Uganda stands among the most vulnerable countries to climate change, experiencing unpredictable rainfall patterns, extended droughts, and rising temperatures. The article articulates how, in the wake of such challenges, Ugandans are embracing resilience and changing their way of life. Their solutions range from creative farming methods to community-based disaster preparedness activities.
Introduction to Climate Change in Uganda
Like many other countries, Uganda faces critical threats to her populations and ecosystems from the adverse effects of climate change, which include long-lasting droughts and unpredictable rainfall patterns. Over the past decades, rainfall in Uganda has led to frequent river breakages, mudslides, and landslides that have claimed lives and property, mostly in mountainous areas of the country. Meanwhile, people living in low-lying areas face floods.
Frequent long drought seasons have also led to the loss of livestock and crops. The country experienced 20 floods, 40 epidemics, nine droughts, and five landslide occurrences between 1900 and 2018. More than 200,000 people lost their lives to these natural disasters, and at least $80 million in economic losses has been incurred.
Temperatures are rising and rainfall patterns are changing in Uganda. Research indicates that these trends will continue, further threatening the stability of ecosystems, agriculture, and water supplies.
Crop yields are being ravaged by diseases, pests, and unpredictable weather conditions that cause food scarcity and economic instability in most of the rural areas. In addition, clean supplies of water for drinking, farming, and hygiene purposes are influenced by these changing climatic conditions. Water supplies cannot be easily accessed by communities for daily needs, which puts their health at risk and disrupts their lives. All these issues require immediate intervention with solutions that increase climate change resilience.
Resilient Adaptation Strategies
People in Uganda have demonstrated willingness to adapt their daily lives to climate change in a variety of ways. Here are three important examples that show how:
- Agriculture – Farmers in Uganda are resiliently adjusting to the challenges brought on by climate change, aiming for sustainable livelihoods and food security within communities. Agroforestry is one of the practices that is being embraced. This integrates trees with bushes into farmlands to enhance the health of soils and increase biodiversity. Other practices include adopting creative ways of water harvesting and conservation, and efficient irrigation methods like drip irrigation. These efforts are driven by a variety of organizations, including government bodies, international organizations, NGOs, academic and research institutes, farmer cooperatives and associations, and the private sector.
Several crop varieties and climate-resilient livestock breeds are considered for adaptation under changing climatic conditions. A project by the Uganda National Farmers Federation has enabled 100,000 farmers to access information on how to prepare for climate change through mobile phone technology. Such advisories, with seasonal weather forecasts, have cut crop loss and damage by up to 65% (US$ 474–573 per household, per year).
- Energy – An increasing number of Ugandans are turning to solar power solutions to meet rural energy needs. According to the International Energy Agency’s Policy Energy Review for Uganda (2023), several solar projects have been established with the potential to offer electricity supply for productive use to off-grid homes, businesses and community centers. Ten percent of homes are powered by solar energy installations, while 20% gain from restricted access via solar lanterns among other modest solar lighting solutions. These are grounded in collaborations between the government, business community, educational institutions, civil society, and development partners.
With 4,489,500 households in Uganda using Kerosene as the primary source of lighting, the estimated cost of upgrading all these homes to solar lighting systems is about US$ 710 million, which is about 2% of the GDP of the nation for one year. This would result in notable yearly savings for households as their lighting expenses will be reduced by US$ 2.77 per month.
The adoption of solar energy can bring down fossil fuel usage and develop a more sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for communities. Biomass energy projects are also being explored and executed by several groups, including government authorities, foreign agencies, corporate organizations, and NGOs. These are shifting communities towards more sustainable sources of energy, such as agricultural residues and wood chips. This helps reduce carbon emissions and promotes cleaner and greener energy practices.
- Disasters – Ugandans are proactive in their enhancement of preparedness, placing early warning systems and evacuation plans in vulnerable areas. This is achieved by applying the power of technology and community networks to help reduce the impacts of climate-related disasters, securing the residents from harm. Capacity building and training programs have also empowered individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively to disasters. A combination of government institutions, international organizations, and NGOs are important in warning and training people.
Resilience for a brighter future
Although climate change is a challenge, the adaptability and resilience exhibited by Ugandans do give hope for a sustainable future. With the technologies in agriculture, water management, renewable energy and disaster preparedness, among others, Ugandan communities stand the chance of becoming even more resilient. What stands between the present state and one of greater resilience includes awareness, education, and unified action. By cooperating in sustainable strategies, Ugandan people prove that proactive responses toward climate change could give a bright future and produce resilience.
