In 2019, President Yoweri Museveni, during a visit to the Limoto wetland restoration project, encountered a stark reality: the locals, predominantly rice farmers, were “working for only their stomachs,” a Lugwere phrase aptly capturing their struggle to escape poverty. With per capita income hovering around $135, many were trapped in a cycle of subsistence living.
Museveni, recognizing the potential of aquaculture, urged the community to embrace fish farming. To support this initiative, the government established a demonstration fish farm, now affectionately known as “Museveni’s farm,” equipped with eight ponds.
However, the initial ventures faced challenges. High costs associated with imported fish feed significantly impacted profitability. But the resourceful farmers, led by Siraji Gasyodo, the chairperson of the Limoto Tukume Butonde Fish Farmers Association, found a solution: they replaced expensive imported feeds with locally sourced chicken offals. This innovative approach dramatically reduced feeding costs, with daily expenses plummeting from Shs540,000 to a mere Shs20,000.
The results have been remarkable. In the third season, the farmers are on track to surpass their previous earnings, with anticipated sales exceeding Shs80 million. This success has not only improved their livelihoods but also empowered them to invest in other ventures, such as poultry farming and small businesses.
Grace Salamula, a local fish farmer, exemplifies this transformation. “We were rice farmers, but we were not lifting ourselves from poverty,” she recalls. “Now, I own a food kiosk, and my life is improving.”
This success story, however, is not without its challenges. Farmers are calling for government support in the form of a fish feed-making machine to further reduce production costs and improve efficiency. They also require reliable transportation to access wider markets and better storage facilities to minimize post-harvest losses.
The Limoto fish farm serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the potential of aquaculture to alleviate poverty and improve livelihoods in rural Uganda. It also underscores the importance of community-led initiatives, innovation, and government support in fostering sustainable development.
This project has not only provided economic opportunities but also contributed to environmental conservation by encouraging sustainable wetland management. As Richard Omongole, the senior fisheries officer for Pallisa District, observed, locals are now more willing to protect the wetland, recognizing its value as a source of livelihood.
The Limoto fish farm stands as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the local community. By embracing innovation and adapting to challenges, these farmers are proving that with the right support, they can break free from the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future for themselves and their families.