The World Food Program says it will begin buying food grown by small-scale farmers in Acholi, northern Uganda

maize grain

The UN food agency says it has signed a contract to buy 154 metric tons of maize grain from grain traders in Gulu district.

According to a news release, the WFP Country Director Sory Ouane has described it as a welcome reversal of events which will help the Acholi people to become productive again.

Northern Uganda suffered more than two decades of war led by LRA leader Joseph Kony. The war displaced thousands and rendered most people unproductive since they could not access their lands.

Ouna says the traders will supply the 154 tons of grain through WFP’s 6,000 metric ton capacity licensee warehouse near Gulu town.

The WFP in 2008 launched the Purchase for Progress project which has seen them increasing buying food for its relief activities from small scale local farmers.

Also see

Smallholder farmers expect more from WFPs Purchase for Progress