The new Ugandan animal feed export deal is creating economic opportunities for women farmers while strengthening Uganda-Kenya trade ties. Under this agreement, women from Uganda, organized under the African Women in Animal Resources Farming and Agribusiness Network (AWARFA), will send 26 metric tonnes of animal feed to Kenya every week. This supply is worth $50,000 (Shs179 million).
This milestone follows years of collaboration between Ugandan and Kenyan women. Specifically, the Resilient African Feed and Fodder Systems (RAFFS) Project, under the African Union-InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), supported the effort throughout.
The RAFFS Project, funded by the Gates Foundation, aims to fix gaps in Africa’s feed and fodder supply chains. Moreover, it empowers women and helps them build sustainable agribusinesses.
Lovin Kobusingye, president of AWARFA Uganda, said this Ugandan animal feed export deal gives producers a stable market. As a result, they can expand production and grow incomes. “This opportunity will provide jobs. People will earn a living by growing maize and pasture to supply feed,” she explained.
Furthermore, the deal is expected to increase demand for raw materials like maize bran, sunflower cake, and legumes. Kobusingye noted that Kenya’s consistent demand will encourage better farming practices and greater investment in processing technologies.
To maintain the momentum, AWARFA is committed to high quality. “We deliver both quality and quantity to meet customer expectations,” Kobusingye emphasized.
Importantly, this agreement comes at a crucial time. In March, Uganda’s exports to Kenya dropped to $17.7 million, the lowest in six years. Consequently, this feed trade deal may help reverse the decline and enhance foreign exchange earnings.
Kobusingye also encouraged more women to join the animal feed value chain. She stressed that the growing market offers women a real chance to thrive in agribusiness. “We must work hard to meet Kenya’s demand. The market is ready, and we must deliver,” she stated.
Meanwhile, Christine Kalui, AWARFA Kenya president, welcomed the development. She pointed out that local feed is often unreliable or overpriced. “Sometimes, feed is expensive and inconsistent. This deal gives us a dependable source,” Kalui said.
She added that the partnership represents more than just a business transaction. In fact, it sets a model for women’s empowerment and inclusive regional growth.
Kalui said quality feed is vital for livestock health and productivity. “Without good feed, our animals suffer. Now, we’ll have consistent, affordable supply,” she added. She believes this will also lead to better nutrition and food security for many families.
Additionally, Dennis Maholo, Assistant Commissioner for Animal Nutrition at the Ministry of Agriculture, praised the women-led effort. He said they are addressing regional feed shortages and expanding markets. “This is just the beginning. Women are leading Uganda’s export growth,” Maholo said.
Overall, the Ugandan animal feed export deal will continue to create ripple effects. It will raise demand for feed ingredients and support agriculture across Uganda.