Yumbe DFA SP Draft 2-2011-2015

YUMBE DISTRICT FARMERS ASSOCIATIONP. O. Box, 55 Yumbe-Uganda

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN

(2011-2015)

Facilitated by

Moses Rwaheru MwesigwaInstitutional Advisor/[email protected]&George LemerigaDistrict [email protected]

APRIL 2011

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Yumbe DFA Five Year Strategic Plan (2011-2015)

Table of Contents

1.0 INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................41.1 RATIONALE..................................................................................................................42.0 VISION, MISSION, GOAL AND CORE VALUES OF YUMBE DFA.......................52.1 Vision.........................................................................................................................52.2 Mission......................................................................................................................52.3 Goal...........................................................................................................................52.4 Core values of Yumbe DFA......................................................................................53.0 PROBLEM ANALYSIS.................................................................................................53.1 Summary of Core Problems......................................................................................54.0 YUMBE DISTRICT PROFILE......................................................................................74.1 Location.....................................................................................................................74.2 Land area...................................................................................................................74.3 Topography and Relief..............................................................................................74.4 Vegetation..................................................................................................................74.5 Climate.......................................................................................................................75.0 SWOT ANALYSIS.........................................................................................................85.1 Strength of the Organisation......................................................................................85.2 Weaknesses................................................................................................................95.3 Opportunities.............................................................................................................95.4 Threats.......................................................................................................................96.0 STAKEHOLDERS AND STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS...........................................106.1 Farmer households and farmer groups....................................................................106.3 Farmer Leaders........................................................................................................106.4 Organisation staff....................................................................................................116.5 Central and Local Government................................................................................116.6 Donor Community...................................................................................................116.7 Other Development Partners...................................................................................117.0 ACTION PLAN MATRIX...........................................................................................13Appendix .................................................................................................................................20

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Parish Boundary

County Boundary

District Boundary

Administrative Boundary

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Yumbe District Political Structure

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

Yumbe District Farmers Association (DFA) was formed in. April 14th 2001. It is a farmer based association open to all willing farmers ready to subscribe to the core values and believe in the vision and mission of the association. Its overall objective is providing agricultural advisory services to the farming community in Yumbe District. The association is registered with the registrar of companies as a company limited by guarantee. It is also registered in the office of the District Community Development Officer (CDO) for recognition. Yumbe DFA is also a registered member of the Uganda National Farmers Federation, the umbrella body for all farmer organisations in Uganda. The association operates in the whole of Yumbe district.

1.1 RATIONALE

This Strategic Plan provides strategies for Yumbe DFA to grow and improve on the service to its members- the farmers and farming groups in Yumbe district. The plan provides the necessary guidance to the board and management on key activities that aim to achieve the association’s mission. Preparation of this plan involved the board and staff of the association, farmer representatives from the sub county executive committees as well as stakeholders from the local government (planning, production and community development departments)

The Strategic Plan is fully owned by Yumbe DFA and will be used as a guiding document in their strategic and operational activities for the 5 year planning period using the calendar year from 1st January- 31st December. This plan is effective by 2011.

The strategic plan will guide the association in the following areas: Farmer mobilisation Diversifying its activities and improving service delivery Institutional capacity development Increasing the associations’ sustainability. Establishing strategic linkages with development partners / stakeholders

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2.0 VISION, MISSION, GOAL AND CORE VALUES OF YUMBE DFA

2.1 Vision

Improved livelihoods of the communities in Yumbe district by the year 2014.

2.2 Mission

To alleviate poverty by supporting farming communities through Agricultural technologies, improved farming practices, gender mainstreaming, environmental conservation, lobbing and advocacy.

2.3 Goal

To improve food and income security for small scale farmers in Yumbe District

2.4 Core values of Yumbe DFA

The values of the association are:1. Responsiveness to Farmer’s needs2. Listening to Farmers3. Participation4. Accountability and Transparency5. Commitment6. Time management7. Effective information management8. Networking and partnership building with other organizations9. Democracy10.Gender sensitivity

3.0 PROBLEM ANALYSIS

The economy of Yumbe District predominantly depends on agriculture which employs over 80% of the total population. Agriculture is mainly subsistence and takes place on smallholdings of approximately 5 acres per household and using mainly simple farming tools such as hoes and pangas.The holdings are not as a block but fragmented hence difficulties in monitoring the progress of crops and other farm activities.

3.1 Summary of Core Problems

1. Most farmers and their leaders have limited access to financial support

2. Most farmers have limited access to affordable and timely agricultural inputs

3. Limited knowledge and skills on record keeping

4. Limited knowledge and skills on pests and disease control

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5. Ignorance, disease/sickness ,cultural barriers and poor attitude

6. Most farmers face challenges in marketing agricultural produce and products

7. Limited number of staff, high staff turn over and no job security

8. Inadequate , planning , leadership and information management skills

9. Dependency of the farmers and organization on external support

10. Inadequate storage facilities for farmers and their leaders

11.Vermin

12.Limited commitment of farmers and their leaders to organization

13.Political and religious influence

14. Inadequate innovation, creativity and motivation

15. Inadequate labour supply during peak season

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4.0 YUMBE DISTRICT PROFILE1

4.1 Location

Yumbe District is one of Uganda's most northern districts. The district is bordered by Southern Sudan to the north, Moyo District to the east, Adjumani District and Arua District to the southeast, Maracha-Terego District to the south and Koboko District to the west. The district headquarters at Yumbe are located 75 kilometres (47 mi), by road, north of Arua, the largest city in the sub-region. The coordinates of the district are: 03 28N, 31 15E.

4.2 Land area

The total land area of Yumbe district is 2411 sq km (1.2% of total national area), where 1,929sq km is under agriculture (80.1%), 411.7sq km under forestry and woodlands (7.08%) and wetlands and water bodies account for 70.2 sq km (2.91%). The population density of the district is about 105 persons per sq km as compared with the national 124 persons per sq km.

Yumbe district being one of the new districts is one of the least urbanized districts in Uganda. Close to 94% of people live in rural areas and mainly practice subsistence agriculture. Land is the most important natural resources in Yumbe district. As previously mentioned, over 94% of the district population live in rural areas and directly depend on the land for cultivation and grazing

4.3 Topography and Relief

The district’s topography is characterized by low planes and rolling hills along the River Nile, at 900m above sea level rising to a series of hills and peaks. The highest peak is mountain Otze at 1500m above sea level. The River Nile bank rises sharply upwards producing a landscape characterized by plateaus, flat topped hills, inter sparse with deep valleys and giving rise to steep slopes. Most parts of the District are productive except the eastern part of Romogi, Kuru and Odravu sub counties. The District has loamy soil. Gravels are evident in some isolated parts of Kuru, Romogi and Odravu sub counties. While towards the eastern part of the district along the Nile basin is sandy.

4.4 Vegetation

The natural vegetation used to be characterized by open lands with Savannah grasslands of equatorial types with small pockets of natural forests on hills and along the Sudan border, northern parts of the district. The vegetation cover of the district is mainly Savannah woodland and therefore rich in biodiversity.

1 Information on the district profile was extracted from the ‘Yumbe District Local government 2010 Statistical Abstract’ and ‘The District State of Environment Report’, Yumbe District Local Government, 2008

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4.5 Climate

Yumbe receives an average total rainfall of 1250mm. The area experiences a two seasonal rainfall, light rains between April and October. The wettest months are usually August-September with >120mm/month. The period December-February is dry with less than 60mm/month. The rain is associated with the northern and southern movements of the inter-tropical front. Mean monthly evaporation ranges from 130mm-180mm. The prevailing wind is from the east to the west with frequent windstorms during the dry season. Temperatures are generally low during the nights of dry seasons (Dec-March) and high during day hours whereas during wet seasons,temperatures remain high throughout.

5.0 SWOT ANALYSIS

5.1 Strength of the Organisation

Personnel: Yumbe DFA has hired 6 staff to implement its activities. The staff include Coordinator, Accountant, Marketing Officer, Assistant Marketing Officer, Office Attendant and Watchman

Leadership: The DFA has democratically elected leaders at group level as well as committees at parish, Sub-county and district. These committees major role include and not limited to; policy formulation, mobilization for membership, promoting good governance, monitoring and evaluation of DFA’s activities At the moment, Yumbe DFA has 9 Bard Executive members, 42 Parish Executive Committees, and 13 Sub-county Executive Committees with a total of 84 Groups with elected leaders

Membership: The organization had a total of 2,574 registered and paid up members by 31st December 2010. Of the total registered members, 825 were male and 1,749 female. This membership is the foundation/ pillar for Yumbe District farmers’ Association which is the current strength for resource mobilization as well as sustainability.

Legal and policy: YDFA is registered with the registrar of companies as company limited by guarantee and the same with NGO forum. The DFA has a number of comprehensive documents such as financial policy, assets, procurement, Constitution and human resource that are relevant for its operations

Assets: The association has a number of tools, equipment, machinery and facilities that are useful in implementing its programmes and activities; the following are some of the key assets of the organization: House, a quarter acre of Land , 6 motor cycles of which 3 are in good running condition, and 3 grounded, one computer and accessories, 2 photocopiers, assorted furniture (chairs, tables, benches, 2 safes, 10 acres of tree plantation, 1 generator and 2 solar panels

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5.2 Weaknesses

The policy documents have gaps and do not address issues of the organization such as death of staff, remuneration of staff out of station

Low access to affordable improved agricultural inputs Inadequate knowledge and skills Rudimentary farming practices Inadequate financial resources for implementing agricultural activities Negative attitude of some farmers especially the youth towards farming Ignorance, laziness and disease Limited knowledge and skills in record keeping, planning and information

management

5.3 Opportunities

Donors willingness to support various activities of YDFA Existence of other development partners in the district Non Governmental

Organizations( CEFORD, AFFARD, APEP,SNV,EA ,VEDCO etc), CBOs and private sector( STANBIC, Sub-county SACCOS, CREAM, B-Blue) that offer technical and financial support to the association

Prevailing peace and stability in the country and Yumbe Central and local governments that offer enabling environment to the Association Availability of market for agricultural produce and products within and without the

district Fertile soils that support agricultural activities

.

5.4 Threats

Vermin Partners spoon feeding farmers instead of ensuring their sustainability especially

AFFARD In effective district NGO forum that has led to duplication and conflicting policies Limited involvement of YDFA in district and sub-county activities Dependency on rain fed agriculture Poor land use policy and tenure system that is hindrance to commercial farming Competing programmes and activities of other development partners Corruption , lack of transparency and accountability by Government and other

development partners Inflation, price fluctuation and control Taxation and tax policies Inadequate funding by central and local governments for agricultural activities Liberalization of the economy

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6.0 STAKEHOLDERS AND STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS

Yumbe District has the following enlisted stakeholders

o Registered Households and farmer groups that are affiliated to the organization

o Potential Farmer groups that are likely to subscribe and join the associationo Elected farmer leaders at various levels including group leaders and executive

committees at Parish, Sub-county and district levelo Development partners (NGOs, CBOs, Faith Based Organizations, private

sector) that are involved in agricultural development in Yumbe districto Local Government (district and Lower local governments especially

Production department and extension service providers of NAADS and sub-counties

o Staff of Yumbe District Farmers’ Associationo Religious and opinion leaderso Donor communityo Central government

6.1 Farmer households and farmer groups

o Mainly depend on rain feed agriculture

o Lack storage facilities

o Use mainly rudimentary tools (hand hoes)

o Lack financial support

o Limited access to improved inputs (seeds and technology)

o Limited knowledge and skills to cope up with climatic changes

o Most of the farmers have limited access to market information and marketing

facilitieso Disease, ignorance and sickness such as HIV/AIDS

o Limited knowledge and skills in record keeping, environment and gender

mainstreaming o Limited access to transport facilities

6.3 Farmer Leaders

o Some leaders are trained and are knowledgeable and skilled

o Support mobilization of membership and monitoring DFA activities

o District Executive Board enact policies and monitor implementation

o Some leaders have limited knowledge and skills in executing DFA activities

o Some leaders are dependant on external support

o Some lack transparency

o Some are lazy

o Some lack creativity and innovation

o Some lack planning and information management skills

o Some are corrupt

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o Lack of voluntarism

o Lack of storage facilities

6.4 Organisation staff

o Organization has 6 staff implementing Yumbe DFA activities

o Staff are qualified but require additional skills in areas of proposal

development, leadership, planning, business development and cross cutting issues

o Staff turn over is high and hence staff retention strategy is urgently required

o Staff are easily affected by shift in donor policies

o Support Board in membership recruitment and collection of dues

o DFA staff are on transit to the district

6.5 Central and Local Government

o Identify donor agencies funding agricultural programmes

o Approve agricultural loans and ensure that it is disbursed to lending

institutions for borrowingo Formulate agricultural policies(exemption of inputs from VAT, private sector

development, land use policy amendment )o Coordination of agricultural activities and programmes like NAADS

o Infrastructure development

o Provision of extension services by qualified staff

o Source of agricultural data

o Formulation of ordinances and byelaws

o Provision of security

o Monitoring and evaluation of agricultural programmes and activities

6.6 Donor Community

o Funding mainly from DANIDA

o Implemented projects supported by donors

o Capacity building(training, logistical support and equipping)

o Monitoring and evaluation of agricultural activities

o Provision of support in food security

o Influence policies through lobbying and advocacy

6.7 Other Development Partners

o Provide technical assistance

o Support mobilization and sensitization of farmers

o Funding for agricultural programmes and activities

o Capacity building (training and logistical support)

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o Support formation of farmer groups

o Provide storage facilities

o Develop infrastructures

o Provide security

o Receive deposits

o Promote savings

o Lend money

o Lobbying and advocacy on agricultural policies

o Counselling and guidance on faith

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7.0 ACTION PLAN MATRIX

Specific Activities OutputsTargets

Output indicators Expected Outcomes

Time frame

Other actor institutions to work with

Estimated budget(UGX)

Responsible actor

Total DFA % DONOR %

1a) Staff capacity enhancedTraining in proposal development

10 staff trained attend short courses (2 weeks)

Number of staff trainedNumber of courses attended

Number of proposals developedKnowledge and skills enhancedIncreased % of proposals funded

2011-15

UMIDevelopment partners

8,000,000 37.5 % 62.5 % Coordinator

Training in leadership and management

10 staff trained Number of staff trainedNumber of training sessions conducted

Improved management skills of the DFAEffective leadership of the DFA

2011-15

UMIDevelopment Partners

10,000,000 100% - Coordinator

Procurement of computers and motorcycles

2 computers and2 motorcycles procured

Number of computers procuredNumber of motorcycles procured

Timely reportsMarket informationProcessed and disseminatedIncreased monitoring of DFA activities

2011-15

Local revenue and Donor

21,000,000 24 % 76% Chairperson

Recruit quality staff 6 new staff recruited

Number of quality staff recruited

Enhanced visibility of the DFA activitiesImproved service deliveryTimely accountability

2011-15

Local revenueDonor

270,000,000 60% 40% Chairperson, Coordinator

Existing staff 6 staff Maintain existing staff 270,000,000 60% 40%NSSF 10 staff 54,000,000 60% 40%1b) Resource Mobilisation Mobilisation and sensitisation of farmers groups (leaders, lower

At least one group mobilised per village (636

Number of groups mobilised Number of group leaders

Increased revenue for the DFA [19 million per year]

201-15 Local revenue 21,925,000 100% - Coordinator and Chairperson




Time frame



Responsible actor

Total DFA % DONOR %

structures leaders, PECs, SECs)

groups)

101*9 PEC members mobilised and sensitised

13*9 SEC members mobilised and sensitised

mobilised sensitized Number of PECs and SECs mobilised and sensitisedNumber of groups paying membership and subscription to the DFA

Proposal development At least 5 proposals written per quarter

Number of proposals written and fundedNumber of donors funding the DFA

Improved service deliveryIncreased membershipIncreased revenueIncreased visibility of the DFA

2011-15

Development partnersPrivate sector

10,000,000 100% - Coordinator

Conduct monitoring and supervision of DFA activities

4 monitoring visits per year

Number of supervision/monitoring visits with reportsNumber of staff involved in supervision

Effective implementation of activitiesInformation for timely decision making

2011-15

1000000 100% Coordinator

Preparation of work plans and program reports

Monthly reports, quarterly and annual reports prepared Work plans and budgets prepared

Number of work plans preparedNumber of reports prepared and circulated/disseminatedNumber of work plans and budgets approved by the board

Effective implementation of activitiesProgress of activities monitoredGuiding staff

2011-15

Operational costs

100% Coordinator

2a) Capacity of lower structures enhancedConduct quarterly meetings per year

20 SEC and PEC meetings in 5 years

Number of meetings held and minutes producedNumber of members attending the meetings

Functional PEC and SECEnhanced information flowInformed of the DFA activities

2011-15

0 Board

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Time frame



Responsible actor

Total DFA % DONOR %

Increased mobilisation of membership

Monitoring of DFA activities

4 monitoring visits per year

Number of monitoring visits with reportsNumber of board members participating

Effective implementation of DFA activitiesTimely feedback and decision making

2011-15

Extension workers

10,000,000 100% Chairman

Training of SEC and PEC in leadership, gender, health (HIV/AIDS), Group dynamics, etc

101 PECs13 SECs

Number of committees trainedNumber of training courses conducted

Improved skills and knowledge in areas of leadership, record keeping, group dynamics and genderIncreased awareness in gender and HIV/AIDSImproved service delivery

2011-15

Local governments Development partners

10,260,000 100% - Coordinator

2b) Capacity of DFA leadership and governanceOrganising board meetings

4 meetings per year Number of meetings held with minutes Number of members attending meetings

Effective managementIncreased accountability

2011-15

5,000,000 100% - Chairman

Organise annual general meetings

One AGM held per year

Number of AGMs heldNumber of delegates attending the AGMNumber of policies approved by the AGMNumber of amendments proposed and passed

Improved accountability and transparencyImproved governance

2011-15

Production department

15,000,000 100% - Chairman

Monitoring of DFA activities and follow up on functionality of

Once a quarter Number of monitoring visits with reports Number of members

Improved efficiency in program

2011-2015

Production department, LGs

10,000,000 100% - Board Chairman

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Time frame



Responsible actor

Total DFA % DONOR %

lower structures participating in monitoring visitsNumber of lower structures followed up

implementationEffective participationFunctional committees at lower levelsIncreased revenueImproved service delivery

Training board and staff members on lobbying and advocacy

10 staff and 9 board members trained

Number of board members and staff trainedNumber of trainings conductedTraining reports

Improved knowledge and skills in lobbying and advocacyIncreased number of partners supporting DFA initiativesIncreased resource baseImproved visibility of the DFAFarmers issues incorporated into district, SC, and other development partner plans, agenda or policies

2011-2015

Development partners, LG

4,000,000 50% 50% Coordinator

2c) Enhanced DFA sustainability Conduct lobby and advocacy visits [internal and external]

4 visits per year Number of visits conductedNumber of partners visitedNumber of issues to lobby and advocate forNumber of issues addressed

Improved partnershipsIncreased revenueImproved networksImproved service delivery

2011-2015

Development partners

12,400,000 100% - Chairman and Coordinator

Establishment of a business wing

A business wing established

A registered functional business wing

Sustainability of the DFA enhanced

2011-15

10,000,000 100% - Chairman

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Time frame



Responsible actor

Total DFA % DONOR %

Business plan developed

Number of board members appointed Number of staff recruited

Increase d revenue for the DFA

Creation of a farmers resource centre

LibraryInternet servicesFurnitureSecretarial servicesCanteen

A functional resource centreNumber of people utilising the facilitiesNumber of services createdAmount of revenue generated by the resource centreAvailability of information

Improved service delivery to the communityIncreased revenueImproved visibility in the district Sustainable DFAImproved welfare of the board and staff

2011-15

Private sector DonorsLG

15,000,000 100% - Chairperson and Coordinator

3a) Access to quality and affordable inputsMobilisation and sensitization of farmers on value of improved agricultural inputs/seed (sorghum, sim sim, cassava, g nuts,

1,272 leaders sensitised per year (6,360 for 5 years)13 meetings (1 @ S/C) conducted per year

Number of farmer leaders sensitisedNumber of meetings heldNumber of enterprises farmers sensitised on

Improved adoption of improved inputsIncreased crop yields

2011-15

Private sectorDevelopment partners

36,675,000 40% 60% Coordinator

Training in effective use of improved inputs

6360 farmers trained in 5 years

Number of farmer trainedNumber of training sessions conductedNumber of reports produced

Increased utilisation of improved inputsImproved knowledge and skills on safe use of improved inputsImproved yields

2011-2015

Private sectorDevelopment partnersLG

36,675,000 40% 60% Agric Advisor

3b) Promotion of value addition and bulk marketingMobilisation and sensitisation of farmers

2000 sorghum farmers mobilised per year1500 Sim sim farmers per year

Number of farmers mobilised and sensitised on the various enterprisesNumber of enterprises

Improved uptake of the enterprisesIncreased volumes produced and marketed

2011-15

Local GovernmentPrivate sector

41,000,000 60% 40% Marketing officer

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Time frame



Responsible actor

Total DFA % DONOR %

1500 g nut farmers mobilised per year3000 cassava farmers mobilised per year

promoted

Training of farmers in value addition, PHH and marketing

6,360 farmers trained in 5 years

Number of farmers trainedNumber of training sessions conducted

Increased volumes of produce soldImproved bargaining power of farmer groupsImproved knowledge and skills in value addition and marketingImproved quality of products

2011-15

Private sectorLocal government

36,675,000 40% 60% Marketing Officer

Linking farmers to markets

636 groups linked to markets

Number of groups linked to marketsNumber of buyers identified Number of enterprises marketed

Increased share of marketed outputIncreased incomeIncreased membershipImproved food security

2011-2015

Private sector 6,350,000 40% 60% Marketing officer, coordinator

Formation and training of marketing committees

One committee (@5people) formed and trained per parish

Number of committees formed and trainedNumber of reports

Increased quality of marketed produceIncreased coordination with buyersIncreased bargaining powerIncreased access to market information

21011-2015

Private sector 6,870,000 60% 40% Marketing Officer

Procurement and installation of value addition equipment

One value addition equipment per sub county

No of milling machines procured/installedNo of sub counties with installed equipment

Increased value additionIncreased sales of processed

2011-15

Private sector 150,000,000 100% Coordinator

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Time frame



Responsible actor

Total DFA % DONOR %

productsIncreased output prices

Total 1,071,830,000Administrative costs (10%) 107,183,000Grand total 1,179,013,000

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Appendix

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE OF YUMBE DISTRICT FARMERS ASSOCIATION

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Farmers Assembly

Executive Board of Directors

Coordinator

Accounts Assistant

Agricultural Advisor

Enterprise Development Advisor Assistant Marketing Officer Support Staff

Administrator/ Accountant

Group Leaders

PECs/SECs

Marketing Officer

Member Farmers

Documents

Yumbe DFA SP Draft 2-2011-2015