IMPLICATIONS OF CLIMATE CHANGE TO FOOD SECURITY IN KARAMOJA REGION IN UGANDA
ABSTRACT
Food and nutritional security remain global challenges. In Uganda, 30% of the population is classified as chronically food insecure. Food insecurity is more severe in regions facing multiple threats such as poverty, population growth, poor health and hygiene, poor access to markets and extreme climatic events among others. Considering the multi-faceted nature of the challenge, this study aimed to examine the impacts of climate change on food security in Karamoja Region. The study was guided by three objectives i) to identify all the various actors and their actions towards food security in Karamoja, ii) to identify indicators of climate change on food security in Karamoja region, and iii) to examine the impacts of climate change on livelihoods and lives of communities in Karamoja region. The study adopted a descriptive research design to collect data over a period of time.
The study employed both qualitative and quantitative research approaches where data was presented in form of descriptive statistics using frequency tables and also sorted and grouped into themes and presented using narrative text. The study findings revealed that Government interventions, such as providing relief food aid, and donor agencies supporting infrastructure development are strongly recognized for their positive impact. International organizations’ technical assistance and women’s groups’ initiatives also receive favorable acknowledgment for enhancing food security. It was further revealed that shifts in seasonal patterns, migration for water and pasture, and the expansion of desertification and land degradation are significant concerns, disrupting agricultural cycles and exacerbating food insecurity. In addition, it was observed that unpredictable weather patterns, water scarcity, and health risks from climate-related disasters critically impact livelihoods and food security.
It is suggested that Government bodies, development agencies, and local communities should prioritize the development of water harvesting and storage infrastructure, such as rainwater collection systems and small-scale irrigation projects. Also, pastoralist communities, NGOs, and development agencies should promote and support alternative livelihood strategies to reduce reliance on livestock alone.
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.0 Introduction
Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life (World Food Summit, 1996). Food security encompasses the availability, access, utilization, and stability of food supplies within populations, ensuring adequate nutrition and sustenance for all individuals (FAO, 2020). Food security stands as a cornerstone of societal stability, economic prosperity and individual well-being, underscored by its profound significance to global economies and a foundation for sustainable development. The intricate interplay between food security and economic vitality is unmistakable, with a secure food supply fostering resilience in communities, stimulating agricultural productivity and bolstering trade and investment opportunities. According to the World Bank, enhancing food security not only cultivates human capital but also serves as a catalyst for poverty reduction, amplifying the productive capacity of nations and nurturing inclusive growth (World Bank, 2020). Moreover, the FAO highlights that a robust food security framework is imperative for mitigating risks associated with global crises, including pandemics and climate change, underscoring the urgency for concerted efforts in addressing systemic vulnerabilities within food systems (FAO, 2021).
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) defines climate change as: “A change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods’ The IPCC defines climate change as “a change in the state of the climate that can be identified by changes in the mean and/or variability of its properties and that persists for an extended period, typically decades or longer” (IPCC, 2024). This definition highlights the long-term nature of climate change and its impact on various climatic variables as well as the role of human activities, particularly greenhouse gas emissions, in driving changes in the Earth’s climate system.
Climate change has the potential to increase food insecurity. Existing threats to food security and livelihoods will be exacerbated by climate change due to a combination of factors that include; the increasing frequency and intensity of climate hazards, diminishing agricultural yields and reduced production, rising sanitation and health risks, increasing water scarcity, and intensifying conflicts over scarce resources. These impacts of climate change on food insecurity will lead to new humanitarian crises as well as increasing displacement. It presents a multifaceted challenge characterized by long-term alterations in global weather patterns and environmental conditions, primarily driven by human-induced greenhouse gas emissions (IPCC, 2021). This phenomenon disrupts ecosystems, exacerbates extreme weather events, and heightens the frequency of natural disasters, profoundly impacting agricultural systems and food production (Wheeler & von Braun, 2022).
In terms of availability, climate change reduces agricultural production through environmental degradation, changing agro-ecological conditions and shifting growing seasons. Changes in rainfall and higher temperature affect crop productivity hence reducing food availability. In addition, food prices increase as a result of reduced production, reducing access to food. This will mean low income for the most vulnerable communities. Under these conditions, the poorest will have to use additional income to meet their nutritional requirements while others may have no means to cope. Extreme weather events disrupt the stability of food production and access as well as peoples livelihoods. Erratic rainfall and drought disrupt planting and harvesting cycles leading to poor crop yields and reduced food production.
Prolonged droughts exacerbate water scarcity thus affecting both crops and livestock. Climate change is expected to increase the incidences of diseases, thus affecting utilization of food particularly among the vulnerable including children, pregnant mothers and the elderly. Reducing agricultural production means that most vulnerable households will have less food available thus increasing the risk of malnutrition. The intricate relationship between climate change and food security manifests through various channels, including diminished crop yields, altered growing seasons, increased pest infestations, and compromised water resources, jeopardizing food production, distribution, and affordability on a global scale (Wheeler & von Braun, 2022).
At the global level, food security remains a pressing concern despite advancements in agricultural technologies and policies. Approximately 811 million people face chronic hunger and malnutrition (FAO, 2021). Contributing to this issue is unequal distribution of food resources, exacerbating disparities between regions and within populations. For instance, in conflict-ridden regions like Yemen, Syria, and South Sudan, access to food is severely constrained due to disruptions in food production, distribution and trade caused by conflicts (FAO, 2021). Additionally, climate change exacerbates food insecurity globally by altering weather patterns, reducing agricultural productivity, and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events (IPCC, 2021). Despite interventions such as agricultural subsidies and food aid programs, persistent challenges such as inefficient distribution systems and inadequate access to markets hinder progress in achieving food security targets (Nkonya et al., 2023).
In Africa, food security remains a complex issue influenced by socio-economic and environmental factors. Conflict, political instability, and inadequate infrastructure pose significant challenges to food production and distribution in countries like Nigeria, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FAO, 2021). Moreover, climate change-induced factors such as erratic weather patterns and prolonged droughts exacerbate food insecurity across the continent. Despite efforts to improve agricultural productivity through initiatives like the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), limited access to credit, outdated farming practices, and weak institutional capacity hinder the effectiveness of interventions (Fan et al., 2020). In Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in countries like Nigeria and Ethiopia, conflicts such as the insurgency in Nigeria’s northeast and the Tigray conflict in Ethiopia exacerbate food insecurity (FAO, 2021). This instability disrupts agricultural activities and displaces populations, aggravating existing food security challenges (FAO, 2021).
Within East Africa, countries like Kenya and Tanzania face unique challenges in achieving food security despite their agricultural potential. Erratic weather patterns, land degradation, and pest infestations threaten crop yields and livelihoods in these regions (FAO, 2021). For example, in Ethiopia, recurrent droughts exacerbated by climate change have led to widespread food shortages and humanitarian crises (FAO, 2021). Although governments have implemented strategies such as irrigation projects and agricultural extension services, bureaucratic inefficiencies, corruption, and insufficient investment in research and development hamper progress in addressing food security challenges (Karekezi & Majoro, 2021). In East Africa, countries such as Kenya and Tanzania grapple with food insecurity exacerbated by climate change-induced factors like erratic weather patterns and prolonged droughts (FAO, 2021).
Uganda is already experiencing the impacts of climate change and associated economic losses. For instance, drought conditions in 2010/11caused economic losses of US$470m in food crops, cash crops and livestock. This equated to about 16% of the total annual value of these crops in 2011. Climate change in Uganda has caused significant impacts on food security by altering the condition in which food is grown and affecting the productivity of crops and livestock. Rising temperatures and changes in precipitation patters can cause droughts, floods and other extreme weather events that can damage or destroy crops leading to food shortages and higher process. Climate change has led to changes in the distribution and abundance of pests and diseases which threaten food production. Additionally, prolonged conflicts in regions like Karamoja regions have disrupted agricultural activities and displaced populations, exacerbating food insecurity (FAO, 2021).
Furthermore, limited access to inputs, such as seeds and fertilizers, and inadequate infrastructure hinder agricultural productivity in rural areas. Statistically, Uganda ranked 155 out of 181 countries in the 2018 Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN) Country Index in terms of high climate change vulnerability and a low level of adaptation (World Bank, 2018). Droughts have been recognized as one of the most significant climate-change-related threats in Uganda and their effect on food availability crucially depends on the success of households’ adaptation to climate change (Twongyirwe et al., 2019). Within Uganda, there are huge contrasts between different landscapes and hence substantial variation in the impacts of climate change by location (Munshi et al., 2021), for example, in the North versus in the rest of the country. This diversity of impacts requires locally adjusted adaptation strategies.
To mitigate climate change impacts, Uganda has introduced a number of policies,
frameworks and implementation strategies that prioritize climate change adaptation, agricultural development and food (nutrition) security enhancement at the national level (Radeny et al., 2020). The implementation of these policies, however, is subject to limitations regarding the legal and regulatory framework, inadequate skills, limited equipment for disaster response and management, financial constraints and unreliable institutional and regulatory capacities (Bagamba et al., 2012; Nabikolo et al., 2012). Although government initiatives like the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) aim to improve smallholder farming, challenges such as corruption, mismanagement of funds, and weak implementation mechanisms have impeded their effectiveness (Bashaasha et al., 2023). The prolonged conflict in regions like Karamoja regions, coupled with factors like limited access to inputs and inadequate infrastructure, significantly hampers agricultural productivity and exacerbates food insecurity (FAO, 2021). The impact of these challenges is particularly acute among rural populations reliant on subsistence farming for their livelihoods (FAO, 2021).
Karamoja, a semi-arid region in North Eastern Uganda, faces significant impacts due to climate change as a threat to security and governance (NEMA, 2020). The region’s fragile ecosystem, reliance on rain-fed agriculture and pastoralism, and susceptibility to climate variability contribute to its vulnerability. Over the years, Karamoja has experienced discernible climate change trends, including rising average temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns (NEMA, 2020). These changes have adverse implications for water availability, agriculture, and pastoral livelihoods. Erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged dry spells have resulted in reduced crop yields and limited pasture for livestock, leading to food insecurity, malnutrition, and increased vulnerability among the local population (NEMA, 2020). Additionally, water scarcity is a pressing concern in the region, with decreased rainfall and drying up of water sources (NEMA, 2020). This scarcity has sparked conflicts over access to limited water supplies, further straining social cohesion and governance mechanisms. Indeed, the region suffers chronic food insecurity (half of the population is food insecure, of which 12% are severely food insecure13) due to high levels of poverty, low human development and un-favourable climatic/weather conditions
The reduction in available pasture and water sources due to prolonged droughts has forced herders to migrate in search of suitable grazing areas, often leading to resource-based conflicts with host communities (UBOS, 2020). These conflicts exacerbate existing tensions and strain governance structures in the region. The Ugandan government has acknowledged the climate change impacts in Karamoja and initiated interventions to address them. Efforts have been made to improve water availability through the construction of water dams and boreholes (NEMA, 2020). Programs promoting climate-smart agriculture, such as the adoption of drought-resistant crop varieties and sustainable farming practices, have also been implemented (NEMA, 2020). However, challenges remain in effectively addressing climate change impacts in Karamoja. Limited financial resources, inadequate infrastructure, and low capacity at the local level hinder the successful implementation of adaptation measures (UBOS, 2020).
1.1 Problem Statement
Karamoja region grapples with severe food insecurity as evidenced by declining trends in the availability, access, utilization, and adequacy of food. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) indicates a decline in the availability of food in the Karamoja region over the past three years. For instance, in 2021, the region recorded an average availability of staple food crops of 700 kilograms per capita, which decreased to 650 kilograms per capita in 2022 and further dropped to 600 kilograms per capita in 2023 (FAO, 2023). The proportion of households experiencing moderate to severe food insecurity increased from 40% in 2021 to 50% in 2022, and further rose to 60% in 2023 (FAO, 2023). This indicates a worsening situation where a larger portion of the population is unable to access adequate quantities and qualities of food. The prevalence of malnutrition among children under five years old increased from 25% in 2021 to 30% (FAO, 2022). This demonstrates deterioration in the ability of households to utilize available food resources to meet their nutritional needs adequately. Adequacy of food declined, with a proportion of households consuming a minimally acceptable diet decreased from 50% in 2021 to 45% (FAO, 2021). It is based upon this background that the study was conducted to determine the impacts of climate change on food security in selected areas of Karamoja Region.
1.2 Purpose of the Study
To examine the impacts of climate change on food security in Karamoja Region
1.3 Research Objectives
- To identify the various actors and their actions towards food security in Karamoja.
- To identify indicators of climate change on food security in Karamoja region.
- To examine the impacts of climate change on livelihoods and lives of communities in Karamoja region.
1.4 Research questions
- What are the various actors and their actions towards food security in Karamoja?
- What are the indicators of climate change influencing food security in Karamoja region?
- What are the impacts of climate change on livelihoods and lives of communities in Karamoja region?
1.5.1 Geographical Scope
The study was carried out in Karamoja region because it is prone to climate change and its associated impacts characterized with extreme drought resulting in frequent agricultural losses and significant food insecurity concerns. Karamoja Sub-region covers 27,528 km and comprises districts such as: Moroto, Kotido, Kaabong, Nakapiripirit, Abim, Amudat and Napak. It is bordered by Kenya to the east and South Sudan to the north. The overall population is estimated at about 4.1 million people (UBOS 2022) with about 70% residing in rural areas. The study was conducted in the villages of Nakayoni, Kosiroi and Kadonya in Tupac Sub County Rupa, Nakilovu, lobuneit, Magoth and Kaapuata villages of Rupa Sub County, Moroto District as well as Karinga and Utut villages in Moruita Sub County in Nakapiripirit District. These were selected because they were heavily affected by the prevalent drought, insecurity, high food prices. The categories included: local farmers, pastoralists, community leaders, women and children, local government officials, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and market trader as well as local council chairpersons.
KARAMOJA DISTRICTS AND STUDY AREAS
