An old saying goes, give a man a fish, and you've fed him for a day,", "but teach a man to catch fish, and you've fed him for a lifetime. An example following this adage is Asaba Micheal, a 27-year-old in Kitagendwa district who holds a Bachelor's degree in agriculture. Previously, he worked as a volunteer in Naro- MbaZARDI, one of the prominent public agricultural research institutions, and then joined SAA in 2022 through the One Stop Center Association (OSCA) Kyendagara area cooperative as an extension worker. For years, farmers in Kitagwenda had long struggled to access affordable, quality inputs and modern farming techniques; he understood their plight and saw an opportunity not only to improve his life but to uplift others around him, and he opened up an input shop.

However, things started changing, and a new opportunity for him as he was chosen to become a Commercial Community-Based Facilitator (CCBF), he received more training from SAA, covering a range of critical areas, including the use and maintenance of modern farming tools like jab planters, effective application of agro-inputs such as herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers, and best practices for planting and spraying. He also gained expertise in establishing demonstration plots to showcase improved farming methods, facilitating hands-on training sessions for farmers, and providing advisory services tailored to local needs. Additionally, SAA’s training emphasized business management, enabling Micheal to operate his agro-input shop sustainably while supporting smallholder farmers in adopting market-oriented solutions.

With support from SAA, Micheal introduced tools like jab planters to his community. Jab planters simplify the planting process by allowing farmers to simultaneously dig, plant, and cover seeds in a single motion, ensuring consistent spacing and depth. This not only reduces the time and labor traditionally required for planting but also improves seed germination rates and maximizes land utilization. Between August and October 2024, he provided planting services for 13 farmers across 27 acres. These efforts didn’t just save time they also boosted productivity. “When I used the jab planter, I couldn’t believe how much easier and faster planting became, I planted 6 acres of maize” says farmer Bangirana John, one of Micheal’s clients. “Micheal has truly changed the way we farm.”

On the right is Asaba Micheal in his input shop.

Also, his shop has recorded over 1,358 USD in agro-input sales, giving farmers in the district a consistent source of quality products from herbicides, fungicides, pesticides, and fertilizers. To complement these efforts, Micheal maintains demonstration fields and conducts training sessions, addressing challenges such as low adoption rates for modern practices. “I want them to see the results with their own eyes,” Micheal says. “When they do, they start to believe in the power of change.” His hands-on approach is empowering farmers to boost yields, reduce costs, and adopt sustainable farming techniques.

As an extension Worker with Kyendangara Area Cooperative During the 2024 2nd Season, he worked with over 253 farmers, providing advice, planting services, and spraying support. His efforts helped cultivate more than 33 acres of farmland. “Every time a farmer tells me their harvest has improved, it’s a win for all of us,” Micheal shares. His work is paying off not just in smiles but also in income. Micheal has earned USD 348.6 from his farming services and an additional USD 1,017.4 from agro-input sales in just two months.

The CCBF initiative is central to SAA’s mission of promoting market-oriented, sustainable agriculture in Uganda. Currently, 150 CCBFs are being trained across the country with its activities funded by the Nippon Foundation, each serving at least 100 farmers. This approach also supports the government’s Parish Development Model (PDM), which seeks to uplift smallholder farmers by providing affordable finance and fostering rural employment.

Looking ahead Micheal has big dreams: expanding his business, engaging more young people in agribusiness, and continuing to make a difference in Kitagwenda. “I want to show the youth that agriculture isn’t just hard work it’s smart work,” he says with a determined grin.

This story is a reminder of what’s possible when passion meets opportunity. With the support of SAA, he has turned his life around and is helping others do the same.

For SAA, Micheal represents our commitment to creating thriving, resilient rural communities. And for Kitagwenda, Micheal is more than a CCBF; he’s a hero. "When I see farmers succeed, I feel like I’ve done something meaningful with my life," Micheal says. "That’s what keeps me going."