Irrigation is the best alternative to Uganda’s rainfed agriculture, especially in a country where climate change has made rainfall increasingly unpredictable.
Irrigation ensures a steady supply of water, which helps farmers produce more food and makes a valuable contribution to the country’s economy.
This approach allows farmers to grow a variety of crops year-round, increasing their income and helping to ensure food security for communities.
In an effort to assist small-scale farmers in water-challenged areas, the Ugandan government initiated the Microscale Irrigation Program, designed to provide much-needed support to those who struggle to make the most of their agricultural potential.
The leadership of Lyantonde District is now urging the Ugandan government to reallocate unused funds from this program to areas that need them most.
Fred Muhangi, the Lyantonde Local Council (LCV) Chairperson for Lyantonde, stated that while some districts find it challenging to utilise their full budgets for irrigation, the demand for such support in Lyantonde is significant.
With the district situated in a dry cattle corridor, prolonged droughts have made effective irrigation not just beneficial but essential for local farmers who rely on consistent water access to thrive.
“Some districts are unable to absorb their allocated funds and end up returning them to the national treasury,” Muhangi said.”
In contrast, we have a strong community interest in irrigation technologies that could help us cope with prolonged droughts,” he added.Lyantonde District is located in a dry cattle corridor, making it particularly vulnerable to the effects of drought.
The district’s leaders believe that implementing effective irrigation systems is crucial for improving agricultural productivity.
The government, with support from the World Bank, has been providing assistance to farmers in selected districts to acquire irrigation equipment through a cost-sharing model.
Under this initiative, the government contributes between 60% and 75% of the cost of irrigation equipment, while farmers are responsible for the remaining balance.
However, many districts have struggled to fully utilise these funds.Recent reports from the auditor-general revealed that 37 districts failed to use UGX 28 billion from the total UGX 49.038 billion allocated for the small-scale irrigation program in the last financial year.
Muhangi is advocating for these unused funds to be transferred to districts like Lyantonde that are ready and able to make good use of them.
He also called for the excavation of more valley dams to support local communities during dry seasons.
Kenneth Twesigomye, the Lyantonde District Production Officer, stated that UGX 223 million has been allocated to the Microscale Irrigation Program for this financial year.
However, he noted that this amount falls short of the high demand, with many applications already received.
The call for reallocation comes amid suggestions from leaders in the Greater Masaka region to revise the program’s guidelines.
They propose operating it as a grant for progressive farmers rather than maintaining the current co-funding fees, which they say are too high for many to afford.
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