By KT Reporter
Members of Alwi Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited in Pakia Parish, Alwi Sub-County, Pakwach District, have received a cassava storage facility valued at 115 million Shillings.
The facility, constructed by the Agency for Accelerated Regional Development (AFARD) in collaboration with AWO International, is part of a three-year project, the Climatic Agricultural Model (CAM). The project supports cooperative members in cassava farming, environmental conservation, health promotion, and savings.
James Biseko, Chairperson of the cooperative, said the area is conducive for cassava growing, and the storage facility will support their vision of becoming the major supplier of high-quality cassava.
Biseko revealed that the group expects to generate over 600 million Shillings in revenue by December 2026.
Pakwach District Vice Chairperson, Pastore Gidaga, encouraged beneficiaries to adopt micro-irrigation systems to boost cassava farming and diversify their agricultural activities throughout the year.
Hudson Ogwali, the Director of Programs at AFARD, stressed the significance of good leadership and cooperation from the members.
Ogwali revealed that several of the 12 cooperatives established by AFARD across the West Nile sub-region failed due to poor leadership and financial mismanagement.
Robert Odia, the LCIII Chairperson of Alwi Sub-County, urged members of the Cooperative to invest the money they get from selling cassava, to increase household income and improve their wellbeing.
Odia argued that when there is stable income in a home, families can afford basic needs such as education and medical services, in addition to amenities needed to ease life.
Members of the cooperative expressed satisfaction with the increased production of cassava chips and the improved market opportunities provided through the cooperative. They acknowledged the benefits of bulk sales and favourable prices.
Christopher Jakweyo, the District Commercial Officer, advised the cooperative on maintaining high-quality cassava and adhering to the seven principles of cooperative societies, emphasizing the importance of permanent registration, quality control, and sound financial management.
The Alwi Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited comprises five climate-smart groups, each with 25 members. To date, 160 members have fully registered with the cooperative-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
