The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has commenced stakeholders engagements that will result into 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 are now 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.
During the stakeholders 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 said this approach will allow the Ministry to bring together all key stakeholders at the district level, ensure inclusivity and a stronger foundation for collaboration.
“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”. He said.
He added 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.
Others he said include Unpredictable rainfall, prolonged droughts, pests and diseases as some of the realities Ugandans face daily.
“In response to these challenges, 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 added that the project will support ten (10) crop value chains, and urged farmers and leaders to embrace and give the project all the necessary support in the District.
He said the ten selected crop value chains includes; Coffee, Cocoa, Mango, Citrus, Hass Avocado, Cashew Nuts, Cassava, Soybeans, Sorghum and Maize.
“Other value chains we intend to support as a Project are Dairy and Beef, Fish capture and aquaculture, beneficial insects which include Bees and Black soldier flies (larvae)”. He said.
Asiimwe said the project is supported by World Bank and Government of Uganda and is being implemented in 69 Districts of which seven (7) will 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 to promptly and effectively to an eligible crisis or emergency in the selected Districts”. He said.
Meanwhile, Byamukama Kisoke John the LC5 chairperson for Kyegegwa District, welcomed the project in his District and urged farmers to embrace and give it the support it needs.
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”. He said.
Byamukama commended MAAIF for this initiative and pledged total support to the project. He described UCSATP as a very good project which he said will benefit people and urged everyone to support it.
THE DISTRICTS
The implementing Districts include;
North-eastern dry lands: (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, 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, 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*, Mubende)
Eastern (Elgon) highlands (Bugisu and Sebei region covering the districts of Bulambuli, Bududa, Mbale, Sironko, 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).
