Farmers in Kazo district have received a major boost under the Uganda Climate Smart Agricultural Transformation Project following the distribution of agro-inputs aimed at improving coffee and livestock production through climate-smart farming practices.

The distribution exercise targeted members of Kakukuru Farmers Coffee Group in Kakukuru Cell, Kajuzya Parish, Nkungu Sub-County, as well as Kikoni Twetugure Coffee Farmers in Migina Sub-County. Farmers received a range of agricultural inputs including gumboots, spray pumps, fertilizers, wheelbarrows, watering cans and other essential farm equipment.

The launch of the input distribution was held in Kakukuru Cell and presided over by Assistant Resident District Commissioner Gershom Mushabe, who urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the equipment to improve production while protecting the environment.

Mushabe emphasized the importance of embracing climate-smart agricultural practices to increase resilience against changing weather conditions and improve household incomes.
Speaking on behalf of the district leadership, Secretary for Works, Production and Finance Ham Rubainika, who also serves as Councillor for Kyampangara Sub-County and who represented the LCV Chairperson Rev. Samuel Mugisha Katugunda, encouraged farmers to use the inputs effectively to transform their production levels.

He noted that the government’s continued support to farmer groups was intended to improve productivity and livelihoods through modern and sustainable farming methods.

The Head of the Production Department in Kazo district, Zephline Tumwesigye, advised farmers to safeguard the distributed inputs and use them responsibly to increase coffee yields and improve family incomes.

“We expect farmers to utilize these inputs properly so that coffee production can increase and families can achieve better standards of living,” Zephline Tumwesigye said.

Beneficiaries together with local leaders applauded the government for supporting farmers through the project. However, they also raised concerns over poor road infrastructure, especially roads connecting farms to markets, saying transportation challenges continue to affect agricultural productivity and access to markets.
Meanwhile the Principal Agricultural Officer for Kazo district, John Baptist Asimwe who also serves as the focal person for the project in the district, said that the project is being implemented in 69 districts across 13 agro-ecological zones in Uganda including seven refugee-hosting districts.

He explained that under the arrangement, the government contributes 80 percent of the cost of the inputs while farmers contribute 20 percent.

Asiimwe added that the selection of beneficiary districts was based on factors such as climate change vulnerability, watershed degradation and poverty levels within the sub-regions.

The Uganda Climate Smart Agricultural Transformation Project is expected to strengthen sustainable agricultural production, improve food security and increase resilience among farming communities affected by climate change across the country.
The Writer is Tinyefuza Naboth -Communications officer for Kazo district local government