PostBank this week engaged over 150 Arua District farmers in value addition skills under its Agri-SME Skills Development Programme. The move is to enable them explore trade opportunities across the West Nile region.

The 150 cassava farmers and SMEs involved in different stages of the value chain underwent a 4-day extensive training under the PostBank Agri-SME Skills Development Programme, facilitated in partnership with Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises (FSME) with the aim of equipping them with value addition skills.

The training session involved 3 days of technical training that took place at Kabia and Sons Millers where the farmers had a hands-on learning session at the plant gaining knowledge on the entire process of producing cassava flour, proper post-harvest handling to maintain quality, and good manufacturing practices and an overall approach to value addition on their cassava produce with the required quality so that they can explore regional trade opportunities. 

The final day of the training involved a financial literacy session led by the team from PostBank Arua branch to ensure that farmers are equipped with the knowledge to properly handle their finances and educate them on the different agricultural products offered by the bank that can support them on their journey as they grow and prosper.

“At PostBank, we are committed to fostering prosperity for Ugandans which aligns with our new tagline, Grow Prosper. By upskilling farmers, we can enable them to transition from subsistence to commercial farming. This transformation allows their products to meet both local and international market standards, improving their market base,” stated Kizito Enzama, a Personal Banker at PostBank Arua branch, on behalf of the Branch Manager.

Upon completing the four-day training, the participants received certificates, which were handed over by the Resident City Commissioner, Arua City, Mr. Charles Ichogor.

“We are truly grateful that Arua District was selected for this very insightful training, and I encourage all the participants to adopt and put into practice the knowledge they have acquired to ensure better quality cassava products.” 

He added, “I commend the efforts of PostBank Uganda and their implementation partner FSME towards extending such opportunities to our people which have a positive impact and overall, such engagements complement government efforts of social economic transformation of our people.”

PostBank Uganda through its Corporate Social Investment arm launched its Agri SME Skills Development Program in 2022 and in collaboration with FSME has conducted SME Value Addition and financial literacy training to over 700 beneficiaries countrywide, over the years. 

The 2024 program cohort targeting 300 beneficiaries was launched in March and beneficiaries have received training in millet processing in Soroti district, agro-tourism in Fort Portal, and cassava processing in Arua district. The final training, focusing on coffee value addition, will be held in Kampala.