By Nathan Eyagu 

Katakwi District — Soroti Catholic Diocese Integrated Development Organization (SOCADIDO), in partnership with the Ateker Development Foundation (ADEFO), has today launched Phase II of the Multi-Actor Agribusiness Platform (MAP II) at the Katakwi District Headquarters.

The four-year project is designed to boost smallholder farmer incomes, enhance food security, and promote sustainable agricultural practices across the district.

The launch event drew district leaders, farmer representatives from Getom and Magoro sub-counties, civil servants, media, private sector actors, and other stakeholders committed to rural development.

MAP II Phase II, which runs from 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2029, directly targets 3,600 smallholder farmers, with women constituting 60 percent of beneficiaries. The project is expected to indirectly impact approximately 64,800 people, strengthening livelihoods and improving household food security.

Representing the Chief Administrative Officer of Katakwi District, Harriet Faith Akwii welcomed the project and urged farmers to actively engage in its programs. She emphasized that the initiative presents a unique opportunity to transform livelihoods, particularly for women, by improving incomes and access to markets.

Daniel Akudo, Program Manager at SOCADIDO, explained that the project would provide farmers with practical support, including access to improved seeds, smart farming techniques, and training in agroforestry practices to enhance productivity and adapt to environmental challenges.

Patrick Echodu Elungat,a farmer  from Magoro Sub-county, described how diversifying into livestock alongside modern crop management had significantly increased his household income whileJane Awudo, from Getom Sub-county, called on men to actively support women in farming, noting that teamwork enhances productivity and ensures successful harvests.

Abwot Martine, ADEFO Project Coordinator for Katakwi, urged farmers to adopt modern farming techniques such as rotational cropping, proper post-harvest handling, and collective marketing to strengthen their bargaining power and reduce exploitation by middlemen. He emphasized that even small plots of land can yield significant returns when farmers apply these practices and engage with development partners for knowledge, market access, and diversified income opportunities.

Okwii Xaviour, Assistant RDC of Katakwi, lauded the achievements of Phase I and encouraged farmers to continue attending trainings and adopting best practices to improve food security, increase incomes, and build resilience against environmental challenges.

With the launch of MAP II Phase II, Katakwi District is positioned to strengthen smallholder agriculture, improve food security, increase household incomes, and foster sustainable and resilient rural livelihoods.