Our experience of Late Planting in Uganda

In the central region of Uganda especially Buganda near Lake Victoria, there are two main planting seasons. One starts in February/March to June/July and the second season commences in July/August to December/January of the following year. Due to climatic changes, the months when the rain starts are varying, something which is really affecting smallholder farmers that can not manage irrigating their crops. However, God has been with us in the previous seasons and we have been having great harvests naturally depending on rain water. In the first season of 2024, we lost it! Timing was really bad. We did late planting due to the limited resources available at the time of land preparation and sowing. 

Maize plants that were planted late. They were stunted and we had to cut them down during land clearing in preparation for the second planting season.

We did not have enough cash to open up land and buy inputs for the season in time. We also did not want to get a loan for farming as we are still establishing our farm. Money lenders may end up taking over our inheritance given to us by God! The financial resources that were available were allocated to a very crucial family project. However, as a mother of the home, I hoped that may be if we do late planting, we may manage to harvest. In April, we planted maize, beans, groundnuts, soybeans, cowpeas, millet, cassava and bananas. We used some organic fertilizers while planting produced by Marula Proteen Limited using Black Soldier Fly. We applied organic foliar fertilizers every after specific days as prescribed for each crop using Black Off pesticides and fertilizer produced by Reticia Products Research. We have been getting good results with these organically based fertilizers. I got the maize hybrid seeds from the reliable supplier NASECO Seeds for the high yielding maize variety, Bazooka. I had saved some kilograms of maize seeds in the previous season. We started off with prayers and waited for rains.

After some weeks, very few seeds germinated. All the maize that managed to germinate was so weak and miserable. Our field supporting staff suggested that we fetch water from the nearby well and irrigate. I agreed with him and the boys fetched water over and over. But there was no life in the crops! It was dry through May, June and few rains in July. However, the bananas and soya beans survived and made it through. The maize corn tried to flower and put fruits but they were still young by July. We had to cut them down and prepare for the second season as we had learned our lessons on late planting. 

Our supporting staff was so sad. I could tell it from his face of the pain he was going through for not harvesting the produce. He told me "madam, okoze bubi" literally meaning I have hurt him. He kept on narrating how he fetched water and irrigated the crops, applied fertilizers, did land preparation..... I was impressed as I didn't expect him to lament for the produce since he is paid for his labor and he doesn't take part in the harvests. This experience helped me to know the kind of person I am working with on the farm project. I learned to share my plans with him and listen to his opinions. He demonstrated passion for his work beyond his salary. The other casual worker was quick to slash as my usual boy was still lamenting. I could tell the attitude of the two persons. As we develop our farm project, we have now incorporate him in planning, organizing and budgeting. 

In conclusion, I am learning a lot about timing, seasons, climatic changes, smart climate agriculture, planning, budgeting, organizing and resource distribution. I look forward to hearing from your experience on season, planting timing and climatic change adaptation happening at your farm. what are your plans for the next season, end of the year season, August to December? Please share in the comment section below. Thank you.