Despite being one of Uganda’s most fertile regions and a hub for rice cultivation, many farmers in Busoga are struggling to make ends meet. While their fields yield high-quality grains celebrated locally and sought after internationally, the economic realities for those who grow the rice remain bleak.
“Every season, we labor tirelessly, but when it comes time to sell our harvest, the prices are often too low to sustain our families,” laments Alexander Mbaasa, a local rice farmer and self-educated student at Kyambogo University. “We need support to access better markets and fairer prices.”
Rice farming has become a significant agricultural activity in Busoga, particularly in its lush swampy areas. Farmers in the region have adapted both traditional and modern techniques to harness the waterlogged soils, producing a thriving crop. Recent projections from the USDA’s International Production Assessment Division (IPAD) estimate Uganda’s rice production for 2024 at 237,000 tons, an increase from the five-year average of 217,000 tons.
However, while the crop thrives, the farmers’ financial prospects do not reflect this growth. Rising production costs for seeds, fertilizers, and pest control often outweigh the meager returns farmers receive from selling their crops.
The local market is dominated by middlemen who significantly eat into farmers’ profits. These intermediaries dictate prices, leaving farmers with little bargaining power. Coupled with fluctuating market rates and inadequate infrastructure, the situation has left many farmers disillusioned.
Lost Faith in Sugarcane, Hopes for Rice
Busoga’s agricultural potential is undeniable, but the region has struggled to maximize it. In recent years, many farmers lost interest in sugarcane growing, once a lucrative venture, due to similar issues of poor market prices and exploitation by middlemen. Rice farming emerged as an alternative, providing hope for better economic prospects.
However, without intervention, the cycle of poverty threatens to persist.
Efforts to Break the Cycle
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local authorities have stepped in, aiming to address the disparities that rice farmers face. Efforts include:
- Training Farmers: Providing education on improved farming techniques to boost yields.
- Market Access: Creating opportunities for farmers to sell directly to buyers, bypassing middlemen.
- Financial Literacy: Teaching farmers to manage resources more effectively.
Despite these initiatives, community leaders stress the need for more substantial investment in infrastructure, such as better roads and storage facilities, to support the rice trade. They also highlight the importance of fair trade practices and policies that empower farmers rather than exploit them.
A Call to Action
As demand for rice in Uganda continues to rise, the time is ripe to ensure that farmers in Busoga benefit from this opportunity. Agricultural experts advocate for sustainable farming practices and direct market access to break the cycle of poverty.
“The rich soil of Busoga should not only yield bountiful harvests but also prosperity for its hardworking farmers,” one community leader stated.
For Mbaasa and countless others in the region, the hope remains that their labor will one day translate into a better livelihood. To achieve this, stakeholders must act decisively to address the systemic challenges hindering farmers’ success. Only then will the true potential of Busoga’s agricultural sector be realized, transforming not just fields of rice but the lives of those who cultivate them.
