UN wants special programme for hunger-stricken Karamoja

Mar 23, 2017

Sam Cheptoris, Minister for Water and Environment, said the findings were a blow to Uganda’s hope of achieving its Vision 2040 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

World Food Programme (WFP) wants Uganda government to double the amount of support to Karamoja after a new weather report released early this week predicted doom for the food security situation there. 

The study carried by the Climate Change Department and the Uganda National Meteorological Authority found that while the average monthly rainfall in the region increased over the last 35 years and that the rainy season is now longer by two months, the rains have become more unpredictable thereby aggravating the food security situation there.

The report also found out that temperatures have been risen faster in Karamoja compared to other regions.

This increased the frequency, intensity and duration of heat waves in the region, reducing availability of water for crops and animals, stifling agriculture.

"Karamoja's population is heavily dependent on rain-fed agriculture, which is highly vulnerable to climate change," said El Khidir Daloum, WFP Country Director for Uganda.

"WFP hopes that the findings and recommendations of the study will contribute to efforts toward appropriate adaptation measures while helping to identify policies that will safeguard the most vulnerable communities in Karamoja."

Sponsored by the Sweden, the study was carried out with support from WFP and the CGIAR Consortium's Research Programme on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security.

The report said the problem was compounded by human activities particularly, the sale of charcoal and firewood.

Sam Cheptoris, Minister for Water and Environment, said the findings were a blow to Uganda's hope of achieving its Vision 2040 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The study recommended increased investments in water harvesting and agroforestry schemes. Other interventions recommended include sensitization  of the people, improved access to climate change information and the cultivation of drought-resistant crop varieties.

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