Uganda: Monitoring oil palm growers will boost sustainable production

Regular monitoring and continuous sensitization of oil palm growers in Kalangala district will lead to sustainable production, according to Donal Brown of the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD).That way, farmers will for instance stick to the rule of planting oil palm 200 metres off the shore.Brown said such practices in oil palm growing areas around Lake Victoria would help to protect the lake as well as ensure sustainable livelihoods of the islanders.He is the associate vice-president of IFAD's Programme Management Department.Brown made the comments in an interview at the end of a one-week visit to oil palm growing areas and livelihood projects in northern Uganda.“You always need to continue to be very vigilant but there are very strict rules which even the farmers cooperatives can enforce," he said.Brown said local authorities should work closely with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to ensure that activities of farmers protect the ...