By Mike Rwothomio

Caritas Nebbi Catholic Diocese has unveiled plans to tackle water scarcity among farmers in the Greater Nebbi area, encompassing Zombo, Nebbi, and Pakwach Districts.

The faith-based organisation aims to lobby the central government for preferential support to poor farmers by providing irrigation equipment, emphasising the socio-economic well-being of the community.

During a one-day dialogue on “Water for Production,” held on October 31 at Nebbi Catholic Parish Hall, Caritas Nebbi, in collaboration with Caritas Uganda and sponsored by Caritas Norway, engaged local government officials, civil society organisations, and farmer groups from the Greater Nebbi area.

The discussion focused on strategies to improve farmers’ access to irrigation equipment, with proposals ranging from loan options, payable at the end of farming seasons, to free equipment for active farmers or model farmer groups.

Government Initiatives and Challenges

Despite the government’s past efforts to establish community irrigation schemes in the region, including Ogudu in Atyak Sub-County and Wadelai in Ragem Sub-County, many farmers have struggled to utilise these facilities fully. Factors such as high co-funding requirements and a lack of awareness have hindered their effectiveness.

The meeting concluded with 12 key resolutions to increase water for agricultural production. These include promoting sustainable water resource management, establishing robust monitoring systems, and fostering knowledge among stakeholders.

Participants recognised water scarcity as a serious threat to food security, necessitating immediate and coordinated action.

Addressing Climate Change Impacts

Uganda has been experiencing severe climate change effects, including unpredictable rainfall patterns, droughts, floods, and landslides. Caritas Nebbi Catholic Diocese plans to advocate for increased investments in irrigation facilities to buffer farmers against these challenges.

Onentho Godfrey Otwi from the Caritas Secretariat in Kampala highlighted the need for collaborative efforts between the government, NGOs, and farmer groups. He emphasized that practical, action-oriented solutions are crucial, noting that lamentation alone would not suffice.

“We plan to lobby the government for cost-effective procurement measures, including tax exemptions on irrigation equipment. The current arrangements are costly, contributing to high prices that many farmers cannot afford,” Onentho explained.

Supporting Farmers’ Needs

Joyce Piwa, a Caritas Nebbi board member and head of finance, underscored the importance of these initiatives in boosting agricultural productivity amid climate change.

“These resolutions will greatly assist our farmers, especially given the unpredictable weather patterns. Government initiatives have made progress, but as Caritas, we are committed to further supporting our farmers,” she stated.

She referenced recent support from Caritas Norway, which benefited farmer groups in Jangokoro and Panyimur. The provision of water for irrigation has significantly enhanced agricultural output in these areas.

Emmanuel Oyirwoth, an extension worker in Caritas Nebbi’s Livelihood Department, stressed that water is fundamental for agricultural success.

“To enhance agricultural productivity, food security, and economic growth, we must prioritize water for production, especially since most of our farmers depend on rain-fed agriculture,” he said.

Proposed Solutions and Community Engagement

Caritas Nebbi Catholic Diocese aims to increase awareness among farmers about available irrigation opportunities. The organization will promote environmental protection by encouraging tree planting along water catchment areas and gardens.

Additionally, they will advocate for financial institutions to provide soft loans and social corporate responsibility funds, enabling farmers to purchase government-subsidized irrigation equipment.

Consulate Angeyango, Senior Agricultural Engineer for Nebbi District, expressed gratitude for Caritas’s interventions. She acknowledged that co-funding requirements remain a significant barrier.

“Out of 23 farmers in Nebbi District who committed to co-funding irrigation projects, only 15 managed to pay in full,” she revealed.

Angeyango highlighted the region’s potential for irrigation, citing favourable climate conditions, available land, and the presence of skilled personnel.

She advised farmers to seek guidance from extension workers on irrigation techniques.

Voices from the Community

Local farmers expressed optimism about the new initiative. Deogracious Munguryek from Serr Parish, Abanga Sub-County in Zombo District, said the lack of funds for co-funding had been a major hurdle and called for more extensive sensitization efforts.

Alokcan Chris Okwir from Boro Parish, Panyimur Sub-County in Pakwach District, emphasized the importance of farmer organization. “We need to be grouped to benefit from this initiative,” he suggested.

Thiwe Anet from Acana Sub-County in Nebbi District noted that co-funding the existing schemes had been a challenge. She expressed hope that Caritas’s efforts would improve agricultural production.

Government’s Role and Future Outlook

The Ministry of Water and Environment has emphasized that water for production is crucial for agricultural modernization and poverty reduction. Their strategy includes bulk water transfer, water harvesting technologies, and irrigation development with minimal environmental impact.

Kakura Emmy Kizio, Executive Director of Life Concern in Zombo, praised Caritas’s strategy and stressed the need to prioritize crops with ready markets.

Paul Bwire Ogalo, Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Nebbi, urged farmers to stay organized. “When you are well-organized, the government is more likely to co-fund your projects,” he assured.

Ogalo also called for greater sensitization, encouraging farmers to actively participate in this initiative.

The collaborative efforts of Caritas Nebbi Catholic Diocese, government, and civil society organizations hold promise for a more resilient and productive agricultural sector in the Greater Nebbi area.