When the rains become unpredictable, maize farmers in Eastern Uganda have little room for error.
For Sangula John, who has farmed maize for 18 years, rainfall during flowering and grain filling has often determined whether a season ends in a good harvest or disappointment.
That began to change in 2024, when John started planting DeKalb hybrid maize.
He says the improved variety has delivered better yields, and, with them, higher income.
“Since adopting the improved maize variety, I have seen better crop yields and an improvement in my income.”
For John, the difference is felt at home as much as in the field. Increased maize production has helped him meet more of his family’s needs and given him greater confidence about the seasons ahead.
That confidence was also evident during a field visit in Mbale, where Kilimo Trust brought farmers together with agricultural experts, implementing partners, agro-dealers and Village-Based Agents.
Rather than simply hearing about improved maize technologies, farmers could see them growing under local conditions. The field days also provided practical lessons on agronomic practices, integrated pest and weed management and the recommended use of Bayer crop protection products.
John at his farm
Just as importantly, farmers had the opportunity to exchange experiences and build connections with agricultural service providers who can continue supporting them after the field day ends.
For John, those connections have changed how he looks at the next planting season.
“I look forward to the next planting season because I am now well equipped to plant a maize variety that is climate-resilient, which will increase my harvest and therefore boost my income to support my family.”\
Through the Maize Technologies Promotion Project (MaTPP III), Kilimo Trust is working to make improved technologies, knowledge, services and market linkages more accessible to farmers.
For John, the result is straightforward: a better harvest means more than maize in the granary. It means greater confidence in what comes next