‘North and East may face food shortage’
Sep 10, 2007
AGRICULTURE and weather experts have warned that the eastern and northern parts of Uganda, particularly Teso are likely to be hit by food shortage for the next six months.
By Gerald Tenywa
AGRICULTURE and weather experts have warned that the eastern and northern parts of Uganda, particularly Teso are likely to be hit by food shortage for the next six months.
“There is going to be a disaster because there will be no food for the four districts of Soroti, Amuria, Kumi and Katakwi,’’ said Anuciata Hakuza, an official from the agriculture ministry.
Hakuza was discussing the implications of the weather forecast released at a press conference last Friday in Kampala.
“With the current floods and water-logged areas, root crops like cassava and groundnuts are rotting. It has not been possible to harvest crops like sorghum because the heavy rains made it difficult for such crops to mature early.’’
Hakuza said the rain came too soon in Eastern Uganda, when the farmers were not expecting it, making it difficult to prepare for planting. The rains will stop at different times in different places, according to weather experts.
In the East the rains are expected to stop in November, three to four weeks earlier than usual.
The catchment areas of Lake Kyoga, especially the low land areas, should expect more floods because the water table has risen.
Western Uganda is likely to have the most favourable weather conditions for food production according to agricultural experts. They advised farmers to plant fast-maturing crops.
Abushen Majugu, a consultant on weather issues said: “The rain is going to be higher than average and will continue until December in western Uganda.’’
Majugu said last year, there was El Nino, which was characterised by heavy rains. This has influenced the current weather patterns, that have seen the drier conditions of July and August become a rainy season.
Stephen Magezi, the acting commissioner in the meteorology department, said weather information and communication would soon improve as they expect an expert from the UK to enhance the dissemination of weather data.
AGRICULTURE and weather experts have warned that the eastern and northern parts of Uganda, particularly Teso are likely to be hit by food shortage for the next six months.
“There is going to be a disaster because there will be no food for the four districts of Soroti, Amuria, Kumi and Katakwi,’’ said Anuciata Hakuza, an official from the agriculture ministry.
Hakuza was discussing the implications of the weather forecast released at a press conference last Friday in Kampala.
“With the current floods and water-logged areas, root crops like cassava and groundnuts are rotting. It has not been possible to harvest crops like sorghum because the heavy rains made it difficult for such crops to mature early.’’
Hakuza said the rain came too soon in Eastern Uganda, when the farmers were not expecting it, making it difficult to prepare for planting. The rains will stop at different times in different places, according to weather experts.
In the East the rains are expected to stop in November, three to four weeks earlier than usual.
The catchment areas of Lake Kyoga, especially the low land areas, should expect more floods because the water table has risen.
Western Uganda is likely to have the most favourable weather conditions for food production according to agricultural experts. They advised farmers to plant fast-maturing crops.
Abushen Majugu, a consultant on weather issues said: “The rain is going to be higher than average and will continue until December in western Uganda.’’
Majugu said last year, there was El Nino, which was characterised by heavy rains. This has influenced the current weather patterns, that have seen the drier conditions of July and August become a rainy season.
Stephen Magezi, the acting commissioner in the meteorology department, said weather information and communication would soon improve as they expect an expert from the UK to enhance the dissemination of weather data.