West Nile Rice Project Yields Significant Gains for Refugees and Host Communities

Residents in Uganda’s West Nile region, encompassing both refugee populations and host communities in districts like Yumbe and Madi-Okollo, are experiencing a notable surge in rice yields. This positive outcome is attributed to the adoption of improved rice seed varieties and advanced farming practices implemented through a project focused on enhancing livelihoods and mitigating potential conflicts arising from resource competition.

During a recent monitoring mission, officials observed demonstration gardens and assessed the project’s progress, productivity, and challenges, including the impact of drought. The initiative, funded by the Japanese government and coordinated by UN Women Uganda, specifically aims to introduce drought and disease-resilient rice varieties. By bolstering agricultural output, the project seeks to improve household incomes, strengthen food security, and alleviate economic pressures that can sometimes fuel conflict.

This effort aligns with Uganda’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security, acknowledging the growing threat of climate-related risks to regional stability. The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) is spearheading the distribution of quality seeds, notably the NERICA 4 variety, and providing crucial farmer training. The project builds upon previous work, emphasizing the importance of female participation, which has been a hallmark of its success, challenging traditional stereotypes about women in agriculture.

Farmers like Taban Rashid from Yumbe District have reported transformative results. Previously, Rashid used significantly more seed per acre and faced extensive labour for weeding, yielding approximately eight bags of rice per acre, earning around Shs800,000. Post-intervention, his yields have climbed to 25 bags per acre, with earnings reaching approximately Shs2.5 million. This increase is attributed to techniques such as line planting and improved post-harvest handling.

NARO employs the ‘Musomesa’ farmer field school approach, integrating group demonstrations with practical, hands-on training on individual plots. This method ensures farmers can directly apply learned skills. The project identified rice cultivation as a preferred agricultural activity, thus focusing resources on improved seeds, training, and guidance on production and post-harvest management, ultimately fostering cooperation and peace through economic empowerment.