Minister of State for Agriculture Bright Rwamirama has challenged Uganda Bureau of Statistics to produce timely and accurate data for agriculture sector to aid proper sector planning.
“The need for sound and reliable data in Agriculture for guiding investments in the sector is crucial. Good, reliable statistics provide us with the eyes and ears to respond to the development needs of the Ugandan population. The livestock sector is ideally placed to generate economic growth through data-driven opportunities for investment,”he said.
Speaking at livestock data dissemination workshop in Kampala, Rwamirama said agriculture remains one of the largest sectors of the economy, contributing close to 24%of the GDP and employing approximately about 70% of the country’s working population and also contributing over 50% of total export earnings.
“The Importance of relevant, accurate, consistent, timely and accessible data and information as a strategic tool for management of the livestock sector needless be overemphasized. Investing in livestock data collection leads to evidence-based policy and decision-making and opportunities for sector investment, “Rwamirama stressed.
He emphasized that the development of livestock in the country‘s economic growth is being hindered by well increased demand of livestock data, lack of statistical awareness and inadequate institutional and financial resources therefore to accelerate agricultural transformation from subsistence to commercial farming, we need to implement well-designed programs that address issues identified based on robust evidence.
According to UBOS, the National Livestock Census 2021 collected information on numbers of different animal types by breed, purpose of production, production systems, milk production, farm infrastructure, machinery and equipment, source of labour used by the livestock-keeping household, extension services, among others.
“The NLC 2021 data is intended to inform government, local authorities and other stakeholders in their planning processes. The statistical data generated during the Census will be used as a basis for better informed decision making regarding the allocation of scarce resources,”UBOS Executive Director Dr Chris Mukiza said.
He added that MAAIF will use the data to procure appropriate amounts of vaccines for control of animal diseases in specific districts; design a strategy for improved marketing of livestock and livestock products; and design appropriate strategies to improve production and productivity in the livestock sector.
In addition the Census data will be used as a basis for policy making in agricultural planning. Also, Forecasting-which is a vital element in agricultural planning-will be simplified by the availability of the Census results.
Veterinary Services rely on the livestock census to develop disease surveillance and control measures as livestock population is the critical denominator for public investment plans.
According to ministry og agriculture, the Agricultural annual growth rate has steadily improved in the recent years from 2.8% in 2016 to 3.5%in 2020/21 and this should become better with increased public and private investments in agriculture.
The overall thrust of the policy and strategic direction of government as set out in the NDP III (2020/21-2024/25) is pursued under the overall theme of sustainable industrialization for inclusive growth, employment and sustainable wealth creation.
In addition, government introduced the Parish Development Model (PDM) initiative to improve service delivery. Beef and Dairy are among the Priority Commodities for the Parish Development Model. The PDM is aligned to 5 strategic objectives of the NDPIII namely: Enhancement of value addition in Key Growth opportunities; Enhancement of productivity and well-being of Population; Consolidation & increase in the stock and quality of Productive Infrastructure, among others.
MAAIF is leading the implementation of pillar one of the PDM (Production, Storage, Value addition, Processing and Marketing).
The Pillar aims to support the creation of employment opportunities, food security and wealth for all Ugandans specifically the households in subsistence production.
