Solar irrigation transforms lives

In Lotisan sub-county, Karamoja, Uganda, many farming families struggle to grow enough food. Long treks to fetch water drain time and energy, and harvests often fail when water sources dry up.

But today, thanks to a solar-powered micro-irrigation system, farmers in Amunyodoi village are able to grow vegetables all year round, feed their families better and boost household incomes.

For community-based facilitator Peter Aguma, the change has been dramatic. “I joined Farm Africa last year in 2024. I train the groups on vegetable growing and also train mothers, including breastfeeding mothers, on how to feed young children and what foods they should eat and give to their children so that they grow up healthy,” he said.

Peter explained how the irrigation system, funded by Eurofins Foundation in partnership with Farm Africa and Care International, has helped farmers take control of their crops and diets. “Irrigation is necessary here because we realised these people had no nearby market to access food, especially nutritious food.

“Mothers should be able to access food within the local community. The vegetables we pick right now from the garden are very good. You can just pick them, go and prepare them and enjoy them.”

Before the system, farmers were limited to using what water they could carry from ponds two kilometres away.

“We tried before to grow vegetables here without irrigation. We were fetching water from a pond. But when the pond dried up, it became a challenge for us. Farmers lost morale managing their garden. They gave up. But since the irrigation has come in, it will be continuous,” Peter said.

Members of the farmers group in Amunyodoi village, Lotisan sub county where Farm Africa is supporting the farmers group to use irrigation.

The health benefits have been striking. “Before, we had a lot of cases of malnutrition. Hospitals were full of malnourished children: ones who were receiving Plumpy nuts,” Peter explained.

“But currently, I don’t see any doctor giving a referral letter in the village, meaning malnutrition has totally ended. You see children looking healthier. They have more energy and are playing more. When children are healthy, the whole community is happy.”

Farmer and group member Ben Lokut agrees: “Having fresh vegetables has contributed to nutrition in the home. It has removed hunger.”

Ben Lokut, a member of the farmers group in Amunyodoi village, Lotisan sub county at the vegetable plot.

For Ben, the irrigation has opened the door to a new livelihood: “I used to make charcoal to sell. But charcoal burning is restricted, it’s not a good thing. So now I cultivate and sell vegetables. I would like more tanks, so this farm can become more commercial.”

As to the future, the group is excited to start a savings group with proceeds from the vegetable sales, as Peter explained: “Tomorrow, these vegetables are going to sell and begin savings. I believe in future if you come and visit us, you’ll realise this place has changed for the better.”