Government Turns to Irrigation Schemes to Restore Kibuku Wetlands

The Ugandan government has turned to structured irrigation as a strategic measure to restore degraded wetlands and prevent further encroachment in the eastern region. Initially rolled out by the Ministry of Water and Environment in 2019, the initiative aims to provide farmers with sustainable alternatives to destructive agricultural practices in swamps.

The intervention spans five districts, namely Budaka, Butaleja, Namutumba, Kibuku, and Kaliro. In Kibuku District, the Natoto Irrigation Scheme—situated on a 10-acre plot in Buseta Sub-county—has emerged as a focal point for this environmental and economic transition.

Through these government-backed schemes, local farmers are shifting away from indiscriminate wetland degradation toward controlled, productive agricultural ventures. Many participants are now engaging in year-round vegetable production, growing crops such as cabbages, tomatoes, onions, eggplants, and watermelons. Additionally, other farmer groups have embraced fish farming as a viable method to improve household incomes and build resilience against climate shocks.

Environmental authorities hope that providing reliable irrigation infrastructure will ease the heavy reliance on vulnerable wetland ecosystems, ultimately balancing local economic needs with critical environmental conservation goals.

For more details, read the original report on Daily Monitor.