Rainfall Reliance Ends for West Nile Farmers

  Key Information: Mr. Ivan Iya, the field agronomist at Loluwesi Smart Farm located in Toloro South Village, Vura Parish, Moyo D...

 

Key Information:

• Mr. Ivan Iya, the field agronomist at Loluwesi Smart Farm located in Toloro South Village, Vura Parish, Moyo District, mentioned that farmers still encounter difficulties including pests, diseases, and a lack of access to inexpensive loans.

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Due to the erratic weather conditions in West Nile, which are a result of climate change, depending solely on rainfall for farming is no longer viable for boosting crop production. Previously, farmers could readily anticipate the start of the rainy season.

Nevertheless, this is no longer true, as the area now faces unpredictable precipitation, occasionally too much, at other times too little, resulting in extended dry periods.

For years, West Nile used to get its initial rains in March, marking the beginning of the planting season, but this trend has now shifted.

The Moyo District, specifically, has experienced prolonged periods of drought from mid-December through April, a pattern observed throughout the sub-region. These difficulties are further worsened by significant poverty rates among farmers, most of whom are unable to afford advanced irrigation systems.

Their reliance on rain has made them susceptible to crop failure, lower production, and increasing food shortages. Consequently, farmers in West Nile are being advised to focus on water management for farming activities.

In the Moyo District, Ms. Anzoa Clara Ayaa, the Executive Director of Anzoa Fixed Farm, highlighted the significance of proper water management in securing food supplies, boosting agricultural output, and promoting economic resilience within an area that depends largely on rainfall for farming.

She mentioned that farmers ought to be encouraged to use cost-effective technologies like solar-powered irrigation, rainwater collection tanks, and community-managed water systems.

Mr. Innocent Ocaatre, the project coordinator with St Martin Comboni Missionaries in Palorinya Sub-county, highlighted the significance of irrigation, noting that it enables year-round vegetable cultivation.

"Through irrigation, crops can be cultivated continuously throughout the year. Moreover, greenhouses play a vital role in regions where growing vegetables outdoors is not possible," he explained.

He also encouraged farmers to adopt and implement the new technologies showcased at demonstration farms.

Persistent challenges

Mr. Ivan Iya, the field agronomist at Loluwesi Smart Farm located in Toloro South Village, Vura Parish, Moyo District, mentioned that farmers still encounter difficulties including pests, diseases, and lack of access to inexpensive loans.

"We are facing a significant issue, as certain Saccos impose steep interest rates, which makes it challenging for farmers to buy water-harvesting and irrigation equipment," he stated, urging commercial banks to provide agricultural loans to the area.

"There are aspiring farmers here who could succeed with the availability of financial assistance," he added. Dr Christopher Dratele, a Production Officer from Moyo District, mentioned that the district provides training to farmers in various groups, ranging from those not involved in the monetary system to those participating in value enhancement and exporting.

Nevertheless, he mentioned that the majority of farmers continue to rely on rainfall-based farming.

Looking ahead

Mr. Muddy Oyikuru, a project officer at the Agency for Community Empowerment, stated that the organization has trained 1,388 farmers up to now. He highlighted the importance of incorporating value-chain crops in the area by collaborating with other groups.

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