Farmers urged to embrace the DREEM hub project

16 October 2025, 4:36 pm

By Philip Onyango

Farmers have been urged to engage with and embrace the Distributed Renewable Energy Ecosystem Model (DREEM) hub project for their social and economic well-being.

The call was made by Rwakyaka Benon, Chairperson of Kijjumba Dairy Farmers’ Cooperative Society Limited, in Buwanku village, Ngoma Sub county, Nakaseke North, during a project tour.

According to Rwakyaka, life as a cattle farmer was challenging before the project. However, with support from Heifer International, things have improved significantly.

He explained that he now earns a daily income from his cattle and uses solar power to pump water to his farm, operate his chaff cutter for cattle feed, and preserve milk for sale. Rwakyaka reports that he can now collect over 75 litres of milk daily.

Edinah Nyamwaka from Heifer International told the media that the project is supported by the Mott Foundation, which is implementing the initiative to benefit 20,000 smallholder farmers.

She highlighted that the project’s focus on promoting productive use of solar energy services (PUSE) and creating opportunities for underserved youth and women is particularly noteworthy.

Nyamwaka added that by enhancing the resilience of smallholder farmers to the impacts of climate change, the project aims to improve livelihoods and promote sustainable incomes.

Nuwatekateka Grace, a beneficiary from Kalyaburo village, Ngoma West Ward, Nakaseke North, shared her experience, saying the project has empowered her as a farmer by providing solar-powered equipment for processing pasture into silage/fodder and a water pump for irrigation.