A significant number of people are facing a prolonged period of hunger. According to the National Agricultural Research Organisation (Naro), approximately eight million Ugandans are experiencing what is termed as ‘chronic hunger.’ This issue is particularly severe in northern Uganda, affecting regions such as Lango, Acholi, Karamoja, and West Nile.
Dr. Laban Turyagyenda, the director of Ngetta Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute RDI, highlighted that a vast majority of smallholder farmers, who make up nearly 90 percent of the population in Uganda, are bearing the brunt of this crisis. He emphasized the need to enhance production efficiency and effectiveness to address this issue.
The NARO advisory board member, Ms. Molly Atim, expressed concern about the looming hunger crisis in northern Uganda. Dr. Yona Baguma, the director-general of Naro, identified the establishment of a robust seed system as a crucial step towards combating hunger and poverty in the region. Quality seeds and breeds play a pivotal role in crop, livestock, and fish productivity.
Dr. Baguma urged the Agriculture Ministry to establish a fully functional seed system for crops predominantly grown in northern Uganda. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of utilizing available land effectively, pointing out the underutilization of vast tracts of land in several regions.
Mr. Richard Cox Okello Orik, the chairperson of Lira District, attributed poverty in the region to poor enterprise selection, influenced historically by colonial practices. Dr. John Wasige, a member of the Naro governing council, stressed the importance of soil fertility improvement and rainfall support in poverty alleviation efforts.
Recent global discussions at the United Nations General Assembly in New York highlighted the profound impact of climate change on eradicating hunger and poverty. World leaders expressed concerns about the climate crisis hindering progress towards the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Despite these challenges, the director of Ngetta ZARDI remains hopeful. Their focus on adaptive and applied research aims to identify and disseminate suitable technologies, including climate-smart agriculture and micro-irrigation, to farmers and communities, offering a potential path towards alleviating the ongoing hunger crisis.