By Dallen Namugga
The National Agricultural and Research Organization has stated that prolonged drought conditions have been the most difficult weather conditions to handle in the agricultural process.
Food production is an essential aspect that is decreasing because of the ever changing climate in Uganda.
According to a statistics report by Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative Index 2021, Uganda is the 12th most vulnerable country in the world to the effects of Climate change and it is also 49th least prepared to handle these effects.
Robert Anguzu the communication specialist at NARO says that various weather conditions are experienced throughout the year, like heavy rains coupled with strong winds, floods, and prolonged droughts. However, droughts have been the most challenging to cope with.
According to Anguzu, floods though strong are short lived and have minimal effect on the crops. Plants like cassava and other tubers are planted as a solution during rainy seasons because they are more resilient to floods compared to other crops.
However, the only downside with rainy conditions is the rotting of crops that is caused by water which is retained in the soil.
Droughts, on the other hand, are prolonged and have affected the seeds which in turn has a negative effect the crop yield.
“Without water, prolonged drought conditions destroy crops and a scarcity is seen on the food market.” Robert says.
He adds that crops like tomatoes, maize, rice and other various vegetables are the most affected during dry conditions because they need a lot of water to grow well.
Government interventions of medium to large irrigation schemes have been made in various parts of the country like Pakwach, Mwoya district, Kasese, and Butaleja, so as to survive the ever changing climate. This has increased access to water during dry weather conditions.
Farmers have also been advised to increase crop growth during the wet seasons so as to reduce scarcity during the dry seasons.
Prolonged drought due to climate change between May and July 2022 led to massive crop failures. This increased food prices due to scarcity, for instance, a kilo of sesame seeds which was 6,000 Ugandan shillings in April increased to 12,000 Ugandan shillings in July.
The rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns are continuing to lead to crop failures and a reduction in agricultural productivity which has greatly had a significant impact on food security in Uganda. Droughts and floods are also becoming more frequent and severe, which can damage crops and make it difficult for farmers to access water for irrigation.
