By KT Reporter
Kaabong district authorities have issued a warning to farmers preparing their fields for the planting season to desist from the acts of bush burning.
The practice of clearing fields with fire is a long-standing tradition among farmers in Karamoja, and the authorities are sounding the alarm, citing the devastating environmental consequences caused by bush burning.
John Bosco Lokiru, the LCIII Chairperson of Loyoro sub-county, warns that bush burning destroys the environment, stunts tree growth, and wastes away valuable manure and wonders why farmers go so much into the practice even after efforts to sensitize them against the act.
But for farmers like Nakiru Betty, bush burning is a necessary evil because they use fire to clear the fields because of its effective way to get rid of pests and weeds since most farmers can’t afford to hire someone to clear their fields which prompts them to use fire.
Abura Lina, a councilor for Longaroe parish in Sidok Sub County, says that the farmers are forced to also use fire to drive wild animals away into Kidepo National Park so that by the time they plant their crops, the crops are not destroyed by the wild animals.
Lotuk Joseph, the vice chairperson of Kaabong, is urging local authorities to take action by forming committees to apprehend those who continue to clear their fields with fire, and also emphasized the need to encourage farmers to consult with agriculture officers to find alternative methods of dealing with weeds and pests.
However, Chemtai Redemptor, a climate change officer with the Ministry of Water and Environment, says that bush burning has serious consequences on the environment and contributes to climate change.
Chemtai says the ministry plans to sensitize communities on the dangers of bush burning and also urges them to find alternative methods of clearing fields, adding that the Ministry of Water and Environment is working to develop district climate change action plans, which will help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
