MUNAKU KAAMA MIXED GROUP

INTRODUCTION

Munaku Kaama mixed group is a farmer group in Nakasongola district consisting of at least 30 members. The group is located in Katugo about 30 kilometers from Save the Children offices, about half an hour’s sub county ride.

OBJECTIVES OF THE MEETNG

The meeting was carried out to do a fact finding study on the raw materials available to the farmers that would enable product development as is the overall purpose of the project. The meeting was also intended to acquaint ourselves with the farmer group members.

CROPS GROWN BY THE FARMER GROUP

· Ground nuts

· Cassava

· Maize

· Mangoes

Farmers also look after bees and some raise cattle.

VALUE ADDITION TECHNOLOGIES IN PLACE

At the moment, farmers do not have significant value addition techniques in place and sell off almost all of their farm produce in the same form as it leaves the farm. The honey obtained from the bees is cleaned and sold off though in relatively small quantities considering the lack of proper packaging material.

PROBLEMS FACED BY FARMERS AFTER HARVEST

Farmers face a problem of surplus and lack of storage facilities after harvest. This forces them to sell off their produce at low prices.

DESIRED PRODUCTS

Farmers of Munaku Kaama would like to start a business in peanut making and selling also packaging and selling honey.

PRICES OF RAW MATERIALS

Ground nuts

• USH 7,000 per 1 basin

• USH 3,000 per kg

OBSERVATIONS

· The water source is a bore hole and is about 300-500 meters away from the point of the meeting

· The group is relatively organized and extremely expectant

· Nearest available market is about 10 -15 kilometers away from the village of production.