FAO Technical Officer demonstrate small scale micro irrigation system

FAO in Uganda has appealed to the Government of Uganda and all relevant stakeholders to work together to address the drivers of migration in order to fast-track achievement of food security and zero hunger in Uganda.

The call was made by the FAO Country Representative in Uganda- Mr. Alhaji Jallow, in a press statement for World Food Day celebrations held on 16 October 2017 in Rubanda District, South Western Uganda.

“Conflict, rural poverty, and climate change demand increased attention as they result in migration as a last resort”, said Mr Jallow. “FAO is supporting the Government of Uganda to promote inclusive rural development to curb conflict and boost sustainability, create decent employment opportunities especially for the youth, advance policy options for youth to access credit, and to develop social protection programmes that provide cash or in-kind transfers, as well as strengthening early-warning systems to manage weather vagaries”, he added.

In a speech read for him by the Second Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda- Honorable Ali Kirunda Kivejinja, the President of the Republic of Uganda, His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, noted that agriculture and rural development are key to addressing root causes of migration, particularly movement of youth from rural- urban areas.

Additionally, drivers and impacts of migration are intimately linked to Government’s goals of fighting hunger, reducing rural poverty, and promoting sustainable use of natural resources. Consequently, the Government of Uganda, “commits to playing a leading role in reducing rural migration by creating better conditions for the people and enhancing resilience in rural areas and engaging young people in gainful employment through participation in agricultural value chain activities, aimed at increasing incomes and lessening movement” said President Museveni.

The President revealed that the Government of Uganda plans to enable all households, especially those led by small holder farmers, to earn at least 20million Uganda shillings annually from a combination of agricultural and other economic enterprises. This, the President Museveni believes will, help to eliminate hunger, poverty, and stabilize food security in Uganda, as it will reduce income disparities that may force people to leave their homes in search of better opportunities.

Rubanda District, created less than two years ago, was chosen as the location for the World Food Day celebrations, to create national and global awareness to the challenges such as climate change, poverty, and population growth which force people to leave their homes. In September 2017, more than 10 people died and others are still nursing injuries after a landslide occurred in the hilly Rubanda district. This was after torrential rain forced rocks down the slopes, hitting locals at the foot of the hills and sweeping away houses.

Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Honorable Vincent Sempijja therefore made a stern warning to the populace and district officials to support the residents to carry out soil and water conservation practices such as mulching, replacing ridges and bands, and growing trees.

During the celebrations, FAO showcased a range of information products on FAO projects implemented in Uganda, the novel Semi-Manual Micro Irrigation System, and selected project beneficiaries displayed their products.

United Nations delivering as one to End Hunger

The World Food Day celebrations in Uganda were also attended by the FAO Representative for Eastern Africa- Dr. Patrick Kormawa, the UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Country Representative in Uganda, Ms. Rosa Malango, and the Chief of Mission of International Organization for Migration- Mr. Ali Abdi.

Ms. Malango noted that the United Nations will continue supporting the Government of Uganda, the private sector, civil society, and local communities to build capacity to address migration through rural development and to mobilize investment in sustainable agriculture and rural livelihoods. “Together, we can help people to stay on their land and foster a more equitable development that protects the environment and Uganda’s other natural resources” she said.