AWARFA Women Break Barriers: First Cross-Border Feed Trade Projected to Net $1 Million Annually

Historic First: AWARFA Women Launch Feed Ingredient Trade from Uganda to Kenya

Yesterday, a remarkable chapter was written in the history of African agribusiness as the African Women in Animal Resources Farming and Agribusiness Network (AWARFA) chapters of Uganda and Kenya celebrated the flagging off of their first truck transporting animal feed ingredients from Jinja, Uganda, to Nairobi, Kenya. This event signified far more than the movement of goods across borders—it marked the first-ever business deal between the two networks, highlighting the power of cross-border collaboration among women in a sector long dominated by men.

The Power of Collaboration and the RAFFS Project

This milestone is the result of months of dedicated cooperation between women in Uganda and Kenya, who have been supported by the Resilient African Feed and Fodder Systems (RAFFS) Project, an initiative under the African Union-InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR). The RAFFS Project, funded by the Gates Foundation, was established to address the critical gaps and vulnerabilities in Africa’s feed and Fodder supply chains. Part of its mission is to empower women, strengthen their capacity to participate meaningfully in the sector, and catalyze investments that will lead to more sustainable and resilient agribusiness models.

Through the RAFFS Project, women are being equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to thrive in the Feed and Fodder supply chain. The Project is also working to bring more investment into the sector, encouraging innovative business models that can be scaled up across the continent. By focusing on women, who are often the most vulnerable to rising feed costs and limited access to livestock-sourced foods, the project addresses both economic and social vulnerabilities.

Economic and Social Impact: A $1 Million Annual Profit

The business venture launched by these women is set to send 26 metric tons of feed ingredients every week from Uganda to Kenya. This steady and substantial trade flow is projected to generate an impressive annual profit of $1 million. The impact of this initiative goes far beyond the immediate financial gains for the women involved. It is expected to create new jobs in logistics, processing, and supply chain management, providing much-needed employment opportunities for women in both countries.

By improving the availability and quality of animal feed, the initiative will help boost livestock productivity. This, in turn, will make dairy and meat products more accessible and affordable for households across the region. Currently, many African families spend up to 10 per cent of their daily incomes on these foods, which are still considered a luxury by most. By strengthening the feed supply, the AWARFA women are directly contributing to improved nutrition and greater food security for countless families.

Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry

The significance of this venture is amplified by the fact that it marks the entry of women into the Feed and Fodder trade—a field traditionally controlled by men. The women involved in this project have gained invaluable experience by participating in the operations at the Jinja industrial site, where they learned about the complexities of trade logistics and business protocols. This hands-on exposure has not only equipped them with practical knowledge but also instilled the confidence needed to expand their operations further.

AWARFA Kenya’s recent contract with Kuzuri Farms to supply feed ingredients is another testament to the growing business acumen and reach of these women entrepreneurs. Their strategy for growth involves building new partnerships and leveraging their network to scale up their operations, ensuring that more women can benefit from the opportunities created.

Institutional Support and Strategic Planning

The importance of this initiative has not gone unnoticed by policymakers. Caroline Nakakeeto, who represented Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Resources, and Fisheries (MAAIF) at the flagging ceremony, praised the collaboration between the two AWARFA chapters. She pledged the ministry’s continued support for women-led agribusiness ventures, recognizing that such initiatives are crucial for advancing food security across Africa.

Following the flagging event, the women gathered for a session to validate the objectives of their strategic plan. This meeting provided an opportunity to ensure that their goals remain aligned with the broader vision of economic empowerment, sustainability, and inclusive growth for women in the agribusiness sector.

Looking Ahead: Transforming Livelihoods and Food Systems

The launch of this cross-border feed trade is more than just a business achievement; it represents a blueprint for empowering women, strengthening regional food systems, and driving inclusive economic growth. As the AWARFA women continue to innovate and collaborate, their projected one million dollar annual profit stands as both a financial milestone and a testament to the transformative power of women’s leadership in Africa’s agricultural future.