Farmers in Buyende receive Cassava stems and Banana Seedlings
The 2016/2017 Uganda National Household survey data indicated that 74.8% of the people in Busoga sub region were considered poor and food insecure against the national average of 63%. The cause of poverty in Busoga is attributed to a number of factors like the Poor agricultural practices, such as subsistence farming, Land fragmentation and Lack of a clear focus on the best alternative to the failing sugar cane growing, among others.The population has been left to gamble on the various business adventures and farming enterprises, which have not yielded much, thus keeping the people in poverty.
As DLLN-Uganda, we believe that these problems in Busoga Sub region can be handled, with strategies clearly laid out in the “Promoting Technological adaptation for increased Productivity and Nutrition Project” in Buyende district for a self sustaining Agriculture sector. DLLN-Uganda has thus come up with the following interventions to ensure food security, increase Household incomes, thus bringing about Socio- Economic Transformation in the region
We believe that introduction of a new enterprise which is both a food and cash crop and with a complete value chain is a better alternative. DllN- Uaganda has taken up the role of increasing the household incomes, creating food security in Busoga and transforming the socio economic status of the Sub region through educating the farmers in best methods of farming and giving them seedling. In the past , farmers have received Soya beans, Maize seeds, Potato leaves and currently the emphasis is on Bananas and Cassava growing .
Cassava is a nutty-flavoured root tuber which falls under the group of starchy root vegetables rich in carbohydrates and calories, thus providing various small amounts of vitamins and minerals It is also a staple food for many families in Busoga. Cassava as a crop is proved to do well in Busoga soils, it is very resistant to disease and doesn’t need a lot of vigilance and extra care to be productive, thus can be handled well by the Busoga people. Intervention of cassava as a new enterprise with an entire value chain, where the roots are used both as food and also processed to high quality cassava flour is a much better alternative. This cassava flour can also be used in baking of pastries (Cakes, cookies, bread).The development of high-quality cassava flour could help Busoga region reduce their dependence on other grains. Simply put, our government could save money by making sound investments in the development of commercial cassava industry in Busoga region.
Cassava can grow in poor soils on marginal lands where other crops cannot. It requires minimal fertilizer, pesticides and water. Also, because cassava can be harvested anytime from 8 to 24 months after planting, it can be left in the ground as a safeguard against unexpected food shortages.
As Prince Kitimbo Dan (the executive director of DLLN-Uganda) points out, ‘Because it has traditionally been a crop of the poor, expanding the market for cassava can bring direct economic benefits to those who need it most.” On average, farmers produce about 10 tonnes of cassava per hectare, but yields can reach as high as 40 tonnes. It is estimated that the introduction of high-yield varieties, improved pest and disease control and better processing methods could increase cassava production in Busoga by 150 percent. “Experience has shown that growth in cassava production and consumption can be an import engine for agricultural development in developing countries,” says Prince Kitimbo.
The banana on the other hand is one of the most important food security and cash crops in Busoga. Areas of Uganda where banana is the main staple experience less famine. This is because the crop’s all-year-round hitting habit coupled with high yield ensures continuous supply of food. Bananas/plantains rank highest amongst the most important food crops in the Country. Annual production is currently estimated at 8.45 million tons, accounting for 15% of total world banana plantain output.
In Uganda, over 7 million people including 65% of the urban population depend on the crop as their staple. It is estimated that 75% of the farmers grow the crop on 1.3 million hectares. Most of this production is for local consumption, the country having the highest consumption rate worldwide (per capita consumption 450kg).
In addition to providing food, bananas ensure income to the farmer throughout the year, play a key role in import substitution, provide soil surface cover, reduce soil erosion on steep slopes and are a . .. principal source of mulch for maintanng soil fertility and improving penetration of water into the soil. Bananas also provide feeds for animals. Besides, there is a socioeconomic culture based on the banana crop.
on 27th July 2022, famers of Buyende received banana seedlings and Cassava stems from the Tim foundation for planting in abid to combart poverty, famine and improving on their livelihoods and health through improved nutrition through the Technological adaptation for increased Productivity and Nutrition Project in Buyende district for a self sustaining Agriculture sector .
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