Uganda DESIGN Program: Bushenyi Farmers Tipped on Fake Inputs

Uganda DESIGN Program: Bushenyi Farmers Tipped on Fake Inputs
Originally Featured in the “New Vision” Newspaper
By Chris Mugasha
Farmers have been advised to demand receipts when they buy agriculture inputs in order to keep records of the purchase. Chris Ibyisintabyo, the Global Communities field director, told farmers that in cases where the inputs fail to show results, they can use the receipts to demand replacement or use them to prosecute suppliers who sell fake inputs.
He urged farmers to be vigilant since research shows that 30% of agriculture inputs on the market are fake. Ibyisintabyo said stamping out the fake inputs requires collaboration from all stakeholders.
Ibyisintabyo said despite the farmers’ efforts to buy improved seedlings and fertilizers in order to increase their crop quality, their efforts have been hindered by the fake agro inputs. 
He was recently addressing farmers during a one-day exhibition organised by Global Communities DESIGN programme in conjunction with Kyeizooba Twimukye Cooperative Society at Kitwe Kyeizooba sub-country in Bushenyi district.
Different companies dealing in agro inputs exhibited and exchanged information with the farmers.
“We must sensitise our people and also condemn whoever is manufacturing fake agriculture inputs,” Ibyisintabyo said. 
He also asked farmers to seek guidance and training from the suppliers and other agriculture extension workers before applying the inputs, especially fertiliser.
Kamwezi said the suppliers need to be compelled to always follow up with farmers to find out whether they reap benefits from the inputs.  He also said failure by farmers to consult before taking up an enterprise is failing agriculture.
The Bushenyi district chairman Willis Bashasha appealed to the Government bodies responsible for regulation to monitor the inputs before they are sent to markets.
“We need to protect our people because they spend their money on inputs which are expensive, yet fake,” he said.
Bashasha also asked agriculture extension workers to monitor villages and help farmers, instead of waiting to be called to respond to problems.
He asked them to liaise with leaders and arrest those who do not want to respond to advice.