By Fred Muzaale
During prolonged dry spells, small-scale farmers face a critical decision to safeguard their livelihoods.
Currently, amid the unpredictable weather patterns and long droughts threatening rain-fed-farming, local authorities in Kayunga District are urging a shift to micro-irrigation to fight the effects of climate change and enhance crop yields throughout the year.
Mariam Kaberuka, the Kayunga deputy Resident district commissioner (RDC) said on Monday at the micro-scale irrigation program exhibition at Ntenjeru district headquarters that the irrigation method is good for its efficiency and sustainability.
“Because of climate change, we are now experiencing changes in weather patterns. Sometimes we experience long droughts and other times floods. This calls for change in the way we do our farming by embracing micro-scale irrigation” Kaberuka stated.
Kaberuka’s call to action is part of a broader initiative to equip farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to quickly adapt to the changing environment.
The micro-scale irrigation program under UGIFT is funded by the World Bank, and aims to introduce efficient water management techniques that can mitigate the impacts of drought and ensure consistent crop production across the country.
The program targets male and female farmers primarily benefiting smallholder farmers interested in transitioning from subsistence to more commercial agriculture.
Supporting these farmers creates a robust and economically viable agricultural sector in Kayunga district and the country at large.
Still, under the program, participating farmers are required to pay 25 percent of the total cost of the irrigation equipment with the remaining 75 percent paid by the government.
According to Kaberuka, this cost-sharing model is designed to make advanced irrigation technology accessible and affordable to farmers hence improving their incomes and livelihoods.
Zubeda Namwanje, the Kayunga District Senior Agricultural Engineer, revealed that a total of 654 farmers in the district had registered under the program but noted that only 116 had received irrigation equipment.
She noted that other registered farmers had not received the equipment because they had failed to pay their 25 percent cost-sharing portion.
Namwanje further urged the government to lower the farmers’ cost-sharing percentage to 5 percent to make it easy for more farmers to join the program.
Dr Charles Jga the Kayunga District Director For Production, stated that the primary objective of the micro-scale irrigation program main objective is to modernise agriculture to enhance agricultural productivity.
During the ceremony, local farmers and irrigation equipment suppliers showcased their products.
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