Irrigation: ASARECA launches training programme for smallholder farmers in Kasese

KASESE, October 27, 2024 — The Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa [ ASARECA ] recently initiated a training program for smallholder farmers in the Mubuku Irrigation Scheme, Kasese district. The programme aims to enhance farmers’ ability to cultivate small plots intensively and adapt to climate-related challenges.

The training of trainers focused on using climate-smart moisture and nutrient monitoring tools. This initiative is part of the “Accelerating Impacts for CGIAR Climate Research in Africa” project, conducted in partnership with the Alliance of Biodiversity International and the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture [CIAT].

Funded by the World Bank, the project seeks to build the technical, institutional, and human capacity necessary for transferring climate-relevant information, decision-making tools, and technologies to farmers across the region. CGIAR is a global consortium of international agricultural research centers.

Julian Barungi, Programme Officer for Policy at ASARECA, noted that water scarcity, limited technical knowledge, and the high cost of irrigation equipment present significant challenges to agriculture in Eastern and Central Africa. She emphasised that effective irrigation is crucial for boosting agricultural productivity amid climate change. Many farmers tend to over-irrigate due to a lack of understanding, leading to nutrient leaching and inefficient water use.

Barungi expressed optimism that the new soil moisture and nutrient monitoring tools will help farmers utilise water sources more efficiently, reducing waste and increasing crop yields while minimising conflicts over water at the irrigation scheme level. “Global warming and climate change are reducing water availability. Kasese, like other areas, faces prolonged droughts, so it’s essential for farmers to utilize these tools to minimise losses and increase yields,” she added.

ASARECA is promoting innovations that enable farmers to manage water resources sustainably by providing tools to measure precisely how much water crops need. The organisation is scaling up the use of smart moisture and nutrient monitoring tools, including the Chameleon Sensor Array and nutrient color test strips, specifically for smallholder farmers in the Mubuku Irrigation Scheme.

Barungi mentioned that ASARECA has gathered select farmers, extension workers, experts from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries [MAAIF], the National Agricultural Research Organisation, and local government officials. The goal is for these trained participants to pass on their knowledge to other farmers, creating a trickle-down effect throughout the community.

Kasese District Production Officer, Julius Baluku acknowledged that water rationing has caused conflicts among farmers in the irrigation scheme. He expressed optimism that the introduction of these technologies would enable farmers to use only the necessary water for their crops, thereby minimising disputes.

Currently, over 600 farmers utilise the Mubuku Irrigation Scheme for their agricultural activities.

Dr. Isaac R. Fandika, Chief Agricultural Research Scientist, explained that the Chameleon Sensor Array measures soil moisture, indicating when to irrigate, while the wetting front detector signals when to stop. He also noted that nitrogen levels in the soil can be assessed using the Nitrogen strip, and soil salinity can be measured with the Chameleon EC meter.

Titus Nuwamanya, principal engineer for irrigation and drainage in MAAIF, stated that the training is timely, given the challenges posed by global warming and climate change.

He cited MAAIF’s collaboration with the private sector to support farmers in minimising water usage while maximising production. “Proper irrigation is not just about adding more water but understanding how much is actually needed. We will continue to monitor the implementation of these tools to ensure their sustainability,” he added.

ASARECA is an intergovernmental sub-regional organisation comprising 15 member states, including Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Kenya, and Madagascar. This training initiative is part of a broader effort to address water and climate-related agricultural challenges in the region, ensuring that smallholder farmers are better equipped to sustain their livelihoods.

https://thecooperator.news/ugandan-okori-appointed-new-ruforum-executive-secretary/