Three lead farmers from Abim district receive walking tractors from Nabuin Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute. The individual farmers received walking tractors in line with the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries strategy for promotion of agricultural mechanization. Agricultural mechanization entails leasing of agricultural equipment to an individual to manage, operate, or run as a business on one’s behalf.
MAAIF provided tractors and implements for farming communities in Karamoja subregion under the Karamoja Tractor hire scheme that was launched in March 2023. The scheme has a fleet of 16 tractors (big) of HP 75 (15) and HP 125 (1) and 9 walking tractors. A fleet of 9 walking tractors are specifically designated for small holder farmers and farmer groups, commercial farmers, and the vulnerable farmers of Karamoja with low farming acreage to aid in opening land. User agreements were signed with farmers, the user agreements define standings on ownership, cost sharing, technical support and management of the walking tractors. Nabuin ZARDI will retain the ownership of the walking tractors, oversee monitoring and operations, and will provide technical back stopping and mentorship. While the farmers, among others, are obliged to mobilize other farmers to benefit from tractor tillage services at a minimal fee of UGX 5000 per acre.
The tractors are a component of the mechanization program purposed to help farming communities in Karamoja to improve agricultural output and modernize farming. With the support of walking tractors, farmers can cultivate more land efficiently, increase yields, lessen the burden of manual labor, improve food security and promote sustainable farming methods.
The walking tractor is a self-propelled machine used for ploughing, harrowing, and leveling of field. It is designed to pull and propel trailed or mounted agricultural machinery and implements. Compared to animals/ human, a walking tractor is more efficient and can perform better in both wet and dry soil condition. This efficiency means small scale farmers in Karamoja can accomplish more in less time., streamlining their farming in line with the erratic rainfall patterns, and maximize productivity. The walking tractors use diesel and are manned in the same way one would oxen. The technology is more adaptable and convenient for small scale farmers, and can boost agricultural production.
Generally, Karamoja sub region is prone to climate shocks, which lead to food insecurity. Still then, Abim district is one of the districts in Karamoja that receives fair rains and is capable of becoming Karamoja’s food basket. Overall, the government agricultural mechanization is set out to improve agricultural productivity. More so with farm mechanization, since it improves the timeliness and efficiency of farm operations leading to cost savings, increased yields, and can lead to agriculture led industrialization and rural economic growth.