Agricultural experts are warning of looming food insecurity and reduced household incomes across the Acholi Sub-region in the coming months following a prolonged dry spell that has left crops withering in gardens.
Smallholder farmers across the region are already counting losses as maize, groundnuts, soybeans, and beans are key sources of food and household income after nearly a month of no rainfall in some areas.
Godfrey Jomo Oyet, the Omoro District Production Officer, says the prolonged lack of rain has negatively affected crop growth in the first planting season, with the extent of damage varying depending on the stage of development and location.
According to Oyet, maize, groundnuts, and soybeans are the most affected crops in Omoro and neighbouring districts, where most farmers still depend on rain-fed agriculture.
He explains that mature maize crops escaped major damage, but those that are flowering and filling grain are experiencing severe moisture stress.
Groundnuts currently at the flowering stage have also been badly affected, while soybean crops that are yet to mature are beginning to dry up due to inadequate moisture.
Agricultural experts say that although the government has rolled out micro-scale irrigation schemes under a cost-sharing arrangement to support smallholder farmers, uptake in the Acholi Sub-region remains low.
The June-August seasonal outlook released by the Ministry of Water and Environment in May projected irregular showers in the Central-Northern region, comprising Amuru, Omoro, Lamwo, Oyam, Gulu and Kiryandongo districts, up to mid-June.
The ministry also warns that prolonged dry spells will likely lead to reduced crop yields and increased prices for seasonal crops such as soybeans.
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