Rice Farming Initiative Launches

Farmers in refugee settlements and host communities in Yumbe and Madi Okollo districts are recording higher rice yields and improved earnings after adopting improved seed varieties and modern farming techniques under a Japan-funded initiative designed…

Project Goals and Funding

The project, known as the Implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in Refugee Settlements and Host Communities, is funded by the Government of Japan, with UN Women Uganda as the grant recipient and…

Improved Rice Varieties

Farmers are receiving practical training in improved rice production and quality seed, particularly the NERICA 4 variety, which is known for its tolerance to certain rice diseases and some drought conditions.

Farmer Benefits

For Taban Rashid, a farmer from Pitia village in Kululu sub-county, Yumbe district, the training has brought a substantial change in both his farming methods and income.

Income Increase

Before receiving the training, Rashid harvested approximately eight bags of rice per acre and earned about sh800,000.

Rice Quality Improvement

Rashid said he previously relied on broadcasting, a method of scattering seeds across a field, which required more seed and made weeding labour-intensive.

Rice Quality Insight

Rashid said, 'I used to blame the milling machine for breaking my rice. But with the knowledge I got from JICA, I came to learn that the quality is made in the garden, protected in…

“I used to blame the milling machine for breaking my rice. But with the knowledge I got from JICA, I came to learn that the quality is made in the garden, protected in the store, and the machinery only reveals the work you did from planting to storage.”

Peace and Security Specialist

Natasha Butorac, the Women, Peace and Security Specialist at UN Women, said the initiative recognises the relationship between climate change, competition for natural resources and conflict in refugee-hosting areas.

Project Impact

Butorac explained that improved agricultural productivity can strengthen household food security, create income-generating opportunities and ease economic pressures that sometimes contribute to tensions between communities.

Women's Participation

Butorac said the vast majority of farmers taking part are women, challenging perceptions that women cannot effectively engage in agricultural production.

Training Method

NARO is using a practical training model known as the 'Musomesa' field school approach, which combines group demonstrations with individual farmer practice.

Mother and Baby Gardens

Under the system, a group establishes a demonstration plot known as a 'mother garden', while individual participants maintain their own 'baby gardens' to replicate the recommended practices.

Drought Resilience

The NERICA 4 variety's tolerance to certain diseases and some drought conditions helped it withstand conditions that could severely affect other varieties during the prolonged dry spell.

Community Cooperation

Some host community members have offered portions of their land to refugees, helping them participate in farming beyond land access arrangements traditionally available through the Office of the Prime Minister.