Kitgum District Rolls Out Climate-Smart Agriculture Project to Boost Farmers’ Resilience.

24 June 2025, 1:50 pm

By Otim Moses

Kitgum District, in collaboration with the Uganda Climate Smart Agricultural Transformation Project, has verified 211 farmer groups across 22 sub-counties to benefit from the initiative.

The six-year project, valued at US$354.7 million, is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) through the Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA). It spans 69 districts, including seven refugee-hosting districts, and supports value chains in crops, livestock, fisheries, and beneficial insects.

The project is expected to directly benefit 760,000 households—620,000 from non-refugee districts, 60,000 from refugee households, and 80,000 from refugee-hosting districts.

Opiyo Barnabas, the District Project Focal Point Officer, stated that the project aims to increase productivity, market access, and the resilience of selected value chains in the project areas. It is also designed to respond promptly and effectively to eligible crises or emergencies.

He noted that the project will focus on strengthening climate-smart agricultural research, improving seed and agro-climatic information systems, promoting the adoption of climate-smart technologies and practices, enhancing market development and linkages, and supporting contingency emergency responses, as well as effective project management and coordination.

According to Opiyo, the verified farmer groups include 117 for crop value chains, 48 for beekeeping, 7 for black soldier fly farming, 7 for fisheries, and 30 for beef production under livestock.

Starting in July, five group members from each verified group will begin receiving project funds. The government will finance 80% of the project costs, while the farmer groups are expected to contribute 20%.

Kitgum District Information Officer, Oola Allan Carriage, emphasized that the government initiated the project to combat poverty and promote environmental conservation. He urged farmers to organize themselves and contribute their 20% share to ensure the project’s sustainability among serious and committed farmers.

Atoo Pamela, Secretary for Production in Kitgum District, called on all verified farmer groups to take ownership of the project and use it as a tool for social transformation and environmental protection, particularly safeguarding water points.