Tooro Environment Stewardship for Sustainable Development (TESSD) – Irrigation for Climate Resilience
Introduction
The Tooro Region in Uganda faces significant climate change vulnerabilities that threaten agricultural productivity and food security. The TESSD Irrigation for Climate Resilience project aims to support the shift towards more resilient agriculture by developing sustainable irrigation services.
The project will enhance the resilience of smallholder farmers to climate variability by promoting the adoption of irrigation practices, increasing water storage capacity, and implementing sustainable catchment management. This market-driven approach will strengthen producer organizations and develop value chains, ultimately improving livelihoods and food security in the region.
Tooro Irrigation for Climate Resilience in Uganda – Africa: Empowering Farmers, Transforming Agriculture. Enhancing Climate Resilience in Tooro: Sustainable Irrigation Solutions by TESSD. Discover how Tooro Environment Stewardship for Sustainable Development (TESSD) plans to transform agriculture in the Tooro Region with sustainable irrigation practices. Our initiative supports smallholder farmers by promoting irrigation, increasing water storage, and managing catchments sustainably.
The Tooro region of Uganda faces increasing climate variability, with erratic rainfall patterns threatening traditional rain-fed agriculture. The Tooro Environment Stewardship for Sustainable Development (TESSD) project proposes a comprehensive approach to building climate resilience by developing and promoting sustainable irrigation practices for smallholder farmers.
Project Objectives
- Promote widespread adoption of irrigation: The project will empower smallholder farmers by facilitating access to and training in efficient, sustainable irrigation systems. This will be achieved by:
- Knowledge dissemination: Conduct workshops and demonstrations to educate farmers on various irrigation techniques and water management practices and select suitable irrigation technologies based on water availability and crop requirements.
- Financial and technical assistance: Establishing partnerships with microfinance institutions to provide affordable loans for purchasing irrigation equipment and facilitating the development of farmer-managed irrigation schemes.
- Synergy with other agricultural practices: Integrating irrigation with improved crop varieties, soil management techniques, and access to essential agricultural inputs for holistic farm improvement.
- Increase water storage capacity: To ensure consistent water availability for irrigation, the project will:
- Rehabilitation of existing infrastructure: Identify and improve existing water sources like dams, reservoirs, and traditional water harvesting structures.
- Promotion of rainwater harvesting: Train farmers on rainwater harvesting techniques for individual farms, promoting efficient water capture and storage.
- Promote sustainable catchment management: The project recognizes the importance of protecting water resources and will promote practices such as:
- Reforestation and soil conservation: Encouraging tree planting and implementing soil and water conservation measures to reduce erosion and improve water infiltration.
- Community management: Fostering collaboration among farmers to manage water resources and catchment areas effectively.
Project Components:
- Sustainable Irrigation Adoption:
- Training and capacity-building workshops for farmers on modern irrigation techniques.
- Provision of affordable and efficient irrigation equipment.
- Integration of irrigation with other agricultural inputs and technologies, such as improved seeds and fertilizers.
- Water Storage Capacity Enhancement:
- Construction of community-managed water storage facilities (e.g., tanks, small dams).
- Rehabilitation of existing water storage infrastructure.
- Promotion of rainwater harvesting techniques.
- Sustainable Catchment Management:
- Reforestation and afforestation programs to protect watersheds.
- Community-based soil and water conservation practices.
- Education campaigns on sustainable water use and management.
- Market-Driven Agricultural Development:
- Formation and strengthening of producer organizations and cooperatives.
- Development of value chains for high-value crops.
- Establishment of market linkages and partnerships with agribusinesses.
Implementation Plan:
Phase 1: Project Setup and Baseline Assessment (Months 1-3)
- Conduct baseline surveys and needs assessments.
- Establish a project management team and local partnerships.
- Develop a detailed implementation plan and monitoring framework.
Phase 2: Capacity Building and Infrastructure Development (Months 4-12)
- Conduct training workshops for farmers.
- Procure and distribute irrigation equipment.
- Begin construction of water storage facilities.
- Launch reforestation and conservation initiatives.
Phase 3: Full Implementation and Market Development (Months 13-24)
- Expand training programs and support services.
- Complete water storage and catchment management projects.
- Strengthen producer organizations and establish market linkages.
- Monitor and evaluate project progress and impact.
Phase 4: Consolidation and Sustainability (Months 25-36)
- Ensure the sustainability of irrigation systems and practices.
- Continue capacity building and technical support.
- Evaluate project outcomes and document lessons learned.
- Prepare for project handover and potential scaling.
Budget Estimate:
| Component | Cost (USD) |
| Project Setup and Baseline Assessment | $50,000 |
| Capacity Building and Training | $100,000 |
| Irrigation Equipment and Supplies | $200,000 |
| Water Storage Infrastructure | $300,000 |
| Sustainable Catchment Management | $150,000 |
| Producer Organizations Development | $100,000 |
| Monitoring and Evaluation | $50,000 |
| Project Management and Overhead | $50,000 |
| Total | $1,000,000 |
Open for Donor Funding and Partnerships
TESSD is actively seeking donor funding to implement this crucial project. We believe that supporting sustainable irrigation practices can empower Tooro’s farmers, improve food security, and build resilience in the face of climate change.
To achieve the objectives of the TESSD Irrigation for Climate Resilience project, we seek donor funding from international development organizations, government agencies, and private sector partners. Collaboration with local NGOs, agricultural extension services, and community groups will be critical for successful implementation and sustainability.
Expected Outcomes:
- Increased adoption of sustainable irrigation practices by at least 2,000 smallholder farmers.
- Improved water storage capacity, benefiting over 5,000 households.
- Enhanced catchment management practices across 10,000 hectares.
- Strong producer organizations with improved market access for high-value crops.
- Increased agricultural productivity and resilience to climate variability, contributing to food security and economic growth in the Tooro Region.
Sustainability
The project will prioritize the long-term sustainability of irrigation practices through:
- Farmer-led operation and maintenance: Training farmers in the operation, maintenance, and repair of irrigation systems to ensure their continued functionality.
- Water use efficiency: Promoting water-saving irrigation technologies like drip irrigation and micro-sprinkler systems.
- Environmental considerations: Integrating catchment management practices to safeguard water resources and the surrounding ecosystem.
Contact Information:
Project Coordinator: Tooro Environment Stewardship for Sustainable Development (TESSD) Address:
Fort Portal City
Central Division
Kijannju B
P.O. BOX 390630
Tel: +256700801771
Email: info@tessd.org
The TESSD Irrigation for Climate Resilience project addresses the key challenges of climate variability and water management, aiming to foster sustainable agricultural development and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the Tooro Region.