Acholi sub–region urged to adopt climate adaptation strategies

30 November 2025, 10:02 am

By Otim Moses

People in the Acholi sub-region have been urged to adopt climate adaptation strategies as the area has experienced only two planting seasons over the past three years.

The call was made by Mr Benson Opio, Project Officer at ECOTRUST Uganda, during a farmers’ engagement meeting held in Lagum Village, Pagwok Parish, Namokora North Sub county in Kitgum District. The programme brings farmers together to discuss better ways of responding to changing weather patterns and encourages them to plant trees to combat climate change.

Mr Lapat Jimmy Lukwiya, a resident of Labongo Akwang Sub county, said climate adaptation is important because it promotes the cultivation of drought-tolerant crops such as sorghum, simsim, and cassava. He added that farmers are increasingly using early-maturing seed varieties and practising conservation agriculture techniques such as mulching, crop rotation, and minimum tillage.

Mr Lapat further noted that climate adaptation supports the introduction of small-scale irrigation technologies such as solar pumps and treadle pumps. It also strengthens agroforestry practices, including the planting of shea and fruit trees, nitrogen-fixing trees, and the improvement of livestock resilience through paddocking and the use of drought-tolerant grasses.

Ms Acop Anna, a resident of Omiya Anyima Sub county, said climate adaptation has helped communities scale up water harvesting for homes, schools, and health centres. She emphasised the need to protect and maintain boreholes and springs, desilt community dams and valley tanks, and promote small-scale irrigation near water sources. She also encouraged communities to implement water safety planning. She urged the community to embrace climate change initiatives and actively engage in tree planting to restore the green environment that supports regular rainfall.

Mr OgenRwot Benedict, from Lakobi Parish, Abakadyel Village in Omiya Anyima West Sub county, said climate adaptation enables communities to plant more trees to replace those that have been cut down. It also promotes the use of fuel-efficient stoves, wetland protection, and the strengthening of community natural resource management.

Ms Amito Shara, a resident of Pagwok Parish, Lagum Village in Namokora North Sub county, said climate adaptation strategies have enabled her to plant over 2,579 trees in just one year. In addition to tree planting, she has engaged in beekeeping, poultry, piggery, and mushroom farming thanks to climate-smart practices. She appealed to the community to actively participate in tree planting and the restoration of degraded environments.

Mr Benson Opio of ECOTRUST Uganda said climate adaptation should encourage farmers to practise various forms of farming, particularly tree planting, livestock keeping, and modern agricultural methods that protect the environment.

He noted that ECOTRUST is currently working in three sub-counties in Kitgum District—Omiya Anyima West, Labongo Akwang, and Namokora North—supporting farmers to plant trees to protect the environment and improve livelihoods. He urged the community to take decisive steps in responding to climate change by planting more trees and engaging in green businesses.

Mr Raymond Okello, the Agricultural Engineer for Kitgum District Local Government, said that under the YouGive Project, 45 water pumps have been distributed to farmers to support irrigation in response to climate change. He added that more pumps will be provided, with farmers contributing only 20 per cent of the cost. The project is expected to be fully rolled out in Kitgum District by 2026.