The excavation of valley dams in Ntoroko district has failed to mitigate the water stress problem in the cattle corridor resulting from the prolonged drought in the area.
In March this year, the government through the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries under the department of Agricultural infrastructure mechanization and water for Agricultural production constructed eight valley dams in the district with an aim of combating water stress in severe drought-affected areas.
However, only 2 out of the eight newly excavated valley dams and the other 10 that were built earlier in the district prior contain water. Dr. Patrick Businge, the Ntoroko District Production Officer told Uganda Radio Network in an interview that whereas the government provided the district with equipment to facilitate the excavation of the valley dams, many farmers missed out on the opportunity due to the rising cost of fuel and lack of finances to undertake the works.
Dr. Businge also added that the machines were brought late when the rains had long stopped, which could not help restore and preserve water for animals during the dry spell.
Dr. Businge says because of the conflict between the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the National Forest Authority, and the community in the district, farmers have now resorted to crossing into DRC in search of water and pasture for their animals.
However, Businge explains that this comes at a cost because of the continued spread of animal diseases like foot and mouth among others due to frequent livestock movements in and out of the district.
Williams Kasoro, the Ntoroko District LC V Chairperson, says that Kanara, Rwebisengo, Kibuku, and Bweramule sub-counties and Rwebisengo town council are still facing the challenge of drought since not many farmers benefited from the Mechanized equipment from the Ministry of Agriculture due to financial challenges.
Kasoro says the district has now embarked on sensitization among livestock farmers to keep a sizable number of animals that is commensurate to the land they have and water to reduce the number of animals that die as a result of drought.
Dr. Henry Oplot Nakilet, the Commissioner of Agriculture extension and skills management in the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries, said that due to the high demand for mechanized equipment across the county, the machines were delivered to the district late when the rains had stopped.
He, however, says that they are hopeful that when the rains start the valley dams will help to sustain enough water to mitigate drought in the upcoming seasons.
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