By Our Reporter
President Museveni has officially launched the Four-Acre Model in Greater Kibale, emphasizing its potential to transform the livelihoods of farmers in the region. His visit began with a tour of model farmers in Kakumiro, followed by a large rally at Kikwaya playground.
In his address, President Museveni reminded the audience of his role in the 1980 liberation movement, highlighting the importance of youth involvement in societal progress. He reflected on his efforts in the 1960s to change the mindset of the Banyankole, who were primarily mobile cattle keepers. He noted that many believed wealth was measured by the number of cattle owned, despite limited grazing land. Museveni encouraged the adoption of high-quality cattle breeds suitable for smaller plots, which has led to improved living conditions for many families.
Transitioning from cattle to crop farming, the President identified that traditional crops like tea, tobacco, and sugarcane often require extensive land, which is scarce. He introduced the Four-Acre Model, proposing that a farmer could thrive on just four acres: one for cash crops like coffee, one for food crops, another for fruits, and the last for housing or livestock. He shared successful examples from various regions, such as coffee cultivation in Greater Masaka, palm oil farming in Kalangala, and citrus farming in Teso, where he promised to establish a new fruit processing facility.
Museveni also highlighted the economic potential of the Four-Acre Model, stating that farmers could earn profits of nearly 60 million shillings annually after expenses. One of the model farmers, Abigaba Situart, shared his success story, revealing that his two acres of coffee yielded 21 million shillings over two seasons, enabling him to build a house, buy a motorcycle, and pay for his children’s education.
In response to this testimony, President Museveni encouraged maize farmers to consider transitioning to more profitable crops like coffee. He pledged to provide free coffee seedlings through the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) and the Ministry of Agriculture. He also advised farmers to adopt irrigation practices, rather than relying solely on rainfall, and expressed concern over the misuse of wetlands, advocating for their use as irrigation sources.
Before concluding, the President directed the Ministry of Agriculture to assist farmers with artificial insemination, promoting improved livestock breeds. He reiterated the transformative impact of the Four-Acre Model and urged farmers to embrace this approach for sustainable development.
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