Rice was once considered a treat in Uganda, only consumed on special occasions. But Now, it is a dietary staple in many Ugandan households, resulting in a significant increase in domestic demand.
Annual rice consumption in the country is estimated at 350,000 metric tons, while local production is estimated at about 200,000 metric tons.
As a result, farmers like Charles Opendi are always looking for quality rice varieties with higher yields, improved resistance to pests and diseases, and greater tolerance to environmental stress.
“Rice farming is very lucrative, but the warm weather we experience here poses a big challenge. The inconsistent rainfall makes my harvest unpredictable and sometimes even fails,” Opendi tells us at his farm in Tororo, Eastern Uganda.
In 2022, Opendi says his fortunes began changing after he began planting a new drought-tolerant upland rice variety that had shorter maturity periods.
“The NAMCHE 5 variety has been a true game-changer for me. In our area, rain is always unpredictable, but with this variety, even limited rainfall is enough to ensure a good harvest." Opendi says.
He planted 20 acres of the rice variety in 2023, achieving a yield of 22,000 kilograms, or about 1200 kilograms per acre. He used these earnings to buy more land, expanding his rice farming operations for the current season.
The impetus for Charles’s success came through the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Rice Initiative for Climate Smart Agriculture Phase Two (R4ICSA - II), an initiative implemented by Kilimo Trust with funding from the IKEA Foundation. This project is championing climate-smart agricultural practices, equipping farmers with the knowledge and resources necessary to adapt to changing climatic conditions.
His achievements resonated throughout his sub-county, inspiring over 150 neighboring farmers to follow his lead in planting upland rice varieties.
As a respected figure in the agricultural community and a registered seed multiplier for the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), shares his knowledge about best practices in seed selection and management, helping understand the importance of cultivating resilient varieties. His efforts have not only yielded success but fostered a community of informed growers equipped to face climate challenges.
Mr. Opendi envisions expanding his farming operations with a focus on resilience and sustainability. To combat future droughts and ensure consistently high yields, he plans to invest in advanced irrigation infrastructure. Besides enhancing his productivity, Opendi is determined to inspire other farmers to adopt sustainable rice farming practices that prioritize wetland preservation and help mitigate the impacts of climate change.
He is optimistic about the potential of upland rice farming to reshape traditional perceptions. By demonstrating its viability, he hopes to challenge the widespread belief that rice can only thrive in lowland areas. Opendi’s story is a testament to how resilient, climate-smart agricultural practices—when paired with strategic support—can transform livelihoods and drive lasting change in farming communities.