By Our Reporter
Communities in Ongongoja Sub-county, Katakwi District, have appealed to the government, non-governmental organisations and well-wishers to provide cassava cuttings, seeds and other planting materials following the return of rains.
Residents say the rains have created an opportunity for farmers to resume cultivation after a prolonged drought destroyed crops and left many households struggling with food shortages.
The farmers are particularly seeking cassava cuttings, green gram seeds and sweet potato vines, among other planting materials, to help restore household food supplies.
Michael Ariko Essien, a resident of Ongongoja Village, said the prolonged drought destroyed most of the crops in the area, leaving many families without adequate planting materials for the current planting season.
Another resident, Joseph Imalingat, said cassava, one of the major food crops grown in Ongongoja Sub-county and Katakwi District, was severely affected by the drought.
He said the resulting food shortage had forced some families to survive on just one meal a day, a situation that was also affecting school-going children.
According to Imalingat, some learners are leaving school early because they lack food to eat during break and lunchtime.
Meanwhile, Ongongoja Sub-county LCIII Chairperson John Peter Imalingat said the current rains appeared promising and urged government and other stakeholders to support farmers with planting materials so they could take advantage of the available moisture.
He said cassava cuttings were particularly needed because cassava remains an important food crop for many households in the area.
He added that the shortage of cassava had pushed up the price of dried cassava in local markets, making it increasingly difficult for low-income families to afford food.
According to Imalingat, the food shortage is becoming increasingly worrying, with some households struggling to put food on the table.
However, the Uganda National Meteorological Authority has warned communities about possible El Niño-related rains in the coming period, urging residents to remain alert and follow official weather updates.
Farmers in Ongongoja are now calling for timely intervention from the government, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to help them take advantage of the rains, restore agricultural production and rebuild their household food reserves.
