RUKUNGIRI DISTRICT

The mainstay of the economy of Rukungiri like the rest of the country is agriculture. More than 90% of the population is engaged in farming especially the growing of matooke although the chief cash crop is coffee. This is mainly because out of the 1524.28 Km2 total land area of the district, 1352.3 Km2 is arable land.

And out of these, 1150 Km2 are under cultivation. Production is however mainly subsistence although the soils are very fertile and with potential for intensive commercial farming. Rukungiri is an important business hub for traders especially for matoke and coffee.

The district also has some of the best dairy farms in the country especially in the sub counties of Kebisoni and Buyanja. About 3.52 million litres of milk are produced in the district annually, which creates a big marketing challenge. During the rainy season when milk is in plenty, a litre can go for as little as UgShs100.

Under the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS), new crops and farming practices have been introduced. Because of the altitude, Rukungiri is ideal for cultivation of all crops including temperate fruits. Thus in many sub counties there are successful farmers engaged in the production of grapes, apples pears and peaches.

A number of people also derive their livelihoods from fishing especially from Lake Edward. There are also farmers who own fishponds at family level.