Agago district receives 67,000 hand-hoes to boost agriculture

Agago district has received 67,000 hand-hoes from the government in a major effort aimed at improving agricultural productivity, enhancing food security, and supporting livelihoods among farming households.

The hand-hoes, delivered through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), are part of a nationwide government programme targeting smallholder farmers with basic agricultural tools.

Speaking to journalists, Agago district chairperson Wilson Otto said the district was successfully lobbied to become one of the first 23 districts in the country to benefit from the initiative.

Otto revealed that Agago has an estimated 69,000 households, meaning that the district still faces a shortfall of more than 2,000 hand-hoes if every household is to benefit.

“We are grateful to the government for considering Agago among the pioneer districts in this programme. However, we still have a gap because the district has approximately 69,000 households, yet we have received 67,000 hand-hoes. We have already requested the ministry to provide additional homes so that every household can benefit,” Otto said.

He explained that the available hand-hoes will be distributed to 55 households in each village through a transparent process coordinated by Local Council (LC) leaders.

According to Otto, village leaders will be responsible for registering eligible beneficiaries ahead of the distribution exercise to ensure fairness and accountability.

“The distribution will be conducted simultaneously in all villages across the district on July 17. LC leaders will identify and register beneficiaries to guarantee transparency and avoid complaints,” he added.

The announcement has been welcomed by many residents, especially small-scale farmers who have long struggled with inadequate farming tools.

Akite Grace, a farmer from Adilang sub-county, said the intervention would ease the burden faced by many households during the planting season.

“Many families in our village cannot afford to buy farming tools because of poverty. Receiving a hand-hoe from the government will help us cultivate larger gardens and increase food production,” Akello said.

Another resident, Ojara Peter of Patongo town council, expressed optimism that the programme would improve household incomes if implemented fairly.

“Most people here depend entirely on farming. If the hoes are distributed transparently and reach the intended beneficiaries, this programme will greatly improve agricultural output and reduce hunger,” Ojara noted.

However, some residents urged district authorities to ensure that vulnerable groups, including widows, elderly persons, and persons with disabilities, are prioritised during the distribution exercise.

Aber Dorothy, a resident of Lapono sub-county, said previous government programmes had sometimes been marred by allegations of favoritism.

“We appeal to our leaders to ensure that deserving households receive these hoes. Vulnerable people should not be left out because they are the ones who need support most,” she said.

Agriculture remains the backbone of Agago District’s economy, with the majority of households relying on subsistence farming for both food and income.

District leaders believe that improved access to basic farming implements will help increase productivity, strengthen household food security, and improve the overall welfare of farming communities.