Uganda has set a bold target to grow its economy tenfold, from around $50 billion to $500 billion by 2040 under the National Development Plan IV (NDP IV). Agriculture stands out as one of the country’s most immediate opportunities to drive this growth, especially through value addition, improved farming practices, and investment in productivity.
Supporting this national ambition, dfcu Bank and its partners—including Vision Group, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and Koudijs Animal Nutrition—run the Best Farmers Awards. Since 2014, the initiative has recognized over 130 outstanding farmers, with the 2025 winners set to visit the Netherlands for a study tour of advanced agricultural systems.
Among this year’s winners is 34-year-old Alfred Ojok from Nwoya District. Owner of Hasting Coffee Center and chairperson of the Nwoya Lalr Coffee and Poultry Cooperative Society Limited, Ojok is proof that agriculture can transform lives. Raised in a low-income family, Ojok’s journey began with setbacks—his first attempt at growing garlic failed due to the region’s harsh climate. Refusing to give up, he turned to coffee, learning from local experts and gradually expanding his skills and acreage.
Ojok now manages 25 acres of coffee in Amola village and has been recognized as the Best Farmer in the Northern Region. Through his cooperative, he aims to uplift fellow members and turn the group into a regional model of agricultural success. He also mentors over 40 young people through Hasting Coffee Center, equipping them with hands-on skills in coffee, cocoa, and banana farming, and facilitating contracts for new plantations.
His journey hasn’t been without challenges—from early mistakes in farm management to ongoing climate change threats. With support from the Uganda Coffee Development Authority, Ojok improved his practices, using mulching and manual irrigation to cope with prolonged dry seasons. The UGX 7 million prize from the Best Farmers Award will help him install a modern irrigation system and adopt precision farming techniques using mobile technology.
Looking ahead, Ojok is eager for the Netherlands study tour, hoping to learn more and eventually establish his own coffee brand, cut out middlemen, and sell directly to buyers. Determined to pay it forward, he plans to share his newfound knowledge with farmers across Northern Uganda, helping to build a more prosperous future for his community.
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