Farmers in Karamoja are poised for a major agricultural transformation. They have received walk-behind tractors and other essential mechanisation tools through a new project aimed at promoting sustainable land use and transitioning from pastoralism to agropastoralism.
The handover ceremony took place at the National Agricultural Mechanization Referral Centre in Namalere, Wakiso District. It formed part of the ongoing “Fostering Sustainability and Resilience for Food Security in the Karamoja Sub-region” (F-SURE) project. The event brought together key stakeholders from MAAIF, FAO, and several local governments.
Speaking on behalf of MAAIF Permanent Secretary David Kasura-Kyomukama, Francis Waneloba emphasized the urgency of agricultural reform in the region. “Karamoja must move from pastoralism to a model where both crops and livestock coexist,” he said. “To reduce animal movement, we must improve breeds, provide more water sources, and establish better fodder systems.”
Dr Paul Ayella, also from MAAIF, added that the project aims to scale up land use while implementing climate-smart farming techniques. He stressed that manual farming limits productivity. Therefore, mechanisation is key to increasing yields and land efficiency.
Meanwhile, FAO Representative in Uganda, Antonio Querido, officially handed over the equipment. He highlighted how mechanisation can empower smallholder farmers by reducing physical labor and improving consistency in farming practices.
The F-SURE project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), runs for five years. It is jointly implemented by FAO and UNDP, with MAAIF as the lead agency. Notably, the project targets over 12,000 farming households across Karenga, Kaabong, Kotido, Moroto, Nabilatuk, and Nakapiripirit districts.
According to Querido, the initiative is part of a larger GEF pilot aimed at integrating ecosystem management into food production systems. So far, it has established 250 Farmer Field Schools that teach communities sustainable practices, including agroforestry, pasture regeneration, and climate-resilient agriculture.
However, access to labor-saving tools remained a key barrier. “These new machines will help bridge that gap,” Querido noted. “They allow farmers to expand operations, reduce strain, and adopt more efficient practices.”
The equipment package includes 55 walk-behind tractors (14-horsepower) with mouldboard ploughs, seed and fertilizer planters, trailers, water bowsers, hose reels, and maintenance kits. In addition, motorcycles and tricycles were provided to improve transport logistics and support extension services.
Receiving the tools on behalf of the region, Kotido District LC5 Chairperson Paul Komol Lote shared optimism. “This can shift the mindset of our people. Farming here has long focused on livestock, but now we can increase crop production as well,” he said.
To ensure sustainability, FAO has trained MAAIF and district officials in the technical and business management of agricultural machinery. These trainers will work directly with tractor operators, local mechanics, and farmer groups to build capacity and ensure proper usage.
Additionally, the project will roll out a farmer group service provider model. Selected groups will manage the equipment and offer services to members and nearby communities for a fee. This structure aims to promote ownership, enhance service delivery, and ensure long-term sustainability.
