Digital E-Voucher System to Help Kitgum Farmers Access Climate-Smart Inputs

11 March 2026, 6:39 pm

By Moses Otim

 As farmers in northern Uganda continue to face unpredictable rainfall and prolonged dry spells linked to climate change, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), in partnership with M-Cash Uganda Limited, has trained farmers and district officials in Kitgum on a digital E-Voucher system aimed at improving access to climate-smart agricultural inputs.

A total of 43 profiled farmers and district technical staff participated in the training held at the District Council Hall in Kitgum under the Uganda Climate Smart Agriculture Transformation Project.

The training focused on how farmers can use the E-Voucher Management System to access government-supported agricultural inputs such as improved seeds and other farming supplies that help farmers adapt to changing climate conditions.

According to Ms. Achola Alice from M-Cash Uganda Limited, the digital system allows eligible farmers to directly access agricultural inputs through an electronic platform, reducing delays and improving transparency in the distribution process.

She explained that the system will also strengthen accountability and allow stakeholders to monitor the distribution of inputs in real time, ensuring that the support reaches farmers who need it most.

Participants in the training included district production staff, Community Development Officers, and officials from the Natural Resources and Environment departments, as well as representatives from farmer groups across the district. Two representatives from each of the seven profiled fish farmer groups also attended the training.

Speaking during the opening session, Dr. Charles Oryem, a Senior Veterinary Officer from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, said the initiative is part of broader government efforts to help farmers adapt to climate change through modernized agricultural support systems.

He noted that climate change has increasingly affected agricultural productivity through irregular rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and emerging pests and diseases, making it important for farmers to access improved and climate-resilient inputs.

Dr. Oryem explained that once farmers complete the training, they will begin making their co-funding contributions and placing orders for inputs through the digital platform.

“All transactions on the system can be monitored in real time, which strengthens transparency and ensures the inputs reach the intended farmers, oryema said

District officials believe the initiative will help farmers adopt climate-smart farming practices, increase productivity, and strengthen resilience against climate shocks affecting agriculture in Kitgum District.

Local leaders say digital agricultural systems such as the E-Voucher platform are key to ensuring that climate adaptation programs reach rural farmers efficiently while promoting sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices.

For many farmers in Kitgum, improved access to climate-smart inputs may help them better cope with the growing impacts of climate change and protect their livelihoods.