LIRA, January 21, 2025 – Despite the high costs of digging fish channels in rice fields, over 80 farmers in Lira district have already embraced the newly introduced integrated rice-fish farming system, which experts have hailed as a sustainable and climate-resilient farming method that promises to increase rice yields while providing an additional source of income to the farmers.
Integrated rice-fish farming involves cultivating rice and fish in the same field, either simultaneously or alternately. It is a method that aims to enhance productivity by utilising the symbiotic relationship between rice and fish. In Lira district, the approach is being piloted by the Food and Agriculture Organisation [FAO] in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries [MAAIF], and the local authorities.
The project’s goal is to protect the environment, ensure the sustainable use of wetlands, and improve the livelihoods of farmers by increasing both rice and fish production.
A Sustainable farming approach
To implement rice-fish farming, farmers dig channels within their rice fields, which are then filled with water to enable fish rearing. Although the process is costly, with the excavation of a fish ponds or channels requiring significant investment, farmers are optimistic about the potential benefits. The initiative is supported by both the Ugandan and Chinese governments.
Walter Osako, a rice-fish farmer from Awiodyek Subcounty in Lira, is excited about the prospects of this farming method, noting that it will increase his household income by enabling him to profit from both rice and fish. He has already planted rice seedlings and stocked 2,000 catfish and 2,000 tilapia fingerlings for the upcoming season.
“This is a more sustainable way of farming. While the fish may take about six months to mature, by that time, you will have harvested rice twice,” Osako said. “Fish waste helps fertilise the soil, and fish consume pests that threaten rice crops. It’s a win-win situation.”
Osako has already harvested 300 kilogrammes of rice from just two kilos of seeds and expects to harvest his fish by April this year.
Another farmer, Bosco Ojok, from Oyere village, Ober Parish, Bar Subcounty, shares Osako’s enthusiasm. Ojok has already harvested 420 kilogrammes of rice from a small piece of land in a wetland and is looking forward to earning a substantial income from his produce.
Economic and environmental benefits
Rashid Ebonga, the Agricultural Officer for Amac Subcounty, emphasised that integrated rice-fish farming not only benefits farmers economically but also plays a key role in protecting wetlands. He noted that, following the success of the pilot projects, more farmers in Lira district are expected to adopt this method to improve their livelihoods.
“We’ve seen positive results from the pilot projects, with some farmers harvesting tonnes of rice. We want more farmers to embrace this farming method, as it holds the potential to improve their livelihoods and reduce poverty,” Ebonga said.
However, he acknowledged the challenges farmers face, such as the cost of digging fish channels and obtaining the necessary authorisation to use wetland areas for farming. “Digging a standard fish pond costs around Shs 3.5 million, and obtaining the necessary recommendations from local authorities to farm in the wetland costs about Shs 150,000,” he said.
A Global partnership for sustainable aquaculture
Aquaculture experts believe that Uganda’s future lies in sustainable aquaculture, which can play a crucial role in ensuring food security, boosting economic growth, and reducing poverty. In this regard, Uganda has partnered with China to harness the potential of sustainable aquaculture to feed a growing population while preserving the country’s water resources and environment.
At the China-Uganda Friendship Agricultural Technological Demonstration Centre [UCFATDC] in Kajjansi, Uganda’s Wakiso district, Ugandan and Chinese experts have pioneered a USD 12 million rice-fish culture project, with Lira district as one of the beneficiaries. This partnership, part of the South-South Cooperation programme, is supported by both the FAO and the Chinese government.
According to Chinese aquaculture expert Chen Taihua, who oversees the project at Kajjansi, the rice-fish culture initiative aims to utilise centuries-old farming practices to improve yields, increase farmers’ income, create an ecological agricultural system, and protect the environment.
“Rice-fish cultures help lessen the environmental impact of agricultural chemicals and make rice farming more profitable,” Chen explained. He further noted that the initiative provides a global network of expertise, training, and tools to share with local farmers to expand the practice throughout Uganda and other parts of Africa.
The project includes training courses and workshops for fish farmers and aquaculture enthusiasts, followed by pilot activities. Once these pilots are monitored and evaluated, the rice-fish farming model will be scaled up across the country.
Impact and future prospects
The rice-fish system has proven to be effective, with average yields of 6.7 to 7.5 tonnes of rice per hectare and up to 2.25 tonnes of fish per hectare. According to Chen, this method significantly improves fish fertilisation rates, survival rates of catfish fingerlings, and farmers’ uptake of the system, all of which lead to increased incomes.
Dr. Papius Magara Tibihika, Head of the Aquaculture Research and Development Centre, believes that with innovative research, community-driven projects, and regional collaboration, Africa has the potential to become a global leader in sustainable aquaculture.
Project overview
The rice-fish farming project, backed by an investment of over USD 10 million from Uganda, USD 2.4 million from China, and supported by the FAO, is aimed at benefiting 9,600 farmers, including 3,000 women, 1,000 livestock farmers, and 100 fish farmers. The project will also facilitate the production of more than 10 million fish fingerlings, the production of 15 metric tonnes of fish feed, and the establishment of at least 100 rice-fish culture farms.
Farmers in 30 districts, including Lira, are receiving inputs, technical assistance, and training from Chinese experts. The project has already extended its influence to other districts such as Alebtong, Amuria, Apac, Budaka, Bugiri, Bukedea, and many more.
Project Timeline
Since its launch in 2012, the project has entered its third phase, which began in late 2023. This phase focuses on increasing the involvement of women and youth in aquaculture.
The integrated rice-fish farming system is demonstrating its potential to improve farmers’ yields, increase their incomes, and protect the environment. With continued support and investment, it holds the promise of transforming Uganda’s agricultural sector and enhancing food security for the growing population.
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