Joseph Ijala, a progressive model farmer in Kakus Cell, Serere Town Council in Serere District, has transformed his life by venturing into agricultural enterprises, despite guidance to the contrary from extension workers.
At 47, Ijala now owns a poultry farm with more than 10,000 layers, in addition to a herd of 87 dairy cows and a soap-making factory, all on his 2.5-acre land. His journey towards transformation began in 2011 when he attended a rally in Soroti by President Yoweri Museveni, who passionately discussed a four-acre model for overcoming poverty using available resources.
Ijala, who worked as a driver in Serere Uppershops, had traveled to Soroti as a conductor when he decided to attend the rally at Soroti Sports Ground. After attending without his boss’s permission, he was immediately fired from his job. He then had to find ways to return to Serere, his hometown.
However, the idea of the four-acre model stuck with him. Ijala spent a sleepless night thinking about how to make it a reality. When morning came, he was determined to begin his journey by starting with the 20 local chickens his aunt had given him.
He sought advice from others who had already ventured into poultry farming, and after much effort, he managed to grow his flock from 20 to 1,500, despite receiving mixed advice from extension workers.
Ijala shared with visiting journalists that whenever he seeks guidance from professionals on his projects, he is often cautioned about risk analysis before proceeding. He recalls how some professionals advised him against starting dairy farming, arguing that there was no scientific proof that Fresian cows could survive in the soils of Serere.
Ijala is not alone in his experience working with professionals, particularly extension workers, to improve livestock farming. Fred Byamukama, the State Minister for Transport, also expressed concerns. Byamukama, who is also the Member of Parliament for Bugangaizi West County, owns Kamanyire, a four-acre model farm in Kikwaya Village, Kakumiro District. He shared with journalists that an extension worker failed to inseminate his cows, causing a delay of seven months on his farm.
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