Kikuube Rice Farmers Thriving with Smart Climate Agriculture

Kikuube District | THE BLACK EXAMINER | Rice farmers in Kikuube district, who were trained in and adopted smart climate agricultural methods, are now enjoying significant success in rice cultivation.

The introduction of smart climate agricultural methods to these rice farmers was a collaborative effort between Makerere University and the Kikuube district local government. This initiative is part of a three-year project called “Enhancement of Rice Productivity through Adaptation of Climate-Smart Agricultural Options and Market-Responsive Strategies in Uganda,” focusing on promoting the growth of upland rice (NAMCHE5). This particular rice variety is highly nutritious and resistant to climate change. The project is funded by the Africa Plant Nutrition Institute and began in 2022, establishing 12 demonstration gardens in the area.

Speaking during an evaluation and capacity-building meeting for the project’s beneficiaries, Godfrey Byakagaba, a respected rice farmer in Kikuube Kikyaya, expressed how the project has empowered local farmers and improved their rice cultivation. Before the project’s introduction, he would harvest 10 bags of rice per acre. However, with the adoption of modern rice-growing methods, he has been able to increase his yield to 20 bags per acre. Previously, they practiced broadcasting rice planting, which was costly.

“I used to plant rice like someone planting beans and groundnuts, which would require having many workers. But now, using the new method of farming, I plant the rice in rows. I used to use 50 kilograms of rice in an acre, but now I use 30 kilograms, and I am getting a better yield,” he explained.

Paul Musinguzi and his wife, Ayebazibwe Doreen, also highlighted how modern rice farming has boosted their family’s income and allowed them to provide better education for their children. They used to harvest 5-8 bags of rice, but with the application of modern rice-growing methods, they now manage to harvest 18 bags.

Additionally, the demo gardens established in the area have benefited numerous farmers, encouraging more of them to engage in rice cultivation.

John Bagumirabingi, the project coordinator in Kikuube district, praised Makerere University for promoting rice cultivation in the district. He noted that a lack of effective rice-growing methods had discouraged some farmers from engaging in rice cultivation, despite its potential for profitability.

Dr. Patrick Musinguzi, the principal investigator for Makerere University, encouraged farmers to take advantage of the demo farms to adapt to new farming technology and thrive in rice farming, especially in the face of climate change and depleted soils.

“Through good agronomic management practices, proper fertilization, and smart climate agricultural methods, farmers can double their yields. Research shows that a farmer can get 16 to 20 bags of rice from one acre of land. The issue with rice in this area has mainly been poor rice nutrition due to moisture and nutrient stress,” he explained.

He emphasized that while rice cultivation demands careful attention, it is a highly profitable venture compared to other crops like maize, beans, and sugarcane, thanks to its market demand.

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