Communities in Kacheri fear hunger crisis caused by stray wild animals

15 March 2024, 12:48 pm

Communities in Kacheri sub-county in Kotido district are worried of a possible hunger crisis in the sub-county, following damages caused by stray wild animals

From last year, stray wild animals, mostly elephants and wild pigs believed to be from Kidepo have gone on rampage destroying several acres of crop gardens, especially in the areas of Alerek, Kacheri, Kaabong, Kitgum among other places, leaving farmers counting loses.

Maria Lonyia, a resident of Kacheri parish, one of the affected areas says from last year, elephants ravaged their gardens, wiping almost all they had planted, adding that even the compensation process has delayed.

MK Dwales Lokiru, the Kacheri parish chief told Etoil A Karamoja that the situation has been worsened by the dry spell that destroyed crop gardens.

Dwales says besides crop destruction, the stray wild animals have also become a threat to people’s lives as some farmers outside his parish have been killed as others abandon their farmlands.

Martin Oryem, the assistant warden, community conservation department, Kidepo in an earlier interview with Etoil A Karamoja said in order to support the communities surrounding the Kidepo game park, they have empowered both the community wildlife scouts and rangers by providing the required gadgets like motorcycles for transport, and enough equipment to be used.

Oryem added that they are currently supporting about 628 local scouts who have been deployed in hotspot areas like Lapono in Agago, Kathimongor in Alerek, Kacheri in Kotido, Loyoro, sidok among others,

Kacheri sub-county is one of the green belts in Kotido, with the largest food production experienced yearly in the area.