Farmers in Kazo District are embracing a new era of agricultural productivity following the introduction of micro-irrigation systems under a government programme designed to boost food production and strengthen climate resilience in Uganda's cattle corridor.
The initiative, implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) with funding from the World Bank, is enabling farmers to produce crops throughout the year despite prolonged dry spells that have increasingly affected the district.
For decades, agriculture in Kazo largely depended on seasonal rainfall. However, the growing impact of climate change has made rainfall patterns more unpredictable, leading to frequent crop failures, food insecurity and declining household incomes.
To address these challenges, the Government of Uganda launched the Micro-Scale Irrigation Programme in 2024, targeting farmers engaged in high-value enterprises such as coffee, bananas, vegetables and fruit production.
Under the cost-sharing arrangement, the government covers 85 percent of the cost of irrigation equipment, while farmers contribute the remaining 15 percent, making the technology more affordable for smallholder farmers.
For Robert Mwebesa, a passion fruit farmer from Bwagonga Parish in Kanoni Sub-county, the irrigation system has completely transformed his farming practices.
"Before receiving the irrigation equipment, I depended entirely on rainfall. Whenever the dry season came, I would lose most of my crops. Today, I can irrigate my garden whenever necessary, harvest throughout the year and earn a steady income for my family," Mwebesa said.
Another beneficiary, Abel Betsiga of Bishozi Parish in Engari Sub-county, said the reliable water supply has significantly improved both the quality and quantity of his harvests.
"The irrigation system has increased my production and improved the quality of my bananas. Buyers now come directly to my farm because they know they will find quality matooke. I have also expanded the size of my plantation because I am confident I can sustain production," Betsiga said.
District production officials say the programme is already making a visible impact on agricultural productivity across Kazo.
Kazo District Principal Production Officer Zephrine Tumwesigye said the irrigation systems are helping farmers overcome the challenges posed by climate change while improving food security and household incomes.
"Micro-irrigation is transforming agriculture in Kazo. Farmers are no longer relying solely on rainfall to produce food. Continuous production means improved food security, higher incomes and stronger resilience against climate change. We encourage all beneficiaries to properly maintain the equipment so it can serve them for many years," Tumwesigye said.
The project's engineer and focal person, Innocent Twijukye, said the programme has generated overwhelming interest among farmers.
"The first phase of the project supported 49 farmers. The response has been very encouraging because beneficiaries are already seeing positive results. We hope that with additional government funding, more farmers will benefit during the second phase of implementation," Twijukye said.
District leaders believe expanding irrigation is key to transforming agriculture and reducing poverty in the area.
Kazo District LCV Chairperson Rev. Samuel Mugisha Katungunda said the project's success demonstrates the need for increased investment in irrigation technologies.
"This programme has shown that irrigation is one of the most practical solutions to the effects of climate change. We appeal to the government and development partners to expand the project so that more farmers, especially women and young people, can benefit and improve their livelihoods," Rev. Katungunda said.
As climate change continues to threaten rain-fed agriculture, many farmers in Kazo are increasingly turning to irrigation as the future of commercial farming. Beneficiaries say the technology has restored confidence in agriculture by guaranteeing year-round production, increasing household incomes and strengthening food security.
With demand for the programme steadily growing, local leaders and farmers are calling for additional funding to enable more households to benefit from the life-changing technology and contribute to sustainable agricultural development in Kazo District.