The Kayonza Irrigation and Integrated Watershed Project (KIIWP) has dramatically improved the financial stability of farmers in Murundi Sector, Kayonza District. By enhancing milk production, the project has allowed farmers to sell milk instead of their cows, providing a steady and sustainable income.
Sebudandi Stephan, leader of the Mubari Farmers Cooperative Society (MUFCOS), praised the impact of the KIIWP on local farming practices. “The introduction of dam sheets by KIIWP has been a game-changer for us. Previously, our cows suffered from thirst during the dry seasons, drastically reducing milk production,” said Sebudandi. “Now, with a reliable water supply, we no longer face this issue, and our cows are healthier and more productive.”
Before the implementation of the KIIWP, drought-related diseases such as bovine anaplasmosis and foot-and-mouth disease were rampant, causing significant losses for farmers. “These diseases were exacerbated by the lack of water, leading to poor health and reduced milk yields,” Sebudandi explained. “With the KIIWP in place, the security of our animals has improved, and we see fewer disease outbreaks.”
Milk production has seen a remarkable increase since the project began. “During droughts, we could only produce about 3,000 liters of milk, and this would rise to 9,000 liters during the rainy season. Now, thanks to the KIIWP, our production has soared