Contribution of Run-off Water Harvesting to Food Production in Kyannamukaaka Sub County, Uganda

Henry Stanley Mbowa – Kampala University, Uganda,
William Mudahemuka – University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies, Rwanda,
Prof. Kaaya Siraje – Kabale University, Uganda & Dr. Asiimwe Specioza – Kampala International University
Email: mbowa200@gmail.com

Received June 19, 2020; Revised July 5, 2020; Accepted July 9, 2020

Abstract: Surface run-offs continue to flow away from crop fields into wetlands, rivers and lakes. The paper examines the contribution of run-off water harvesting to food production including; identifying the techniques farmers use to harvest run-offs, assessing the benefits of harvested run-offs to farmers and investigating the limitations to harvest and use of run-offs by farmers in Kyannamukaaka Sub-County, Uganda. The paper employs a cross-sectional survey design, targeting 130 people from whom 98 respondents were selected. Data was collected through questionnaires, interviews and observations, and analyzed using SPSS. Results indicate tarpaulin (94.9%), contours (99%), mulching (96.9%) and
in-field water harvesting (92.9%) as run-off harvesting techniques. Provision of water for irrigation (96.9%) and domestic animals (99%), increased food production (100%) and animal productivity (91.8%), and incomes (87.9%) are the benefits of run-offs. Finally, inadequate incomes (94.9%) and experts in sewing (94.9%), increased costs of input/material (90.8%), and inadequate government support (99%) were the limitations to run-off harvesting. The paper concludes that, farmers must harvest run-offs for sustainable agricultural production. The paper recommends that
Kyannamukaaka Sub County should create awareness, sensitization and build capacity of farmers in runoff water harvesting and sewing polythene-line technology, and government should support the farmers through subsidies on runoff water materials.