WIIGOT offers farmers a solution to fake inputs and poor markets

24 June 2026, 3:01 pm

By Winnie Auma

Farmers across Northern Uganda have long struggled with counterfeit agricultural inputs, unreliable markets, and the high cost of travelling long distances to access farming services.However, a new eco system platform, WIIGOT, is seeking to address these challenges by connecting farmers directly to trusted suppliers and buyers.

Ali Kakembo, a media trainer and consultant with the Media Challenge Initiative, says many farmers continue to lose money due to fake agro-inputs and exploitation by middlemen who offer low prices for produce.According to Kakembo, WIIGOT works through commercial agents located within communities.

These agents connect farmers to verified suppliers of genuine agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and crop protection chemicals, reducing the need for farmers to travel long distances in search of products.Beyond supplying inputs, the platform also provides farmers with technical support and advisory services to improve production. Once crops are harvested, WIGOT links farmers to off-takers who buy produce at competitive market prices.Kakembo says the system is helping eliminate dishonest middlemen who take advantage of farmers’ hard work by offering unfair prices.

Through the platform, farmers can access up-to-date market information and know exactly how much buyers are paying for commodities such as maize, beans, and sorghum.To join the program, farmers can visit WIGOT-branded commercial agent shops in their communities and register for a farmer card.

The card enables them to access services and maintain detailed records of their farming activities, including purchases of inputs and production costs.Kakembo notes that proper record keeping remains a major challenge among farmers, many of whom struggle to track their expenses and input usage throughout the year.

The farmer card is expected to simplify record management and improve farm planning.As climate change and market uncertainties continue to affect agricultural production, Kakembo believes WIIGOT provides practical solutions that can help farmers increase productivity, access genuine inputs, and secure better returns for their produce.

Surprise Choice Faith, an actress from the West Nile sub-region, said the training helped her gain a deeper understanding of the WIIGOT ecosystem and its role in supporting farmers.

She noted that, as a content creator, she recognizes agriculture as the backbone of Uganda’s economy and intends to use her influence to raise awareness about innovative agricultural solutions.

Mercy Hope, a renowned TikTok content creator from Lango, said the training equipped her with skills to create informative and well-organized content. She pledged to use the knowledge gained to sensitize farmers about the WIGOT ecosystem and how it can help improve agricultural production and productivity.

Meanwhile, Felix Omara, a journalist with QFM Lira, highlighted the challenges farmers face in marketing their produce. He noted that middlemen often dominate the marketing chain, leaving farmers with minimal profits despite their hard work.

Omara pledged to use the media to increase coverage of the WIGOT ecosystem and educate farmers on better farming practices, market access, and value addition. He said this would enable farmers to improve production, earn better incomes, and enhance their livelihoods.