IDLE LANDS means lands suitable for agricultural production but are uncultivated or not devoted to such use.
High Percentage of Idle Arable Land Up to 70% of arable land in northern Uganda remains unused, as reported by officials from the Ministry of Finance. This statistic highlights a significant issue regarding land utilization in the region, particularly in the Lango and Acholi sub-regions, where only 30% of the land is currently cultivated. It isn’t the north alone; it is a national problem.
According to official statements, while 80% of Uganda’s land is arable, only 35% is nationally utilized, leaving 65% unutilized. According to FAO, if fully utilized, Uganda’s land is capable of feeding more than 200 million people per year. Sadly, with a population of only 46 million people, most households suffer hunger and poverty throughout the year.
In this article, I highlight some of the factors responsible for the idleness of land not only in the Northern Uganda but also in other areas across the country.
Factors that lead to ‘Idle Land’!
Subsistence Economy: A large portion of the population, approximately 78%, relies on a subsistence economy. This means that many individuals engage in farming primarily for their own consumption rather than for commercial purposes. The focus on subsistence farming leads to minimal productive land use, as farmers are not incentivized to cultivate more land or invest in agricultural improvements.
Communal Land Ownership: The communal land tenure system prevalent in northern Uganda contributes to underutilization. The lack of secure individual ownership discourages investment in agricultural practices and infrastructure necessary for productive use. Without secure titles, individuals may be less likely to invest time and resources into improving the land.
Adverse Climate Conditions: Climate conditions also play a crucial role in limiting agricultural productivity. Many farmers rely on rain-fed agriculture, which can be unpredictable and insufficient during dry seasons or periods of drought. The minimal use of irrigation systems further exacerbates this issue, leading to lower yields and discouraging farmers from utilizing more land.
Insufficient Modern Agricultural Practices: The adoption of modern agricultural techniques is limited in Uganda, contributing to low productivity levels. High production costs and inadequate infrastructure hinder farmers from accessing necessary resources such as fertilizers and advanced farming equipment.
Economic Challenges: Economic constraints faced by the government limit its ability to support agricultural initiatives effectively. Budgetary limitations have resulted in delays and inefficiencies in reallocating funds for programs aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity.
Focus on Priority Crops: Critics argue that the government’s approach has overlooked high-value perennial crops that could significantly boost land use efficiency. There is a call for prioritizing crops like coffee and avocado over others that may not yield as much economic benefit.
Speculative Landholding: Many Ugandans view land primarily as a store of value rather than a factor of production, leading to speculative investments where individuals hold onto land without developing it for productive purposes. This behavior creates pseudo-scarcity, driving up prices while keeping much land idle.
In summary, the combination of economic factors, communal ownership structures, reliance on subsistence farming, adverse climate conditions, insufficient modern practices, and speculative behaviors contribute significantly to the high levels of idle land in Uganda.
EFFECTS OF IDLE LAND IN UGANDA
The phenomenon of idle land in Uganda has significant implications for the economy, social structure, and overall development of the country. The effects can be categorized into several key areas:
1. Conflicts often arise in areas with underutilized or bushy land, providing an opportunity for land brokers to assume unclaimed ownership and seek potential buyers.
2. Idle land represents a substantial loss of potential economic output. With up to 70% of arable land in northern Uganda remaining unused, as reported by officials from the Ministry of Finance, this underutilization directly affects agricultural productivity and food security.
3. The reliance on subsistence farming among a large portion of the population exacerbates poverty levels and limits economic growth. When land is not cultivated or developed, it denies local government’s essential revenue from property rates, which could otherwise be utilized for public services and infrastructure development.
4. In urban areas like Jinja City, idle land contributes to urban decay and a decline in property values. Many properties are left abandoned or underdeveloped due to speculative investment practices where individuals hold onto land for future appreciation rather than actively using it. This leads to ghost towns with deteriorating infrastructure and reduced community engagement, ultimately diminishing the quality of life for residents.
5. The issue of idle land often correlates with social inequality, particularly when absentee landlords own significant portions of property without contributing to local economies. This creates an imbalance where local residents face increased property values and associated costs while absentee owners benefit without participating in the community’s economic activities. Taxing idle land could promote a fairer tax system by ensuring that all landowners contribute proportionately to local revenues.
6. Idle land can also have negative environmental impacts. Unused agricultural lands may lead to soil degradation over time due to a lack of cultivation practices that maintain soil health. Additionally, when urban areas expand into undeveloped lands without proper planning or utilization strategies, it can disrupt local ecosystems and biodiversity.
7. Still on the environment, idle land simply means farmers will keep looking for land in new places, including the swamps and forests. This is the most painful aspect. Some have land they aren’t using, and others need land for agriculture, which forces them to look for it in environment unfriendly means.
8. The communal land ownership system prevalent in many regions complicates efforts to utilize idle land effectively. Without secure tenure rights, individuals may be disincentivized from investing in improvements or agricultural production on their plots due to fears of losing access or control over the land.
Solutions to the Idle Land Problem in Uganda
To address these issues, government initiatives such as agro-industrialization and commercial agriculture have been proposed as solutions to encourage productive use of idle lands. Programs aimed at enhancing agricultural practices and providing financial support for farmers are critical steps toward revitalizing these underutilized areas.
However, as you have already noticed, the above solutions are more generic and have not been that effective. With all the above initiatives, we still have more than 60% of land unutilized. Wait! Could ShareLand Uganda be the solution?
In conclusion, addressing the challenges posed by idle land is crucial for promoting sustainable economic growth, improving social equity, and enhancing environmental stewardship in Uganda, SHARELAND UGANDA CAME IN TO CONNECT FARMERS TO USE IDLE LAND
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