From dropout to advisor: Ugandan man builds farming network
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Emmanuel Eteru of Uganda left school after completing Ordinary Level education, but now provides technical advice to farmers and agronomists in Karamoja and northern Uganda.
He began by connecting farmers with tractor owners, then expanded his services after training as a Commercial Community-Based Facilitator (CCBF) through the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) in 2020. The CCBF model aims to deliver agricultural services to farmers in remote areas, supplementing work done by government extension workers.
Eteru realised he could earn income from coordinating these services, and since 2024 he has earned Shs30 million in commissions by linking farmers to inputs, spraying services, and markets. He now employs ten sprayers and ten booking agents to help manage demand, and has trained six young people to operate tractors, who have found employment. SAA has recognised his success, sending him to represent Uganda at the 2026 Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, Rwanda.
He is also scheduled to manage a 673-acre farm next year, demonstrating how his work has transformed his life and created opportunities for others in his community.
