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Arua’s Female Farmer Turns Urban Farming into a Thriving Enterprise, Aims to Lead Sunflower Oil Production in West Nile
By Matata Benzamin
Arua: Monday, February 16, 2025
In the heart of Arua City, a woman’s passion for farming has turned into a thriving business empire.
Caroline Lilly Ocanda, a 56, is an urban farmer who has defied the odds to build a successful agribusiness on just one and a half acres of land.
From fish farming to sunflower growing and its oil production, her company, New Beginning Investment Limited, is not only transforming her life but also creating opportunities for the community and saving the environment.
A Childhood Passion that Grew into a Vision
Ocanda’s love for agriculture was instilled in her from childhood. Growing up, she watched her parents rely on farming as their primary source of food and income. Despite training as a social worker, her heart remained in farming.
“I knew that farming was rewarding because it fed our family. That’s why I chose to invest my time and resources into it,” she says.
Horticulture: Turning Unproductive Land into a Goldmine
The land she cultivates was once considered barren, but Ocanda saw its potential. Using organic manure from a dairy farm, she has transformed the soil into fertile ground for sunflower, tomatoes, cabbages, onions, spinach, strawberries, and other vegetables.
“People used to dismiss this land, but with proper care, it has become one of the most productive spaces in the area,” she explains.
She has even set up a greenhouse to ensure year round vegetable production, with tomatoes currently thriving in it.
Adding Value: Sunflower Oil and Cosmetics Production
A killo of dry sunflower costs UGX.800 and so to increase her earnings, Ocanda ventured into value addition, producing sunflower cooking oil that fetches her UGX.7,000 a litre.
Ocanda’s journey into value addition began five years ago when she acquired a cold pressing machine. Initially meant for processing shea butter, she realized it could also extract oil from sunflower and soybeans. Today, she distributes sunflower seeds to farmers and buys their harvest for oil pressing.
“My goal is to increase sunflower production in the region and supply high-quality sunflower oil beyond West Nile,” she says.
Through her mini-factory, Ocanda also produces soaps, creams, and jellies from shea butter, making them affordable for the local market.
Other Enterprises That Contribute To Sunflower Oil Production
Fish Farming
Three years ago, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ocanda realized the need to diversify. She also ventured into fish farming, constructing two ponds.
Starting with 1,000 tilapia fish, her stock has now grown to over 4,000. She is preparing to introduce catfish in the second pond.
“I realized that the valley my mother used for farming was underutilized, so I turned it into a fish farm,” Ocanda shares.
Dairy Farming: A New Chapter
Last year, Ocanda expanded into dairy farming, acquiring three heifers that have been artificially inseminated. She anticipates beginning milk production later this year, adding another revenue stream to her growing business of sunflower oil production.
“Dairy farming is very lucrative, and I am determined to make it a success,” she stated.
Impacting Lives: Employment and Youth Empowerment
With 14 permanent employees and over 20 casual laborers, Ocanda is creating job opportunities for many. She also trains youth and women in farming and agribusiness.
“Youth unemployment is a big challenge. I want my farm to be a training ground for young people to gain skills and start their own enterprises,” she says.
A Model for Sustainable Farming
Ocanda embraces organic farming, using manure from her cows and goats instead of artificial fertilizers. She keeps detailed records to track profitability and ensures sustainability in all her enterprises.
“I practice what I teach. Record-keeping helps me know whether I am making a profit or not,” she emphasizes.
Challenges and Future Aspirations
Despite her success, Ocanda faces challenges, including unreliable workers and unpredictable weather. Water supply remains a major concern, but she is determined to find solutions.
Her future plans include acquiring more land to end reliance on customary land whose acquisition is tied to patriarchal practices of inheritance. She hopes that the additional acquisition would hep in expanding sunflower oil production, and turning her farm into a training center for young farmers.
Inspiring a New Generation of Farmers
Many young people have already been inspired by Ocanda’s journey.
“Working with her has taught me a lot. I am now planning to grow sunflowers so I can supply her factory,” says Vivian Edezuyo, a 23-year-old employee.
Gerald Apangu, one of the youth trained by Ocanda, credits her with changing his life. “She is a real mentor who genuinely wants to uplift others,” he says.
As she continues to break barriers in agribusiness, Ocanda is proof that passion, innovation, and resilience can turn even the smallest piece of land into a thriving enterprise.
Her story is not just about farming; it is about transforming lives and building a sustainable future for West Nile.
This story is done with support from InfoNile and Palladium.
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