Farmers from the Ankole sub-region have applauded the government’s move to stop charcoal production, saying the practice contributes to environmental degradation, loss of trees and pasture, but also worsening drought conditions.
They say that for farmers and livestock keepers, the loss of trees and pasture can create additional challenges, particularly when weather conditions change water and grazing resources become scarce.
Dr Innocent Arinaitwe Kasisi, the director Ibo Farm in Mbarara district, says the current climate change and global warming being experienced across the world is due to tree cutting.
Joseph Gonzaga, a farmer from Hoima City, commended the government for the charcoal ban initiative saying that charcoal burning and tree cutting have negatively affected the environment in areas where farming and livestock keeping are practiced.
Gonzanga, however, urged the government to consider the livelihoods of people who depend on charcoal production for income before implementing the restrictions.
He said making alternative energy sources more accessible and affordable would encourage people to abandon charcoal production without worsening their economic hardships.
Dick Begumanya a farmer from Isingiro district, says there are cheap things to turn into alternative sources of energy for cooking, like brickettes which he says government should sensitize locals on how to make them. The move to ban of charcoal was mooted in May 2023-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
