Lamwo District Breaks Ground for Multi-Million Irrigation Scheme to Boost Agriculture

 

LAMWO, UG - A significant step towards agricultural development was taken on Monday as leaders in Lamwo District initiated the construction of a Shillings 750 million irrigation scheme in Madi Opei Sub-County, situated in northern Uganda. The project, known as the AmetmetOkot-Paloga Irrigation Enterprise, aims to transform the agricultural landscape of the region,promote sustainable practices, and enhance the livelihoods of the local community.

The initiative, part of the Development Response to Displacement Impact Project (DRDIP), is being spearheaded by Epicenter Africa Limited, a dedicated organization with a track record of implementing impactful projects. The project site, a generous donation from the Pama Village community in Okol Parish, Madi Opei Sub-County, spans an expansive 15 acres of land.

Originally conceptualized in 2019/2020, the project's core objective is to utilize solar power to pump water for irrigation, thereby fostering increased crop production and economic empowerment among beneficiaries. However, the concept evolved over time to encompass entrepreneurship components, transforming it into the Ametmet-Okot-Paloga Irrigation Enterprise.

Davis Usenge Onyango, the Project Engineer and manager of Epicenter Africa Limited, explained that the redesigned project not only involves the pumping and storage of water, but also encompasses educating beneficiaries on effective water utilization for cultivating cash crops and seedlings. Furthermore, the initiative features nursery shades dedicated to producing a variety of fruit trees, vegetables, and indigenous trees that will be sold at affordable prices, promoting environmental conservation and community involvement.

A notable facet of the project is its commitment to knowledge transfer. The undertaking involves fencing the entire 15-acre site and allocating five acres as a model farm for training beneficiaries in sound agronomic practices and seedling multiplication. This approach is poised to enhance the sustainability of the project and improve the livelihoods of the local community members.

Construction is projected to be completed by December 2023, encompassing the establishment of a solar pumping station, pump well, pump house, and a water reservoir capable of storing between 30,000 to 40,000 liters. These facilities are poised to benefit 81 members of the community, supporting a diversified range of crops and ensuring consistent agricultural productivity.

Patrick Muhenda Agaba, the Lamwo District Production and Marketing Officer, applauded the initiation of the project, particularly the meticulous planning and execution by EpicenterAfrica Limited. He underscored the importance of embracing oilseed crops, in line with the government's 7-year National Oil Seed Project, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID).

Thomson Obong, the Chief Administrative Officer of Lamwo, emphasized the urgency of swift construction completion to effectively address the pressing agricultural challenges posed by changing weather patterns. Obong rallied the local community to wholeheartedly support the project, ensuring its durability and the mitigation of climate-related adversities.

Jane Ajilong, the administrator at Epicenter Africa Limited, passionately appealed to the community to nurture the project for future generations. Once the project reaches fruition, it is poised to serve as a beacon of sustainable agricultural development and community prosperity in the heart of Lamwo District.