How James and His Cooperative are Growing Prosperity Through Skills and Access

For a long time, James believed farming would never take him far. Growing up in Kasese, he learned cocoa farming from his parents and began cultivating his own small plot as a young man. He worked hard through planting seasons, pruning, and harvesting, but the results were always the same. His yields were modest, buyers were unreliable, and middlemen often dictated prices that barely covered his costs.

Like many smallholder farmers, James was stuck selling within his village. He had no access to better markets, little knowledge of value addition, and no bargaining power. Farming felt less like a business and more like survival.

That began to change when James joined Native Developers Limited’s Grow and Market Program.

Through the program, James became part of a youth-led cooperative supported under NDL’s Cooperative Growth Network. One of the first things he noticed was the shift in mindset. Farming was no longer treated as an individual struggle, but as a collective opportunity. Together, cooperative members received competence-based training through the Agro-Value Plus initiative.

James learned improved cocoa production techniques, proper post-harvest handling, and quality control. Most importantly, he learned value addition. Instead of selling raw cocoa beans, the cooperative began processing cocoa into higher-value products. This single change transformed how buyers viewed their produce.

NDL also helped the cooperative build direct relationships with off-takers. For the first time, James and his peers were selling to buyers who valued quality and consistency. Through partnerships with SACCOs and VSLAs, the cooperative accessed affordable, blended financing. This allowed members to invest in tools, processing equipment, and storage without falling into unsustainable debt.

Income levels changed quickly. Today, James earns nearly three times what he used to. His farming income now supports his household, improves food security, and allows him to plan beyond the next season. Farming has become a business with purpose and growth.

Technology played a key role in this transformation. Through NDL’s digital platforms, farmers are connected to wider markets and informed buyers. Price transparency and market information ensure produce reaches competitive buyers at the right time.

James’s story reflects what is possible when farmers are equipped with the right mix of skills, finance, and market access. The Grow and Market Program goes beyond training. It builds systems that allow farmers to thrive independently.

For James, farming is no longer about waiting for buyers to show up. It is about confidence, collaboration, and control over his future. His journey shows that when rural communities are empowered to grow and sell with dignity, prosperity follows.