Knowledge for Development

IICD and Ugandan government to expand information system for rural farmers

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Date: 08/12/2009

Introduction:

IICD and the Ugandan government have signed an agreement to expand a programme that helps rural farmers increase their income through ICT-enabled crop marketing services. The Rural Information System (RIS) programme enables farmers to send and receive production and market information through 26 information centres in isolated areas throughout the country. The information helps farmers sell their produce at better prices. The Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Industry (MTTI) will build ten new centres. The programme has been piloted through a collaboration between the Uganda Commodity Exchange (UCE), MTTI, IICD and Dutch NGO SNV since 2002. This expansion is made possible through funding from MTTI, the existing RIS Centres, Close the Gap and other funds in Uganda. The new phase in the programme will begin in early 2010. (Source: IICD, November 2009)

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