NEBBI, December 18, 2024 — The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries [MAAIF] has officially launched the Uganda Climate-Smart Agricultural Transformation Programme in the West Nile region, aiming to enhance food security, and livelihoods of the local people.
During the launch at the Nebbi Community Social Centre [NECOSOC] on Friday, Assistant Commissioner for Agro-Business at MAAIF, Yafesi Ogwang, explained that the US$ 354.7 million World Bank co-funded project aims to integrate climate-smart agricultural practices that will boost productivity and increase resilience in agricultural enterprises.
Ogwang pointed out that challenges such as prolonged droughts, pests, and diseases continue to threaten crops, livestock, and fisheries across the country.
“As you are all aware, agriculture is the backbone of our economy, providing employment to the majority of our people and playing a vital role in food security and livelihoods. The development objective of this project is to increase productivity, market access, and resilience in selected crop value chains, as well as in livestock and fisheries,” Ogwang stated.
He further revealed that the Uganda Climate-Smart Agricultural Transformation Programme will be rolled out in the districts of Nebbi, Zombo, Yumbe, and Adjumani in West Nile. The project will focus on crops such as coffee, cocoa, mango, Hass avocado, cassava, and maize, as well as livestock, beekeeping, and the rearing of black soldier flies, among other initiatives.
Levi Nyakuni, the District Production Officer for Nebbi, expressed gratitude to MAAIF for launching the programme in the region, emphasising that it would enhance agricultural productivity and improve resilience to climate change.
Nyakuni highlighted that the project marks a bold step by the government, through MAAIF, towards achieving sustainable agriculture that will transform the livelihoods of millions of farmers in West Nile.
Geoffrey Okello, the LCV Vice Chairperson for Nebbi district, reiterated the district’s readiness to fully embrace and implement the project.
“As Nebbi district, I can confirm that it is our responsibility to mobilise our farmers to embrace this newly launched project. We firmly believe that it will play a significant role in increasing agricultural productivity, improving market access, and strengthening resilience in key agricultural sectors in Nebbi District,” Okello stated.
https://thecooperator.news/kasese-farmers-harness-climate-smart-technology-to-enhance-agriculture/
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