By Patrick Okino
Caritas Uganda, a faith-based agency has entered into partnership with the National Agricultural Research and Development institute to increase agriculture production, improve nutrition and strengthen income security food systems in Lango sub region and other parts of the country.
The director of Ngetta Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute based in Lira City East Division, Dr Laban Turyegenda said the project, Food Income and Livelihood Programme is a five year project targeting to reach out 6,300 households in the four districts in the sub region.
The districts according to Dr Turyegenda include Dokolo, Alebtong, Oyam and Otuke. A total of 900 farmers from each district will benefit from the project that will end in 2027.
Addressing farmers trained on climate smart agriculture, urban farming, horticulture and livestock farming, Dr Laban said the aim are to improve food security, market access, community resilience and adaptation of climate change.
Limited extension workers
He identified some of the challenges hindering farmers to produce enough food, as limited extension workers, lack of knowledge in using fertilizers, poor storage facilities and post-harvest handling.
Others include lack of knowledge on pest and disease control, identification, research linkages, soil degradation and limited skills in utilizing fertilizers.
“We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Caritas for five years and we expect them to help in the mobilization of farmers so that we improve on that,” he said.
Dr Laban said the project will work with agricultural training institutions to build the capacity of community based farmer animators and community farmer field schools to empower farmers through training and linkages to service providers.
Dr Laban was speaking to the first lot of 150 farmers also trained on aquaculture, mushroom growing, agroforestry, micro irrigation, apiary, pastures management and general agronomy.
Fr Velento Opio, the vicar general of Lira diocese urged farmers to apply the knowledge acquired to improve on their farming and generate income for their households.
He said farming is the bedrock of the economy and if the economy is to foster people should get engaged in commercial farming.
