By Enatu Steven
In the heart of Serere, a bustling town known for its hardworking people, Ijala Joseph’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and deep commitment to transforming his community. His farm, a beacon of success in both poultry and dairy farming, stands as a testament to what can be achieved with determination, patience, and a clear vision.
Joseph, once a taxi driver, faced a major life setback when he lost his job. But rather than succumbing to despair, he saw it as an opportunity to venture into something new—something that would change the course of his life and impact the lives of those around him. In 2021, he started with just 20 chickens, a small beginning that would eventually grow into a flourishing business empire. Today, Ijala Joseph’s farm is one of the most successful and diversified in the region, earning a staggering 500 million Ugandan shillings annually.
His poultry farm alone produces 310 trays of eggs daily, generating 3.1 million shillings each day. His dairy operation, consisting of 12 cows, yields 340 liters of milk daily, contributing an additional 300,000 shillings daily. Together, these two ventures form the backbone of his business, which is thriving thanks to his hands-on approach and a deep understanding of the agricultural sector.
One of the key aspects of Joseph’s success is his commitment to learning and evolving. Despite his practical nature, Joseph is not afraid to innovate. He knows that success in farming goes beyond simply growing crops or raising animals—it’s about understanding the entire value chain. His farm doesn’t just focus on livestock; he also makes his own animal feeds, which he believes has made a significant impact on productivity. In fact, he employs young widows to help produce the feeds, creating jobs and empowering the local community.
But Joseph’s innovation doesn’t stop at the farm. He also practices artificial insemination, a technique that has been crucial in improving his cattle’s genetics and increasing milk yield. Accessing top-tier breeding materials was initially a challenge, but Joseph found ways to overcome it, including sourcing semen from NAccRI and eventually starting his own breeding programs. This ability to innovate and adapt has been one of his greatest strengths.
Ijala Joseph believes strongly in the importance of family and community in any business. His family is not only involved in the day-to-day operations of the farm, but they are also an integral part of its growth. His children help out after school and are paid for their work, learning valuable skills that will serve them well in the future. Joseph’s brothers also own their own farms, empowered by the success of his business. He has made it his mission to ensure that everyone in his family plays a role in building the farm, ensuring its sustainability, and contributing to its ongoing success.
Furthermore, Joseph’s commitment to his community extends beyond his family. His network of farmers spans Uganda and beyond, and he continually seeks out ways to learn from those who have succeeded in similar ventures. He is constantly exchanging ideas with fellow farmers, eager to adopt new methods and refine his existing practices. It is through this continuous learning and networking that Ijala Joseph has been able to grow his business into what it is today.
His growth mindset is evident in his plans for the future. He recently acquired 35 hectares of land for expansion, a significant investment that will allow him to scale his operations even further. The president’s visit to his farm was a turning point, marking a significant milestone in his entrepreneurial journey. During the visit, a generous donor offered him free land, where he has already begun constructing a new farm that will house 150 cows. This expansion is not just about growing his business; it’s about providing more jobs, helping more farmers, and contributing to the development of the region.
Ijala Joseph’s farm, with its vast expansion plans, represents more than just a business. It’s a model of what’s possible when someone is willing to take risks, learn from others, and give back to their community. His work has already had a profound impact on his family, but his vision extends far beyond that. He envisions a future where his farm is not just a source of income for himself but a hub for innovation, education, and economic growth for the entire region.