I first heard about The Technical Centre for Agriculture and Rural Cooperation ACP-EU (CTA) when I joined Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET) as an information and Communications officer in 2008, through a project that CTA was funding known as “Enhancing Access to Agricultural Information” in Northern Uganda. I had earlier on read a couple of books published by CTA from NARO-Kawanda but I had never clearly understood what CTA’s mandate was.

By Thérèse Burke & Ken Lohento

Agriculture in African, Caribbean and Pacific countries (ACP) faces many challenges. Most of these developing economies are heavily reliant on this sector for food security and economic growth. Agriculture accounts for over 50 percent GDP in some countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo. This coupled with the high percentage of population (up to 60 percent in Africa) living off the land, means that the need to secure the continued interest of youth in agriculture is imperative.

However, global attention is now turning to agricultural and rural development as a result of the 2007-2008 food price crisis. Despite this, it is still not perceived as an attractive industry for the younger population.

By Maureen Agena from Uganda: East African Regional Winner of the CTA ARDYIS Essay contest.

With over 88% of Uganda’s Population of 29 million being rural based and depending almost entirely on agriculture at various levels of livelihoods. It is widely held that access to accurate and timely information by rural communities can not only increase agricultural productivity; it can also result into enhanced economic and social development.

Maureen Agena, one of the 12 finalists of the ARDYIS essay contest, tells the story of a young farmer from Ouganda, who uses ICTs effectively for his activities. Interview by the journalist team of the CTA/NPCA 2010.