Karamoja Drought Threatens National Food Security, Warns MP Nakut

Napak Woman MP and Parliament Commissioner Faith Nakut has sounded the alarm over the escalating drought in the Karamoja region, warning it could precipitate a nationwide food and economic crisis if urgent action isn’t taken.

Nakut highlighted in an exclusive interview that the region has endured over seven months without any rainfall, a situation far more severe than the typical two to three-month dry spells Karamoja usually experiences. This prolonged absence of rain has devastated agricultural efforts, leaving farmers who invested in land preparation and inputs facing significant losses.

Many farmers had relied on weather forecasts and even utilized funds from the Parish Development Model (PDM) and personal savings, only to see their efforts thwarted by the relentless dry spell. This vulnerability is exacerbated by the fact that most Karamoja households depend on subsistence farming on small plots and lack adequate food storage facilities, making them susceptible to any disruption in rainfall.

Furthermore, Nakut debunked the notion that livestock ownership guarantees food security for the region. She pointed out that while Karamoja holds a significant portion of Uganda’s cattle, these herds are owned by a minority, leaving the majority without substantial assets to weather the crisis. The drought is also forcing pastoralists to move their livestock in search of water and pasture, raising concerns about potential conflicts and increased vulnerability for women, children, and the elderly.

The MP also drew a connection between the recurring crises in Karamoja and the presence of its children on the streets of Kampala, suggesting that persistent hunger and hardship drive migration to urban centers. She warned that the drought’s impact could extend beyond agriculture, potentially affecting national export earnings from crops like coffee, thereby impacting foreign exchange and increasing the cost of essential imports such as fuel and medicine.

As a long-term solution, Nakut advocated for substantial investment in water harvesting and transfer infrastructure, including the proposed Lopei Multipurpose Dam. She also stressed the need for immediate emergency food and livelihood assistance for the affected communities, emphasizing a two-pronged approach: providing immediate relief while simultaneously investing in resilient infrastructure to prevent future crises.

Source: Nile Post