PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT AND ENHANCEMENT OF MANAGEMENT OF AGORO IRRIGATION SCHEME IN LAMWO DISTRICT.

MUBUKU-1 IRRIGATION SCHEME

Government of Uganda contracted ALTUS Consult LTD (ACL) to enhance the irrigation scheme management system, redefine the functions of the Cooperative, establish the irrigation water management institutions including among others establishment of Farmer field schools and undertake functional analysis and performance of the scheme for Agoro Irrigation scheme.

ACL will re-define/restructure and establish effective organisational structures and systems of Agoro Irrigation Scheme to ensure efficient irrigation water use and management, operation & maintenance of scheme facilities, financial management and cost recovery, control and enforcement (water service delivery mechanisms). The consulting team will also differentiate the functions, roles, responsibilities and interests of the various stakeholders/institutions for better and improved agriculture productivity and sustainable, equitable water resource management.

The assignment aims to conduct a functional analysis of the Management and Performance of Agoro I Irrigation Scheme to identify the gaps, recommend solutions and revive the management and performance frameworks for better management of the scheme. This is tailored to address all the key aspects that lead to the schemes’ sustainability.

During the duration of this assignment ACL will deliver on the following objectives:

Conduct functional analysis of the performance and management of Agoro Irrigation Scheme and undertake review of performance and management contract documents.
Undertake promotion, awareness raising, mobilization and sensitization of the farmers and all key stakeholders through engagement and participation in the operation and maintenance of the schemes and management of the irrigation schemes.
Put in place an appropriate Farmer Based Management system to revitalize the current Organizations and institutional arrangements for effective management, monitoring and regulation to foster sustainable and viable commercial irrigation services.
Establish and develop capacity to ensure functional, effective, efficient, viable and networked Farmer based institutions are created to manage, operate and maintain the irrigation scheme.
Train and develop the capacity of farmers in Participatory Irrigation Water Management (PIWM).

Performance assessment and enhancement of management

The Agoro Irrigation Scheme, located in Lamwo District in northern Uganda was constructed in late 1960s, by the Government of Uganda to enhance agricultural productivity and improve livelihoods in the region.

The scheme primarily relies on water drawn from the Agoro River and supports an extensive network of canals for irrigation. Covering approximately 675 hectares of arable land, the scheme provides opportunities for smallholder farmers to cultivate crops such as rice, maize, vegetables, and other high-value crops throughout the year, reducing reliance on rain-fed agriculture.

The scheme is seen as a critical intervention for improving food security, creating employment, and boosting household incomes in Lamwo District, contributing to broader regional development goals.

Altus Consult Ltd implementing a consultancy assignment for the Performance Assessment and Enhancement of Management of Agoro Irrigation Scheme in Lamwo District. The assignment aimed to assess the scheme’s operational efficiency, identify management gaps, and implement strategies to enhance its functionality and sustainability.

Key outputs of the assignment include:

Comprehensive Performance Assessment: An in-depth evaluation of the scheme’s operational, technical, and management systems, highlighting areas for improvement.
Institutional Strengthening: Revitalization of Farmer-Based Organizations (FBOs), including the Irrigation Water User Association (IWUA) and Water User Committees (WUCs), to ensure effective governance and equitable resource distribution.
Capacity Building: Training of leaders and stakeholders on financial management, water regulation, and agricultural best practices to improve management capabilities.
Development of Operational Frameworks: Preparation of guidelines and manuals for water allocation, infrastructure maintenance, and resource mobilization to support efficient operations.
Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitation of consultations with farmers, local government, and national ministries to align scheme operations with stakeholder needs and priorities.
Sustainability Promotion: Encouraged a shift among farmers to adopt modern, business-oriented farming practices and to embrace fee-based irrigation services for long-term sustainability.

Through a consultative and participatory approach, Altus Consult Ltd delivered practical solutions and established mechanisms to ensure the effective and sustainable management of the Agoro Irrigation Scheme. This has positioned the scheme as a key driver of agricultural productivity and economic growth in Lamwo District.