Training in Commercial earthen pond fish farming in Western Uganda.

Group of community members trained in adding value to fish by making: Fish sausages, Fish Burgers, Fish Balls, Fish Fingers, Smoked Fish.

At the heart of Makerere University’s College of Veterinary Medicine lies a transformative initiative: the Africa Institute for Strategic Animal Resource Services and Development (AFRISA). This semi-autonomous institute is committed to bridging the gap between academia and local communities by transforming academic knowledge into practical, real-world solutions aimed at improving livelihoods. With a mandate to bring the university’s expertise directly to the people, AFRISA is at the forefront of revolutionising Uganda’s agricultural landscape, particularly among livestock farmers.

A recent interview between Dr. Wilma van Staden, a member of the Amanzi for Food team, and Dr. Tendo David, who leads the AFRISA program, shed light on the institute’s core mission and its impact. Dr. Tendo emphasised that AFRISA is dedicated to addressing farmer challenges through its innovative programs, which are designed to optimize livestock resources. By focusing on increasing income, food security, and nutrition in local communities, AFRISA plays a pivotal role in empowering farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Empowering Communities through Professionalizing Agriculture

During the interview, Dr. Tendo elaborated on AFRISA’s unique approach to re-integrating youth, women, and school dropouts into the money economy by making farming a dignified and sustainable career path. Through programs that professionalize and commercialise farming, AFRISA is helping farmers connect to markets and access the resources they need to thrive.

Dr. Tendo noted that by focusing on the entire value chain—from production to commercialisation—AFRISA is transforming farming into more than just a means of subsistence. It is turning it into a profitable business that contributes to community resilience and economic growth. This model empowers individuals to view farming as a viable profession, thus helping to reduce unemployment and drive local economies forward.

Innovative Agricultural Solutions for Rural Communities

AFRISA’s impact can be seen in various regions of Uganda. For instance, in Eastern Uganda, farmers have been trained in commercial earthen pond fish farming, including innovative techniques such as constructing fish tanks from locally available materials and recycling water to make the practice more sustainable. Additionally, farmers have learned how to add value to fish products by creating items like fish sausages, fish burgers, and smoked fish, which helps diversify their income.

In Western Uganda, communities have received training on programmed hatching of local birds and on-farm feed mixing, equipping them with skills to become more self-sufficient and less reliant on commercial feed suppliers. These programs help farmers adapt to changing environmental conditions and improve the profitability of their agricultural activities.

AFRISA’s Broader Impact: A Path to Dignified Employment

As highlighted in Dr. Tendo’s interview, AFRISA’s programs are not only about improving farming techniques but also about changing the way agriculture is perceived. By professionalizing and commercialising farming, AFRISA is making it a respected and profitable career choice. Young people, women, and marginalised groups are being re-integrated into the economy as agricultural entrepreneurs and community leaders.

AFRISA’s success lies in its ability to empower individuals through knowledge and training, helping them to see farming as a viable path to financial independence. By fostering dignity in farming, AFRISA is supporting sustainable livelihoods and contributing to the broader economic and social development of Uganda.

For more insights into AFRISA’s impactful work and its community service initiatives, be sure to contact Dr Tendo at dtvetconsul@gmail.com.

Communities skilled in: Innovations on the design of Fish tanks using locally available materials and Recycling water in fish farming(integrating technologies)

Communities in Eastern Uganda have been trained in programmed hatching of indigenous birds and on-farm feed mixing, promoting sustainable farming practices.