MAAIF launches UGX 20 Billion project to enhance food security & resilience of food production systems in Karamoja.
Drake Nyamugabwa
The Karamoja Sub-region which stands amid the borderlands of Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, and South Sudan is among the most affected regions by various challenges including protracted conflicts, climate change among others, thus reducing their capacities for resilience and sustainable livelihoods.
Particularly the challenges of conflict and climate risks pose significant challenges to the agro-pastoral communities in that region.
The ecological context of the region, together with a history of marginalization, predisposes it to the hands of multiple actors to address a complex mix.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has launched a three-year project intended to sustain food production on large-scale in Karamoja sub-region.
The project that is funded by the European Union earmarking a total budget of 5 million Euros, representing about UGX 20 billion is titled; "Improving Food Security and Resilience of Food Production Systems in Karamoja"
Mr. Ssegawa Ronald Gyagenda
During the launch of the project on 30th October 2024, The Permanent Secretary, Maj. Gen. David Kasura-Kyomukama who was represented by the Under Secretary, Mr. Ssegawa Ronald Gyagenda in his remarks, said that there is a great need to fast-track the implementation of this project since the Country has lost a significant amount of time from planned 2023 to date.
"I implore all the various stakeholders involved in the implementation of this project to put maximum attention and efforts in this project to benefit the intended beneficiaries," he said.
The launch event was also graced by other developments partners including Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the European Union (EU) represented by the European Commission and the World Food Program (WFP).
The project according to MAAIF focuses on addressing some of the barriers to improving food security and resilience of food production systems in Karamoja, where the population is already vulnerable to recurrent shocks resulting from combined pressures, including insecurity, environmental degradation and climate change.
The project is being implemented in selected sub-counties and parishes across all the 9 districts of Karamoja sub-region: Abim, Amudat, Kaabong, Karenga, Kotido, Moroto, Nabilatuk, Nakapiripiriti and Napak targeting at least 16,000 households as direct beneficiaries and 80,000 people as indirect beneficiaries.
In Uganda, Karamoja is one of the most vulnerable regions to climate-related shocks and hazards which significantly contribute to persistent low levels of food and livestock production.
The 2023/24 crop production season yields were below average due to a series of prolonged dry spells which reduced the availability of pastures for livestock and induced migration to the neighboring districts
Group photo after the project launch
