Kampala – Uganda’s agricultural sector, the backbone of its economy and sustenance, is under a growing threat due to climate change. The country is experiencing prolonged droughts, devastating floods and other erratic weather patterns that are worsening food insecurity and economic instability, especially in rural communities.
Farmers across the country are struggling to adapt to the unpredictable weather patterns. Nicholas Abomugisha, a coffee and dairy farmer from Nyamitsindo village, Masha subcounty in Isingiro district, reports repeated losses of crops and reduced dairy production due to both floods and droughts.
“I have lost crops to both floods and unexpected droughts. The interventions to mitigate these challenges are expensive, and even with manual irrigation, my coffee yields remain small after peak droughts. Dairy farming is equally challenging as milk production plummets during the dry season,” he explains.
Abomugisha has implemented measures such as zero grazing, limited pasture planting, and even scavenging for grass to feed his animals. However, despite these efforts, he is still facing staggering income losses.
The effects of climate change extend far beyond individual farmers. A 2023 survey by Twaweza East Africa’s Sauti za Wananchi, reveal that 7 out of 10 citizens report declining agricultural yields as the leading environmental change observed over the past 5-10 years. Furthermore, 68% of citizens indicate that securing basic necessities for their households has become increasingly challenging over the past 5-10 years, citing climatic changes and low crop yields as major factors.
In response to these challenges, districts like Isingiro are undertaking measures to enhance resilience at the community level. Aron Turahi, the Isingiro district Chairperson, highlights the district’s efforts to promote water harvesting, solar-powered irrigation systems, and drought-resistant crop varieties.
He also highlights tree planting campaigns supported by UNHCR, aimed at restoring degraded lands. “We’re sensitizing communities about the dangers of tampering with nature and encouraging sustainable practices,” Turahi says.
Silvano Ayesigye, a plant doctor with the National Agricultural Advisory Business Service (NAABS), believes that climate-smart agriculture could offer a lifeline.
However, Ayesigye stresses the need for partnership between the government and non-governmental organizations in supporting farmers.
“The government must partner with NGOs to fund workshops, distribute climate-resilient seeds, and facilitate farmer education programs,” he says adding that such efforts would empower farmers to adapt while preserving Uganda’s fragile environment.
The government of Uganda is committed to investing in climate-smart agriculture, a crucial step towards ensuring the country’s food security and economic stability according to Dr. Paul Mwambu, the Commissioner of Crop Inspection and Certification at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries.
‘Erratic weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and floods are already affecting our farmers and threatening food production. This is why the government is steadfast in its commitment to scaling up investments in climate-smart agriculture, in irrigation, and sustainable water use,” says Mwambu