Floras Best Greenhouses LTD.
In 2019, Frank and Stephan had the idea to build greenhouses in Uganda for higher-yielding vegetable cultivation in order to increase the supply of the Ugandan market with quality produce. With their enclosed cultivation area, greenhouses ensure that the vegetables are protected from weather impacts as well as from pests and diseases. In addition, season-independent production is possible, which secures the food supply all year round. As a prerequisite for this type of vegetable cultivation, which is rather uncommon in Uganda, experts were needed, but they were not available.
Then they had the first contact with Bukalasa Agriculture College (BAC) in 2019 to discuss the possibility of training for their future employees. To provide in-depth training, they built three greenhouses on the college premises in June 2020 and employed 10 graduates of the college as workers. They were to complete the specifically developed training course in the new greenhouses and then operate other greenhouses at other locations.
Starting this project as a company and collaborating with the BAC has opened up a few challenges that need to be worked out. Obtaining all necessary materials, both to erect greenhouses (metal components, foil, etc.) and to grow crops (seeds, organic fertilizer, etc.) has been difficult at times. Furthermore, setting up a curriculum that teaches all necessary skills to both work in and manage a greenhouse is in constant optimization and actualization, reflecting the arising challenges we face with the progress of the project.
Floras Best is currently building up capital to expand the new training facility. The goal of effective practical training is pursued by us particularly consistently because it has turned out to be the core problem of Ugandan agriculture – especially in innovative vegetable cultivation. The need for skilled workers is very high and the possibilities to run greenhouses profitably in Uganda are extremely advantageous. This project has also attracted a lot of attention in Germany and made Uganda interesting for many medium-sized entrepreneurs.
However, the long-term goal and the actual business purpose of Floras Best Greenhouses LTD remains the operation of many greenhouses throughout Uganda with self-trained professionals who produce high-quality vegetables for the Ugandan and East African market.
The planned demonstration facility is only for training purposes, but is expected to be economically self-sustaining after two years at the latest, since we recognize that, to be long-term sustainable and engaging for the students, they need to see and experience the implications and consequences of running an economically sef-sustaining greenhouse that is meant as a training ground for future Floras Best greenhouse managers and independent farmers with the education they received at the Bukalasa Agricultural College.
