Pader leads Northern Uganda’s shift to climate-smart agriculture

3 February 2026, 17:42

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

Pader District is taking a bold step toward climate resilience as local farmers begin harnessing solar-powered irrigation to combat erratic weather and improve food security.

On February 3, the African Leadership and Reconciliation Ministries (ALARM–Uganda) launched its Climate Smart Agriculture Project at the ALARM Technical Centre in Pader District, marking a new chapter in sustainable farming for the region.

The initiative responds to the mounting challenges faced by smallholder farmers in Northern Uganda, where climate change has disrupted traditional rain-fed agriculture.

Frequent dry spells, unpredictable rainfall, and prolonged droughts have caused repeated crop failures, threatening both livelihoods and local food supply.

ALARM’s project aims to turn these challenges into opportunities by introducing solar-powered irrigation systems that enable year-round cultivation of high-value horticultural crops such as tomatoes, cabbages, onions, eggplants, and ntula.

The project is spearheaded by Rev. Stephen Olika Enenu, Country Director of ALARM–Uganda and Project Coordinator for all ALARM initiatives in the country.

Under his leadership, ALARM operates three core programs: Community Transformation, Servant Leadership Development, and Peace, Justice, and Reconciliation.

The Climate Smart Agriculture project falls under the Community Transformation Programme and is designed to empower communities to overcome challenges caused by climate change.

The Climate Smart Agriculture Project is a pilot initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity, nutrition deficits, and low household income.

Solar-powered irrigation kits are being distributed to seven farmer groups four in Pader Town Council and three in Pukor Sub-County.

Each kit includes a solar pump, pipes, a water spout for drawing water from underground sources, and a user guide to ensure proper use.

By tapping into underground water and distributing it through sprinklers and spray systems, farmers can now cultivate crops regardless of rainfall.

The initiative initially focuses on high-value horticultural crops to maximize income potential and ensure local markets remain supplied year-round.

The pilot phase officially began on February 3, 2026, in Pader Town Council and Pukor Sub-County.

Local leaders have welcomed the project and emphasized its alignment with regional development and environmental strategies.

Mr. Kilama Fearless Wodacholi, LCIII Chairperson of Pader Town Council, highlighted that the initiative complements the council’s plans to protect the environment and promote sustainable farming.

In Pukor Sub-County, Acirocan Grace, the Parish Councillor for Olam Parish and Secretary for Education and Health, who represented the LCIII Chairperson of Pukor Sub-County, highlighted that the area’s proximity to key water sources particularly the Agago River and the under-construction Aluka Dam will greatly enhance the long-term sustainability of the solar irrigation systems.

Northern Uganda has faced devastating impacts from climate change. Unpredictable rainfall patterns, prolonged dry periods, and frequent crop failures have left farmers struggling to maintain livelihoods.

By introducing solar-powered irrigation, the project provides a practical solution to ensure consistent crop production, improved nutrition, and increased household income.

The initiative also addresses broader community challenges. Okello Scisor, Chairperson of Rwot Dit Farmers Group, emphasized that the project will encourage other community members to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices.

Farmers who previously struggled to grow vegetables during the dry season now have the tools to produce crops consistently and reliably.

Residents have also expressed optimism. Ayela Richard, a local resident from Tejingi in Pader Kilak, welcomed the project and assured local market vendors that green vegetables will be available by May, June, and July, ensuring continuous supply.

Meanwhile, Apio Grace Akello, a member of St. Philip Farmer Group in Pader Town Council, acknowledged the difficulty farmers previously faced during dry seasons and praised the project for enabling continuous production through solar irrigation.

The seven farmer groups are responsible for the proper care, protection, and equitable use of the solar irrigation equipment.

ALARM Uganda has established clear terms and conditions for sustainability: equipment must be protected from damage, shared fairly among members, and used solely for its intended purpose.

Groups are also expected to participate actively in programs organized by ALARM, contribute to maintenance when necessary, and invest in collective development.

ALARM staff will monitor progress, provide guidance, and report to funding partners, ensuring accountability and long-term sustainability.

The organization has also reserved the right to reassign equipment from non-compliant groups to active groups willing to comply with the program’s requirements.

The solar-powered irrigation kits allow farmers to cultivate year-round, overcoming the limitations of seasonal rainfall and creating reliable access to both household and market food supplies.

This ensures food security for families and a stable supply of vegetables for local traders.

The Climate Smart Agriculture Project in Pader District represents a model of community-led climate resilience.

By combining renewable energy technology with organized local farming practices, the initiative creates a replicable example for other regions experiencing similar climate challenges.

The pilot project underscores how local innovation, coupled with technology and community cooperation, can transform vulnerability into opportunity.

ALARM Uganda’s strategy not only supports immediate agricultural productivity but also strengthens long-term resilience against climate change.

As the program develops, ALARM aims to scale the initiative across Northern Uganda and eventually nationwide.

This approach demonstrates that with the right combination of technology, leadership, and community engagement, climate-smart agriculture can deliver tangible benefits in nutrition, income, and sustainability.