As unpredictable weather patterns continue to affect agricultural production in Kayunga District, an increasing number of farmers are embracing small-scale irrigation to sustain crop production despite prolonged dry spells and unreliable rainfall.
For decades, both crop farmers and livestock keepers across the district have suffered losses caused by harsh weather conditions, with seasons of drought becoming more frequent. While irrigation has proved to be an effective climate adaptation measure, its high installation costs remain a major obstacle for many smallholder farmers.
George William, a retired civil servant who ventured into commercial coffee farming at Kiryammuli Village in Kayunga Sub-county after taking early retirement, says farming has become increasingly difficult because rainfall is no longer dependable.
"Agriculture is becoming very difficult because the rains are no longer reliable. We receive minimal rainfall throughout the year, making it impossible to depend on natural rains alone. Without irrigation, many farmers are counting losses," William said.
He blamed the changing weather on widespread deforestation and irresponsible tree cutting, saying the destruction of forests has exposed the district to extreme heat and prolonged drought.
"Trees have been cut down without replacement, and today we are paying the price. The hot weather is affecting crop production, yet only a few farmers can afford irrigation systems," he added.
William appealed to the government to revive funding under the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers Programme (UgIFT) Small-Scale Irrigation Programme to enable more farmers to access affordable irrigation technologies.
"Government should resurrect funding for the UgIFT Small-Scale Irrigation Programme and support farmers with irrigation equipment and reliable water sources. Water is now the biggest challenge in fighting poverty through agriculture," he said.
One of the farmers whose livelihood has been transformed by the programme is Joel Onyango of Misanga Village in Galiraya Sub-county. Onyango acquired a solar-powered irrigation system during the introduction of the UgIFT Small-Scale Irrigation Programme after overcoming financial challenges to raise the required 25 percent co-funding.
Initially unable to afford his contribution, Onyango secured a bank loan, enabling him to qualify for the irrigation equipment.
Two years later, he says the investment has completely transformed his farming enterprise.
"At first, raising the 25 percent contribution was difficult, but I took a bank loan because I believed irrigation would change my life. Today, I can plant throughout the year, even during severe dry spells, and I still harvest good yields," Onyango said.
He noted that continuous production has not only guaranteed food for his family but has also increased his household income through the sale of surplus produce.
"The surplus from my harvests has improved my family's income. Irrigation has given me confidence because I no longer wait for the rains before planting," he added.
Farmers argue that expanding access to irrigation will improve agricultural productivity, strengthen food security and reduce poverty across Kayunga District, where agriculture remains the main source of livelihood for most households.
They are also calling for intensified environmental conservation efforts, including tree planting and the protection of wetlands and water catchment areas, saying restoring the district's ecosystem is essential to improving rainfall patterns and ensuring sustainable agricultural production in the future.
Experts have increasingly identified small-scale irrigation as a critical climate adaptation strategy, particularly for rural communities that depend heavily on rain-fed agriculture. In districts such as Kayunga, where changing weather patterns have become more pronounced, farmers say access to affordable irrigation technologies could determine the future of agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.
