A prolonged dry spell is taking a heavy toll on farmers across the Bugisu and Sebei sub-regions, destroying crops and threatening food security, household incomes, and the ability of many farmers to repay agricultural loans.
The dry conditions come as the two regions enter a critical stage of the first agricultural season.
Agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy, with the majority of households depending on crops such as maize, onions, beans, and Irish potatoes for both food and income.
However, weeks of limited rainfall and intense sunshine have left many gardens drying up before crops could mature.
The most affected districts include Bulambuli and Sironko in Bugisu Sub-region, as well as Kween, Bukwo, and Kapchorwa in Sebei Sub-region.
Isaac Mwanga, a farmer from Ngenge Sub-county in Kween District, says he has lost more than 30 acres of maize due to the prolonged sunshine.
Justine Yeko Jim, the Kapchorwa District Commercial Officer, says the dry spell is likely to affect the financial stability of many farmer groups and individual borrowers who accessed credit to finance agricultural activities.
He advises financial institutions to work closely with affected farmers while encouraging communities to adopt climate-resilient farming practices to reduce the impact of unpredictable weather conditions.
By URN
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