The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting farmers in Kituntu Subcounty, Mpigi District, urging them to take full advantage of government programs aimed at improving their social and economic wellbeing.
The call was made by Mpigi District Head of Production and Marketing, Sserwada Patrick James, during a farmers’ exhibition organized by the Joint Energy and Development Project (JEEP) in partnership with Masiko Mbule Farmers Field School, Heifer International, and other partners.The exhibition was held under the theme “Farmers Field Days and Irrigation as Effective Tools for Sustainable Climate-Smart Agriculture,” with a focus on promoting modern farming practices that help farmers adapt to the effects of climate change.
The initiative forms part of the Distributed Renewable Energy Ecosystem Model Project (DREEM), implemented by Heifer International with support from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. The project aims to strengthen the resilience of smallholder farmers to climate change by promoting the use of solar energy technologies.
Missaga Zeus, Energy and Development Officer at Joint Energy and Environment Projects (JEEP), said the DREEM Hub project has been transformative for farmers in Kituntu Subcounty. He noted that the project connects farmers to service providers while equipping them with solar-powered technologies.
According to Zeus, the introduction of solar-powered irrigation has enabled farmers to water their crops more efficiently, leading to improved harvests and increased household incomes. He added that the use of renewable energy is helping farmers become more resilient to climate-related challenges.
Meanwhile, Mulema John Paul, Chairperson of Masiko Mbule Farmers Field School, said the project has greatly benefited local farmers by improving crop yields and boosting incomes.
However, he urged seed suppliers to prioritize the distribution of high-quality seeds and avoid mixing seedlings, warning that poor-quality seeds negatively affect harvests.
