Karimojong told to grow more cassava
Oct 03, 2010
THE World Food Programme (WFP) country director, Stanlas Samkange, has encouraged the Karimojong to grow cassava alongside sorghum, saying the crop performs well in the sub-region.
By Olandason Wanyama
THE World Food Programme (WFP) country director, Stanlas Samkange, has encouraged the Karimojong to grow cassava alongside sorghum, saying the crop performs well in the sub-region.
“The crop has the potential of becoming a major source of food since other crops are failing due to drought. We want to see a boost in agriculture in the sub-region,†Samkange said.â€
He emphasised that WFP would continue operating in Karamoja to allow the locals lead better lives.
Samkange was speaking on Thursday while meeting Napak and Moroto local governments at the Moroto district Chamber Hall.
Accompanied by the WFP deputy executive director, Gina Gasar, he said the food agency was planning new methods to tackle the challenges faced in Karamoja.
Gasar said WFP would strengthen efforts to shift from aid to independent food production in Karamoja.
So far, the food agency has established over 1,000 acres of cassava gardens in the newly-created Napak district.
A total of 800 acres of these are for multiplication of planting material as well as household food consumption and income.
According to the Napak LC5 chairman, Joseph Lomonyang, WFP had been offered 100 acres of land to sustain environmental conservation and improve nutrition among the Karimojong.
He commended the food agency for promoting cassava production.
Lomoyang disclosed that the communities in Irrir, Matany and Loregenchora had been trained by WFP to construct energy-saving stoves through the safe access to fuel energy programme.
THE World Food Programme (WFP) country director, Stanlas Samkange, has encouraged the Karimojong to grow cassava alongside sorghum, saying the crop performs well in the sub-region.
“The crop has the potential of becoming a major source of food since other crops are failing due to drought. We want to see a boost in agriculture in the sub-region,†Samkange said.â€
He emphasised that WFP would continue operating in Karamoja to allow the locals lead better lives.
Samkange was speaking on Thursday while meeting Napak and Moroto local governments at the Moroto district Chamber Hall.
Accompanied by the WFP deputy executive director, Gina Gasar, he said the food agency was planning new methods to tackle the challenges faced in Karamoja.
Gasar said WFP would strengthen efforts to shift from aid to independent food production in Karamoja.
So far, the food agency has established over 1,000 acres of cassava gardens in the newly-created Napak district.
A total of 800 acres of these are for multiplication of planting material as well as household food consumption and income.
According to the Napak LC5 chairman, Joseph Lomonyang, WFP had been offered 100 acres of land to sustain environmental conservation and improve nutrition among the Karimojong.
He commended the food agency for promoting cassava production.
Lomoyang disclosed that the communities in Irrir, Matany and Loregenchora had been trained by WFP to construct energy-saving stoves through the safe access to fuel energy programme.