By Alfred Opio
PALLISA — State Minister for Teso Affairs Kenneth Clement Obote Ongalo has raised concern over increasing land barrenness and declining agricultural productivity in Pallisa District, warning that the situation poses a serious threat to livelihoods and food security.
Speaking during a visit to the district, Ongalo said many crops that once thrived in the area are now performing poorly due to declining soil fertility and environmental degradation.
“The other things I always notice when I come to Pallisa is the challenge of barren land and crops failing — cassava, groundnuts, sorghum and many others,” Ongalo said.
He observed that shrinking land sizes combined with rapid population growth are worsening the problem, making it difficult for households to produce enough food and income.
“The land has become barren and also smaller. You now find people cultivating less than an acre or even half an acre, yet the population continues to grow,” he explained.
According to Ongalo, the majority of residents in Pallisa still depend heavily on agriculture, making the decline in land productivity a major concern for the district.
“So what are we going to do to ensure that this land which is no longer productive enough continues to sustain us?” he asked.
The minister urged communities and local leaders to take responsibility in restoring soil fertility and protecting the environment.
He criticized the tendency by some residents to blame leaders for every challenge while neglecting their own role in environmental conservation.
“One thing I have realized is that many people want to avoid their responsibilities and blame everything on leaders,” Ongalo noted.
He attributed much of the current land degradation to massive deforestation over the years.
“I remember when I came here in 1989, this place was covered with forest. Today, there are hardly any trees left and the land is bare,” he said.
According to the minister, the destruction of forests has contributed to soil exhaustion, unreliable rainfall, and declining agricultural yields.
He encouraged residents to embrace tree planting, proper land management, and modern farming methods to restore productivity.
Ongalo also called upon local leaders to intensify sensitization campaigns on sustainable land use and environmental protection.
Residents who attended the meeting acknowledged the growing challenge of poor harvests and shrinking farmland, saying the situation has increased poverty and food insecurity in many homes.
Local leaders pledged to work with communities to promote environmental conservation and encourage farmers to adopt practices that improve soil fertility and boost agricultural productivity.
