FAO Expert Warns Rainfall-Reliant Agriculture at Risk

Dr. Emmanuel Zziwa, the assistant team leader for climate change resilience at the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN), has warned that farming may become unprofitable in the near future if cultivators continue to rely solely on rainfall. 

According to information on the UN website, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) predicts that global temperatures are likely to reach record levels in the next five years due to heat-trapping greenhouse gases and a naturally occurring El Niño phenomenon. 

The United in Science 2023 report, coordinated by the WMO, also indicates that the planet is far from meeting its climate goals, which could undermine efforts to tackle hunger, and poverty, improve access to clean water and energy, and other aspects of sustainable development. 

Dr. Zziwa points out that in Uganda, dry spells have become more prolonged, leading to decreased yields from plantations. In response to these challenges posed by climate change, he emphasized the importance of farmers embracing modern irrigation practices. 

During a visit to farmers in Luwero and Nakaseke Districts, who were supported by FAO for an assessment of how climate change is affecting them, Dr. Zziwa also advised farmers in the Greater Luwero region to adopt modern techniques for growing and handling grass/hay. Proper drying of grass and hay during dry seasons can help ensure the survival of livestock.

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Farmers took the opportunity to request the government to improve the impassable road network in the area. They highlighted the challenges they face in transporting their products, especially perishables like milk, to the market due to poor road conditions.

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