Uganda is one of the countries that are most vulnerable to climate change in Africa. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events are all taking a toll on the country’s agricultural sector.
The worst-affected areas include the eastern and northeastern regions, where droughts and floods have become more frequent, devastating crops and livelihoods.
Impact of Climate Change on Ugandan Agriculture
In eastern Uganda, districts such as Mbale and Kapchorwa have experienced severe droughts, leading to crop failures and food shortages. In northeastern Uganda, districts such as Karamoja have been hit by devastating floods, washing away crops and homes.
Government Intervention
In response to these challenges, the Ugandan government has launched several initiatives to support climate-resilient agriculture. The National Agricultural Extension Policy (NAEP) aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices, including intercropping, to improve crop yields and resilience.
Intercropping: A Proven Solution
Intercropping is a simple yet effective solution that can help Ugandan farmers adapt to climate change. By growing multiple crops together, farmers can promote biodiversity, improve soil health, and enhance climate resilience.
Examples of Successful Intercropping Systems in Uganda
In Uganda, several organizations are promoting intercropping as a climate-resilient solution. For example:
NARO
The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) has for instance developed several intercropping systems, including maize-bean and cassava-maize, which have improved crop yields and resilience in several districts.
UNFFE
The Uganda National Farmers Federation (UNFFE) has trained thousands of farmers in intercropping techniques, which have helped to improve their livelihoods and adapt to climate change.
Farmers in Kabale District have also been successfully intercropping potatoes and beans, which has improved soil health and increased crop yields over the years.
Intercropping is a proven solution that can help Ugandan farmers adapt to climate change.
By promoting biodiversity, improving soil health, and enhancing climate resilience, intercropping can help farmers build more resilient and sustainable farming systems.
The Ugandan government, civil society organizations, and farmers must work together to promote intercropping as a key strategy for climate-resilient agriculture.
Call to Action
The government should provide more support to farmers to adopt intercropping systems, including training, extension services, and access to credit.
Civil society organizations should continue to promote intercropping as a climate-resilient solution, and farmers should be encouraged to adopt this approach to improve their livelihoods and adapt to climate change.