Erratic rains threaten food security in Karagwe

KARAGWE: KARAGWE District Commissioner, Mr Kalanga Laizer has appealed to residents in the area to plant fast-maturing crops including sweet potatoes, cassava and millet as food security precaution due to erratic rain.

Speaking during a recent full council meeting held at Kayanga township Mr Laizer insisted on the importance of planting drought-resistant crops.

“The normal seasonal rain experienced during September-November has been unfavorable with erratic rain. Farmers should be sensitized to plant fastmaturing crops including sweet potatoes, cassava and millet as food security precaution,” he said.

Karagwe is a major food producer with bumper harvest of various crops including bananas, beans, maize and rice when the weather condition is normal.

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According to the 2022 National Population and Housing Census, Karagwe District has a population of 385,744 with 23 wards namely Bugene, Bweranyange, Chanika, Chonyonyo, Igurwa, Ibanda, Ihembe, Kamagambo, Kanoni, Kayanga and Kibondo.

Other are Kiruruma, Kihanga, Kituntu, Ndama, Nyabiyonza, Nyaishozi, Nyakabanga, Nyakakika, Nyakasimbi, Nyakahanga, Rugera and Rugu.