WAKISO – FAO Uganda, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF), on Monday handed over 55 walking tractors to farmers in Karamoja. This initiative aims to boost the region’s capacity to open land and increase food production.
The equipment was handed over at the National Agricultural Mechanization Referral Centre in Namalere, Wakiso District. This ceremony was part of the “Fostering Sustainability and Resilience for Food Security in the Karamoja Sub-region” (F-SURE) project, which aims to improve agricultural productivity and resilience in the region.
Dr. Antonio Querido, Outgoing FAO Country Representative in Uganda, emphasized the significance of mechanization in transforming Africa’s agri-food system. “This equipment will revolutionize the lives of its recipients. We firmly believe mechanization is key to transforming Africa’s agri-food system. For too long, we’ve relied on manual tools like the hand hoe, resulting in inefficient production systems,” he said.
The project, designed in collaboration with MAAIF, UNDP, and FAO, addresses pressing challenges in regions like Karamoja. “Our goal is to introduce technologies that boost production and productivity. We’re proud to have achieved our objectives, including engaging over 12,000 farmers through the F-SURE component,” Dr. Querido added.
Eng Waneloba Francis, the Representative of MAAIF Permanent Secretary, highlighted the government’s focus on enhancing incomes across the country by boosting production and productivity. “We are particularly keen on ensuring that the Karamoja sub-region is not left behind in this endeavor. To achieve this, we are promoting a shift from traditional pastoralism to agro-pastoralism, where both livestock and crop production can thrive,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of improving animal breeds and introducing sustainable practices that allow both livestock and crops to coexist. “By providing water and pasture closer to their habitats, we can minimize the need for long-distance movement, reducing conflicts between farmers and herders, allowing crops to thrive,” Eng Francis explained.
The project has made significant strides in strengthening food security and community resilience. According to Dr. Paul Ayella from MAAIF, the project’s component one, implemented by UNDP, developed supporting policies and incentives at the district level to boost crop and livestock production, food value chains, and integrated natural resource management.
“Component two, led by FAO, increased land under integrated natural resource management and sustainable land management practices, enhancing the productivity of the Karamoja landscape,” Dr. Ayella said. The project also developed a framework for multi-scale assessments, monitoring, and integration of resilience in production landscapes.
Mr. Lotee Paul Komol, LCV Chairperson of Kotido district, expressed gratitude for the strong support provided by FAO and MAAIF. “On behalf of the people of Karamoja, I extend my deepest gratitude for the strong support you’ve provided to Uganda, particularly our region. UNFAO has been a vital partner, investing significantly in Karamoja’s development, even before I took leadership.”
He appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasizing its crucial role in the region’s development. “You’re the backbone of Uganda’s development. Your success is crucial to the president’s initiatives, and Karamoja has high hopes in your efforts,” Mr. Komol stated.
The project includes 55 walk-behind tractors with various implements like ploughs, seed planters, and trailers. Additionally, over 40 water boilers and irrigation kits will enhance water management and production resilience. Extension services will support farmers, and training programs will be conducted for farmer groups on sustainable equipment use and business models.
Dr. Querido emphasized the project’s focus on sustainability, ensuring that the equipment is used effectively and efficiently. “We’ll continue working with these groups to guarantee the project’s long-term impact,” he said.
As the project moves forward, the 55 single-axle tractors will be allocated to small farmer groups, leveraging farmer field schools to promote mechanization at the local level. A business model will be implemented, with FAO providing technical advisors to train local farmers on business models and profit generation. Eng Francis reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring the sustainability of these efforts, putting in place structures to guarantee proper operation and maintenance of the procured equipment.
The people of Karamoja are hopeful that this initiative will bring about significant positive change. Mr. Komol urged the Ministry of Agriculture to expedite projects to support livestock and irrigation, specifically requesting megadams in each of Karamoja’s nine districts.
“This would greatly boost our region’s development. We appreciate your work and pledge to cooperate with you, particularly with Minister Francis, to transform Karamoja,” he said.
In conclusion, the handover of the walking tractors marks a significant milestone in the project’s efforts to enhance food production and resilience in Karamoja. With the support of FAO, MAAIF, and other partners, the region is poised to experience meaningful development and growth. As Dr. Querido aptly put it, “Together, we’re committed to transforming the agricultural landscape in Uganda and beyond.”
