There are key pillars on which all our work is based and these are the fields that align with our objectives as UFAAS. As such alot of resources are directed to these endeavours & these areas include:
Institutional Strengthening of UFAAS
Setting up an institutional framework at national and regional levels in Uganda that will uphold and anchor all the other components.
Achievements so far:Registration at the national level- over 100; 24 Organizations are already paid-up) Governance structure set-up (Board); Focal point desk; regional mobilization of AEAS actors at district level; registered members (-up); strategic direction and a financial policy; IFAD funding and partnerships
Networking and Information Sharing
Promoting information exchange and shared learning by creating mechanisms that facilitate networking, information generation and sharing, and professional interaction among AAS providers and other actors in Uganda.
Achievements so far:website (www.ufaas-ugandacf.org)links to AFAAS networking platformshowcasing UFAAS at national and global levelsSupported inventory of four 4 and exhibition of 6 innovative approachesOrganized a national conference on agri. extension and advisory services -171 (35 women); agric.Engagement of the media actors involved in agricultural reporting
Professionalizing AEAS System in Uganda
Promotion and enforcement of professionalism and ethical conduct among members through standards, platforms for professional exchange and offering resources and opportunities towards this target.
Plans: Lobby government to establish standards for agricultural extension
Capacity Development
Working with its partners to ensure access by its members to resources and opportunities for training, innovation and recognition.
Achievements so far:Training of 15 members on virtual platform usespecific capacity gaps of extension managers and policy makers identified; preferred channels of communication identified14 innovative approaches in Uganda assessed with a purpose of dissemination and upscaling.
Advocacy and Lobbying
Contributing to the creation of an enabling environment for efficient and effective provision of AEAS through recognition and visibility of AEAS and influencing policy.
Achievements so far:Position on the proposed NAADS reforms sent to cabinet and press statement published -30th May 2014;dialogue on the extension policy direction -April -April 2013;several engagements with parliamentary committee on Agriculture; contribution to the plant variety and health protection bills – August-December 2013participated and contribute to various colloquia on Extension by Food Rights AlliancePosition paper on the involvement of the army in extension discussed with the Minister-MAAIF and also published in the press