Gloria Nalweyiso, a resident of Matugga in Wakiso, owns two dairy cows and struggles to secure enough water for both home use and her animals.
She explains that when her cows do not drink sufficient water, their milk production drops significantly. As a single mother of four, she relies on selling milk to support her family.
“If my cows don’t drink enough water, I don’t get enough milk to sell, making it difficult to provide for my children,” she laments.
As climate patterns become increasingly unpredictable, dry seasons pose a significant challenge for livestock farmers. Water shortages, dwindling pastures, and high temperatures threaten the health and productivity of animals. Without proper planning, farmers risk losing their livestock, which directly impacts their livelihoods.
However, with proper planning and strategic interventions, farmers can mitigate the challenges of dry seasons and ensure their animals remain healthy and productive. Some farmers have successfully implemented measures to safeguard their livestock, offering valuable lessons for others facing similar difficulties.
Building water reserves
William Ngania, a cattle keeper from Kuskong village in Kween district, recalls how his animals used to suffer due to extreme dryness.
“I lost several cows because of water scarcity,” he says.
“But I decided to dig a large dam to store water for the dry season.”
Ngania also invested in a walking tank, which his tractor uses to fetch water from distant sources and refill the dam.
This method has ensured a continuous water supply for his animals even during the driest months. Farmers who cannot dig large dams can construct small water reservoirs, use water storage tanks, or rely on boreholes to provide water when natural sources dry up.
Efficient water usage
Daniel Katumba, a poultry farmer, explains the struggles of keeping his birds hydrated during dry spells.
“Water shortages affect my chickens’ health and egg production. Without adequate water, layers produce fewer eggs, and broilers grow at a slower rate,” he says.
To address this, Katumba installed a rainwater harvesting system and built storage tanks to keep a reserve supply. He also uses automatic drinkers to minimise wastage.
Ruta Ngambwa, a famous and best farmer advises livestock farmers to prioritise water efficiency by using troughs that minimise spillage and covering stored water to reduce evaporation.
According to Ngambwa, reusing water where possible, such as for cleaning animal sheds, can help conserve this valuable resource.
Growing and storing animal feed
When pastures dry up, many animals suffer from malnutrition. To combat this, Jennifer Tumushabe, a dairy farmer from Kitagwenda district, has adopted a feed storage system.
“I plant drought-resistant fodder like elephant grass and store hay and silage before the dry season begins,” she says.
“This ensures my animals always have something to eat, even when there is no fresh pasture.”
Farmers can also grow high-protein plants like calliandra and lucerne, which provide essential nutrients. Crop residues, such as maize stalks and bean husks, can also be stored and used as supplementary feed during dry months. Ensuring proper storage methods, such as keeping fodder in well-ventilated barns, helps maintain its quality.
Providing shade and cooling measures
Peter Mubiru, a veterinary officer says high temperatures during dry seasons cause heat stress in animals, reducing their productivity and increasing their vulnerability to diseases.
“Farmers can counter this by providing shaded areas for their livestock. Planting trees, constructing shade structures, and ensuring proper ventilation in animal houses can significantly reduce heat stress”, Mubiru advises.
He explains that farmers with dairy cows can sprinkle water on them or install cooling fans in barns to maintain suitable temperatures. For poultry farmers, installing cooling systems and ensuring proper air circulation in chicken houses helps prevent heat-related deaths.
Health management and disease prevention
The dry season often comes with increased risks of disease outbreaks due to dust, heat, and scarcity of clean water. Farmers must vaccinate their animals in advance and maintain regular deworming schedules.
“I ensure my cows are vaccinated before the dry season starts,” says Ngania.
“This helps prevent disease outbreaks that often worsen in hot, dry conditions.”
Proper hygiene is also crucial. Farmers should keep animal houses clean, remove waste promptly, and provide clean drinking water to prevent infections. Regularly checking animals for signs of dehydration, such as sunken eyes and reduced appetite, can help detect problems early.
Mubiru says financial planning is essential for farmers to sustain their livestock through the dry season. Setting aside savings, securing agricultural loans, or joining farmers’ cooperatives can help cushion against unexpected expenses. Some farmers invest in insurance policies for their livestock to mitigate losses due to extreme weather conditions.
