Farmers in Ntungamo District, Uganda, are losing hope of earning money in the next two years due to a prolonged dry season that has destroyed key income projects. The district has not received rainfall since April, causing strong sunshine to scorch crops and grazing areas. This has resulted in significant financial losses for farmers who rely heavily on agriculture.
Coffee plantations and banana farms are among the most affected, with widespread wilting and drying of coffee shambas reducing production and threatening long-term recovery. Farmers fear that even if rain returns, their plantations may take around two years to regain normal growth. This has caused concern among farmers, who are now struggling to make ends meet.
The dry spell has also affected grazing farms, leading to a reduction in milk production and increased animal deaths due to lack of feed. The situation has become dire, with some farmers reporting significant losses. The Church of Uganda in Ngoma parish has also been affected, losing about five hectares of coffee plantations that previously generated good revenue for church programs.
Residents have criticized the government response, accusing the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Madam Miriam Kagaiga, of not intervening in areas where wetlands were being attacked. The residents are now calling on the government to urgently provide irrigation schemes for communities in Ntungamo to help farmers recover and protect their livelihoods.
Kinyaata Ipolito, the LC 3 Chairman for Ruhaama Sub County, attributes the situation to climate-related changes following rains that reportedly extended beyond the expected rainy season. He also points to human activities such as encroachment on wetlands and deforestation, which he says worsen dryness. These factors have contributed to the current dry spell.
Local leaders are encouraging farmers to adopt irrigation to revive farms faster, but the process remains challenging, especially since many coffee plantations are scattered, making irrigation planning difficult. Despite the challenges, local leaders say they will continue engaging relevant authorities to find solutions and support affected households.
The crisis has also affected community projects, with the Church of Uganda in Ngoma parish losing significant revenue. Lay reader Elias Byakatonda explained that the church had lost about five hectares of coffee plantations. The situation has highlighted the need for urgent action to support affected communities and help them recover from the dry spell.
Key points
- The dry spell in Ntungamo District has destroyed key income projects, including coffee plantations and banana farms.
- Farmers in Ntungamo District face a two-year recovery period, even if rain returns.
- Residents are calling on the government to provide irrigation schemes to help farmers recover and protect their livelihoods.
