MPIGI DISTRICT, UGANDA — A pioneering solar-powered irrigation system was officially launched and handed over to the Buganda Kingdom – Child Welfare and Adoption Society Farm in Ssango, Mawokota, as part of a broader initiative to enhance climate adaptation for smallholder farmers in Uganda.
The project, “Enhancing Irrigation to Improve Climate Adaptation and Sustain Smallholder Production Systems in Uganda,” is funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the Danida Green Business Partnerships Program. The initiative aims to bolster the resilience of smallholder farmers against the adverse effects of climate change while promoting sustainable agricultural growth.
The project is spearheaded by a consortium of partners, including the Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC) and Access2Innovation, in collaboration with commercial partners Grundfos and Akvo International.
Grundfos, in collaboration with Akvo, has donated the solar-powered irrigation system, which is the second of three demonstration units under the project.
With increasing climate variability, smallholder farmers, who contribute significantly to Uganda’s agricultural output, face growing challenges from erratic rainfall and prolonged droughts. The solar-powered irrigation system is designed to alleviate these challenges by enhancing productivity, ensuring food system sustainability, and reducing the vulnerability of farmers to climate shocks.
Danish Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Signe Winding Alberg, underscored the significance of partnerships in addressing climate adaptation challenges. “Denmark has always been committed to promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices, and today’s handover exemplifies how technology and collaboration can drive transformative change,” Ambassador Alberg said.
Patrick Luwaga Mugumbule, Speaker of the Buganda Kingdom Parliament, expressed pride in hosting the initiative and reaffirmed the kingdom’s dedication to supporting innovative solutions for smallholder farmers. “This project is a testament to the power of partnerships in addressing the most pressing challenges facing our farmers. We are honored to contribute to the promotion of irrigation technologies that will undoubtedly transform livelihoods across the region,” Mugumbule said.
Sister Sarah Naamala, Executive Director of Child Welfare and Adoption Society, expressed gratitude for the installation. “For smallholder farmers like me, access to consistent water supply has always been a challenge. This solar-powered irrigation system is a game-changer, providing a reliable solution that will help us adapt to climate challenges while increasing our productivity and income,” Naamala said.
The 3-year project aims to demonstrate the critical role of innovative technologies in building a sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural sector, showcasing the transformative results that can be achieved through partnerships between the public sector, private enterprises, and local communities.
