Officials from the Uganda Development Forum have established model parish farms at the Jinja Agricultural Show Grounds to train beneficiaries of government poverty alleviation programmes in practical farming.
The initiative was launched during the official opening of the 2026 Uganda National Agricultural Show on Saturday. It seeks to promote wealth creation by helping farmers gain hands-on skills before accessing public funds.
UDF says the demonstration farms will first serve as training centres in Jinja. The model will later be extended to parishes across Jinja District.
Speaking during a guided tour of the facilities, UDF Executive Director Edward Katende said the farms are designed to support government programmes such as the Parish Development Model and Emyooga.
“Under the wealth creation village, we are demonstrating innovations and technologies that support government programmes. We are establishing a model parish where farmers with different enterprises, including crop production, livestock rearing and value addition, can learn from one another,” Mr Katende said.
Practical Training for Farmers
Mr Katende said the model parish approach moves training away from classrooms and into working farms.
He said farmers will learn from experienced host farmers who have been selected by their own communities.
“You will not find a classroom here. Farmers will learn from host farmers who have excelled in their enterprises and are committed to building the capacity of others,” he said.
According to UDF, the training will expose participants to real farming conditions. It will also help them understand how to select enterprises that fit their land, resources and income goals.
Addressing Misuse of PDM Funds
Mr Katende said the programme is partly intended to address the misuse of Parish Development Model funds.
He said some beneficiaries have failed to invest the money in productive ventures because they lack practical knowledge.
“The biggest challenge we have seen with PDM is that some beneficiaries divert the money into unproductive ventures. Here, farmers will first acquire practical skills before accessing the funds, enabling them to invest wisely,” he said.
The demonstration farm has three main sections. These include crop production, livestock farming and the integrated Four-Acre Model.
The Four-Acre Model combines crop and livestock enterprises. It is designed to show farmers how to use limited land more productively.
Participants will receive training in farm planning, enterprise selection, modern production methods and proper land use.
Certificates for Trained Farmers
Mr Katende said farmers who complete the programme will receive certificates of proficiency.
He said the certificates can support their applications for financial assistance through PDM SACCOs.
“Every parishioner will have an opportunity to attend the training, choose an enterprise that matches their goals and acquire the skills needed to succeed before accessing government funds,” he said.
UDF says the long-term plan is to establish similar training centres in every parish. The centres are expected to support farmers at different levels of production and growth.
The 2026 Uganda National Agricultural Show runs from June 26 to July 5 at the Jinja Agricultural Show Grounds. It is organised by UDF in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture.
