The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kwania, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Abapiri Oil Seed Cooperative Society, a group of farmers in Abapiri Village, Atule parish in Chawente Sub County, Kwania district needs 400 million shillings to construct a warehouse.
The Cooperative which deals in soya beans, maize, sim sim and other cereal crops, plans to construct a warehouse that will be used by the members to store their farm produce for sale. However, the Cooperative Society does not have adequate resources to implement the plan.
Stephen Otim, the Chairman Abapiri Oil Seed Cooperative Society explained that the institution has been grappling with many challenges which retarded its development. He said although they have already procured land for putting up the store, they are struggling to lobby for funds from the government, well-wishers and donors for it’s construction.
He asked the government to come out and support them rehabilitate roads and provide an irrigation system to the farmers inorder to boost production. Thomas Olal, a member of Abapiri Oil Seed Cooperative asked the government to support them in the project. Olal said he is optimistic that the construction of the warehouse will allow them bulk their produce and sell at affordable prices to alleviate poverty at grassroots.
Translation: “We lack a warehouse. I call upon government to support us because we want to bulk our produce and sell at affordable prices as you know bulking will help us, ” he added.
Another member Hellen Ayao, also appealed to the government to consider putting some fund for developing the different Cooperatives in the country. She rallied people to join groups in order to benefit from the government programs.
Abapiri Oil Seed Coop Society was started in 2017 as a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) with the aim of promoting commercial agriculture and strengthening group marketing for increased household income. The Cooperative currently has a total of 451 members with 150 loan portfolios. However it is operating without a proper storage facility.
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