According to the Uganda Communications Commission’s 2022 study report on the access and usage of communication services in Uganda, a significant gap in digital skills was identified, particularly at the household level where a majority of farmers reside. This same report recommended tailored digital literacy and skilling interventions for farmers in Uganda to address this issue.
In order to address the identified challenges, the Uganda Communications Commission through UCUSAF has partnered with Eight Tech Consults a recognised ICT , research and training firm in Uganda to the bridge digital skills gap through identifying the different stakeholder requirements and expectations related to farmer digital skilling under the program theme “ ENHANCING ICT ADOPTION, SERVICE DELIVERY, CONTENT AND DIGITAL SKILLS FOR SMALLHOLDER FARMERS”.
The first phase of the program has kicked off with a needs assessment exercise in the specified districts of Bududa, Bulambuli, Manafwa, Mbale, Namisindwa, Sironko, Bushenyi, Ntungamo, Mitoma, Kiruhura, Ibanda, Isingiro, Alebtong, Tororo, Butaleja, Budaka, Kibuku, Pallisa, Nakapiripirit, Amudat, Napak, Moroto, Abim, Nabilatuk, Kalenga, Kaabong, Kotido .
The needs assessment aims to achieve the following key objectives:
i) Evaluate the current digital skills proficiency of farmers in specified districts.
ii) Explore the unique challenges faced by farmers in adopting and using digital tools and technologies.
iii) Evaluate the availability and accessibility of necessary digital infrastructure such as internet connectivity and ICT resources.
iv) Understand farmers’ awareness of the benefits of digital skills and how it can enhance agricultural practices and livelihoods.
v) Engage relevant stakeholders to gather insights into their expectations and contributions to the digital skilling initiative.
vi) Design tailored digital skills training programs based on the needs assessment findings to address specific challenges in the specified districts.
With the above objectives, the purpose of the needs assessment is to inform the Digital Skills Program for farmers that will be taking place between April to May 2024 in the specified districts targeting atleast 120 farmers from each district, totaling 3,000 farmers to be skilled.
Through a comprehensive and all-encompassing approach to digital skilling for farmers in Uganda, this initiative aims to bridge the digital gap, empower farmers with indispensable skills, and enhance agricultural practices and livelihoods in the specified regions.