More than 1,500 smallholder farmers in Nakaseke District involved in the dairy value chain are set to benefit from the Distributed Renewable Energy Ecosystem Model (DREEM) Hub project, a multi-stakeholder initiative aimed at transforming agricultural practices through the use of solar energy. The three-year project focuses on promoting the Productive Use of Solar Energy (PUSE) by financing renewable energy solutions, ecosystem coordination, and providing support services to enhance sustainability.
The initiative, which brings together a network of partners, is designed to provide farmers with access to solar skills, jobs, and entrepreneurship opportunities. It targets over 1,000 underserved youth and women entrepreneurs across four dairy cooperatives in Nakaseke. The DREEM Hub project is expected to foster sustainable incomes, improve access to clean water, and bolster farmers’ resilience against climate change impacts.
Driving Social Transformation through Solar Energy
One of the project implementers, William Matovu, who also serves as the Country Coordinator for Heifer International Uganda, highlighted that the organization has, for the past two years, placed significant emphasis on renewable energy as a tool for social transformation.
“Our focus has been on introducing solar-powered energy in areas not connected to the national grid, especially along Uganda’s cattle corridor. Solar energy is not only improving lives but is also a vital component in addressing hunger and poverty,” Matovu explained.
The importance of investing in renewable energy has become more apparent as the country tackles pressing issues like food insecurity and poverty. According to the World Health Organization, over 60,000 lives are lost annually in East Africa due to energy poverty, with agriculture accounting for up to 40% of energy consumption in some countries. However, less than 5% of this energy comes from renewable sources.
“Solar energy has already proven to be a significant enabler in increasing agricultural productivity. For example, in areas where solar-powered cold storage is used, post-harvest losses have been reduced by at least 30%,” Matovu added.
With the majority of households in Uganda still reliant on traditional forms of energy, the DREEM project seeks to make solar energy more accessible to smallholder farmers, potentially boosting agricultural yields and lowering operational costs.
Innovative Approach to Bridging the Income Gap
“Without caring for the earth, it becomes hard to make smallholder farmers resilient,” Matovu emphasized.
For the past fifteen years, Heifer International has worked closely with dairy farmers in Uganda, helping them organize into viable platforms that can engage with various stakeholders in the agricultural ecosystem. This engagement has not only driven production and productivity but has also increased the involvement of both public and private sectors.
Given that only 22% of the farming community is connected to the national grid, many farmers still rely on diesel generators for power, which is both expensive and unsustainable. The DREEM project seeks to provide solar energy as a cheaper, more environmentally friendly alternative. The initiative has already set up four solar energy centers, significantly reducing carbon emissions and preventing milk spoilage, all while improving the quality and marketability of dairy products.
Matovu shared that the project has seen “magical impacts,” as farmers are now experiencing fewer losses and improved productivity. The partnership with the Mott Foundation, an organization that has been instrumental in driving solar energy adoption across East Africa, is playing a key role in this transformation. Through the foundation’s support, the DREEM project has been able to “de-risk” investments, attract financiers, and introduce solar technology to farmers who were initially hesitant.
A Strong Partnership with the Buganda Kingdom
The DREEM project has gained further momentum through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Heifer International, the Mott Foundation, and the Buganda Kingdom‘s Kabaka Foundation. The Kabaka Foundation, chaired by the King of Buganda, has been involved in philanthropic activities aimed at improving the quality of life in the region, with a strong focus on environmental conservation, agriculture, and economic empowerment.
In his remarks, Owek. Christopher Bwanika, the Attorney General of Buganda Kingdom, noted the importance of integrating the DREEM project with the foundation’s ongoing work in health, education, and cultural tourism.
“By incorporating clean energy technologies into our water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) projects, we can educate communities on environmental conservation while providing sustainable alternatives,” Bwanika stated.
The partnership is particularly significant as the Buganda Kingdom has historically worked with over 52 clan heads on various philanthropic initiatives, making it an ideal platform for spreading the benefits of solar energy across communities.
The Mott Foundation has been a key player in promoting renewable energy solutions across East Africa, beginning its work in Tanzania in 2015 before expanding into Kenya and Uganda. The foundation has invested over $20 million in grants to support communities, particularly in agriculture, to adopt clean energy solutions.
“The partnership with Heifer and the Buganda Kingdom is particularly inspiring. Both organizations have a long-standing presence in Uganda, and their work aligns perfectly with our vision of using solar energy to drive social transformation,” said Robert Ddamulira, Program Officer for Climate Solutions at the Mott Foundation.
As the DREEM project continues to expand, it offers a promising model for integrating renewable energy into Uganda’s agricultural sector. By providing farmers with the necessary skills, resources, and support, the initiative is helping them close the living income gap in a meaningful and sustainable way.
