed more than 60% of the population who does

farming on small scale enterprises; say one acre or half an acre respectively, according

to the ministry of agriculture report 2014 -2015. It indicated that most of these

farmers lack basic knowledge on how to mitigate the agricultural related risks such as

weather risks, financial risks, marketing risks, etc and so they end up producing for

home consumption and little for the market. Therefore, having toured KHRUTC, am

now in position and able to provide or even extend the acquired knowledge and skills

from classroom theory to field practice to assist the communities in mitigating any of

the related risks that may hamper production hence ensuring good yields at every

harvest.

ix
 CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.0 Introduction
This chapter gives the purpose of the agribusiness field work study and exposure. Covers

detailed information about the Host Organisation, Purpose of the Agribusiness Fieldwork

study/Exposure, objectives of the field work exposure. Fieldwork exposure is an important

activity for Post Graduate students at the Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services

to link between the theoretical part and the practical bit of the course.

1.1 Purpose of the Agribusiness Fieldwork study/Exposure

The Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS) encourage Post Graduate
Diploma students of Agricultural Risk and Finance to undertake a field work study/ exposure
during their time of study. The importance of this post graduate fieldwork study/ exposure is
recognized by higher institutes of learning like Makerere University and Mountain of the
Moon University. This exposure is meant to help practitioners and professionals involved in
Agriculture financing and lending in Commercial banks, Credit Institutions, MDIs,
Microfinance Institutions, SACCOs, Government departments and statutory bodies,
development consultants, researchers, agricultural related Non-Governmental Organisations
as well as fresh graduates wishing to acquire a postgraduate qualification for a career in
financial services. It is a recognized culture that after undertaking a practical fieldwork
study/exposure a student submits a written report of his/her time and experiences acquired at
the host organisation. This report is thus an account of my completed field work
study/exposure period.

1.1 Objectives of the Field Work Exposure

The major purpose of this exercise was to enlighten the student on the contribution of

Agribusiness to the financial sector development.

To understand the different sources of agricultural funding sources both formal and

informal.

1
 To enable the student to appreciate risks involved in production, storage, finance and

insurance in agricultural
To understand the coordination of the different agricultural enterprises like animal

husbandry, crop husbandry, Livestock, Poultry and others so as to achieve quality

farm production through various innovations and modern farm practices

To relate cost of production and revenue generated from the enterprise and hence be

able to determine the breakeven point.

To understand the risks involved in agribusiness and how to mitigate them.
To understand the host institutions history, objectives of existence, vision, mission

and its core values.

To get a clear glimpse of innovations concerning the production of agricultural

commodities and livestock

To familiar the student with the storage, packaging and marketing practices involved

in Agribusiness industry.
To identify various financing sources for the different elements of agribusiness

1.2 Background of the Katende Harambe Rural Urban Training Centre

Katende Harambe Rural Urban Centre is a family owned and run project which was

formally registered as Harambe Consultants, a communication and behavioural consultancy

firm. Later in 2004, the consultancy opened a training and demonstration centre for

sustainable farming

The project was owned by Jane Magoba Nyanzi (Chairperson), assisted by Ssemwogerere

Robert and Theresa Nampijja (Research and administration respectively). The project was

named in the memory of the family patriarch, the late Katende Michael, who inspired his

family to create wealth through farming. Harambe is the Kiswahili word for togetherness.

Two consultants were later contracted for technical support as well as designing of Katende

Harambe projects that would be suitable for and beneficial to the rural small scale farmer.

2
Mr. Kigoye Godfrey is a senior trainer who is involved in research and appropriate

technology transfer to rural farmers. He heads Katende Harambes training department. The

projects farm is situated on a 7 acre piece of land, housing more than 16 projects and two

accommodation structures, as well as a meeting room, which is also used as the classroom as

well as a dining room and feed & food processing plant (Maize & feed mill and mixture).

1.3 Location and Map of Katende Harambe Rural Urban Training Centre
The farm is situated in a pre-urban area in Namugongo, Nsawo village on seven acres

of land.

Location of Katende Harambe Rural Urban Training Centre

3
Figure 1: Map of Katende Harambe Rural Urban Training Centre

1.3 Objectives of Katende Harambe Rural-Urban Training Center

1. To equip farmers with knowledge, techniques and skill so as to improve crop

production practices.

4
 2. To impart to farmers knowledge, principles and techniques on insect pests, diseases
and their control.

3. To enable the farmers understand the importance of records on their farms.

4. to enable the farmers understand the importance of crops in integrated farming

systems

5. To introduce to the farmers the principles and techniques of raising, harvesting,

marketing, handling etc. of new crops.

1.4. Activities of Katende Harambe Rural Urban Training Centre

Katende Harambe project was designed with the intention of alleviating hunger and poverty

among small-scale rural and urban farmers in Uganda and neighboring countries.

Traditionally in Uganda, many households have depended too much on subsistence

agriculture, which is characterized by low production of both food and cash crops. This leads

to insufficient incomes and meager household food production. Such low productivity breeds

poverty and bears a negative impact on our economy, which is largely based on agriculture.

Unfortunately, many small-scale farmers have never considered agriculture as a commercial

enterprise. To remedy this, Katende Harambe has put in place structures to address the

problem through.

Sensitizing farmers and training them to improve their agricultural practices.

Putting in place a good extension network

Creating and supporting farmer groups through which farmers are empowered to create

supportive marketing logistics.

Proper use of natural resources.

Periodical provision of start-up capital to deserving farmers.

5
Continuous research and sharing of information with interested farmers, leaders and policy

makers.

Provision of alternative sources of energy.

Production of high yielding agricultural products.

Mission Statement of KHRUTC

To provide quality training and extension services in integrated farming to urban rural

communities, small scale farmers and partner organizations.

Vision of KHRUTC

Social transformation of proprietors and other beneficiary stakeholders through shared

training and modern agriculture productions.

Core Values

To alleviate hunger and poverty among small scale rural and urban farmers in Uganda and

neighboring countries

1.5 Project Enterprise Activities

Katende Harambe project was designed with the intention of alleviating hunger and poverty
among small-scale rural and urban farmers in Uganda and neighbouring countries.

Traditionally in Uganda, many households have depended too much on subsistence

agriculture, which is characterized by low production of both food and cash crops. This leads
to insufficient incomes and meager household food production. Such low productivity breeds
poverty and bears a negative impact on our economy, which is largely based on agriculture.

Unfortunately, many small-scale farmers have never considered agriculture as a commercial

enterprise. To remedy this, Katende Harambe has put in place structures to address the
problem through.

Sensitizing farmers and training them to improve their agricultural practices.

Putting in place a good extension network

6
 Creating and supporting farmer groups through which farmers are empowered to
create supportive marketing logistics.

Proper use of natural resources.

Periodical provision of start-up capital to deserving farmers.

Continuous research and sharing of information with interested farmers, leaders and
policy makers.

Provision of alternative sources of energy.

Production of high yielding agricultural products.

1.6. Organizational Structure/Directors/Ownership of KHRUTC

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

MANAGING DIRECTOR

ASST. MANAGING DIRECTOR

GENERAL MANAGER

FINANCE PRODUCTION TRAINING

OFFICER MANAGER MANAGER

7
Chief executive officer:

He/she is the top Executive, responsible for a firm's overall operations and performance. He

or she is the leader of the firm, serves as the main link between the board of directors and the

firm's various parts or levels, and is held solely responsible for the firm's success or failure.

One of the major duties is to maintain and implement corporate policy, as established by the

board but also responsible for making major decisions and managing overall operations and

resources of the farm

Managing Director

He/she is the head honcho who supervises or leads the farm. He/she is the one that's in charge

of the whole farm from the day to day stuff to the really big picture problems. He reports

directly to the CEO in order to let her/him know the progress of the organization.

Assistant managing director

At KHRUTC, the assistant manager is in charge of day to day activities of the farm. He is the

senior trainer at the farm who is involved in research and appropriate technology transfer

especially to rural farmers. He leads Katende harambe rural urban training centre.

General Manager:

He is an executive at the farm who has overall responsibility of managing both the revenue

and cost elements of the farm. He manages the profit and losses at the farm. He is one of the

top officers on the farm. The general manager is accountable for different farm units and

strategy operations

8
1.7 Forms of Training at Katende Harambe Rural-Urban Training Centre

Our training focuses on sustainable intensification and commercialization of smallholder

farm production by facilitating the improvement of agricultural practices through training and
on-farm technical support services, planning and management, capacity building, storage,
processing and marketing, appropriate technology and improved livestock and crop
husbandry.

Katende Harambe designed a training curriculum and the course takes 8 to 12 weeks to
complete. Clients are free to come in at any time, depending on prior arrangement, but are
advised to complete the course.

The project has a demo farm that is used to teach farmers through demonstration (covering
70% of the curriculum), and this practical experience gives a chance to illiterate farmers to
learn through direct involvement.

1.8 Agribusiness outreach programs

The projects beneficiaries get on-the-spot advice on their farms as scheduled by the trainers.
This gives an opportunity to clients, NGOs, institutes and schools that would like to hire a
trainer to do so. The charge per paper presented is between UGX. 100,000/- and UGX,
200,000/- for practical sessions for not more than 30 trainees (excluding meals,
accommodation and transport of the presenter/trainer). The project also offers basic survey,
farm planning, feasibility studies and monitoring & evaluation of Agricultural programmes
upon agreement with clients.

1.9 Partnerships/Netwarks of Katende Harambe Rural Urban TC

Katende Harambe build a strong Network with client NGOs, institutions, schools, firms like
Buganda Kingdom, feed the children Uganda., Makerere University Nkozi, Naads Kabaale,
Naads Iganga, Heifer International, Save the Children World Food Program, Redeemer
Childrens Home Moyo, Secondary Schools, Primary Schools, Kindergarten, C.B.Os.

9
 CHAPTER TWO

CROP, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND AGRIBUSINESS INNOVATIONS

2.0 Introduction

This chapter covers the crop/plant husbandry, Animal Husbandry and Agrbusinss innovations

practiced and employed by the host institution /Katende Harambe Rural-Urban Training

Centre (KHRUTC).

2.1 Agribusiness Plant Husbandry practices at KHRUTC

2.1.1 Fruits and vegetables

Fruits like Oranges, mangoes, passion fruits, pineapples, watermelon, cucumber, eggplants

and hot pepper are planted at the farm in nursery beds.

Passion Fruits: At KHRUTC, best varieties like the local purple (Granadilla) variety and the

highly resistant Kawanda Hybrid were developed locally in the nursery and then later

transferred to the main garden. For both varieties, the market is readily available locally and

for the export market. The purple granadilla attracts higher prices than the Kawanda variety.

In the main garden, the passion fruits are planted in holes that are dug two by two feet apart

and three feet deep. Fertilizers are applied into the holes and left for about two to three

months before the seedling is planted. When planting, its advised to put back the top black

soil and mix with some compost manure of poultry litter and cow-dung fertilizers

Other artificial fertilizers like CAN and NPK can also be used to further boost their growth

and yield in the ratio of 2:1

10
 Picture of Passion Fruit plant in a nursery bed at the KHRUTC farm

Figure 2: Picture of Passion Fruit plant in a nursery bed at the KHRUTC

farm

Mangoes: These are planted in a nursery and later transferred to the main garden or sold to

other interested farmers. While in the nursery, compost manure is used to ensure proper

growth and the seedlings are watered with cans.

It only improved varieties that are resistant to diseases and have short maturity period that are

planted at the farm and they eventually yield fruits of good quality.

11
The mango seedlings are grafted as a means of propagating them to produce better breeds

that are disease and drought resistant.

Grafting is the most reliable and economical means of propagating mangoes. It consists of

transferring a piece of a mature bearing tree (Scion) to a separate seedling (rootstock)

forming a permanent union. The scion forms the canopy of the tree, where the rootstock

forms the lower trunk and roots. The grafted seedlings are ready for planting.

Picture of Mango growing at KHRUTC

Figure 3: Picture of Mango growing at KHRUTC

12
Oranges: Before planting, a nursery bed is prepared into which some compost manure is

applied to fertilize the soils. Seeds are then planted and watered till when they grow into

mature seedlings which can now be taken for planting in the main garden or sold to other

farmers.

Picture of Orange growing at KHRUTC

Figure 4: Picture of Orange growing at KHRUTC

13
Vegetables: The vegetables that are grown at KHURTC lettuce, onions, egg-plants, carrots,

cabbages, cucumber among others. They are planted in small gardens of different design such

as the Mandala garden, sack mount garden, box garden and keyhole garden. They take two to

three months to mature after which they are taken to the market for sale.

Picture of Vegetable growing at KHRUTC

Figure 5: Picture of Vegetable growing at KHRUTC

14
2.2 Agribusiness Animal Husbandry practices at KHRUTC
Livestock:

Livestock are domesticated animals raised in an agricultural setting to produce commodities

such as food, fiber, and labor. The term is often used to refer solely to those raised for food,

and sometimes only farmed ruminants, such as cattle and goats.

Cattle:

These are kept under a shade called a Kraal made of wood and covered by iron sheets. Here

sanitation is a key factor and the kraal is always cleaned twice a day. The floor of the shelter

(kraal) is rough, this helps prevent animals from sliding. There is always an adjacent space

left where the cattle after feeding can move and stretch out. It is the Boran and Friesian

breeds that are kept at the farm. Deworming is done every after three months. Elephant grass

is cut into smaller pieces and given to the cattle, they are also provided with enough water for

drinking. The calves are fed in separate containers from the big cows. The milk from the

cows is sold to neighbors at a good price thus bringing in revenue to the farm

Spraying:

every after 1 -2 weeks, the cattle are sprayed to kill ticks and any other pests. Every when the

shelter is cleaned, the dung is collected into a pit (biogas digester) which is connected to a

Biogas production system. The residue from biogas production is used as manure.

15
 Picture of cattle at KHRUTC

Figure 6: Picture of cattle at KHRUTC

Goats: The goats are kept in a storied shelter made of wood and covered with iron sheets.

The shelter is divided into small units using wood and each unit accommodates 1 2 goats.

There is a free space left for goats to move to and stretch. The young ones are kept separately

from the mature goats. The farm keeps both local and exotic breeds. They are dewormed

every after 3months and sprayed every 3weeks.

16
The main food for goats is grass, water and maize brand. The goats provide milk though it is

not brought out for sale.

Picture of Goats at KHRUTC

Figure 7: Picture of Goats at KHRUTC

Poultry farming: - Innovations as regards poultry enterprise

Poultry farming is the raising of domesticated birds such as chickens, ducks and turkeys for

the purpose of farming meat or eggs for food consumption. Poultry are farmed in great

numbers with chickens being the most numerous.

17
Layers: Commercial hens usually begin laying eggs at 1620 weeks of age, although

production gradually declines soon after from approximately 25 weeks of age. This means

that, by approximately 72 weeks of age, flocks are considered economically unviable and are

slaughtered after approximately 12 months of egg production, although chickens will

naturally live for 6 or more years.

Environmental conditions are often automatically controlled in egg-laying systems. For

example, the duration of the light phase is initially increased to prompt the beginning of egg-

laying at 1620 weeks of age which stimulates the hens to continue laying eggs all year

round; normally, egg production occurs only in the warmer environments. Some commercial

breeds of hen can produce over 300 eggs a year

At KHRUTC, economically unviable layers (off-layers) are sold to clients to generate income

and some is prepared by the restaurant belonging to the farm.

Picture of Chicken rearing

Figure 8: Picture of Chicken rearing

18
Piggery: Pigs reared at the farm include exotic breeds like Large white and Shadow back.

They are housed in modern shelter (barn) that was constructed out of wood, a concrete floor

and covered with iron sheets.

The floor has a slope nature so that the water can be used to clean the barn easily. The pigs

have a separate feeding area to the rest area for cleaning it easily. At least 10 feet deep and 10

feet wide area has been given for every two pigs. The rest area is half the size of the feeding

area. They have a pool where they can bath and the pool is at least 5 feet. The pigs are fed on

rice brand, maize brand and water but the price of maize brand is higher than that of rice

brand though maize brand is much more nutritious. The big pigs are fed from different

containers from those of the piglets.

Picture of Pig rearing

Figure 9: Picture of Pig rearing

Agribusiness practices/elements that have played a key role for Katende Harambe

Rural Urban Training Centre to achieve the mentioned innovations.

19
A deeper practical understanding of quality integrated farming skills/services since it is one

of their core mission roles. This has been through use of better farming methods such as

mulching, intercropping, use of fertilizers and use of compost manure amongst others which

has ensured high yields and good quality produce at the farm.

The investment in pest and disease resistant crops and animals and the use of good quality

herbicides and pesticides on the farm has helped in the management and maintenance of its

agricultural innovations for longer periods of time. This has consequently improved on the

study of these items over a period of time hence improving on the learning process/training

and extension of such skills/services to other beneficiaries of the farm.

Use of technology and modern research methods at the farm such as grafting, crossbreeding,

use of modern integrated farming skills have all played a key role in achieving these

innovations.

Investing in high breed varieties of crops and animals has resulted in production of high

quality yields at the farm. This practice has also helped much in improving on the revenue

collected by the farm.

Low-Cost Tubular Plastic Bio-Digester Gas

Biogas is a gaseous fuel produced by the fermentation of organic material such as animal
manure, human excreta, kitchen waste, crop straws and leaves under airtight or anaerobic
conditions, i.e. no light or oxygen. The airtight pit or container is called the digester, and
the process of decomposition and fermentation pit, only part of the organic materials is
converted into biogas, leaving behind some liquid slurry. This slurry is a very rich source of
soluble nitrogen, and thus can be used as a fertilizer for field crops. It can also be used as a
source of nitrogen in animal feeds.

The main constituents of biogas are methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Biogas burns
very well when the methane content is more than 50 percent, and therefore can be used as a

20
substitute to kerosene, charcoal and firewood for cooking and lighting. This saves times and
money, and above all conserves natural resources. One cubic metre of methane gas produces
36 MJ of energy, equivalent to the energy produced by one litre of petrol.

Run-Off Water Harvesting Technology

Be water-wise. Katende Harambe is very keen on promoting a run-off-water harvesting

technology that utilizes polythene tube gauge (1000) or tarp line, which is placed in a pit and
covered with strong poles, light gauge polythene and mixed soil for maximum utilization of
space. Vegetables can then be grown on top of the well tank. This technology can be used to
harvest both run-off-water and rooftop water.

Water is then channeled through small pits, which are protected by bricks, lined pegs and
wire mesh to eliminate the debris. This technology calls for a little expenditure, but ensures
water security. Moringa seeds, wood ash and cement can then be used to purifying water for
domestic use.

Cassava Technology

The starch contained in cassava can be used as cement in construction of buildings. Katende
Harambe carried out an extensive research on this crop cassava (Manihot Esculenta). The
research concluded that 2-3kg of cassava flour can effectively mix two wheelbarrows of sand
to make a potent mortar, provided you add 20litres of boiled water and three litres of cold
water.

This technology can be adopted by low-income earners in building permanent houses in the
rural areas, and even in towns and cities. The technology calls for personnel training on how
to handle the main ingredient (cassava flour); special care should be taken so that it should
not ferment or get eaten by cassava store pests (Cassava weevils). Special training should be
carried out on the laying of bricks and mixing of the motor.

Making Composite Manure

21
Home made manure (composite) is prepared from decayed garden weeds, kitchen remains,
animal wastes (dung and urine) and crop residues. With the help of macro and
microorganisms living in the soil, the decomposition converts the vegetation into a valuable
plant food called humus. Composite manure improves soil structure and texture and texture
and conserves the environment, and since it is made at home, it reduces capital intensiveness.

Local tank

There is rampant shortage of water due to inadequate rainfall in the country and this has been
attributed to changes in weather conditions. However, the water problem at the farm has been
solved by watering the plants by using harvested water reserved in an open surface ground
tank. This tank is housed in shelter that helps to prevent the water from evaporating during
hot seasons.

Picture of the Tank

Figure 10: Picture of the Tank

Fake quality inputs: Inputs like seeds, fertilizers, drugs that are bought from unreliable
suppliers are sometimes bad and affect the yields and quality of the produce.

CHAPTER THREE

22
 AGRIBUSINESS ENTERPRISE RISKS/CHALLENGES & FINANCING
OPTIONS
3.0 Introduction
This chapter covers agribusiness enterprise risks associated with agribusiness production and
challenges as well as financing options available at the host institution.

3.1 Agricultural risks or challenges associated with agribusiness production

Fruits and Vegetables:
Pests and diseases: Pests and diseases that attack the fruits and vegetables are the most
common problem at the farm. This has however been curbed by spraying the plants with
pesticides.

Inadequate rainfall: There is rampant shortage of water due to inadequate rainfall in the
country and this has been attributed to changes in weather conditions. However, the water
problem at the farm has been solved by watering the plants by using harvested water reserved
in an open surface ground tank. This tank is housed in shelter that helps to prevent the water
from evaporating during hot seasons.

Fake quality inputs: Inputs like seeds, fertilizers, drugs that are bought from unreliable
suppliers are sometimes bad and affect the yields and quality of the produce.

Poultry enterprise

Diseases: Diseases like the New castle disease, Coccidiosis, among others affect the birds
and cause loss in both qualitative and quantitative ways. These are however prevented by
practicing biosecurity measures where visitors at the farm are restricted from entering the
chicken house thus preventing spread of diseases from the outside environment. Such disease
has also been controlled by treating and vaccinating the chicken.

Fake Vaccines and medicines: Fake vaccines and drugs leading to financial loss. However
this risk has been checked by ascertaining that the vaccines and drugs are bought from
certified suppliers.

Poor quality feeds: Poor quality feeds are less nutritious due to poor rationing of various
ingredients required to make chicken feeds. The feeds have poor effect on the growth of the
chicken. This has however been solved by growing maize on the farm and mixing the feeds
locally at the farm where the ratios of the ingredients is assured.

23
Theft: The problem of theft especially of eggs by the workers that work in the poultry house
has affected the farm grossly. This has been curbed by ensuring strict supervision of the
poultry house.

Livestock:

Pests and diseases: Diseases like the foot and mouth disease among others has affected the
farm and caused loss. This has however been prevented by deworming and administering the
right treatment in terms of quality drugs and doses

Low levels of milk production:

The cows produce low quantities of milk hence poor returns from milk sales. Management is
trying to curb this problem by intensive feeding of the cows,

Loss trained workers:

Workers have a tendency of running away from the farm after being trained to go and work
on other farms where they expect to be paid highly. This leaves a vacuum for labor and costs
for training new workers.

Piggery:

Diseases: Diseases like the swine fever among others has affected the farm and caused loss.
This has however been prevented by deworming and administering the right treatment in
terms of quality drugs and doses

High prices of feeds (Maize brand): There is increase in prices of the feeds for pigs (Maize
brand). Increase in prices of feeds leads to a rise in the costs of production on the farm.
Management has decided to stock more feeds off season when prices are low.

Fisheries:

Pests: The fish in the pond are usually attacked by snakes. The snakes mainly eat the young
fish causing loss to the farm. This has been solved by trapping the snakes with boiled eggs.
These eggs are placed around the fish pond and when the snake swallows the egg, the snake
fails to crush the egg as it would have done with a raw egg thus suffocating it to death.

3.2 Storage, packaging and Marketing practices

24
Fruits and Vegetables enterprise: The green leafy vegetables are stored in a locally made
refrigerator to prevent them from drying due to high temperatures. The refrigerator is made of
stones, charcoal, wire mesh and wood that keep temperatures at low levels. Fruits juice from
mangoes and oranges is prepared and served in the restaurant to clients.

Poultry: Eggs and chicken on the farm are sold to people around the farm hence bringing in
revenue to the farm. Chicken is also prepared at the farm restaurant for clients.

Livestock: The milk produced by the farm is sold to the immediate neighbors of the farm
thus bringing in some income. Milk from the goats is consumed by the workers on the farm
reason being its very little to be sold out.

Piggery: Piglets are sold to farmers who want to multiply them through rearing and the
mature pigs are sold to individuals who come to the farm with an aim to slaughter them for
pork.

3.3 Financing sources, challenges and proposed financing options

Agro-tourism: People who come to tour the farm pay in some money which serves as
revenue to the farm. This money can thus be used to cater for some operational cost in the
day to day management of the farm.

Fruits and Vegetable: Funds are raised from the training of different farmers that come to
learn about agricultural activities taking place on the farm. With these funds, seeds,
pesticides, animal stocks among others are bought. More money is generated from fruits and
vegetables that are served as part of the menu in the restaurant.

Poultry enterprise: Chicken reared at the farm when sold out brings in revenue. Some of it
is slaughtered and served in the farm restaurant. The money generated is for running and
management of farm issues.

Piggery: Pigs and piglets are sold out and generate money. This money is ploughed back as
source of funding.

25
Livestock enterprise: Milk from the cows is mainly sold to neighbors at a fair price and so
are the goats hence bringing in income to the farm. This income is used as a source of
funding at the farm to run day today activities.

Fisheries enterprise: Fish is also harvested from the pond and sold out to the members of the
community. Money from the fish sales is used to fund various activities at the farm.

Proposed financing options for Katende Harambe Rural-Urban Training Centre

Acquisition of a loan: Plans are underway to secure a loan from a bank. This will be used to
fund the various activities on the farm. The construction of a storied building that is in plan
was particularly mentioned.

Insurance: There are plans to secure crop and livestock insurance policies to guard against
risks as regards livestock and crops.

26
 CHAPTER FOUR

EVALUATION OF THE FIELD WORK STUDY/ECXPOSURE

4.0 Introduction
This chapter evaluates the lessons learnt during the field exposure at KHRUTC, personal and
organizational challenges encountered during the field exposure.

4.1 Lessons learnt and challenges encountered

I learnt about sack farming where leafy vegetables can be grown in sacks. This has
come in as handy especially in urban settings where there is limited land for farming
I acquired more knowledge on zero grazing of cattle and how it can be carried out on
commercial basis but on a small piece of land.
I also discovered that pigs can be fed on rice brand or even potato vines when there is
scarcity of maize brand.
I also leant that farming can be lucrative for those enterprises that are on demand or
rather have market readily available on harvest for example the vegetables.
I also learnt that water is a necessary factor at almost every step of the enterprise and
indeed water is truly life.
I also learnt that it is easier to break even when you deal or invest in enterprises with a
higher market demand and supply.
Inventions and innovations like the local fridge and the mad-water-tank made out of
mad and wood were exciting lessons I learnt on the farm.
I also learnt that diversification into various activities at the farm creates employment
for far more people especially from the local community thus positively impacting on
their general livelihood.
I also leant that out of cow-dung decomposition we get biogas that can be used for
lighting, cooking and fertilizers.
Agricultural can be done as a business to export hot pepper, maize, beans etc even
when done on a small piece of land.

4.2 Most interesting experience

Promoted better understanding

27
Fieldwork is highly beneficial as it helps to promote better understanding of geography. It
improves a persons knowledge by providing a more practical approach to learning.
Furthermore, fieldwork helps to bring out geography theories to life. This makes geography
simpler to understand.

Developed skills
Fieldwork helped me to develop vital skills. These skills include things like map work,
investigative, data collection, analysis and agriculture and agribusiness skills. It also
improved communication skills as students had to interact with people during fieldwork.
Students take more responsibility for their learning and gain confidence. Life skills like
teamwork, communication and leadership.

Promoted cultural understanding

The observation or interviewing of people so as to gain knowledge of what they were doing,
social structures and folklore constitutes fieldwork. This is particularly important when
people themselves are part of the study. Hence, fieldwork helped students to better
understand other technologies and activities. It also helps to open up people to their views
about environmental.

Enjoyable experience
Fieldwork was an enjoyable experience that gave people the chance to appreciate new
environments. Students are usually stuck in one place during the entire experiment. However,
fieldwork offers the chance of enjoying a great range of landscapes and environments.
Besides being enjoyable, fieldwork also helps to build creativity. It develops learners into
independent people by having them depend on their own creativity and skills.

Experiences are areas of knowledge accumulated the ability to do work better. My most interesting
experiences were; Working at own initiative, Sharing ideas and experiences

28
4.3 Challenges during the fieldwork study/Exposure
4.3.1 Personal challenges
The exposure should have been held at the beginning of the course to ease the
learning process.
Hot weather: The temperature was so high such that I kept on drinking water
to quench my thirst and cool my body.
Size of farm: The farm covers seven acres and so it was tiresome for me to
tour.

4.3.2 Organizational challenges

The training manager was not fluent in English hence he could not effectively
communicate during the training.
A lot of telephone disruptions during the training, very unprofessional conduct by the
trainer.

CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

29
5.0 Introduction
This section focuses on recommendation. It basically highlights areas for improvement and
new strategies to improve the training centre quality and business wise. In addition it also
entails recommendations to UIBFS to ease and better the learning process.

5.1 Conclusions
The skills and agricultural knowledge gathered by different visiting students and farmers is
enormous due to the many integrated enterprises at KHRUTC. This leads to good agricultural
practices for small holder farmers.

Given proper attention and funding, such model training farm-enterprises like KHRUTC can
become commercial agricultural research institutes that can also take part in modernizing
agriculture in the country since agriculture is the backbone of the economy of the country.

Katende Harambe project intention of alleviating hunger and poverty among small-scale rural
and urban farmers in Uganda and neighboring countries and since Traditionally in Uganda,
many households have depended too much on subsistence agriculture, which is characterized
by low production of both food and cash crops and in the end this leads to insufficient
incomes and meager household food production. Such low productivity breeds poverty and
bears a negative impact on our economy, which is largely based on agriculture. The student
concludes that projects under Katende Harambe need adequate boost and support in order to
enter twain the existing agricultural issues involved in the business since most of the
stakeholders or key players are illiterate.

Since many of the small-scale farmers have never considered agriculture as a commercial
enterprise in order to solve this, Katende Harambe has put in place structures to address the
problem through Sensitizing farmers and training them to improve their agricultural practices
but this is always hindered by the different unfavorable policies hence the need for proper
structures to address the Gap.

5.2 Recommendations
The Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services

30
Having completed the fieldwork, the student wishes to recommend the following towards
Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services.

1) There is need for the institute to organize more than one field work so as to enable the
students get an in-depth analysis and view of the subject in concept practically.
2) The student recommends that the institute finds more field work centers that students
can visit so as to expound on their knowledge of agribusiness and risk.
3) The student further recommends that the institute starts up an internship program
where students can be posted into those various centers so as to gain more information
and exposure.
4) The institute needs to increase the fieldwork days from One day to say three days so
as to enable students to handle one aspect of agribusiness at a time.
5) The institute should work with fieldwork host centers so as to avail them with training
manuals during the field work.

Katende Harambe Rural Urban Training Centre

As per the fieldwork, the student wishes to recommend the following towards Katende
Harambe Rural Urban Training Centre.

The training center should train most its staff especially the trainers the official
language English so as to enable them properly communicate with the trainees.
The center should sensitize the staff always to respect the visitors and trainees so as
not have a lot of telephone disruptions during the training, very unprofessional
conduct by the trainer.
The center should develop training manuals for the trainees in different common local
dialects or language.
The center should also adjust in its booking program of being done at least 3 days in
advance. The process should have provision for flexibility.
The backbone of our economy is agriculture and this alone is an indicator that this

sector, if well managed and catered for, can enormously contribute towards to the

growth of almost all other sectors of the state.

Agriculture employs 70% of the rural population and the remaining percentage is also

in a way engaged in different value chains in agricultural produce. Therefore, its

31
 necessary for government to focus more on training and skills development of the

population especially the youth in agriculture since this can greatly curb

unemployment besides supporting the national economy.

I also recommend for mechanization and rolling in new technology to improve on the

efficiency and quality of produce. This will ensure the nation moves in synch with

mechanized era and will also attract contract farming.

Government should devise means of encouraging insurance blockers to extend

agricultural insurance policies to farmers so as to guard against risks in especially

livestock, fish and crop farming.

References

John Wilkinson. "The Globalization of Agribusiness and Developing World Food Systems".
Monthly Review.

Gitta, Cosmas and South, David (2012). Southern Innovator Magazine Issue 3: Agribusiness
and Food Security: United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation. ISSN 2222-9280

32
AGS: Agribusiness development". Fao.org. Retrieved 2017-01-26.

Ng, Desmond; Siebert, John W. (2009). "Toward Better Defining the Field of Agribusiness
Management" (PDF). International Food and Agribusiness Management Review. 12 (4).

Backpedaling on Biofuels". Wild.org. 2008-08-01. Retrieved 2017-01-25.

http://www.katendeagrotraining.com

fita.org". fita.org. Retrieved 2017-01-25.

https://web.archive.org/web/20160304034828/http://www.ifama.org/files/IS_Ledesma_Form
atted.pdf

http://benefitof.net/benefits-of-fieldwork/

33