Bukedi Sub-region: How Rice Farming Traps Farmers in Poverty

For generations, rice cultivation has been the cornerstone of livelihood in Uganda’s Bukedi Sub-region. However, what appears to be a promising venture on fertile lands has instead ensnared many residents in an inescapable cycle of poverty.

The seemingly insatiable demand for rice fuels the cultivation across vast wetlands, accounting for up to 80 percent of economic activity in these areas. Yet, the reality for farmers is a stark contrast to the potential for prosperity. A heavy dependence on this single crop leaves the community highly vulnerable to the unpredictable fluctuations of market prices and the increasing impacts of climate change. When yields falter or prices plummet, the financial stability of these households crumbles, leading to significant hardship.

Leaders and elders express concern that the labor-intensive nature of rice farming yields profits that are disproportionately small compared to the investment. “What people invest into rice-growing is high yet the outcome is too small,” notes James Lyadda, an elder. This often forces children to drop out of school to contribute to rice cultivation.

Many farmers feel compelled to cultivate rice in wetlands due to a lack of viable alternatives. The collapse of cotton, once a primary cash crop in the region, left many without other options. While rice farming has allowed some to meet basic needs like education and healthcare, it has not been a path to significant wealth. Arthur Wako Mboizi, a former MP, suggests that government intervention is crucial, advocating for research into and introduction of more profitable alternative crops.

Efforts are underway to diversify economic activities. The government, in partnership with development partners, is promoting alternative ventures such as poultry, piggery, and fish farming to help residents move away from wetland cultivation and mitigate environmental degradation. Projects in Pallisa District, funded by the Green Climate Fund, have supported beneficiaries in dairy farming, irrigation, and fish farming, showing early signs of success.

Bukedi Sub-region, comprising seven districts, is identified as one of the poorest in the country, with a significant portion of its population engaged in subsistence farming. The region’s poverty rate stands at 34 percent, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable economic alternatives. In response, President Museveni launched the Bukedi Development Strategic Plan 2024-2040, aiming to improve household incomes.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)