Kigezi Farmers Defy Wetland Ban, Citing Food Security Concerns

Farmers in the Kigezi sub-region are strategically turning to wetlands for agriculture during dry spells, a practice that contradicts recent government directives aimed at protecting these vital ecosystems. With the uplands becoming increasingly dry and unproductive from June to September, these communities argue that wetland cultivation is their primary means of ensuring household food security and economic stability.

“During the dry seasons, all the hilltops and valleys are completely dry and carrying out any crop production activities is next to impossible,” explained Ms. Anna Maria Kohumuhangi, an Irish potato farmer from Kabale District. She emphasized that this practice has been a long-standing solution for securing food and generating income for essentials like school fees and medicine.

Government efforts to protect wetlands, including a presidential executive order in October 2023 mandating buffer zones along water bodies and enforcement against cultivation, have met resistance. Farmers like Mr. Johnson Gumanawe point out the lack of viable alternatives and unfulfilled government promises for support, such as solar irrigation schemes and organic manure, which could enable upland farming during dry periods.

The crops grown in these wetlands include Irish potatoes, beans, peas, maize, and various vegetables, forming a crucial part of the local diet and economy. Seed producers also rely on wetland access for timely supply during dry seasons. Officials acknowledge the farmers’ plight; the Assistant Resident District Commissioner for Rubanda, Mr. Hillary Bindeeba, stated that the implementation of the executive order was paused following farmers’ petitions to President Museveni. The President reportedly agreed to consider establishing irrigation schemes before enforcing the ban.

However, challenges remain, including the issue of land titles issued for wetland farming in the past, which Chairman Mr. Denis Nzeirwe Ndyomugyenyi of Kabale District noted would necessitate compensation if the executive order is strictly enforced. The current approach involves a temporary understanding, with promises of a permanent solution through irrigation infrastructure, after which wetland cultivation will cease and wetlands will be repurposed for activities like fish farming and beekeeping.

This approach highlights the complex interplay between environmental protection and the immediate livelihood needs of farming communities in Uganda. The future of Kigezi’s wetlands hinges on the timely fulfillment of these irrigation promises.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)