In Amuria District in Eastern Uganda, a quiet transformation is taking root one seed at a time.
Uganda faces a significant agricultural challenge – 87% of farmers lack access to recommended Quality Declared Seeds (QDS). This gap has contributed to low agricultural productivity and increased household food insecurity. According to UBOS (2018), limited access to quality seeds, combined with inadequate farming knowledge and restricted access to premium markets, has left millions of smallholder farmers trapped in cycles of low productivity and poverty.
The current seed distribution system further compounds the problem. It is often costly, poorly accessible, and lacks traceability. Conventional seed suppliers frequently charge high prices and offer little to no extension support, leaving farmers with expensive inputs and limited guidance on how to use them effectively. As a result, the disconnect between seed supply and farmer support continues to hinder agricultural growth and productivity in many rural communities.
Today, that story is beginning to change.
Through the Graduate Career Accelerator Programme implemented by Restless Development Uganda in partnership with the Africa Career Networks, young professionals are turning learning into action through the Sector Challenge. The Sector Challenge is a hands-on learning initiative under the GCAP program that engages Mastercard Foundation alumni and scholars in developing innovative solutions to real community challenges across key sectors such as education, healthcare, governance, and agribusiness.
One of the winning teams, Verde Quality Seeds Network Limited, received funds from Restless Development to establish a community seed bank in Akeriau Sub-County, Amuria District. The initiative focuses on improving farmers’ access to quality, climate-resilient seeds while strengthening local seed production systems.
What began as a simple idea quickly developed into a practical intervention. After successfully applying for a grant under the programme, the team formalised their organisation and began working closely with farmers in the area.
“It started as just an idea when we applied for the grant, and luckily, we received it. That gave us the opportunity to register and formalise our company.
For Kaboneka Julian, one of the founders of Verde Quality Cities Network, the project grew out of a desire to unlock the potential of farmers in the community.
“Farmers in Amuria are deeply passionate about agriculture, but limited knowledge has often constrained their productivity. So far, we have registered 50 farmers and are training them in modern farming methods while supplying them with quality seeds. Farmers have already started using these quality seeds, and we hope to reach even more farmers as we continue promoting climate-smart agriculture and improved productivity,” she explains.
As part of the project, the team has also acquired a 750-litre solar dryer to support seed preservation and improve post-harvest handling. Farmers from different parishes across Akeriau Sub-County have since been mobilised and organised around a shared goal of improving seed production and farming practices.
For farmers like Opige Moses, a member of the Agri Farmers Cooperative, the initiative has already made a visible difference.
“Before Verde came on board, we mostly relied on local seed varieties, especially maize, which produced very low yields,” he explains. “But when they introduced improved seeds and trained us on better farming practices, our harvests started to improve.”
Through a series of training sessions, farmers have learned practical techniques such as proper crop spacing, pest control, soil management, and the right timing for planting and harvesting. They have also gained knowledge on climate-smart agriculture—an increasingly important skill as communities adapt to unpredictable weather patterns.
“They trained us on how to space improved seeds, how to control pests, and the right time to plant and harvest. These practices have changed how we farm and improved our livelihoods,” Moses says.
The impact is already being felt at the household level. With the introduction of improved seeds and better farming practices, farmers are seeing significant increases in their harvests. For example, when farmers previously planted 30 kilograms of indigenous groundnut seeds, they would harvest only 5 to 6 bags, totalling about 270 kilograms. With the improved seed varieties introduced through the project, farmers are now harvesting between 10 and 15 bags, approximately 675 kilograms. This increase in yield is already making a difference for many households, enabling farmers to both feed their families and generate higher income from the sale of surplus produce.
“With the improved seeds and better yields, we can sell some of the produce, keep some for family consumption, and use the income for school fees, medical care, and other household needs,” he adds.
Encouraged by the results, farmers are now mobilising others within their communities to join the cooperative so they can expand production and supply quality seeds to neighbouring districts.
“We are grateful for what Verde has done for us as a cooperative. I encourage other farmers nearby to join us so we can increase production and supply seeds to other districts and regions,” says Moses.
Beyond the improvements in farming practices, the initiative is also shaping the next generation of leaders.
According to Emmanuel Onen, a Monitoring and Evaluation staff at Restless Development, the Sector Challenge is designed to help young professionals bridge the gap between education and practical experience.
“The programme enhances career readiness by giving young professionals opportunities to apply their skills in real-world settings. Through the Sector Challenge, participants form teams, co-create solutions, and implement initiatives that respond directly to challenges within communities,” he explains.
Throughout the implementation period, teams receive mentorship, capacity-building support, and regular monitoring to ensure that their projects deliver meaningful impact.
Through initiatives like this, young professionals are not only gaining hands-on experience in leadership, collaboration, and project implementation but are also contributing to sustainable, community-driven solutions.
In Amuria, the seeds of change are already growing, strengthening local food systems, improving livelihoods, and demonstrating how youth-led innovation can drive lasting impact, one community at a time.
