Uganda Agricultural News and Research Digest – December 1
Public debate on wisdom of govt support for large scale farming schemes in Karamoja
Daily Monitor
A decision by government with support from the European Union, to support massive agriculture in Karamoja, has been seen by the region’s leaders as an attempt to undermine pastoralism. The European Union has embarked on a 15 million Euros (about Shs53 billion) project dubbed Karamoja Livelihoods Programme (KALIP) aimed at supporting agriculture diversification and capacity building, encouraging agro-pastoral production and setting up small-scale water infrastructure. However, Karimojong opinion leaders and elders argued that pastoralism is the main source of wealth in the region and supporting it would go a long away in improving the livelihood of the people. Kotido District Veterinary Officer Pascal Panvuga said he is concerned at how much money is pumped into crop production as opposed to pastoralism yet the crops are not yielding as expected.
Also see opinion supporting the approach of the government and the EU on this issue - http://www. (...)
