Uganda and AU Partner to Combat Continental Food Insecurity

Kampala, Uganda – In a significant move towards addressing hunger on the continent, Ugandan officials have engaged in high-level discussions with representatives from the African Union (AU) concerning strategies to combat food insecurity.

The meeting, held in Kampala, saw the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, confer with the AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, Moses Vilakati.

The core of their discussions revolved around bolstering agricultural output and establishing robust food systems capable of withstanding current and future challenges. “Our discussions centred on strategies to address food insecurity across Africa, with a particular focus on strengthening agricultural production, promoting sustainable food systems and enhancing collaboration to ensure food security for our people,” Minister Kasolo stated.

Africa possesses immense potential to revolutionize its agricultural sector, but this transformation hinges on unified action, innovative approaches, and fortified collaborations across all levels. As the minister emphasized, “As Africa, we have the potential to transform our agricultural sector and build resilient food systems that can withstand emerging challenges. This requires collective action, innovation and strong partnerships at all levels.”

These deliberations come at a critical juncture for Uganda, which is currently grappling with food-security pressures in various regions, most notably Karamoja, where acute food insecurity affects a substantial portion of the population. Compounding these issues are crop failures, extended dry spells, and insufficient water resources, impacting food and livestock production in areas like Teso, Greater Masaka, Bugisu, West Nile, and the cattle corridor.

Uganda’s vulnerability is largely attributed to its reliance on rain-fed agriculture, low productivity, post-harvest losses, and susceptibility to climate variability. The government has been actively providing relief food, particularly in Karamoja, distributing essential grains like maize and beans.

Minister Kasolo affirmed Uganda’s commitment to ongoing collaboration with the AU to devise effective solutions for food insecurity and to strengthen agricultural infrastructure. He stressed that enhanced partnerships and coordinated efforts are crucial for cultivating sustainable food systems and improving food security throughout Africa, aligning with continental commitments like the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme and the Malabo Declaration.

Source: Nile Post