Leaders call for water conservation amid erratic rainfal

15 March 2026, 10:13 AM

By Freeman Canogura

Farmers across Agago District have been urged to adopt water harvesting techniques as rains remain unpredictable and may stop unexpectedly, threatening crop production and livestock survival.

Agago District experiences extreme seasonal variations in monthly rainfall, with dry periods lasting up to seven months each year. While the rainy season, which typically begins in March, can provide enough total rainfall to meet the community’s water needs, much of this water is often lost as runoff without proper catchment systems.

By harvesting rainwater from rooftops and storing it in large tanks, families can ensure a reliable supply of clean drinking water and irrigation for household gardens throughout the year, helping them cope with prolonged dry spells and unpredictable rainfall.

The Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Akot Moro Susan, emphasized the urgency of adopting water harvesting, noting that “climate change is affecting rainfall patterns, and communities must prepare now to protect their livelihoods. Every household should store water while the rains come.” She also called on farmers to consult extension officers in the Department of Irrigation if they need expertise for constructing dams or other water storage structures.

Apart from water harvesting, RDC Moro advised farmers to capitalize on the rains by planting a variety of crops, which will help them achieve bumper yields even if some crops fail due to erratic weather. She stressed that adopting these methods not only improves household food security but also protects the environment and builds resilience to climate change.

George William Omonyi, the manager of weather forecasting in the department of meteorology at the Ministry of Water and Envionment, warned that rainfall this season is expected to be irregular and may stop mid-season. He urged communities to adopt low-cost water conservation techniques to avoid crop failure. He noted that farmers cannot rely solely on rainfall and that proper harvesting and storage of water is key to sustaining agriculture.