In a significant step toward bridging the digital divide in rural agriculture, Mountains of the Moon University (MMU) in partnership with Bridge Institute of Information Technology on Tuesday 25th February 2025 conducted an intensive training program for 29 female farmers on leveraging mobile technology to enhance agricultural productivity.
The day-long workshop, held at the Bridge Institute of Information Technology, Fort Portal City focused on equipping women farmers with digital skills to access markets more effectively and implement cattle safety control measures through specialized mobile applications.
“Technology should not be a privilege reserved for urban communities,” said Dr. Edwin Akugizibwe, Dean of Science, Technology and Innovation at MMU. “These women represent the backbone of our rural economy, and by putting digital tools in their hands, we’re not just improving their farms we’re transforming entire communities.”
The training featured presentations and hands-on demonstrations of several key applications designed specifically for smallholder farmers. These included Mobi Save, a digital financial tool for agricultural savings and planning; Agri Planner, which offers crop calendars and input management features; and Akatale App, a market linkage platform that connects farmers directly to buyers while providing real-time price information across different markets.
The program placed special emphasis on cattle safety, with detailed demonstrations of the livestock monitoring features within Agri Planner that help farmers track their cattle’s health through basic symptom identification and provide guidance on preventative care measures.
Bukenya Moses, a Lecturer at Mountains of the Moon University, emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative: “We recognize the importance of agriculture in Uganda’s economy and the challenges faced by farmers. Through this partnership, we aim to leverage technology to improve the livelihoods in Fort Portal and Kabarole district.”
Tugume Nathan, a software developer at Bridge Institute of Technology, provided insights into the technical development process. “We have developed mobile apps that can help farmers access markets, manage their finances and improve their productivity,” Nathan explained while demonstrating features of the applications. “We believe these digital tools can make a significant impact on the lives of farmers in Tooro and elsewhere.”
Samuel Ochen, Head of Computer Science at MMU, delivered a compelling presentation on technological solutions for cattle management. “Today’s mobile applications can help prevent theft, identify diseases early, and track vaccination schedules,” Ochen explained, displaying various features of the applications. He urged the farmers to embrace these technological tools despite initial learning curves. “The time you invest in mastering these apps today will save you countless hours and resources tomorrow.”
“Many of us have lost cattle to preventable diseases because we didn’t recognize the early warning signs,” said Nanono Jane Akiiki, a participant who manages a small dairy operation. “This app gives us the confidence to take action before it’s too late.”
Kanyunyu Rose, a participant, expressed optimism about applying the newly acquired knowledge. “This training has opened my eyes to the possibilities of using digital tools to improve our farming practices,” she said, scrolling through one of the apps on her phone. “We look forward to working with MMU and Bridge Institute of Information Technology to make this vision a reality.”
The initiative comes at a critical time when agricultural extension services are stretched thin across Uganda’s rural areas. By empowering farmers with mobile technology, MMU and Bridge Institute aim to create a sustainable model where information flows directly to those who need it most.
Dr. Edwin Akugizibwe emphasized the university’s broader mission in hosting such events. “These trainings represent the core of our commitment to community engagement and cooperation,” the Akugizibwe stated. “As an institution of higher learning, our knowledge and resources must extend beyond campus walls to address real-world challenges facing our communities.”
As smartphones become increasingly accessible even in rural areas, initiatives like this represent a promising avenue for agricultural development that combines traditional farming knowledge with modern technological solutions.
Marketing and Public Relations Unit.