VIDEO: Impact of Uganda library service for farmers
EIFL has released a new video that shows how a local library equipped with laptops and the Internet helps farmers in Uganda improve their yields and incomes

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Public libraries serve as critical information and information and communication technology (ICT) access points for people in their communities.

EIFL has released a new video which highlights the impact on farmers in a small community in rural Uganda when the local library receives laptops and internet connections.

Bwera Information Centre (BIC) is a tiny rural library in Kasese District in Western Uganda, featured in the EIFL video.

Over 87% of Uganda’s 36 million people live in rural areas and are involved in farming, according to the World Bank. Without access to information about modern farming methods and equipment, many struggle to make a living.

Public libraries serve as critical information and information and communication technology (ICT) access points for people in their communities. There are over 130 public and community libraries spread across Uganda; however, many of these known and trusted information service providers do not have electricity, computers or internet connections.

Supported by a grant from the EIFL Public Library Innovation Programme (EIFL-PLIP), and led by the Maendeleo Foundation, Connect Uganda Project, installs solar panels in libraries to power android-based laptops and internet connections.

Librarians are now training farmers to use the computers and go online to look for the information they need – with remarkable results.

Watch the video now

Background 

Since 2010, EIFL-PLIP has supported 39 new and innovative public library services advancing community development in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe. Read more about the impact of EIFL-PLIP services. 

Every family living here needs food. If the farmers are not supported and have good produce you will not have food to eat
Sylvester Mapoze, Director of Bwera Information Centre (BIC)