Charles Owach, PhD; Assistant FAO Representative/Prrogramme, Uganda

A Paper presented at the 17^th Yangling International Agri-science Forum - September 17 to 25, 2023.

The South-South Cooperation modality facilitates sharing of development solutions, such as technologies, skills and knowledge, innovative policies and strategies among developing countries.  South-South Cooperation aims at improving national/regional food security, rural development and poverty alleviation in developing countries.

This paper presents South-South Cooperation implementation experiences, covering achievements, challenges and opportunities in Uganda.

Since 2012 to date three key South-South Coorporation technical assistance projects have been implemented in Uganda – two under the flagship of the FAO/China and one under the Venezuela funded programmes. The implementation methodology was through a joint-tripartite agreement signed by the Government of Uganda, FAO and the Government of the P.R. China stipulating clear roles for all the parties. China provided technical experts (cooperants), Uganda was the Host country (beneficiary) and FAO provided technical back-stopping and programme facilitator.

Key results of the programme included: establishment of the China–Uganda Agricultural Cooperation Industrial Park in the Luwero and Kalungu districts; capacity built (for farmers, government officers) through trainings, study tours and transfer of technologies in horticulture, cereal farming, livestock and aquaculture sub-sectors; hybrid rice yields increased to 10 tons per ha versus 3-4 tons from local varieties; foxtail millet  yield increased to 6.4 tons（hybrid) and 3.75.0 Tons (open-pollinated variety) per ha versus 1.7 tons from local finger millet varieties; improved fish feeds formula using local materials resulting into faster growth and maturity (8 months versus 12, weight of 0.8-1kg, tilapia, catfish); introduction of wooden cages for poultry farming compared to ground litter system (doubled holding capacity); biogas systems constructed, demonstrated at farm level and being used; a saving and loan scheme for farmer groups established and lends at interest of 5% compared to 10% by micro-finance institutions; agro-machinery project component has attracted youth participation/decent employment; national capacities developed on sustainable soil management, through training in soil testing and mapping and provision of equipment.  

The key drivers of success in implementation of South-South Cooperation programme in Uganda included: strong political will and government leadership; funding provision by government of Uganda at national level (USD 9.6 million, i.e. 76% of phase III programme budget); integration of SSC activities in government of Uganda budgets/activities  for sustainability; vast country level experience in formulation and implementation of South-South Cooperation programme;  successful tri-partite arrangements/ agreement; strong involvement of private sector (through PPP); supportive investment and trade policies.

Implementation challenges encountered included:  untimely release of government counterpart funds; inadequate time inputs of technical counterparts; short duration of the projects; language barriers; limited budgets – especially by local governments for sustainability of activities; scattered inter-ministerial mandates requiring complex coordination mechanisms.

Opportunities for South-South Coopereration include: abundant natural resources (fertile soils/available arable land, fresh water, favourable climate, energy-hydro, solar, etc); access to  vast regional and continental markets – East Africa Community, Inter-governmental Authority on Developmentl  COMESA, Africa Free Trade Area; opportunities for direct investments; Joint-ventures with local private investors; Public-Private-Partnerships or combinations in production, processing/value addition; China-IFAD South-South and Triangular Cooperation facility; bamboo sector transformation programme; opportunities for integration of bilateral and  multilateral support; opportunities to strengthen/widen cooperation with Uganda universities/tartiary institutions (through training, research, exchange programme – for students and lectures, study tours).

In conclusion, South-South Cooperation is an effective development modality for enhancing food and nutrition security, poverty alleviation and rural development among developing countries.  Although the modality is an attractive vehicle for sharing development solutions, it requires strong political will and Host government leadership in programme formulation and implementation; a Tri-partite or Quadtruple arrangement/Agreement; effective coordination mechanism and a strong involvement of the private sector to enhance sustainability.