Uganda’s total population is estimated at 45.9 million (National Census, 2024) with an annual growth rate of 2.9% per annum. Between 85% and 90% of the population live in rural areas and derive their livelihood from agricultural related activities. The incidence on poverty if highest among the food crop producing category in the rural areas due to low income, with 31.1% living below the poverty line. Since majority of the population living in rural areas earn their living from agriculture, efforts to reduce poverty need to take in account increasing agricultural growth rates, diversifying agricultural production, and expanding non-farm employment, without jeopardizing the dynamic stability of the agricultural ecosystems that ensures sustainability of the agricultural production. This concept is in consistent with the National Development Plan and vision 2040 whose main goal is to eradicate poverty through appropriate investments and policies for agricultural sector transformation.

About 40% of the population is food insecure due to unsustainable production methods especially in water stressed areas. This is not likely to change unless more attention and more resources are allocated to agricultural services and research. Seasonal changes and variations have become more common and are significantly affecting the rain-fed agriculture.

The Government of Uganda is dedicated to addressing the aforementioned challenges by prioritizing irrigation development. This involves providing formal irrigation systems across the country and enhancing the functionality of both new and existing schemes. To support these efforts, with financial backing from the World Bank, the Government plans to undertake the Detail Design for the Amagoro Irrigation Scheme in Tororo District.