In the volcanic hills of Rubirizi District, Uganda, where erratic rainfall and prolonged dry spells have historically plagued agriculture, the Kafuro irrigation scheme is providing much-needed relief to farmers, revitalizing their livelihoods, and opening up new possibilities for community development. The scheme has been a game-changer for the people of Kafuro village in Kirugu Sub-county, allowing them to cultivate crops year-round and achieve a level of agricultural productivity previously unattainable.
Tackling the Challenges of Unpredictable Weather
Rubirizi, located in southwestern Uganda, is a region that faces frequent climatic challenges, including excessive rainfall that causes landslides and prolonged droughts that affect crop yields. Farmers in the area traditionally relied on rain-fed agriculture, but with the unpredictability of the weather, crop failure has been a recurring issue. Soil erosion, caused by both excessive rainfall and poor agricultural practices, has further exacerbated the problem, washing away fertile topsoil and forcing farmers to cultivate on fragile and steep land.
However, the establishment of the Kafuro irrigation scheme has given these farmers hope. The scheme, which benefits a wide array of agricultural activities, has proven particularly helpful to Kihungye Church of Uganda, which has long held the ambition of setting up a primary school in the area. The project has revived farming, allowing the community to produce a variety of crops, including bananas, coffee, cotton, millet, tomatoes, and watermelons. These activities are not only improving the livelihoods of local farmers but also contributing to the church’s mission of supporting education and development in the region.
Empowering the Church’s Education Ambition
For Kihungye Church, the introduction of irrigation has been a blessing, helping them generate funds for their long-standing goal of establishing a primary school. Osbadest Kanyesigye, the priest at Kihungye, shared that the church is aiming to raise Shs 20 million from agricultural produce within the next two years to fund the school’s construction. “We are also looking to renovate the lay leaders’ house, purchase chairs, and improve the church structure,” Kanyesigye said. The church has already started planting watermelons, tomatoes, and coffee as part of their effort to generate the funds needed for their educational project.
One key initiative is the preparation of a four-acre banana plantation, which the church hopes will increase its income. This plantation is designed to provide a reliable source of revenue, which will help fulfill both their educational and infrastructure goals. With an estimated weekly income of less than Shs 300,000, church leaders are seeing agriculture as a vital tool for supplementing their income and realizing their development objectives.
How the Scheme is Transforming Farmers’ Lives
The Kafuro irrigation scheme has brought significant changes to the lives of many local farmers, who are now able to irrigate their crops reliably and at a lower cost. David Kisembo, a coffee farmer and owner of a wet mill, highlighted how the scheme has drastically reduced his water costs. Before the irrigation system, Kisembo used 5,000 liters of water daily for both his coffee farm and wet mill, which cost him approximately Shs 30,000 daily. Now, with the irrigation scheme in place, he no longer incurs this cost, allowing him to save money for his children’s education. Kisembo plans to use his savings to raise Shs 60 million to establish coffee solar dryers and storage facilities, which would enable him to further develop his business over the next two coffee seasons.
Adrine Kyotungire, another beneficiary, shared how the irrigation system has allowed her to grow crops throughout the year. “I can now grow onions at any time of the season,” she said. Kyotungire is focused on expanding her agricultural activities further, setting a goal to raise Shs 1.5 million to start a poultry farm. She has already purchased land for this purpose, demonstrating how the irrigation scheme has created opportunities for long-term development.
Kyotungire also emphasized the importance of the irrigation system in reducing her expenses. “Previously, I spent about Shs 600,000 per season to irrigate a small vegetable plot from Lake Kyamwiga. Now, I save that money for other needs,” she said.
Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
Despite the success of the irrigation scheme, farmers in Rubirizi still face challenges. Adrine Kyotungire noted the poor road networks, which become nearly impassable during the rainy season, hindering access to markets where they can sell their produce. Limited access to larger markets also remains a problem, and farmers are calling for the government to expedite trade agreements that would open up markets for agricultural produce.
Benon Twinamasiko, another farmer benefiting from the scheme, also praised the cost savings that come with reliable irrigation. “I used to spend up to Shs 700,000 per season fetching water to irrigate my crops. Thanks to the free government irrigation scheme, I now save that money and spend it on other necessities,” Twinamasiko said.
The Future of the Kafuro Irrigation Scheme and Beyond
The Kafuro irrigation scheme is not only providing farmers with access to water but is also creating a ripple effect in the community, spurring new business ideas, promoting sustainable agriculture, and supporting the ambitions of the local church to establish a school. The benefits of this scheme extend beyond the immediate relief it provides to farmers—it is an investment in the long-term growth and prosperity of the community.
As more farmers gain access to the irrigation system and the project expands, it holds the potential to transform Rubirizi into a thriving agricultural hub, improving food security, boosting incomes, and contributing to national economic growth. However, addressing infrastructural challenges such as road networks and opening up markets will be crucial to fully realizing the potential of the scheme and ensuring the success of local farmers.
A Model for Sustainable Agricultural Development
The Kafuro irrigation scheme is a shining example of how targeted government interventions can have a transformative impact on communities. By providing farmers with reliable access to water, the government has not only improved agricultural productivity but also empowered local businesses and communities to pursue long-term development goals. With the continued support of local and national stakeholders, the Kafuro irrigation scheme could serve as a model for other regions in Uganda and across Africa, showcasing the power of sustainable agricultural practices and community-driven growth.
