Farmers in Minakulu town council, Oyam district, who were evicted from farming in Atego swamp, now have reasons to smile because the Ministry of Water and Environment has introduced a new project for them to carry out around the Atego wetlands.
This project is aimed at benefiting only the people who were farming in Atego swamp and were evicted by the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) last year. This year, the Ministry of Water and Environment has initiated three projects for them, including fishing activities, beekeeping, and irrigation projects to boost farming activities every season.
Ayini Martin, the environmental focal point person for Minakulu town council, says all the boundary demarcation exercises were conducted in three wards: Atego, Aceno, and Adel. The project is expected to kick off by April this year.
The Atego wetlands in Minakulu town cover approximately 110 acres. It was reported that 200 farmers encroached on it to practice farming activities, which goes against environmental conservation.
