Pader Farmers blame knowledge gap for crop losses

30 August 2026, 22:39

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

A knowledge gap among farmers has been identified as one of the major factors contributing to low agricultural production and crop losses in Pader District, with farmers being urged to embrace modern farming practices and proper use of agricultural inputs.

The concern was raised during a farmers’ training for communities in Lamogi and Paiula parishes, organised by Northern Uganda Wunwan Farmers Centre, Pader, in partnership with Bukoola Chemical Industries Limited.

The training focused on modern agronomic practices, crop protection, proper use of fertilisers and agricultural chemicals, as well as planning farming activities as a business.

Obatal Patrick Ocaya, Director of Northern Uganda Wunwan Farmers Centre, said many farmers have access to fertile land but lack adequate information on how to maximise its potential.

He said limited knowledge about appropriate agro-inputs, application methods, crop diseases and markets continues to affect agricultural productivity in the region.

Ocaya said the centre is therefore working to bridge the knowledge gap through farmer training, extension services, garden visits and access to genuine agro-inputs at affordable prices.

He said the organisation also plans to establish demonstration farms through 25 to 30 farmer groups selected from different sub-counties.

Each group will establish a demonstration farm of about five acres where farmers can practically learn modern farming techniques.

Ocaya said the centre will provide seed under a revolving arrangement, allowing participating groups to return an equivalent quantity of seed after harvest so that other farmers can benefit.

Meanwhile, Stephen Olea, Agricultural Technical Sales Representative at Bukoola Chemical Industries Limited, said farmers are also losing crops because of pests, diseases, weeds and changing weather conditions.

Olea said some farmers continue to use traditional cropping systems without adequate planning, making it difficult to manage pests, diseases and crop nutrition effectively.

He urged farmers to make informed decisions before planting, including selecting suitable crops, determining the size of land to cultivate and adopting appropriate cropping systems.

Olea also warned farmers to prioritise safety when handling agricultural chemicals by using protective equipment and following recommended application procedures.

Anywar George William King, LCIII Chairperson of Paiula Sub-county, said the training had come at a time when farmers are facing increasing weather and climate-related challenges.

Anywar thanked Northern Uganda Wunwan Farmers Centre and Bukoola Chemical Industries for investing in farmers’ knowledge and urged participants to apply the skills acquired in their gardens.

Some farmers said the training had changed their understanding of agriculture.

Ojok Charles, a farmer from Keko Mix Village, said he previously lacked knowledge about separating commercial farming from food production but now understands the need to make better farming decisions.

Aciro Hellen said farmers had previously experienced losses due to inadequate knowledge, while Adong Monica said the skills gained would help her improve production and increase household income.

The farmers called for the provision of Luo and English training materials to help them retain information on the safe and proper use of agro-inputs and agricultural chemicals.