Problem Statement:

Uganda is a richly blessed agricultural nation with fertile soils and conducive weather for the agricultural sector to thrive and transform individuals, communities and the country at large. With almost 80% of the population employed in agriculture this cannot be over emphasised. In spite of the opportunities in the sector, the level of organising among farmers and their cooperatives is still visibly low, voice and representation is inadequate and not well structured to ably influence policy, budgets, programs and budgets. There are few scattered interventions that have not been galvanised for meaningful dialogue and engagement. Ultimately the interests and aspirations of farmers are considered in a more adhoc and unstructured way leading to poor sector prioritizing. NAAC as an agricultural sector specific national Union seeks to address this gap through strengthening the voice and participation of farmers, strong representation and engagement with stakeholders and policy makers in the agricultural sector.

Strategic Objective: Agricultural cooperatives influence policy and legislative processes in the agricultural sector in Uganda

Strategic Outcome: Agricultural Policy and legislative processes in Uganda are responsive to the proposals and priorities presented by sector cooperatives

Intervention Strategies shall include:

• Constituency building/Strengthening
• Capacity building for members in lobby and advocacy
• Advocacy Leadership development
• Development and dissemination of policy briefs
• Policy dialogues with key stakeholders and decision makers
• Formation of Agriculture lobby groups including Agricultural Budget Advocacy Group (ABAG)
• Platforms for engagement on critical sector issues
• Facilitative empowerment of farmers to lead advocacy agenda

NAAC Guiding principles for the lobby and advocacy work of NAAC

• 1. Non-confrontational
• 2. Empowerment of farmers and stakeholders
• 3. Farmer led advocacy agenda
• 4. Issue and Evidence based advocacy
• 5. Constructive Dialogue and Engagement
• 6. Partnerships and Collaboration
• 7. Documentation