Our 3rd Annual Harvest Hand Up will be September 13th. Watch for more soon!

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Transforming Ugandan Farmers
Transforming Ugandan Farmers
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    • Home
    • About Us
      • Who We Are
      • Meet Our Farmers
      • Photo Gallery
      • Social Media
    • Ways to Give
    • Contact Us
    • Latest News
      • 2025 Harvest
      • TUF Expands to School
      • TUF Meet-the-Buyer Event
      • Meet-the-Buyer Pictures
      • TUF Project Leader in USA
      • Milton's Visit in Photos
      • Harvest Hand Up Events
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • Meet Our Farmers
    • Photo Gallery
    • Social Media
  • Ways to Give
  • Contact Us
  • Latest News
    • 2025 Harvest
    • TUF Expands to School
    • TUF Meet-the-Buyer Event
    • Meet-the-Buyer Pictures
    • TUF Project Leader in USA
    • Milton's Visit in Photos
    • Harvest Hand Up Events

Transforming Ugandan Farmers

Transforming Ugandan FarmersTransforming Ugandan FarmersTransforming Ugandan Farmers

Join our mission to create a better world and empower communities 

for change in Uganda and beyond.

Donate Now

Transforming Ugandan Farmers

Transforming Ugandan FarmersTransforming Ugandan FarmersTransforming Ugandan Farmers

Join our mission to create a better world and empower communities 

for change in Uganda and beyond.

Donate Now

3rd Annual HARVEST HAND UP and Pancake & Sausage Breakfast

Saturday, September 13, 2025

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TICKETS COMING SOON!!!

Transforming Ugandan Farmers

Empowering Ugandan Farmers

Transforming Ugandan Farmers is a nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping farmers in Uganda with the education, resources, and community support they need to radically improve their agricultural production and livelihoods. 


By partnering with a local agronomist and the Uganda-based NGO Innovations for Transformation Initiative (ITI), we provide training and support to community-based groups of Ugandan farmers, helping them become self-sufficient in growing and selling their crops to support themselves and their families.

Who We Are

Our History

  

In the summer of 2019, Joe Schmidt stood in a maize (corn) field in the Kamwenge District of Uganda. The farmer from Ottawa, Illinois, had so many questions. 


The soil was rich and, with Uganda’s tropical climate, could produce two crops per year. But crop yields were poor. 


Joe had met several Ugandan farmers who were struggling to grow enough food to feed their families.   There was no surplus to sell and buy other needed goods—or to send their children to school. Joe and his wife, Nathalie, knew they needed to do something.  In February 2020, they returned to Uganda and interviewed farmers to better understand the situation & how they could help. 


The farmers voiced a need for education. They wanted to learn how to become better farmers so they could better provide for their families.


The Ugandan farmers wanted more for themselves, and the Schmidts were struck by how little “more” was. They wanted to be able to pay their children’s school tuition fees, access medical care, have better clothing, and sleep on mattresses.


The Schmidts hired Peter Baguma, a local agronomist, and, in August 2020, Peter began educating 60 Ugandan farmers on best practices, such as planting in rows, through Transforming Ugandan Farmers (TUF). 


As of 2024, more than 240 farmers have been trained through TUF. Most farmers see doubled yields in their first year. After three years, some farmers have seen a five-fold increase in yields. 

Our Approach

  

We are farmers helping farmers, starting in the Kamwenge District of western Uganda.  We provide training, education and initial resources needed to help farmers improve their production and profitability. 


Our ultimate goal is to see farmers who participate in TUF achieve self-sufficiency and create a ripple effect in their communities by training up new generations of successful farmers. 


To keep us connected to life on-the-ground in Uganda, we work with a local agronomist and Uganda-based NGO Innovations for Transformation (ITI). We train community-based groups of about 30 Ugandan farmers at a time. Typically, we can train two groups each year. 

    


Meet our Leadership

Our Process

  

  1. First, groups of farmers in a community self-organize and obtain status as a Village Savings & Loan Association (VSLA) through our NGO partner ITI Uganda. Association members pool their money and individual members can take out microloans to pay for farming inputs.
  2. Farmers receive training on best agronomic practices from our local agronomist. Examples of practices include planting in rows, seed spacing, precision fertilization, and crop rotation.
  3. Farmers observe the differences between traditional and best practices at the TUF Central Demonstration Farm for  one growing season, approximately five months. Each farmer receives a notebook to record what they learn and a small amount of seed to begin applying it. 
  4. Each farmer receives a bag of improved, hybrid seed and a bag of fertilizer to implement what they have learned on their own land. 
  5. The VSLA remains active after farmers graduate from the TUF program. Farmers also continue to have access to our local agronomist, who regularly checks in with them. 


We believe farmers learn best when learning with and from other farmers, which is why the community aspect of our process is so important. Individuals in each community group are accountable to one another, and we aim to foster an environment where they are free to collaborate and innovate in positive ways beyond our expectations. 

MEET OUR FARMERS

TUF Central Demonstration Farm

In 2023, we purchased a centralized demonstration farm 

where our agronomist can show farmers old and new 

methods side-by-side. 


This 5-acre plot of land is a typical garden site in Uganda. Our main goal with this land is to provide a place that shows the value of unfamiliar techniques, such as planting in properly spaced rows and crop rotation, before a farmer takes steps toward adoption. 

Where We're Headed

  We have big ideas to support the farmers in Kamwenge &

 beyond!


While most Ugandan farmers grow maize, they also grow—and need—other crops. We would like to expand into demonstrating best practices for additional food-related and commodity agriculture beyond maize. 

Improving yields and production is a first step. TUF is also interested in helping develop local markets and value-added opportunities. 


A few of our goals include:

● Provide a market at the TUF Central Demonstration Farm where TUF farmers could store and sell their maize.

● Buy maize shellers so that the harvest can be stored more efficiently, in bags.

● Build a facility where maize could be milled into corn flour 

(a Ugandan staple) and otherwise processed to created value-added products. 

● Create a store with inputs and tools readily available.

● Provide grain transportation with a grain hauling vehicle.


While we have big plans, but we recognize our plans are not always what is needed. Our primary goal is to remain obedient to God in taking the right next step each and every day. 


It is important to us to humbly help bring to life the goals of the local people and to encourage them on their own path from subsistence farming to thriving in all areas of their lives. 

Are you ready to join us in transforming lives? 

Why Our Mission Matters

A Look at Farming in Uganda

● 80% of Ugandan households cultivate the land and/or raise livestock. Source: Uganda Bureau of Statistics


● 55% of rural households in Uganda experience multidimensional poverty (lacking sufficient access to health care and nutrition, education, sanitation and clean water, housing and shelter, and protection from violence and exploitation). Source: UNICEF


● 99% of agricultural households in Uganda grow maize (corn). Other popular crops are beans, cassava, and banana. Coffee is Uganda’s principal export. Source: Uganda Bureau of Statistics


● The average agricultural holding is 1.3 hectares (3.2 acres), with 67% holding less than 1 hectare (2.5 acres). Source: Uganda Bureau of Statistics


What We Do

  

Working with a local agronomist and Uganda-based NGO Innovations for Transformation Initiative (ITI), we train community-based groups of about 30 Ugandan farmers at a time in:


● Agronomic practices, including proper spacing and use of improved seed and fertilizer. 

● Financial literacy, including savings and credit management.


Each farmer participant receives a bag of seed and fertilizer to get them started as well as ongoing support and encouragement.


Our goal is for these farmers to become self-sufficient in their ability to grow and sell more of their crops so they can better provide for themselves and their families. 

Successes of TUF Farmers

Successes of TUF Farmers

Successes of TUF Farmers


● 90% are embracing the new concepts taught through TUF.


● Most farmers double yields in first year, and some have increased yields as much as five times after three years.


● 70% are able to purchase improved seed on their own after one calendar year in the program (up from 5% before TUF).


● 95% of TUF farmers’ children now attend school. 


● 80% of TUF farmers have basic cell phones. 


“The training I received for one growing season has truly revolutionized my approach to maize farming … Using improved seeds, proper application of fertilizers, (and) precision planting were game-changers … Your support will not only change the life of my family but will also empower (my) entire community. The maize fields are flourishing, and the future looks brighter than ever.” –Evelyn, a proud maize farmer who joined TUF in 2023  

Transform a Life Today!

Successes of TUF Farmers

Successes of TUF Farmers

  

Too many Ugandan farmers today struggle to feed their families and provide shelter, clothing, medical care, and school tuition fees to send their children to school. 


When we asked, we found out Ugandan farmers want education. They want to learn better methods of growing crops so they could better take care of their families. 


You can be part of this agricultural education transformation and change the lives of Ugandan farmers for the better.

  

One of the unexpected joys of working in Uganda has been connecting with other people who share our love for the Ugandan people. We’d love to hear from you if you have questions or ideas for us!

CONNECT WITH US TODAY

Meet Our Farmers

  

The majority of Ugandans are involved in agriculture. If you met them, you would feel their warmth and positivity. To build relationships with Ugandan farmers has been a tremendous blessing. 


Here is what they have to say about their experience with TUF: 

Davis

Jennifer

Medard

Davis is a member and secretary of the Rwenkoba Maize Farmers Association. 

Davis is happy with all the knowledge he has learned through educational seminars and demonstrations, and he is happy that his maize and soybeans have improved in yield. He harvested 3,000 pounds of maize from 10 kilograms of improved seed planted on 1 acre, and he

Davis is a member and secretary of the Rwenkoba Maize Farmers Association. 

Davis is happy with all the knowledge he has learned through educational seminars and demonstrations, and he is happy that his maize and soybeans have improved in yield. He harvested 3,000 pounds of maize from 10 kilograms of improved seed planted on 1 acre, and he also notes that the improved cultivation methods benefited production of his own native seeds. 

“We have achieved so much—every person, every member is encouraged to go and dig [farm] well in his or her garden in our groups,” Davis says. “We are doing well, and I want to thank Nathalie and Joe. They have given us good knowledge. They have provided us some hybrid seeds. We are so thankful for what you have done for us. Thank you and may God bless you as you get more knowledge to give and support to Ugandan farmers.”

Medard

Jennifer

Medard

Medard is a member of the Kihura Maize Farmers Group. 

Medard is married and has five children. Prior to participating in TUF, his family broadcast-sowed seeds, so they never knew how many seeds they had planted in their 1-acre garden. They also did not use fertilizer or improved seeds. The seed they saved from previous years’ crops was po

Medard is a member of the Kihura Maize Farmers Group. 

Medard is married and has five children. Prior to participating in TUF, his family broadcast-sowed seeds, so they never knew how many seeds they had planted in their 1-acre garden. They also did not use fertilizer or improved seeds. The seed they saved from previous years’ crops was poor quality, and their yields were low. They did not have enough income to keep their children in school, pay medical bills, or keep enough food in the house. 

Medard greatly appreciated the financial training he received through TUF and how the program brought their community together “as a team, very cohesive, appreciative of each other.” He now plants seeds in rows, sowing only one or two seed in appropriately spaced holes. As a result, he has tripled his yields and he was able to generate enough income to send his daughter back to school.

Jennifer

Jennifer

Jennifer

Jennifer is a member of the Kihura Maize Farmers Group. Jennifer is married and has five children, four boys and one girl. “We used to plant anyhow … by throwing or by digging here and there, but now we know how to plant in order, in lines, so we are so grateful. … We used to not use fertilizer and plant anyhow and let the crop grow. Now 

Jennifer is a member of the Kihura Maize Farmers Group. Jennifer is married and has five children, four boys and one girl. “We used to plant anyhow … by throwing or by digging here and there, but now we know how to plant in order, in lines, so we are so grateful. … We used to not use fertilizer and plant anyhow and let the crop grow. Now today we learned you can put a little fertilizer down, cover the soil with a little bit of soil, then you put the seed. Do this so the fertilizer doesn’t spoil (burn) the seed. Then it grows well. So for that one I’m so grateful. I’m so happy.” Jennifer is looking forward to a great harvest. She describes herself as “a maize farmer from Kyakanyemera village that has been transformed by the invaluable knowledge and support provided by our friends in Transforming Ugandan Farmers (TUF).”

She says the training she received “has truly revolutionized (her) approach to maize farming. The project’s demonstration garden became (her) haven of inspiration and a source of practical wisdom.” 

Evelyn eagerly embraced the new methods and technique and has seen the benefits, which she says are” nothing short of miraculous.” 

“The key to my success was the meticulous integration of what I learned from the demonstration garden into my own practices,” Evelyn says. “Proper space of two seeds per hole, using improved seeds, and use of fertilizers will always be my farming routine practices moving forward, thought at a cost. These adjustments not only resulted in healthier maize crops but also contributed to improved yields, and our household income will ultimately improve.” 

Evelyn

Jennifer

Jennifer

Evelyn is a member of the Kyakanyemera Farmers Group. 

Evelyn describes herself as “a maize farmer from Kyakanyemera village that has been transformed by the invaluable knowledge and support provided by our friends in Transforming Ugandan Farmers (TUF).”

She says the training she received “has truly revolutionized (her) approach to maize fa

Evelyn is a member of the Kyakanyemera Farmers Group. 

Evelyn describes herself as “a maize farmer from Kyakanyemera village that has been transformed by the invaluable knowledge and support provided by our friends in Transforming Ugandan Farmers (TUF).”

She says the training she received “has truly revolutionized (her) approach to maize farming. The project’s demonstration garden became (her) haven of inspiration and a source of practical wisdom.” 

Evelyn eagerly embraced the new methods and technique and has seen the benefits, which she says are” nothing short of miraculous.” 

“The key to my success was the meticulous integration of what I learned from the demonstration garden into my own practices,” Evelyn says. “Proper space of two seeds per hole, using improved seeds, and use of fertilizers will always be my farming routine practices moving forward, thought at a cost. These adjustments not only resulted in healthier maize crops but also contributed to improved yields, and our household income will ultimately improve.” 

Meet Our Leadership

Joe and Nathalie Schmidt

Joe and Nathalie are Ottawa, Illinois, grain farmers who first connected to Uganda in 2013 when Nathalie visited the country with daughter Anna. Anna had traveled with a local group led by Debbie Damron and Dianne Jamison the previous summer and, with community support, sponsored a Ugandan family’s purchase of a small herd of goats. 


Durin

Joe and Nathalie are Ottawa, Illinois, grain farmers who first connected to Uganda in 2013 when Nathalie visited the country with daughter Anna. Anna had traveled with a local group led by Debbie Damron and Dianne Jamison the previous summer and, with community support, sponsored a Ugandan family’s purchase of a small herd of goats. 


During Anna and Nathalie’s visit in 2013, they met the Alberts family. From 2013-2019, the Schmidts and a friend, Kathy Ferko, sponsored the five Alberts boys’ school tuition fees and stayed involved in Debbie and Dianne’s mission. 


In the summer of 2019, Joe visited Uganda for the first time and saw for himself the great need of Ugandan farmers. He and Nathalie returned to Uganda in February 2020 to explore the potential to implement a farm project. They hired Peter Baguma, a local agronomist, and TUF was born.

Peter Baguma

Peter Baguma was born to a farming family in the village of Miranga in the Kabarole District of western Uganda. From a young age, it was clear that Peter possessed a curiosity and passion for understanding how things worked. His parents fostered a supportive environment and encouraged learning and exploration. 


Peter excelled in school. Du

Peter Baguma was born to a farming family in the village of Miranga in the Kabarole District of western Uganda. From a young age, it was clear that Peter possessed a curiosity and passion for understanding how things worked. His parents fostered a supportive environment and encouraged learning and exploration. 


Peter excelled in school. During high school, he won a regional science fair with a groundbreaking project on renewable energy. He went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in agriculture from Mountains of the Moon University in September 2016. During college, he engaged in cutting-edge research, focusing on “assessing the factors limiting efforts to eradicate poverty among subsistence farmers in Kabarole district.”


Following graduation, Peter founded a startup, Souvenir Agro, an input and consultancy firm in Kijura-Kabarole District. He also grows Irish potatoes and maize as another source of income for his family. He and his wife, Pretty Kabagambe, have four young children: Jovan, Joan, Jim and Joy.


Peter is a dedicated agronomist with a passion for transforming the agricultural landscape of his community. His career goals revolve around fostering self-sufficient and resilient rural communities that thrive harmoniously with their natural environments through farming activities. He is dedicated to empowering local farmers with the knowledge, skills and resources necessary to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the overall prosperity of their communities through Transforming Ugandan Farmers (TUF).

Learn more about Peter

Learn more about Peter

Early Life: Peter Baguma was born on November 05th, 1992, in the Village of Miranga, Kiburara Parish, and Hakibale Sub- County of Kabarole District-Uganda. From a young age, it was clear that Peter possessed a curiosity and passion for understanding how things worked. Growing up in a modest neighborhood, Peter’s parents are both farmers, 

Early Life: Peter Baguma was born on November 05th, 1992, in the Village of Miranga, Kiburara Parish, and Hakibale Sub- County of Kabarole District-Uganda. From a young age, it was clear that Peter possessed a curiosity and passion for understanding how things worked. Growing up in a modest neighborhood, Peter’s parents are both farmers, fostered a supportive environment that encouraged learning and exploration.

Social/Personal Life: Peter is married to only one wife (Pretty Kabagambe) with four children (Jovan -10 years, Joan-8 years, Jim-3 years, and Joy-4 months) two boys and two girls. Jovan and Joan go to St. Jude Primary School in Form 3. Peter is a Rotarian from Rotary Club of Kabarole, D9213 and he is a Director of Service Projects. Despite the demands of a busy career, Peter values work-life balance. In his free time outside the realm of farming and innovation, Peter likes playing Board games (Chess), reading and spending quality time with family and friends.

Academic Pursuits: Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Peter started his Primary one (P.1) in 1998 at Kiburara Primary School in Kabarole District, after Primary Leaving Examination (PLE), He joined Senior one (S.1) or O’Level, at Maddox SS in Kyenjojo district on February 2006, after obtaining Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) in 2009, He joined Advanced Level (A’Level) at Nyakasura School in 2010 where he obtained Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE).Peter excelled in schools, particularly in subjects related to science. It was during high school that Peter won the regional science fair organized by Uganda National Council for Higher Education with a groundbreaking project on renewable energy (Biogas Production Project), showcasing an early penchant for innovation.

University Years: After UACE, Peter pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture (Bsc.Agric.) at Mountains of the Moon University (MMU). During this time, Peter engaged in cutting-edge research, focusing on “assessing the factors limiting efforts to eradicate poverty among subsistence farmers in Kabarole district”,Peter graduated with a Bachelors degree of Science in Agriculture (Bsc. Agric. Second Class Upper Honors) in September 2016. Peter also pursued various short courses from the same University which among others include; a short course in project planning and management, project Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), public administration and management and animal healthy, diseases and parasitology.

Leadership Experience: Peter was elected University Guild President for Mountains of the Moon University (MMU) in the year 2015-2016(May-May) a position he held for one year, after serving as a Chairperson for Mountains of the Moon University Toro Student’s Association (MUTOSA) in 2015, he is now the current former Chairperson for Land Planning and Development Committee at All Saints Nsorro Church Of Uganda (COU) in Kijura Town Council, Kabarole District, also the current former PTA Chairperson for St. Peters Nursery and Primary School in Kijura Town Council of Kabarole District. 

Entrepreneurial Spirit: Following graduation, Peter founded a startup, Souvenir Agro-input and consultancy Firm in Kijura-Kabarole district. He wanted to solve the farmer’s problems of pests and diseases and providing advisory services to the farmers in that community. Peter also started growing crops (Irish potatoes and Maize) for commercial purposes to get money. These two businesses became the main source of family income at the time.

Innovations and Impact: Over the years, Peter has been at the forefront of Transforming Farmers in the rural communities of Uganda through training them on sustainable Good Agronomic Practices (GAPs), Farming as Business and post-harvest handling Practices to avoid post-harvest food loss for livelihood improvement.

Peter is a dedicated agronomist with a passion for transforming the agricultural landscape of Uganda. His most significant professional experience has been with ITI, a non-governmental organization, where he served as an agronomist for four years up to date. This tenure at ITI has been the cornerstone of his career, allowing him to work on the impactful "Transforming Ugandan Farmers (TUF)" Project.

In his role under the TUF Project, Peter was deeply involved in training farmers in Good Agronomic Practices (GAP), ensuring they could maximize their productivity and sustainability. He provided guidance on "Farming as a Business," helping farmers understand the economic aspects of agriculture, from investment to profit-making. His expertise extended to storage and post-harvest handling practices, crucial areas that significantly reduce losses and increase the quality of produce. Additionally, Peter plays a pivotal role in marketing and market system development, equipping farmers with the skills to navigate market dynamics and achieve better prices for their produce. He also supports the implementation of the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) model, which empowered farmers financially by promoting savings and providing access to loans.

Peter's work primarily focused on farmers organized into groups, with a particular emphasis on maize and beans value chains. His efforts contributed to improving the livelihoods of many farmers in Kamwenge communities and beyond, enhancing their agricultural practices, and increasing their incomes. The experience and skills he gained at ITI have profoundly shaped his professional journey, equipping him with the knowledge and expertise necessary to make a tangible impact in the field of agriculture.

In addition to his role at ITI, Peter is also a committed Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Kabarole, where he serves as the Director of Service Projects. In this capacity, he is responsible for overseeing all community service projects implemented by the club. His leadership in this role has been instrumental in driving initiatives that address the needs of the community, furthering the Rotary Club's mission of service above self.

Through his work with ITI, the TUF Project, and the Rotary Club of Kabarole, Peter has not only advanced his career but has also made significant contributions to the development of his community. His dedication to service and professional growth continues to inspire those around him.

Working Experience: Beyond the boardroom, Peter has worked with various organizations and accomplished several assignments. He worked with SNV-The Netherlands Development Organization as a Project officer under the Project of Agriculture and market support for 1 year, worked at Toro and Mityana Tea Company (TAMTECO) as a Field Manager for 3 years, worked with Rwenzori Forum for Peace and Justice (RFPJ) as a consultant in agronomy leading Trainers in watermelon growing project in areas around Fort Portal Tourism City for one year. Worked with Innovations for Transformation Initiative (ITI-Uganda) as an Agronomist under Transforming Ugandan Farmers (TUF) Project for 4 years to date, 

Peter was selected among 12 early career professionals and advanced university students from East Africa, Europe, and the United States to participate in a workshop aimed at designing and managing sustainable rural livelihood development programs at IOWA State University in Kamuli district of Uganda. 

His career goals revolve around fostering self-sufficient and resilient rural communities that thrive harmoniously with their natural environments through farming activities. He is dedicated to empowering local farmers with the knowledge, skills and resources necessary to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the overall prosperity of their communities through Transforming Ugandan Farmers (TUF) Project.

April 2025 Update

 As a TUF Project initiative, Early Farmers Agri Clubs are being established.


This program will bring hands on training to these young students that are 13 to 17 years old. It will emphasize at an early age the importance of farming with the various options in agriculture and help them and their families with food security. 

Another Agri Club Added!

On this plot the Agri Club Members will learn effective and sustainable skill improvements from TUF Agronomist Peter Baguma. 

Rwengoro Early Farmers

Rwengoro Early Farmers

With formal training at a very early age we hope to ensure productive farming practices and excitement about farming.

TUF Agri Club in Action

Rwengoro Early Farmers

This knowledge will make them more successful farmers and providers for their own food production.


Let's start here!!

Kamwenge District

Kyabenda Early Farmers

The inaugural Agri Club:  Kamwenge District the Kyabenda Early Farmers 

Kyabenda Early Farmers

Kyabenda Early Farmers

TUF Agronomist Peter Baguma, Kyabenda Early Farmers Agri Club, and their Leader Lilibeth

A Fall Growing Season Yields February 2025 Harvest

01/18

TUF Proud Farmers - February 2025

Annette

Meet Nyesigoha Annette, from Rugonjo Farmers Association. She comes from 

kacwamatito village, in Rugonjo. She has Five children, Her husband is called Monday Benard. Last season she was able to pay school fees for all her Children  at Rogonjo Primary school in time and at once using profits from the sales of her produce. She has appreciated the power of GAPs on  crop yield. She used the good methods even for this season and she expects a 30% yield increase in this harvest.

This is her first year since she joined the group after being inspired by her friends. She's very excited about the size of the corn ears.

Saverina

 Safari Saverina, from Nyabwina VSLA. She has Four children Schooling,  she was able to take her first born to Ibanda Agro institute using money from her corn sales so that he can study agriculture course to teach people good methods of farming. Other children are still in the primary section. Martin is the husband. They both appreciate the benefits of GAPs 

Christopher

Mbabazi Christopher, his wife is from Rwenkuba maize farmers, Bunyonyi one, kyaitama. Before the TUF Project, he had planned to stop his family from wasting time in farming, because every year was a bad year but today he is able to see an ear/cob which is almost one ft long in his garden. This has never happened in his farming life. God bless TUF.

Dorothy

Meet Dorothy from Nyabwina VSLA at her 4 acres farm. She's so excited about the yield. She intends to harvest before the 25th of January.

Sulaiman

Sulaiman

His name is Turinawe Sulaiman. He has Children 6. his wife died 6 years ago. He managed to use good practices using a loan from Rugonjo Farmers Association to grow corn on 5 acres in

Bunyonyi 2 village.  All his children have been able to go to school in time using income from farming. The story was different before the TUF Project was initiated to him.

Godfrey

Sulaiman

Moni Godfrey from Kyakanyemera VSLA is one of our best early adopters in this program in practice, consistency and increase in  yields. He expects around 35% yield increase compared to the previous year yields.

Jackson

TUF Demo Garden

Robert & Said

Meet Jackson from Nyabwina VSLA at his 5 acre garden. He used improved seed and good agronomic practices. He is very excited about the yields. He expects at least 4.5 torns, come harvesting time towards the end of the month.

Robert & Said

TUF Demo Garden

Robert & Said

Robert and Said at their 7 acres group garden after using the revolving loan from their VSLA.

The expected yield is 20% more than last season due to more acres hired using the loan.

TUF Demo Garden

TUF Demo Garden

TUF Demo Garden

Our beautiful TUF Central Demonstration Farm performed well!

Through the Lens of Giving: Transforming Ugandan Farmers in Pictures

TUF Organizes Meet-the-Buyer Event to Establish Connections

October 2024

The "Meet-the-Buyer" event, held on October 26, 2024, at Kyakanyemera near the TUF Demo Garden, brought together over 240 participants, including maize grain buyers, smallholder farmers, agro-input dealers, brokers, district officials, and project staff. 


The event was strategically designed to bring farmers face-to-face with buyers, agro-input suppliers, and policymakers to build partnerships, enhance knowledge of market trends, and promote best practices in input use and post-harvest management. The event aligned with TUF’s commitment to empowering smallholder farmers to achieve productivity and profitability.


Successes:  Each group of participants achieved notable successes during the event:


  • Farmers: Farmers gained valuable insights into maize market trends, quality standards, and the importance of quality inputs. Many established direct connections with buyers and input suppliers, which is anticipated to improve pricing transparency and reduce intermediary costs.


  • Buyers: Buyers benefited from meeting directly with smallholder farmers, enhancing their sourcing strategies. They also provided feedback on quality expectations, which can help farmers align their practices with market demand.


  • Agro-Input Dealers: Dealers were able to educate farmers on high-quality inputs, including improved seeds, fertilizers, and herbicides, helping farmers understand how inputs directly impact yield and profitability.


  • District Officials and Policymakers: Officials shared valuable updates on government      programs and subsidies, helping farmers understand available support and how to access it.


  • TUF Team: The TUF team gained insights into farmer needs and the challenges within the maize value chain. The team identified areas to strengthen support, particularly in transport constraints during training in post-harvest handling.


Conclusion:  The "Meet-the-Buyer" event was a notable success, achieving its primary objectives of connecting stakeholders, promoting direct market linkages, and increasing awareness of inputs and policy supports among maize farmers. The event strengthened relationships within the maize value chain, providing farmers with actionable insights into market demands, post-harvest practices, and financing opportunities. Implementing the recommendations will enhance future events, providing greater value to all stakeholders involved. The TUF team appreciates the commitment of all participants and looks forward to building on this momentum in subsequent engagements.



Commentary from Joe and Nathalie:  "We were very estatic on the outcome from all that are involved in the agri-business of the Kamwenge District. This event will strengthen everyone involved. An event like this will bring strong bonds and lasting friendships throughout the TUF Project and the agriculture community. We sincerely thank TUF Agronomist Peter Baguma for his exceptional planning and support of this event!"

October 2024 Meet-the-Buyer Event Photo Journal

Kamwenge District Leader delivering commentary to the attendees

Milton Tusingwire, TUF Project Leader, Visits the Midwest

September 2024

For three weeks Milton Tusingwire visited the farm and home of Joe & Nathalie Schmidt to immerse himself in American agriculture. While here Milton experienced American agriculture from its earliest beginnings all the way to its most modern practices. He connected with current friends and supporters of his non-profit Innovations for Transformation Initiatives (ITI) of which TUF is also a project partner. 


He witnessed the operations of early farm equipment, sat in modern harvesting machinery, toured other family livestock farms, visited ag suppliers, saw first-hand the movement of grain from the field to farm storage and river terminal delivery. He was deeply impacted by witnessing the 200+ year progress of American agriculture and appreciating the time and ingenuity it has taken to be where the American farmer is today. He also enjoyed amazing food, visiting Rotary clubs and churches, speaking to various groups and schools, being guest speaker at the TUF Fundraiser and so much more.


Joe and Nathalie enjoyed having him here to focus on the ag industry and hosting him on their 4th generation family farm. They hope to welcome him back as well as TUF Agronomist Peter Baguma and friend/East African tour guide Peter Mulindwa August 2025.

Milton Tusingwire's September 2024 Photo Journal


Annual Harvest Hand Up Events (2023 & 2024)

Giving

$2 buys a 200-pound capacity grain bag used to hold shelled maize

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Here's how your dollars translate:

● $2 buys a grain bag to hold shelled maize.

● $7 buys a machete, the Ugandan farmer’s combine.

● $10 buys a hoe, the Ugandan farmer’s primary tool.

● $20 buys an extra large tarp, which is laid on the ground to assist in sun-drying maize.

● $60 buys a bag of fertilizer OR a 33-pound bag of hybrid maize seed.

● $100 buys a grain silo that can safely hold 500 L (14 bushels).

● $500 will sponsor a Ugandan farmer through the complete TUF program, changing the trajectory of life for them and their family forever.

● $1,800 buys a motorized sheller that removes maize from the ear so grain can be stored. One motorized sheller serves many farmers as it is shared amongst communities. 

Give Online

If you are ready to transform lives today, you can give online through the Starved Rock Community Foundation TUF fund. 

Give By Check

If you prefer, you may send a check made out to SRCCF with “TUF” in the memo line to:

     Transforming Ugandan Farmers

     c/o Joe and Nathalie Schmidt

     3131 East 18th Road

     Ottawa, IL 61350

Share Your Time

You can also give of your time. If you are interested in joining a group traveling to Uganda, contact us at tuf.farmers@gmail.com. 

A Community Partner

We have partnered with our local community foundation, Starved Rock Country Community Foundation, to fund TUF. SRCCF has been an incredible partner since our beginnings. They make the process of transferring money internationally quick and smooth, which is important for ensuring our partners in Uganda have what they need to make TUF possible. 


A small percentage of your donation will cover administrative fees, and the rest will go directly to our farming projects in Uganda. 

About Starved Rock Community Foundation

Starved Rock Country Community Foundation (SRCCF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization as designated by the IRS and the state of Illinois. Financial contributions are tax-deductible in accordance with IRS guidelines.

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Transforming Ugandan Farmers      

c/o Joe & Nathalie Schmidt

3131 East 18th Road

Ottawa, IL 61350

tuf.farmers@gmail.com

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