Farmers must worry about civil unrest
Successful farming can only be carried out in a peaceful environment. Crop production is mostly an open air enterprise in which crops are left in the field day and night. If weather conditions are favourable and the crop husbandry is good, the farmers expect good harvests.
Farmers also graze their animals in well selected areas where they are sure they will not be stolen or exposed to any harm.
Some farmers do what is known as zero-grazing of some animals such as pigs, goats and cows which they keep tied on ropes or kept in small enclosures in the backyard.
They closely monitor the welfare of the animals and birds, making sure they feed well and keep healthy.
We have begun experiencing the vagaries of Covid-19 which, according to the International Rescue Committee, could push 54 million more people in developing countries into hunger.
In addition to that, we are preparing for national elections that already promise to be violent given last week’s riots and loss of lives across the country.
If there is anything that farmers must worry about, it is civil unrest. It is not good for farming. Tear gas is painful and harmful to poultry, cattle, goats, sheep, bees, and pigs.
Bombs and gun shots can force farmers to flee their homes in their thousands, leaving behind their crop fields and livestock and ending up either displaced in their own country or refugees in foreign countries.
The best for farmers to do during this period is to exercise moderation. They should listen calmly to the various political contenders and judge who has the best plans for agriculture.
Farmers are expected to elect leaders that demonstrate readiness to sort out farming issues such as the high cost of agricultural inputs, substandard seeds, and crop diseases, among others.
They should expect and respect differences among them regarding the candidates of their choice. A famous Ugandan musician has sung: “Obululu tebutwawula!” (Elections must not divide us.) A husband may choose to support a different candidate from the one his wife supports but this should not be and cannot be the basis for divorce.
Mr Michael Ssali is a veteran journalist,
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