Unlocking Member Based Organisations’ (MBOs) Capacity in Northern Uganda

Since 2021, ASIGMA has been implementing the USAID funded Feed the Future Inclusive Agricultural Markets Activity (USAID FtF IAM), executed by a consortium of partners led by DAI Global LLC, TechnoServe Inc, and MarketShare Associates. This initiative aims to build the business capacity of Member-Based Organisations (MBOs) to provide services efficiently and effectively, add value, and trade for their members, thereby improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the Karamoja, Acholi and Lango sub-regions of Uganda.

Program Coverage

Districts of coverage: Abim, Kotido, Kaabong, Karenga, Lamwo, Gulu, Nwoya, Amuru, Omoro, Oyam, Lira, Kole, Dokolo, Apac

To deliver the USAID FtF IAM assignment, we employed a Market Systems Development (MSD) driven approach given its emphasis on systemic thinking, sustainability, facilitation, adaptive management and the appreciation of scalability.

ASIGMA’s Market Systems Development (MSD) approach to empowering MBOs uniquely thrives through its blend of leveraging technology and access to finance as triggers for accessing sustainable, inclusive markets. We capitalise on our network of talented local Commercial Service Providers (CSPs) who anchor provision of tailored, quality and affordable services to the MBOs.

Our approach strengthens the internal capacity of MBOs to deliver quality services to their farmer members, with an emphasis on inclusivity and empowering marginalised groups beyond primary production.

ASIGMA’s Milestones

Creating Access to Markets and Raising Capital

ASIGMA has established invaluable partnerships with over 50 financiers, aggregators, and cooperatives, effectively bridging the gap between smallholder farmers and vibrant markets. Through these collaborations, we have not only facilitated market access valued at over USD 1.5 million but also raised more than USD 1.8 million in capital for these businesses, invigorating their ambitions and growth.

Empowering Cooperatives and Aggregators

Through partnerships with cooperatives and aggregators, ASIGMA has positively impacted over 16,000 smallholder farmers, with more than 50% being youth and women who are members of these institutions. These collaborations have enabled us to provide tailor-made business support services, catalysing significant systemic changes within these organisations.

Embracing Technology in Agribusiness

ASIGMA has harnessed the power of technology by introducing digital tools that include farmer profiling, input distribution monitoring, inventory management, cost tracking, and market access modules. These tools have resulted in more efficient operational capacities, access to high-value markets, traceability of inputs and outputs, and better-organised records for our partners.

Key Performance Highlights

The USAID Transition Award: A Testament to Impact

In June 2023, ASIGMA received the prestigious USAID Transition Award for our innovative approach to catalysing access to finance, markets, and investments in the agricultural market system in Northern Uganda. This accolade signifies a continuation of our current mandate and an expansion into the Karamoja region and the Palabek refugee settlement, allowing us to scale our unique approach into thin markets in the resilience zones.

With the Transition Award, ASIGMA is partnering with 25 Member-Based Organisations, predominantly cooperatives, and directly impacting an additional 8,000 farmers (70% women and youth) across 15 different districts. Our focus remains unchanged – raising capital and providing high-impact access to market solutions through technology for our partners.

Our journey in Northern Uganda and Karamoja exemplifies the extraordinary power of innovation, collaboration and dedication in addressing market system failures in the agricultural value chain. Looking towards the future, ASIGMA remains steadfastly committed to our mission: building the wealth of society, one step at a time.

Our Partners