By Mark Kawalya
Branston Ltd, a UK-based potato supplier, has pledged a £10,000 donation to Alito, an agricultural college in Uganda. This contribution aims to support the cultivation of Irish potatoes and boost food security and income for local farmers.
Alito has empowered local farmers by imparting essential farming skills, enabling them to cultivate crops independently. Students at the college are involved in this initiative by observing the growth of the initial crop. Upon graduation in summer, they receive 5kg of potato seeds of a new variety not previously grown in the area.
In addition to the financial support, Branston is collaborating with Alito in a joint venture to develop the infrastructure and educational resources at the college. This includes the construction of 2,000 cubic meters of water lagoons for irrigation and the establishment of test plots. These plots will serve as practical training grounds where students can learn about fertilizer application, new potato varieties, and planting techniques.
Ian Arnold, Branston’s interim project manager, noted that over 100 students and staff members are actively engaged in the project. He highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, “This project offers us a valuable opportunity to give back to the Alito community and improve both food security and local incomes.”
Most of the potatoes planted are of the Rwangume variety, specifically developed for cultivation in Africa. However, Branston is also testing other varieties from Europe, Arizona, and Markies to evaluate their performance in Uganda’s climate, where daytime temperatures range between 32 and 36 degrees Celsius.
The college focuses on training young people under 25, with a particular emphasis on upskilling women, especially those with children. “We have committed to providing three-years of training with Alito as we are eager to continue supporting and educating the local community over the coming years,” said Arnold.
Arnold added that more members of the Branston team will visit Uganda to further support the college’s initiatives and ensure the project’s ongoing success.
