The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), on 9th December 2024, commenced stakeholder engagements that will result in the effective implementation of the Uganda climate-Smart Agricultural Transformation Project in the 69 Districts across the country.
Value chain leaders from MAAIF Departments, NARO, NAGRC&DB, and Metrological Department have engaged in District-based discussions that will unite stakeholders from across the districts to collaborate, exchange ideas, and strategize on the effective implementation of the project in their respective areas.
In his remarks during the stakeholder’s discussions at Kyegegwa district headquarters, Alex Asiimwe the Deputy project coordinator who also represented the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries and the National Project Coordinator-UCSATP, in Rwenzori sub-region told participants that unlike in the past, where stakeholder engagements were limited to a few officials at the regional level, MAAIF has now shifted focus to district-level engagements.
He explained that this approach will allow the Ministry to bring together all key stakeholders at the district level and ensure inclusivity and a stronger foundation for collaboration, saying, “This engagement is especially significant, as it unites the critical players who will drive the success of Uganda Climate Smart Agriculture Transformation Project at the grassroots level.”
In addition, he noted that the agricultural sector faces immense challenges due to climate change, which continues to threaten crops, livestock, fisheries, and the very ecosystems that sustain them. Unpredictable rainfall, prolonged droughts, pests, and diseases are just some of the realities Ugandans face daily.
“In response to these challenges, the MAAIF has come up with strategies to address such challenges, and this project has been designed as a comprehensive program of such strategy to promote Climate Smart Agriculture, which aims to increase agricultural productivity sustainability, build resilience to climate shocks, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions wherever possible,” Asiimwe said.
He also remarked that the project will support ten (10) crop value chains, including coffee, cocoa, mango, citrus, hass avocado, cashew nuts, cassava, soybeans, sorghum, and maize, and therefore urged farmers and leaders to embrace and give the project all the necessary support in the District.
“Other value chains we intend to support as a project are Dairy and Beef, Fish capture and aquaculture, and beneficial insects, which include Bees and Black soldier flies (larvae),” he added.
The project is supported by the World Bank and the government of Uganda and is being implemented in 69 districts, of which seven (7) will be refugee-hosting districts and communities.
“Our main objective is to increase production and productivity, market access and resilience of the crop value chains and to respond promptly and effectively to an eligible crisis or emergency in the selected Districts,” Asiimwe noted.
John Byamukama Kisoke, the LC5 chairperson for Kyegegwa District, welcomed the project in his District and urged farmers to embrace it and give it the support it needs.
In addition, he urged the district leaders to properly guide their farmers on the enterprise selection in their sub-counties. “Don’t choose more than one value chain because even other sub-counties are supposed to be given the opportunity.”
Byamukama commended MAAIF for this initiative and pledged total support to the project, saying, “This is a very good project; our people are going to benefit more from it, so let us support it.”
The implementing Districts include the North-eastern dry lands of the Karamoja region covering the districts of Abim, Kaabong, Kotido, Nakapiripirit, Napak, and Moroto. North-eastern savannah grasslands – Lango region covering the districts of Apac, Dokolo, Amolatar, Oyam, Alebtong, Otuke.
East Acholi region: This will cover the districts of Agago, Kitgum, Pader, Nwoya, Omoro, and Lamwo. Kyoga plains – Teso, Bukedi, and northern Busoga region covering the districts of Bukedea, Kaberamaido, Katakwi, Kumi, Ngora, Serere, Kalaki, Budaka, Butaleja, Kibuku, Pallisa, Tororo, Iganga, Mayuge, Buyende, Kamuli, and Kaliro.
Western Highlands, southern highlands, southern drylands, and Lake Albert crescent region covering the districts of Isingiro, Kazo, Kiruhura, Sheema and Mitooma, Bundibugyo, Kamwenge, Ntoroko, Kabarole, Kyegegwa, Kabale, Rukungiri, Rubanda, Kisoro, Kibaale, Kiryandongo, Kakumiro, Kikuube, and Mubende.
Eastern (Elgon) highlands (Bugisu and Sebei region covering the districts of Bulambuli, Bududa, Mbale, Sironko, and Kween)
Central region covering the districts of Nakasongola, Butambala, Kyankwanzi, Nakaseke, Gomba, and Sembabule. North-western highlands (the West Nile region covering the districts of Adjumani, Zombo, Nebbi, and Yumbe).
About The Author
