As Ugandan farmers battle prolonged drought and delayed wet seasons, experts emphasize that sustainable agriculture is the only lasting solution to climate change.
Uganda, like many African countries, is increasingly experiencing drought due to climate change, leading to devastating effects on agriculture, including crop failures, reduced yields, animal deaths, and food insecurity.
However, there are sustainable agriculture practices that Ugandan farmers can adopt to mitigate drought’s effects and ensure a stable food supply. These practices include:
Conservation Agriculture
Conservation agriculture involves minimal soil disturbance, permanent soil cover, and crop rotations. This approach improves soil health, reduces erosion, and increases water retention.
Solar Irrigation
Habib Ndema, an irrigation systems engineer at OMIA Agribusiness Development Group, recommends solar irrigation systems.
“In Uganda, where 80% of households engage in agriculture, smallholder farmers often struggle with erratic weather patterns,” Ndema says.
“Solar-powered irrigation is a sustainable, cost-efficient solution, ensuring consistent hydration for crops and optimal productivity,” he adds.
Agroforestry
Agroforestry integrates trees into farming systems, providing shade, improving soil health, and increasing biodiversity. Trees also reduce soil erosion, increase water retention, and promote drought-tolerant crops.
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting collects and stores rainwater for irrigation and other non-potable uses. This approach reduces dependence on groundwater, decreases soil erosion, and increases water availability during droughts.
Drought-Tolerant Crops
Drought-tolerant crops, such as cassava, sweet potatoes, and sorghum, thrive in conditions with limited water availability.
Mulching
Mulching involves covering the soil with organic materials, reducing soil evaporation, increasing soil moisture, and promoting drought-tolerant crops.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
IPM uses a combination of techniques to manage pests and diseases, reducing chemical pesticide use, promoting biodiversity, and increasing crop resilience.
Soil Conservation
Soil conservation techniques, such as contour farming, terracing, and cover cropping, reduce soil erosion, increase soil fertility, and promote drought-tolerant crops.
By adopting these sustainable agriculture practices, Ugandan farmers can mitigate drought’s effects, ensure a stable food supply, and promote biodiversity, soil health, and crop resilience.
These practices not only help to reduce the risks associated with drought but also promote biodiversity, improve soil health, and increase crop resilience.