Implementer: Water and Pumps International Ltd (WPIL)

Supported by: USAID, Feed the Future, and DAI through the Feed the Future Inclusive Agricultural Markets (FtF IAM) Activity

 RegionS: Ankole Sub-Region (Mbarara, Isingiro, Ntungamo, Bushenyi, Rwamapara, Kiruhura, Ibanda)

Feed the Future IAM – Promoting Small-Scale Irrigation Technologies in the Ankole Sub-Region

Location: Mbarara, Isingiro, Ntungamo,  Bushenyi Rwamapara, Kiruhura and Ibanda

Districts

Duration: July 2020 – June 2021

Implemented by: Water and Pumps International Ltd (WPIL)

Supported by: USAID, Feed the Future, and DAI under the Feed the Future Inclusive Agricultural Markets (FtF IAM) Activity

Project Overview

This project aimed to enhance smallholder farmers’ resilience and incomes through the adoption of affordable and efficient small-scale irrigation technologies.

Working across the Ankole sub-region, Water and Pumps International Ltd introduced innovative irrigation solutions that enabled farmers to produce consistently beyond the rainy season.

Key Achievements

Empowered over 1,500 smallholder farmers (including women and youth) to adopt improved water management and irrigation technologies.

Introduced the E-Commerce Agro-Input Trade Platform System (EATPS), connecting farmers to irrigation equipment and services digitally.

Trained Community Agro-Input Agents (CAAs) to market, install, and maintain irrigation systems while earning income through commissions.

After training and equipping CAAs with the knowledge and skills in irrigation and good agronomic practices

Enhanced collaboration with local cooperatives and farmer organizations for mobilization and continuous technical support.

Promoted employment and enterprise opportunities for youth as irrigation technicians and agents.

During the meeting with the DAI Team at the WPIL offices In Mbarara

Farmers during irrigation training in NAKIVALE Refugee settlement

Agricultural lending & Value chain Financing with UCSCU, greater Mubende

Our solar powered Irrigation Kit at work, designed for mobility

 After a meeting with MBADIFA and the DAI team

Impact

The project successfully transitioned farmers from rain-fed to all-season production, resulting in improved yields, food security, and household incomes.

Through digital tools and localized support, WPIL strengthened farmer networks and made irrigation technologies more accessible and sustainable.

 (Impact Section): Farmer holding fresh produce beside an irrigated plot — symbolizing success and improved livelihoods.

Sustainability and Legacy

The project laid the foundation for scaling small-scale irrigation across Uganda by combining technology, capacity building, and community-based market models.

Its success under the Feed the Future IAM Activity continues to influence WPIL’s work in expanding irrigation access to more farming communities.