The Danish Embassy in Uganda, has launched the installation of solar-powered irrigation systems across the country to transform agriculture, empower smallholder farmers, and enhance resilience to climate change.
Valued at UGX 5 billion, the three-year project, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark through the Danida Green Business Partnership Program, will run until 2027 and is expected to benefit over 50,000 smallholder farmers.
On friday 22, November 2024, the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with implementing partners, the Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC), Akvo International, Grundfos, and Action2Innovation, handed over a solar irrigation system to the Buganda Kingdom Child Welfare and Adoption Society Farm in Ssango, Mawokota County, Mpigi.
This solar-powered irrigation system is designed to alleviate climate change challenges by enhancing productivity, ensuring food system sustainability, and reducing the vulnerability of farmers to climate shocks.
While speaking at the handover ceremony, Signe Winding Albjerg the Ambassador of Denmark to Uganda stated that they are working to introduce world-class irrigation systems to Uganda to enhance the productivity of the country’s agricultural produce.
She added that this system will not only empower small-scale farmers and families in the area but also serve as a training ground on irrigation for others, helping communities become less vulnerable to the challenges posed by climate change.
“Irrigation is important for many reasons. Let me mention a few Uganda faces increasing climate variability, with significant impact on agricultural productivity. The sector employs over 70% of Ugandans, many as smallholder farmers. And it contributes immensely to the national income of the country. The smallholder farmers, who contribute the majority of agricultural output, are particularly vulnerable to the increasing impacts of climate change and variability. Such as irregular rainy seasons and prolonged periods of drought. Irrigation will help making societies less vulnerable to these changes.” Ambassador said.
She added that the solar-powered irrigation solution, being climate-smart, contributes significantly to climate change adaptation for smallholder farmers.
“As you know, this solar powered irrigation solution is climate smart. It uses drip irrigation technology, which is water efficient, and a soil conservation practice. All these contribute to climate change adaptation among your farmers” she noted.
Signe commended the Buganda Kingdom for leading efforts in promoting water for production, irrigation, and coffee farming. She noted that the kingdom’s influence will play a crucial role in raising awareness and encouraging the adoption of climate-smart technologies among farmers.
“Your Kingdom’s involvement in this project plays a key role in the success of such a system. Leveraging your influence will increase awareness and adoption of climate smart technologies among farmers within the region.” She added.
Paul Ochuna, the East African Grain Council Manager for Uganda, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark for their generous funding of this initiative through the Danida Green Business Partnerships Program. He noted that the program fosters innovation and significantly enhances smallholder farming.
Mr. Ochuna encouraged farmers to fully embrace this opportunity by utilizing the system to learn, share insights with their peers, and collaborate to strengthen the agricultural sector, emphasizing that the system belongs to them.
“This system is for you. It is a practical demonstration of how technology can make your farms more productive, your livelihoods more secure, and your communities more resilient. EAGC stands with you as a partner and advocate, committed to ensuring you have the tools, knowledge, and support you need to thrive. I urge you to take full advantage of this opportunity learn from the system, share your insights with your peers, and work together to build a stronger agricultural sector.” He said.
He urged farmers to view this initiative as a valuable tool for addressing the challenges posed by climate change. He also pledged their commitment to collaborating with partners to promote and support the farmers’ efforts.
“I want to emphasize that this initiative is not just about technology; it is about transformation. It is about equipping farmers to overcome the challenges of today while seizing the opportunities of tomorrow. At EAGC, we are deeply committed to this vision. We will continue to work tirelessly with all our partners to promote innovations, strengthen value chains, and support the incredible farmers who are the backbone of our economies.” Mr. Paul Ochuna said.
Hon. Patrick Luwaga Mugumbule, the Speaker of the Buganda Lukiiko (Parliament), representing the Katikkiro of Buganda, highlighted that this new technology offers a crucial solution to the pressing challenges of climate change.
He urged the people of Buganda and other regions of Uganda to visit the newly installed demonstration site to learn about modern irrigation methods. He encouraged them to adopt climate-smart practices to enhance productivity and achieve better yields.
“We are requesting all people in Buganda, the 18 counties, to come here, because this should be as a demonstration machine, because it is installed here to supply. It’s capacity of the tank is about 10,000 liters, but it can work on five acres because it has got even pipes which link to every coffee plant so that you can get better yields. We suffer with these droughts in Uganda and in other regions. But if you take this technology, which has been introduced here, we can get better yields. You can get better money.” He added.
He commended the Danish Government, EAGC, and other partners for providing this opportunity and urged the people of Buganda to embrace mechanized farming methods.
Sister Maria Sarah Naamala, Executive Director of the Child Welfare and Adoption Society and the host farmer, expressed her sincere gratitude for the installation. She stated that the project will not only boost income for the society’s childcare activities but also support other farmers, as they will have the opportunity to learn from their farm.
“The project is going to transform the lives of our children, the lives of the members of staff, and the lives of the community, local community, and Uganda at large” Sister Naamala said.
Victor Kazimiri, the CEO of Akvo International, stated that as part of the three-year project, over 1,300 solar-powered irrigation systems will be distributed to farmers across the country. He noted that this initiative will have a ripple effect, benefiting approximately 50,000 smallholder farmers.
