AGINSBA initially started as Open Distance Learning Network (ODLN), a multidisciplinary team initiated by Makerere University Agriculture Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK) with support from Commonwealth of Learning (COL) and Innovations at Makerere Committee ([email protected]) to develop an ICT platform for sharing market information during CHOGM held in Uganda in 2007. In early 2009, COL supported t
his team to do a feasibility study for implementing L3F with appropriate ODL framework that would enhance Information Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) and the use of ODL in improving farmer livelihoods and information flow along the production-market value chain in South Western Uganda. ODLN also played a very active role in promoting a new perspective of using a multi-stakeholder approach to identify practical solutions to marketing challenges, as acknowledge by the Independent Science and Partnership Council . ODLN sought to widen her scope in order to make good use of the rich experiences gained through the implementation of Life Long Learning for Farmers (L3F), and the successes accomplished by the sub-Saharan Africa - Challenge Programme (SSA-CP), Lake Kivu Pilot Learning Site (LKPLS).Hence registering as a Social Enterprise: Agricultural Innovation System Brokerage Association (AGINSBA). Mission
Developing as a champion agency providing brokerage services in any aspect of innovation processes between two or more parties. to facilitate all activities from production to marketing aimed at the improvement and betterment of agriculture among the local and other agriculturalists in the innovation systems context;
2. to carry out activities of ensuring sustainability in the agricultural practices in Uganda;
3. to conduct agricultural and related research with the aim of improving agricultural production;
4. to mobilize and get involved in influencing policies and both the local and national levels with the aim of creating a favorable policy environment for improving and promoting better agricultural practices for better production and sustainability;
5. to work hand in hand with the governmental and other agencies and projects like NAADS, NARO, University, private sector in ensuring better agricultural practices and maximized production;
6. to generate, process and provide information through multimedia (e.g. internet, radios, television, written literature and the print) on agricultural and other related matters;
7. to carry out the business of buying the local; and other farmers’ produce at subsidized prices as a means of improving the said farmers livelihoods and encouraging them in their agricultural endeavors;
8. to facilitate access to loans for local and other farmers at subsidized rates in their agricultural activities;
9. to lobby for financial and other support to member farmers for their agricultural and other related practices ;
10. to link Makerere University and its agricultural related activities to other government and non-governmental organizations like NAADS, NARO, private sector, policy makers and also the local farmers and/or work with the said groups as partners in improving farmers’ livelihoods;
11. to venture in multi discipline activities aimed at improving and bettering agriculture and related activities in the areas of Information Technology, community development, involvement of local farmers and teaching of organizational skills;
12. to carry on any other business that the directors may consider incidental to and/or consequential upon all or any of the above the objectives.
