Money making opportunity in banana fibers and landmine victims in Uganda.

Landmine victims have formed a co-op to create rope from banana fiber.Kasese District, in western Uganda, is especially ripe with the fruit. It is also an area of the country with a difficult history. Many of the workers lost limbs after landmines were planted in this part of Uganda. The explosives were mainly deployed by rebels of the Allied Democratic Forces during a 20-year insurgency against President Museveni. That conflict ended in 2005, but the scars of war haven't gone away. Many of these workers turned to this trade after losing their ability to farm the mountainous area they come from. On the fertile farmlands of Uganda's Kasese district, miles and miles of lush banana plantations dot the green landscape. This is one of the biggest banana growing areas in the east-central African country, where most people make a living through subsistence farming. The nutrient-rich fruit is not the only source of income for farmers in the region. After harvesting the crop, locals also extract banana fiber from the trunk of the plant. This can be used for a whole range of products -- from household goods and handicrafts to bags and textiles.The products attract a lot of money as decorators,interior designers e.t.c patronize them. Taking advantage of the abundance of the natural product, a group of landmine victims have formed a co-operative association to make rope out of banana fiber and sell it for a profit. After using water to soften the leaves, the members of the Kasese Landmine Survivors Association split them into small pieces depending on the color and the thickness of the rope they want to make. Once the banana fibers are weaved together, the co-op sells it to various clients in bulk. Read more

WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE AND THE IMPACT ON ECONOMIC GROWTH.

The role of of agriculture in economic growth is significant to any form of globalization. Women plays significant roles in agriculture,they are involved in all sectors and contribute to economic growth and development. 

 The empowerment schemes should involve more women as they are challenged on so many fronts,the contract farming is a way to encourage more women to join agriculture sector and support those already in the sector. Agriculture has so many facets and aspects that if properly coordinated will bring about food security and increase revenue generation. 

The higher the number of people actively involved in this sector,the greater the chances of a sustainable economy. 

The use of contract farming in the agricultural sector has the following benefits ; 1) employment opportunities. 2) increase revenue generation. 3)food security. 4)globalization through partnership. 5)broad-based learning platform. 6)empowerment. 

      What is contract farming and how does it work?? 

This is basically a platform for growth both for individuals ,companies and the countries involved.The scheme extols the benefits of various aspects of agriculture such as fish farming,piggery,cattle rearing, and poultry.

The various segments are handled by professionals,who corporate with stakeholders already in the agriculture business and these seek out interested candidates in these projects.These people undergo training for a specific period,after which they are provided with tools to start-off.These tools include chicks,drugs,feed, weaners,calves and cages. 

The tools also include spaces that are allocated at moderate prices so the farmers can afford this without affecting overhead costs. The contract farmer has access to needed tools to start the project with a memorandum of understanding which states; the expected return and time lapse. 

This scheme will allow more players in the agric sector,with access to latest innovations in the field which they can employ to rapidly turn around their investment. 

 The venture also involves provision of equipment to process the finished products for packaging such as stoves,drying kiln and ovens to process fish. Education on food preservation and provision of such equipment will help prevent losses of crops.A source of water is a very necessary factor for any production,and many women travel long distances to get access to portable water.

A water for all project in forms of wells,boreholes and irrigation systems will boost production and increase sales.The larger percentage of the agricultural products are farmed in the rural areas and this is done by women. Empower the women; feed the world!!! Contract farming is an empowerment model that will fast tract growth in the agriculture sector,because the companies involved in this scheme collect products for sale in international market. 

The scheme also involves buying farmers products right from the farm,so the farmer tends its products carefully to attain specified standards.

This scheme will regulate products in the market because only those that meet required specification are purchased.