Ugandan Farmers Advised to Adopt Climate-Resilient Strategies Amidst Shocks

Uganda is experiencing unprecedented climate shocks, characterized by extended dry spells and extreme temperatures that are decimating crops and threatening food security. These harsh conditions have led to significant losses for farmers across various regions, including Karamoja and Acholi, where hunger has tragically resulted in deaths.

Associate Professor Collins Okello, Dean of Agriculture and Environment at Gulu University, emphasized the urgent need for a paradigm shift in agricultural practices. He advocates for a move towards indigenous seed varieties, which are often more resilient to local climate conditions than commercial hybrids. Diversifying the types of crops grown is also crucial for building resilience.

“We need to rethink our farming methods, the technologies we employ, and the very nature of the crops we cultivate,” stated Prof. Okello. This call to action comes as the nation grapples with the devastating effects of a prolonged dry spell, which has withered crops in fields and led to widespread food shortages.

The impact of these climate shocks is not confined to a single region; it is a nationwide crisis affecting areas from Karamoja and Teso in the northeast to Sembabule, Greater Masaka, Bugisu, and West Nile. The government and agricultural stakeholders are now focusing on strategies to help farmers adapt and mitigate future losses, recognizing that building resilience is key to safeguarding livelihoods and ensuring national food security.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/how-farmers-can-overcome-climate-shocks-5591608