Evelyn Lirri
8 July 2009
Kampala — Variation in rainfall patterns due to climate change is partly to blame for the current food shortages being experienced across the country, State Minister for Agriculture Henry Bagiire said yesterday.
Addressing journalists in Kampala on the current food security situation in the country, Mr Bagiire said, "The impact of climate change on agricultural production and food security is already being seen nationally and not limited to Teso and West Nile region but other parts of the country like Kasese and Sironko." He said the drought-stricken districts used to receive reliable rainfall at least twice a year that was adequate for crop growing but this has changed and now alternative means of sustaining agriculture should be encouraged.
Besides inadequate rainfall, Mr Bagiire said diseases that affect cassava and groundnuts have also contributed to the current food shortage in parts of the country by decimating planted crops.
He said the government now plans to set up small-scale irrigation schemes across the country to enable farmers cope with the unreliable rainfall patterns by harvesting enough water that can take them through periods of water scarcity. "Farmers should also be educated on climate change and mitigation strategies including early land preparation and timely planting. We also want to promote drought-tolerant, short-maturing crop varieties," he added.
To be able to address the current food shortage especially in Teso region which has been worst hit, the minister said the government last month bought seeds worth Shs910 million and distributed them to farmers throughout the region. He said: "Anyone who says the government is insensitive to the plight of the people affected by drought is unfair. We have secured enough resources to begin with. Who are we going to govern if our people are dead?"
He also proposed stringent punishment for people who do not store food in granaries or who do not grow enough food - but he neither specified what the punishments would be or whether those already malnourished or without land or inputs would be exempted.
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