Mityana Farmers Turn to Solar Power to Beat Dry Spells

In the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, farmers in Uganda’s Mityana District are finding a sustainable solution in solar energy. A recent dry spell that significantly impacted crop yields across the Buganda sub-region between June and September left many farmers struggling. However, those who have embraced solar-powered irrigation systems, like Tonny Tenywa in Nakwaya village, have been able to continue their agricultural activities without interruption.

Mr. Tenywa, who previously focused on coffee, diversified into cabbage, maize, and beans after installing his solar irrigation system. He reports that the technology has not only ensured a consistent water supply for his crops but has also drastically reduced his labor needs, cutting the number of farmhands from ten to four. This shift allows him to manage his coffee plantation year-round, breaking free from traditional seasonal farming.

During a recent field day at Eden Organic Farm, showcasing the productive use of solar energy, farmers like Fred Kagugube shared their success stories. Mr. Kagugube expanded his farm from six to ten acres and saw his coffee yield increase from 70 to over 100 bags per season. He has also introduced tomatoes and bananas to his cultivation. The Joint Energy and Environment Projects (JEEP), through its Distributed Renewable Energy Ecosystems Model (DREEM), is actively promoting these solar technologies to smallholder farmers, aiming to lower production costs and enhance resilience to climate shocks.

While the benefits are clear, challenges such as maintenance and the availability of local technicians and spare parts remain. Farmers like Mr. Tenywa sometimes need to hire private repair services from Kampala. Despite these hurdles, the adoption of solar irrigation represents a significant step towards modernizing agriculture and ensuring food security in Mityana and potentially other districts as the DREEM project expands.