Kampala, Uganda — For nearly 30 years, the Sasakawa Africa Association has been at the forefront of transforming Uganda’s agricultural landscape. Today, we spotlight an innovative approach—the Commercial Community-Based Facilitator (CCBF) model—that is revolutionizing service delivery to rural farmers.

Since 1996, Sasakawa Africa has partnered closely with Ugandan farmers to introduce inclusive, market-oriented, and innovation-driven practices. Yet, reaching the rural “last mile” with reliable extension services has become increasingly challenging.

The CCBF model offers a game-changing solution: empowering local community members, especially youth, to serve as entrepreneurs and agricultural change agents. These facilitators are equipped with technical knowledge, business skills, and tools to deliver high-quality, demand-driven services—creating jobs, fostering sustainability, and promoting local agro-enterprise growth.

At the recent Annual Stakeholder Workshop in Kampala, under the theme “CCBFs as Catalysts: Unlocking Youth Employment, Agri-Enterprise Growth, and Regenerative Agriculture at the Last Mile,” stakeholders underscored the model's impact.
Stephen Tibaijuuka Byamutware, Commissioner in charge of Crop Protection at MAAIF, highlighted the need for transforming subsistence farming into a more productive and market-oriented sector. He praised Sasakawa Africa’s approach, emphasizing the importance of quality inputs, mechanization, climate resilience, and soil health.

Beneficiaries of the CCBF model shared inspiring stories—improving yields, accessing new markets, and even launching their own agribusinesses. By unlocking youth employment and promoting regenerative agriculture, Sasakawa’s model is shaping a future-ready, resilient agricultural system for Uganda.