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Manafwa, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Bumusse irrigation scheme in Manafwa district has boosted vegetable growing. Sitting on 15 acres of land, the small irrigation scheme is found in Bumusse village, Nambale parish in Bukusu sub county.
The former State Minister of Water and Environment, Mary Goretti Kitutu initiated the over Shillings 100 million irrigation scheme with support from the government of Uganda in 2018. The irrigation was meant to provide a stable water supply for vegetable growing for sale at all seasons following the farmer’s outcry during the dry spell.
The farmers involved in growing vegetables like cabbages and tomatoes now have living testimonies of how the scheme and vegetable business have chased poverty out of their homes. Gideon Nate Israel, a caretaker, pump operator and farmer, says the irrigation scheme has improved their livelihoods since it started in 2018.
He says that before the scheme started, he used to grow cabbages and tomatoes, which would fetch him less than Shillings 900,000 in a year, which had three seasons. Nate however says that ever since the scheme started, he earns more than Shillings 1million just in one season and Shillings 12 million a year.
Fred Wekesa, another farmer said the irrigation scheme came at the time he was very poor but has since benefited from the vegetable growing business from the scheme. He says that they have been able to buy more land to do other businesses other than vegetable growing. According to Wekesa, he started with one plot of land but now has five plots, cows and had started a bar business.
John Wekesa, the Bumusse village LC I chairperson said that the irrigation scheme has also come with development in the area, arguing that those who gain from vegetable growing go back to develop the area. He says that this has helped eliminate theft from their area as most youths are now employed on the scheme.
Sam Muse, the LC 3 chairperson Bukusu sub county says that the scheme has helped his community members to chase poverty and improve their living standards. He says that they even had a dream of producing transport means, which could help them transport vegetables but COVID-19 affected their plans.
Brian Malikitsi, a casual worker on the irrigation scheme said that he used to get Shillings 3000 after offering labour to other people. He however said that ever since he joined the scheme, he has been earning over Shillings 10,000 each day and gets vegetables that he always takes to feed his family.
Over 40 farmers grow vegetables for sale. They give back 10% of the money they get from the scheme in a season for maintenance and sustainability. 20 percent is saved for future use and 70% is for their daily expenditure.
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