Charles Layoo

Climate change is changing farming in Uganda. But can irrigation help farmers fight back?

Climate change is making farming more unpredictable for farmers in Uganda.
But while some farmers are counting losses, others are looking for solutions.
Today, I came to meet a farmer who is taking a different approach, irrigation.

Instead of depending entirely on rainfall, this farmer decided to make use of the water source available near his farm.
The plan is simple: pump water from the source and use it to irrigate the crops when rainfall is not enough.

Climate change is a real challenge for farmers, but farmers also need practical solutions.
Where there is a reliable water source, irrigation can be one of the tools that helps farmers produce more consistently.

I'm Charles, The Ugandan Farmer, and on this channel we don't just talk about farming, we look at practical solutions that farmers can learn from and apply.
Follow for more real stories from farmers across Uganda.

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1 week ago | [YT] | 4

Charles Layoo

Grateful for another year of life, growth, and purpose. Cheers to new beginnings and bigger wins ahead. Happy birthday to me 🎂🎉

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5 months ago | [YT] | 14

Charles Layoo

That time of the year.

Getting ready for the season. 👌

#TheUgandanFarmer
#CharlesLayoo

7 months ago | [YT] | 21

Charles Layoo

Today, I had the opportunity to visit Douglas Kayanja, the founder of ‪@nyayofarms‬ in Jimo Village, Amuru District. Douglas has followed my work on YouTube for many years, and through the knowledge and inspiration he gained, he started his own farm in this area.

Nyayo Farm hosts several enterprises, including goat farming, banana farming (Gonja), sheep, poultry, and crops like cabbages and watermelon, among others. It was impressive to see how much he has accomplished in less than two years, a true reminder that anyone can start small and succeed.

We had a detailed conversation where he shared the A–Z of goat farming. If you are considering starting goat farming, you won’t want to miss the upcoming video.

Douglas keeps Boer, local Mubende, and crossbred goats, all of which look very healthy and strong. He is also able to sell goats to farmers looking for quality breeds. Feel free to reach out, and I’ll gladly connect you to him.

It was a wonderful experience visiting Nyayo Farm, and I look forward to bringing you more educational content from Douglas. Make sure to follow me and subscribe to my YouTube channel so you don’t miss out.

My name is Charles Layoo, and I am The Ugandan Farmer.

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8 months ago | [YT] | 14

Charles Layoo

Please note that due to the high number of requests, I no longer offer free consultations. If you need personal help, I offer affordable consultation services tailored to your farming needs.

📞 Call or WhatsApp: +256780187237 / 0200987237

📧 Email: charleslayoouganda@gmail.com

Feel free to reach out for details. Thank you

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1 year ago | [YT] | 23

Charles Layoo

WHY EVERY FARMER SHOULD PRIORITIZE EARLY GARDEN PREPARATION?

Before you even think of planting anything in your garden, there’s one step that can either make or break your entire farming season, and that is early garden preparation. Starting early is one of the smartest moves you can make as a farmer. As it boosts soil health, suppresses weeds and pests, and sets the stage for a productive harvest.

If you are planning to plant this second season, let me remind you, success in farming begins before the seeds even touches the soil. Whether you are a first-time grower or a seasoned farmer, the preparation you do now will directly impact the health of your crops and the size of your yields.

Let’s dive into the powerful benefits of getting your hands dirty ahead of time:

1. Improves Soil Health
Preparing your garden early gives you time to loosen the soil, remove hardpans, and add compost or manure. This boosts soil fertility and improves root penetration for better crop performance.

2. Controls Weeds and Pests Early
Weeds and pests compete with your crops. Early tilling and clearing expose pest eggs to the sun and destroy weed seeds before they multiply. This reduces the need for excess chemicals later.

3. Helps Retain Soil Moisture
Loosened and mulched soil holds water better, a big advantage during dry spells. Crops planted in well-prepared gardens are stronger and more resistant to drought.

4. Ensures Timely Planting
Farmers who prepare early are ready to plant on time when the rains come. Late planting often results in poor yields and crop failure. Don’t be caught off guard.

5. Reduces Stress and Mistakes
Last-minute planting leads to poor spacing, forgotten inputs, and rushed decisions. Early preparation gives you time to plan properly and do things right the first time. Additionally, it becomes much easier to access machines like tractors especially if you don’t own one, because during the farming season, the demand for such services is usually high as everyone would need it. Planning and starting early can save you a lot of time and stress.

6. Allows Soil Testing and Planning
With enough time, you can test your soil, correct pH imbalances, add needed nutrients, and plan crop rotation or irrigation. But if you start late, you won't have time to do all these

7. Boosts Productivity and Yields
Lastly, a well-prepared garden grow healthy plants, which translate to bigger and better harvests. If you want to maximize your efforts, start early.

Conclusion
Early garden preparation is not just about digging, it's about planning, investing in your soil, and giving your crops the best start possible. If you’re serious about farming, this is where your focus should be right now.

📌 Need help planning your farm or choosing the right inputs?
I offer personalized farming consultations to guide you step-by-step.

📲 WhatsApp/Call: +256 780 187 237
📧 Email: charleslayoouganda@gmail.com

Subscribe & Follow my YouTube page for more practical farming tips, real stories, and inspiration from across Uganda and Africa: https://youtu.be/Q1bsPVOUcMw?si=JrFwG...

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1 year ago | [YT] | 23

Charles Layoo

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE LEASING FARMLAND FOR CROP PRODUCTION IN NORTHERN UGANDA

Early last month, a farmer who follows me on YouTube reached out for help. He had leased about 50 acres of land in Nebbi, West Nile, with the intention of growing maize.

He requested my assistance in planning his farm and even invited me to visit the site. Part of the purpose of the visit was to collect soil samples for testing and assess the topography and general suitability of the land for maize production.

Unfortunately, upon arrival, we were disappointed. The land turned out to be rocky, difficult to access, and generally unsuitable for crop farming.

This situation is not uncommon. Many farmers make critical mistakes before or during the leasing process, and only seek expert help after it's too late. Over the years, I’ve worked with several farmers who reach out when their crops are already struggling, hoping for a quick fix. In most cases, the damage is already done, and there’s little we can salvage. That’s why I always advise, "prevention is better than cure".

In this particular case, the farmer made a big mistake and paid for the lease without physically inspecting the land or even sending someone he trusts to do it on his behalf.

Leasing farmland in Northern Uganda can be a smart and profitable move, but to avoid such costly mistakes and frustrations, here are key factors to consider before leasing land for crop production:

✅ 1. Soil Type and Fertility

Test the soil to confirm if it's suitable for your target crops.

Prioritize loamy, well-drained soils, ideal for maize, beans, groundnuts, watermelons, etc.

Avoid depleted, sandy, rocky, or swampy land unless you're prepared to invest in major soil improvement.

✅ 2. Access to Water (Optional)

Ensure the land is near a reliable water source (stream, borehole, well).

Due to unpredictable rainfall and long dry spells in the region, areas with irrigation potential are preferable.

✅ 3. Land History and Previous Use

Ask what has been grown there before. Continuous cropping without rotation may have degraded the soil.

Inquire about past herbicide/pesticide use, especially if you plan to go organic.

Avoid land with a history of conflicts or bush burning.

✅ 4. Accessibility and Location

Is the land easily accessible by vehicle?

Proximity to markets and towns affects your transport costs and ease of moving inputs and harvests.

✅ 5. Lease Terms and Legal Clarity

Sign a clear, written agreement that covers rent, duration, renewal terms, and usage restrictions.

Involve the landowner, immediate neighbors, and local authorities (LC1 and LC2) for transparency.

Verify ownership, boundaries, and any pending disputes before making payment.

✅ 6. Security

Choose an area that is secure, with minimal risk of theft, land grabbing, or community conflicts.

Avoid politically unstable or high-risk regions.

✅ 7. Land Size vs. Your Capacity

Don’t lease more than you can financially or logistically manage.

Factor in costs of labor, inputs, and machinery before settling on acreage.

✅ 8. Environmental Conditions

Check for flood risk, erosion-prone zones, or termite infestations.

Understand the rainfall pattern, Northern Uganda typically has two rainy seasons: March–May and August–November.

✅ 9. Proximity to Inputs and Services

Ensure nearby access to agro-vet shops, fertilizers, seeds, and farming tools.

A location close to markets and labor pools is a plus.

✅ 10. Community Relations

Build good relationships with the surrounding community, they can offer labor, local knowledge, and support.

Poor relationships can lead to sabotage, land disputes, or theft. (Don’t be an arrogant neighbor.)

✅ 11. Topography

Prefer land that is gently sloping or relatively flat for easy cultivation and drainage.

Steep slopes can cause erosion and complicate farming.

✅ 12. Vegetation and Stoniness

Avoid land that is overgrown with trees or too rocky, unless you have the resources for heavy land clearing.

Choosing land with minimal obstacles will save you time and money during garden preparation.

Before you lease any land for crop farming, take time to visit it physically or send someone you trust to inspect it thoroughly. Don’t rely on word of mouth or photos alone.

📞 Need Personalized Help?
I offer one-on-one consultations for farmers who need extra guidance. If you need help planning your farm, choosing the right crops, or managing pests, feel free to contact me directly.

📲 WhatsApp/Call: +256780187237
📧 Email: charleslayoouganda@gmail.com

We are also working on a farming website where you wll find trusted information, market updates, and real success stories, right from your smartphone. Stay tuned!

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1 year ago (edited) | [YT] | 16

Charles Layoo

A Remarkable Success Story of Wambugu Apple Growing in Northern Uganda. Premiering Tonight at 8:30 PM
‪@Ambassadorkate‬ ‪@priscillanyairiaafricanqueen‬

1 year ago | [YT] | 5

Charles Layoo

Recently, I had the opportunity to travel to Lira, about 100 km from Gulu where I live, to visit Mr. George, an apple farmer who is defying the odds and challenging the common belief that apples cannot grow in Northern Uganda. Surprisingly, his apples are thriving, proving that with the right knowledge and effort, apple farming is indeed possible here.


I was truly impressed by how healthy his apples are, and for the first time ever, I enjoyed a crunchy, organically grown apple straight from Northern Uganda. Mr. George is growing the Wambugu variety, which starts flowering in just about 9 months.


We had a very insightful conversation, and he generously shared everything you need to know about growing apples in this region. Interestingly, he is currently the only authorized supplier of high-quality Wambugu apple seedlings in Uganda, making it easier for local farmers to access them without the need to import from Kenya or elsewhere.


In addition to apples, Mr. George is also growing other high-value fruits like dragon fruit, pomegranate, pixie oranges, pears, and more.


It was a productive and inspiring visit to his farm, located at Brownstone Country Home just 3 kilometers outside Lira town. It’s a peaceful place that also offers accommodation and other great services.


If you’ve ever doubted whether apples can grow in Northern Uganda or are interested in starting your own apple farm anywhere in Uganda, this upcoming video on my YouTube channel will answer all your questions — from where to get quality seedlings, suitable soil types, spacing, best varieties to grow, market insights, and more.


Stay tuned — the video is coming soon

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1 year ago | [YT] | 14

Charles Layoo

Day 1 Vs Day 20

Day 20 of 75 – Tomato Project Update 🍅

Ansal F1 Tomatoes thriving in Oyam District, Northern Uganda!

✅ First Weeding Done
📏 Spacing: 75x50cm
🔜 Next Step: Staking

These tomatoes are doing extremely well, and the journey is just getting better!

Subscribe to the channel for more updates, tips, and progress. I am The Ugandan Farmer

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1 year ago | [YT] | 16