Solar irrigation transforms eastern Uganda's farming, boosting incomes

Solar irrigation infrastructure across eastern Ugandan districts has enabled subsistence cultivators to transition toward commercial horticulture while generating triple their previous annual earnings through multiple growing seasons. Farmers in Kaliro, Luuka and Tororo have abandoned rain-dependent maize and cassava cultivation for tomatoes, watermelons and vegetables following the installation of renewable energy water systems funded through UK Export Finance and the Ministry of Water and Environment, with Nexus Green serving as contractor.

Mwidu Yulio, chairman of Lugonyola B Village in Kaliro District, reported that families previously earning less than 800,000 shillings annually from grain production now collect over 2.8 million shillings per season from smaller plots. Rodgers Musana expects watermelon harvests to yield 3 million shillings after enduring periods when raising 10,000 shillings proved difficult, while Sharifah Nakisige earned 700,000 shillings from tomatoes despite pest challenges.

Ministry of Irrigation support officer Bruno Byembabazi noted that quarter-acre tomato plots generate between 3 and 5 million shillings compared to traditional crops, as communities shift from subsistence agriculture toward year-round commercial production supported by reliable water access.