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.
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.
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.
Bernard Bakalu
Freelancer