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Adjumani locals demand inclusion in climate smart agriculture

Mr Richard Lematia, a climate smart agriculture practitioner in Arua district shows how it's done. PHOTO | CLEMENT ALUMA.

What you need to know:

  • At a recent engagement meeting, Adjumani district leaders expressed their dissatisfaction with MAAIF's decision to designate the district and West Nile region to grow soybeans and mangoes

Locals in Adjumani district are speaking out against the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries' (MAAIF) approach to implementing the Uganda Climate Smart Agriculture Transformation Project. The project, valued at $354.7 million (about Shs1.3 trillion), aims to boost agricultural productivity and resilience across 69 districts, including Adjumani.

At a recent engagement meeting, Adjumani district leaders expressed their dissatisfaction with MAAIF's decision to designate the district and West Nile region to grow soybeans and mangoes. District chairman Mr Ben Anyama argued that these crops do not align with the community's preferences and agricultural context.

"The enterprise you have selected for us is not of our interest," Mr Anyama stated. "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 colonial policies when cotton was imposed on the North while Buganda grew coffee."

He emphasised the need for community-led decisions, saying, "We should be allowed to select our preferred crops, just like in other projects. Why should MAAIF impose crops on us without our consent?"

Ms Josephine Masudio, an agroforestry farmer in the district, echoed Anyama's sentiments, saying, "We need to encourage the cultivation of crops like coffee, cocoa, and bananas to help our people overcome poverty. These crops are suitable for our climate and soil, and they have a ready market."

Dr Godfrey Mamawi, the district production officer and project coordinator, explained that the project aims to improve productivity in four key value chains: livestock, crops, aquaculture, and beneficial insects. However, he acknowledged that the project's implementation has been slow due to delays in accessing grant funding.

Assistant commissioner in the ministry of agriculture Mr Yafesi Ogwang also acknowledged the delays, saying, "We are working to address the challenges and ensure that the project is implemented successfully. We value the input of the local community and will take their concerns into consideration."

Mr Anyama urged MAAIF to address three critical issues, including the timely release of indicative planning figures (IPF) to ensure the project's success.

"I want MAAIF to address three critical issues," Mr Anyama said. "First, the indicative planning figures (IPF) must be provided by January 2025 so that technical officers can plan on time. If the IPF delays, the project implementation will also delay, and remember, this is a six-year project, but two years have already been wasted."

Mr Anyama also emphasised the need for transparency and accountability in the project's implementation, saying, "We need to know how the funds are being used and what progress is being made. We cannot just sit back and watch as our district is left behind."