By James Alomu
Equity Bank is set to partner with Cajila Africa Link Institute to train farmers across the Teso sub-region in financial literacy, in a move aimed at strengthening agricultural productivity and improving farmers’ access to financial services.
Cajila Africa Link Institute is an organisation that promotes mechanised agriculture and supports farmers to improve production and market access. The new partnership with Equity Bank is expected to equip farmers with knowledge and skills in saving, borrowing and managing farm finances more effectively.
Speaking on the partnership, Francis Erumu Ochiba, the Branch Manager of Equity Bank Soroti, said the bank’s main interest is to empower farmers through financial literacy training while also extending loans that can help them expand their agricultural activities.
Ochiba explained that Equity Bank has soft loan options for farmers, especially for those whose farming activities demonstrate clear potential for growth. He noted that the interest rates vary depending on the category of farmer and the nature of the support required.
He encouraged farmers to develop a culture of banking their money instead of keeping cash at home, saying this would help them avoid unnecessary risks and financial setbacks. He added that the bank also guides farmers on proper saving habits, stressing that not all forms of saving are beneficial without the right financial knowledge.
Dr Cosmas Agweta, the Executive Managing Director of Cajila Africa Link Institute, welcomed Equity Bank’s decision to partner with the organisation, saying the collaboration will play a key role in improving farmers’ financial understanding and boosting their ability to invest wisely in agriculture.
He said the partnership comes at a time when many farmers need practical training not only in modern farming methods, but also in financial management if they are to benefit fully from mechanised agriculture and commercial farming.
The collaboration between Equity Bank and Cajila Africa Link Institute is expected to provide farmers with both financial knowledge and access to suitable loan products, a combination seen as essential for transforming agriculture and improving household incomes in the region.
