How a four-acre farm in Lira City is transforming agricultural success

27 June 2026, 7:03 am

By Winnie Auma

A four-acre model farm in Lira City is proving that farmers do not need vast amounts of land to build profitable agricultural enterprises.Located in Amuca, Lira City, City Gate Mixed Farm combines dairy farming, poultry, coffee, bananas, pasture production and organic manure into one integrated farming system.

The farm’s Chief Executive Officer, Pius Olam said the project was established to serve as a demonstration centre where farmers can learn practical and profitable farming methods.

Olam says the farm keeps high-yielding Friesian dairy cows for milk production, dual-purpose and layer chickens for meat and eggs, while also growing pasture to feed livestock and supply other farmers. The farm also produces organic manure from livestock waste, which is sold to crop farmers.

One of the unique features of the model farm is its coffee plantation. Olam says the farm is demonstrating that coffee can thrive in Northern Uganda, challenging the long-held belief that the crop is only suitable for other regions.He explains that the idea of establishing the four-acre model farm came after visiting the Presidential Demonstration Farm in Nakaseke, where he learned how integrated farming can generate income from multiple enterprises throughout the year.

According to Olam, combining crops and livestock gives farmers several sources of daily income. Eggs, milk, pasture and manure are sold regularly, while coffee and bananas provide long-term returns.He says agriculture remains one of Uganda’s most reliable businesses because products such as milk and eggs are always in high demand.

From roadside Rolex vendors to bakeries and dairy processors, many businesses depend on agricultural products every day.However, Olam cautions that successful farming requires patience, commitment and proper planning.

He advises farmers to choose breeds and crop varieties that are well suited to their local climate, regularly monitor their animals, and ensure they receive proper feeding and healthcare.He notes that livestock diseases, harsh weather, theft and poor breed selection remain some of the biggest challenges facing farmers.

To address these, City Gate Mixed Farm invests in quality breeds, proper farm management and security measures.Olam is encouraging especially young people to embrace agriculture as a business rather than viewing it as a last resort.

“Agriculture is truly the backbone of Uganda’s economy. If we invest in it seriously and manage our farms well, it can provide income every single day. I encourage our people, especially the youth, to take farming as a business because the opportunities are enormous.” says Olam.

Meanwhile, Edwin Ian, the Farm Manager at City Gate Mixed Farm, said the model farm showcases modern farming practices for learning and demonstration purposes.

He revealed that the farm has 25,000 layer chickens producing eggs, 10,000 broiler chickens for meat production, and a demonstration cattle unit with one bull and 10 cows. He added that the farm also operates another ranch in Apac District, where more than 190 cattle are reared under a free-range system.

The Operations Manager Miss Tourism Northern, Jimmy Olal said the initiative goes beyond beauty pageants by equipping young women with practical life skills and knowledge that can transform their communities.

Jimmy explained that the contestants have spent the past two weeks attending boot camps across Northern Uganda, where they have been exposed to creativity, leadership, and hands-on learning experiences.

He said the visit to the model farm is part of the agritourism programme, which allows participants to understand the important role agriculture plays in Uganda’s economy.According to Jimmy, many visitors come to Uganda to learn why agriculture remains the country’s backbone and why it is regarded as the nation’s food basket.

He noted that the knowledge gained through the programme will help the contestants become ambassadors for agriculture and community development.

One of the contestants, Melisa Atim, said Northern Uganda can overcome poverty by making better use of the resources already available. She pledged to start a goat-keeping project after the competition and promote sustainable agricultural practices that protect the environment while improving household incomes.

The agritourism training is expected to inspire the contestants to use their platforms to promote agriculture, entrepreneurship, and environmental conservation across Northern Uganda.