Uganda: 2006, a Challenge in Agricultural Sector

Source from:  New Vision (Kampala) December 26, 2006 12/31/2006

GOVERNMENT'S 2006 resolution was mechanisation of the agricultural sector. It talked about value addition as a way of improving earnings for farmers. Government also talked about improving agricultural extension services by spreading National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) to more districts. As the year ends, some of these have been achieved, but a lot remain unaccomplished. The first significant change was the naming of a new minister in charge of agriculture, Eng Hillary Onek, while Kibirige Ssebunya was retained as state minister. New ones, Fred Mukisa and Major Bright Rwamirama were named as state ministers for fisheries and animal husbandry respectively. One of the major achievements is having NAADS operating in all the 81 districts in the country. NAADS is the prime extension and agricultural advisory provider in Uganda. At the beginning of 2006, it covered only 60% of the districts. However, the roll out was effected in July, during the financial year 2006/2007. NAADS' countrywide coverage means agricultural extension services has improved, according to NAADS officials. There was value added to agricultural products as evidenced at the various agricultural fairs in the course of the year. Farmers exhibited more well- packaged fruit juices than in previous years. Bananas that were simply edible foods, are now being processed into flour for making cakes and exported to countries like Germany. Among traditional exports, produce prices have continued to fluctuate. However, coffee prices were better than the previous year. This year, a kilo of coffee cost between sh1,000 and sh1,500 depending on the quality. Last year, a kilo was at sh500. In December 2006, the value of coffee exported had risen by 58.7%, while the volume rose to 38%. In November, 250,728 bags of 60kgs worth about $22.96m (sh40b) were exported, according to the Uganda Coffee Development Authority. This coffee mini boom is likely to go on into 2007, although farmers are complaining about the adverse effects of the heavy rains. "The berries are rotting in the shambas, and when we harvest them, there is no sun to dry them," says Charles Ssejjombe, a farmer in Luwero District. Cotton prices stabilised compared to previous years when there was a near strike by cotton farmers over low prices. However, production reduced due to several factors like the heavy rains towards the end of the year. Fish continued to be a leading agricultural export earner. But towards the end of the year, fishermen on Lake Victoria had fears of dwindling stock in the lake as a result of over fishing. To allay their fears, Mukisa, the fisheries minister, banned the fishing of Mukene (small fish) one of the most fished species in Lake Albert. Fish is likely to continue as a leading export earner in 2007. The closure of Kinyara Sugar Works for rehabilitation meant limited supply of sugar. The scarcity of sugar led to an increase in prices from sh1,800 to sh2,800. However, Kinyara has resumed production. Hope the sugar prices will reduce in 2007. There were some problems with tobacco farmers over contracts. However, as the year ended, tobacco prices had increased. Tobacco is still the major income earner. Upland rice has continued to spread through out the country, with the Vice-President, Gilbert Bukenya, introducing it to northern Uganda. There has been relative food insecurity especially in the north and north-eastern regions. According to the World Food Programme, Karamoja is the most affected, due to persistent drought and traditions. The government has not kept its promise to construct more dams to counter persistent droughts in Karamoja. In Acholi and Lango sub-regions, agriculture will have a bright future in 2007 if the war finally ends. But people need motivation so as to go back to their pre-war production level. They need farm implements, seeds and resources for processing produce and other things. Indeed, most of the major mechanisation programmes had been ear-marked for the north. Government had promised tractors to IDPs, but as the year ended, this had not yet been achieved. Other than lack of enough farm implements, agriculture will in be affected by the poor road network, most of which have been destroyed by the raging El-nino rains. Enditem