Kakira Outgrowers Rural Development Fund (KORD) is a not-for-profit joint venture between farmers and KSL, with the objective of improving the quality of life of the farmer communities. Registered in 2005, KORD is the brainchild of Kakira Sugar Limited and the Busoga Sugarcane Growers Association. The initiative has won awards for being the best African NGO-business development partnership.
KORD administers a development fund to which both the outgrowers and KSL contribute. For every tonne of outgrower sugarcane that is crushed by Kakira, 250 Uganda shillings is deposited by the farmer, and 125 Uganda shillings by Kakira Sugar Limited. This money is then channelled to the development of key services in the outgrower areas.
For instance, since inception KORD has been responsible for the construction and maintenance of 55 kilometres of roads, specifically in swampy areas, to improve farmers’ access to the cane growing area. Further KORD has constructed a fuel station, for the convenient use of farmers. KORD has also built school classroom blocks, laboratories and health centres in the area. They are also responsible for the care and education of orphans and vulnerable children.
KORD has spent over US$ 1.5million since 2007 to build infrastructure and provide care. These activities include:
Facilitating over 1,000 orphans and vulnerable children to access formal education, training in modern farming and making basic household items.
Constructing maternity wards, outpatient clinics, counselling/laboratory blocks and facilitates community talk shows on malaria, HIV/AIDS, etc.
Building over 23 classrooms and 6 science laboratories to enhance education services
Rehabilitating community roads in swampy areas located in various districts of Busoga
