TRANSFORMING BUGAGA: JOINT EFFORT REQUIRED

We have today made a quick survey around Bugaga farm in Kasulu District Council, Kigoma Region. This farm, which is surrounded by hills is one of tens of potential valleys for agricultural investment in Kigoma. A total area of the farm is 1200 ha with water catchment areas, swampy areas and areas requiring conservation measures. Kigoma Region has declared agricultural development its priority number one in the year 2005 after successful development of education sector which was first priority in 2004. Stakeholders Workshop was held in Kigoma Municipality from 16-17 August 2005 under initiative of the Regional Commissioner Col. Edmund Mahawa. During the W/shop, one of the deliberations made was to redistribute Bugaga land among key players in agricultural production in the region. Tumbi Agricultural Research and Training Institute has been allocated with 100 ha. According to the Acting Zonal Director for Research and Training Mr Benjamin Gama, the area will be developed under short-term, mid-term and long-term plans to be made soon involving all scientists and other well wishers. Leaders of ASPS II/ARTI-Tumbi project have identified sites for laying out trials on Thursday, October 27, 2005. The project enjoys the privillage of being the first to utilize this opportunity under the new initiative. Other members from ARTI-Tumbi who visited Bugaga farm along with Mr. Gama and myself are Mr. Martin Kusekwa, Mr. Deus Byamungu and driver Mr. Shagihilu. We were also joined with Dr. Orota from Kigoma Regonal Secretariet and Mr. Mutakakwa from Kasulu District Council.