Busoga Eyes Economic Revival: Master Plan Shifts Focus from Sugarcane to Cocoa, Coffee, and Palm Oil

The Busoga sub-region is on the cusp of a significant economic transformation with the finalization of a strategic development plan designed to uplift its socio-economic standing. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, the proposed Busoga Master Plan aims to pivot the region’s agricultural base away from its decades-long reliance on sugarcane.

Instead, the plan champions the promotion of cocoa, palm oil, and coffee as primary cash crops. This strategic shift is a response to the declining profitability and economic challenges associated with sugarcane monoculture in a region that was once a leading economic powerhouse in Uganda. Recent poverty reports have highlighted Busoga’s diminished status, prompting a critical re-evaluation of its economic direction.

Local leaders point to over-reliance on sugarcane as a key factor in farmers’ vulnerability, as prices are largely dictated by millers, limiting bargaining power. The proposed transition to alternative high-value crops is seen as a timely intervention, though success will hinge on farmers embracing new opportunities and shifting their focus from traditional sugarcane cultivation to more internationally competitive crops.

The Master Plan extends beyond agriculture, seeking to address broader issues contributing to poverty, such as high school dropout rates and teenage pregnancies. Governance challenges have also been identified as a barrier to development, with political divisions hindering the implementation of past recommendations.

To ensure broad ownership and inclusivity, extensive consultations are underway across the sub-region, engaging a wide range of stakeholders. A notable innovation is the ‘Ekibalo app,’ a digital tool designed to assist farmers with data-driven decisions regarding crop yields, costs, and profitability. This science-driven approach is expected to boost agricultural productivity, improve household incomes, and re-establish Busoga as a competitive economic hub.

Source: Nile Post