Adjumani Stakeholders demand community inclusion in climate-smart agriculture project
ADJUMANI, January 10, 2025 –– Stakeholders in Adjumani district have raised concerns regarding the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries [MAAIF] ‘s approach in implementing the Uganda Climate Smart Agriculture Transformation Project. The initiative, designed to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience, has identified Adjumani and the West Nile region for cultivating soybeans and mangoes. However, local leaders contend that these crops do not align with the community’s preferences or the region’s agricultural context.
At a recent stakeholder engagement meeting, Adjumani district leaders urged MAAIF to allow local communities to choose their preferred crops, as has been the practice in other projects. District Chairman Ben Anyama expressed dissatisfaction with the selected crops and stressed the importance of community-led decision-making.
“The crops you have chosen for us are not of our interest,” Anyama remarked. “You want Adjumani to grow mangoes and soybeans, but we would rather grow coffee and cassava. Where has mango farming eradicated poverty in West Nile? This decision reminds us of the colonial policies when cotton was imposed in the north while Buganda grew coffee.”
While Anyama supports the overall project, he called for transparency and the timely release of funds to ensure its success. He urged Dr. Godfrey Mamawi , the Adjumani District Production Officer and Project Coordinator, to work closely with local leaders and ensure appropriate allocation of resources.
“I want MAAIF to address three critical issues,” he said. “First, the Indicative Planning Figures [IPF] must be provided by January 2025 so that technical officers can plan accordingly. If the IPF is delayed, the project implementation will also be delayed, and remember, this is a six-year project, but two years have already been wasted.”
Anyama also suggested adopting community procurement systems, similar to those in other projects, to avoid delays caused by centralised procurement processes.
Josephine Masudio, an agroforestry farmer in the district, pointed out that crops such as coffee, cocoa, and bananas thrive in the area. She shared that she has planted 82 cocoa trees, three acres of coffee, 40 macadamia trees, and bananas. “We need to encourage the cultivation of crops like coffee, cocoa, and bananas to help our people overcome poverty,” Masudio remarked.
“Procurement done centrally has always caused problems for district technical officers during implementation,” she added.
Mamawi explained that the project aims to improve productivity in four key value chains: livestock, crops, aquaculture, and beneficial insects. He encouraged farmers to approach the initiative with a positive mindset, despite the requirement for a 20% co-funding contribution from beneficiaries.
“The objective is to improve productivity and livelihoods, putting more money in the pockets of beneficiaries. Farmers should welcome the project and work hard to achieve its goals,” Mamawi said.
Assistant Commissioner Mr. Yafesi Ogwang, from MAAIF, acknowledged the delays in the project’s implementation, citing challenges in accessing grant funding. He explained that the project, valued at $354.7 million, includes a US$ 25 million grant for refugee-hosting districts such as Adjumani.
“This is a six-year project, but two years have already been lost due to delays in accessing the funds,” Ogwang stated.
About the Climate Smart Agriculture Transformation Project
The Uganda Climate Smart Agriculture Transformation Project is a US$ 354.7 million initiative aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and resilience across 69 districts, including seven refugee-hosting districts such as Adjumani. Running from 2022 to 2027, the project has faced significant delays, resulting in frustration among local stakeholders.
As the project progresses, Adjumani stakeholders continue to push for greater community involvement, transparency, and alignment with local agricultural needs, hoping to maximise its potential benefits for farmers and the wider region.
https://thecooperator.news/illegal-charcoal-trade-shifts-to-boda-boda-and-buses-in-adjumani/
Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news
Views: 0
