PDM training sparks mindset shift among farmers in Pader

15 June 2025, 07:54

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

PDM Mindset Training Challenges Traditional Farming Norms in Pader, Inspires Farmers to Embrace Agribusiness and Economic Self-Reliance

A transformative training on mindset and entrepreneurship under the Parish Development Model (PDM) took place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Corner View Hall, Lacekocot Trading Centre, Atanga Town Council, leaving farmers, SACCO members, and community leaders inspired to view agriculture and enterprise through a new business-oriented lens.

The training, facilitated by Enterprise Uganda and mandated by the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, is part of PDM Pillar 5, which emphasizes Mindset Change as a critical foundation for community transformation and wealth creation.

Noah Wandera, Director of Growth-Oriented Enterprises and Training at Enterprise Uganda, stressed that true change begins within individuals.

“This training helps farmers realise who they are and what they can achieve. The transformation we seek starts with a shift in thinking from subsistence farming to agribusiness,” Wandera explained. “We teach them to maximise profit, reduce costs, and move away from the peasant mindset.”

Wandera noted that understanding different types of mindsets such as growth vs fixed, internal vs external control empowers farmers to take ownership of their economic future.

The training marked the final stop in a five-day outreach across Pader District, following earlier sessions in Puranga, Pader Town Council, Pajule, and Acholibur.

Paul Otim, Regional Enterprise Officer for Northern Uganda, said the Acholi sub-region has untapped potential and called on communities to use local resources to improve their livelihoods.

“The power to succeed lies within us,” Otim said. “External support is important, but transformation starts with our mindset. Acholi can become a commercial agricultural hub if we apply what we’ve learned.”

Among the many impacted was Lakot Christine, a farmer from Kal Parish, Atanga Sub County, who shared her emotional journey.

“I used to farm just to get school fees and food. But from today, I am planning for something bigger. I now understand what it means to take farming seriously as a business,” she said.

Christine admitted she previously misused PDM funds due to a lack of knowledge but now plans to invest in poultry farming, grow her assets, and mentor other women in her community.

“Mindset is the disease, and we now have the cure,” she emphasized. “By 2030, Northern Uganda should be exporting food, not importing it.”

Also in attendance was Nancy Lawino, Pader District Secretary for Finance, who represented the office of the LCV. She praised the training as eye-opening for many community members.

“People didn’t realize they were capable. The problem wasn’t lack of ability it was mindset,” she said.

Lawino, who is also a businesswoman, shared her personal story of resilience. She started small by selling milk and local yoghurt (Cak-Lukulu), despite public Mockery.

“People used to say, ‘How can an Honorable carry milk on her head?’ But I kept going. Today, I save between UGX 20,000 to 30,000 daily through my liquid shop, mobile store, and mandazi business,” she explained.

She appealed for similar training programs to be tailored for youth, whom she believes are most in need of mindset change.

Opio Geoffrey, the PDM Chairperson for Wipolo Parish and a beneficiary from Barolam Village in Ajan Sub-county, expressed deep gratitude for the knowledge gained.

“Before, I wasted a lot of time doing unproductive things. Now, I have clarity,” he said.

Opio pledged to return home and organize a training session for his group members, especially women, to ensure they wisely use the next round of PDM funds.

“This training has changed me. I want to share this knowledge with other youths and women so we can all grow together,” he added.

As the training wrapped up, the spirit in the hall was clear hope, determination, and a commitment to action.

With support from Enterprise Uganda and local government leaders, farmers and entrepreneurs in Pader are now poised to embrace farming as a business, setting the stage for economic transformation across the district.