In the heart of Serere District, Uganda, lies Teifa Farm, a beacon of hope and transformation inspired by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s Four-Acre Model. The story of Joseph Ijara, the farm’s proprietor, serves as a testament to the power of resilience and vision, proving that even humble beginnings can yield remarkable success.
Eleven years ago, Mr. Ijara was a taxi driver in Soroti, living a modest life with limited prospects. One day, curiosity led him to attend a rally where President Museveni spoke passionately about the Four-Acre Model and strategies to improve household incomes.
This message struck a chord with Mr. Ijara, sparking a journey that would forever change his life.
Soon after the rally, Mr. Ijara was unexpectedly fired from his taxi job. Initially, he felt lost and angry, but he decided to take a leap of faith. Owning just 2.5 acres of inherited land and a few chickens, he invested in a small incubator and began expanding his poultry farm. His hard work paid off as his flock grew to 1,500 chickens.
However, challenges arose. The income from selling local chickens was insufficient, prompting Mr. Ijara to transition to layer chickens. With the profits from egg sales, he ventured into dairy farming, starting with four cows. Leveraging artificial insemination and veterinary support, his herd grew significantly, setting the stage for further diversification.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unforeseen difficulties, with soap prices soaring in Serere. Seizing this opportunity, Mr. Ijara sold his non-laying chickens, purchased a soap-making machine, and trained his staff in production. This initiative not only sustained his business during tough times but also added another layer of success to his farm.
Today, Teifa Farm spans 35 acres and is a thriving, diversified enterprise. It produces 319 liters of milk daily, with much of it used to make yoghurt and ghee. Mr. Ijara earns an annual net income of 500 to 600 million Ugandan shillings and employs 38 people. Beyond economic gains, he has become a mentor, training local farmers in value addition, cattle management, and soap-making.
Mr. Ijara attributes his success to President Museveni’s Four-Acre Model, which advocates maximizing small landholdings with high-value crops and livestock. The model recommends dedicating one acre each to coffee, fruits, pasture for dairy, and food crops, while utilizing backyards for poultry, pigs, or fish farming. Mr. Ijara emphasizes that determination and practical action are crucial. “Start from where you are,” he urges. “The President’s message changed my mindset, and that made all the difference.”
President Museveni, during his visit to Teifa Farm, commended Mr. Ijara’s journey as a shining example of the model’s potential. Highlighting the importance of self-sufficiency and strategic choices, the President encouraged Ugandans to follow Mr. Ijara’s example.
This success story underscores the transformative power of mindset shifts, strategic planning, and determination. For Mr. Ijara, losing his taxi job once felt like misfortune, but it turned out to be the catalyst for an extraordinary transformation. His journey is proof that, with the right approach, any Ugandan can thrive, no matter their starting point.
