Ugandan farmers brace against climate threats

In Shuku, Uganda, one farmer lost 300 banana trees and two cows to a devastating rain and hailstorm last October. The incident highlighted the vulnerability of farmers to increasingly intense weather patterns driven by climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports a rise in these extreme events, compounding the challenges farmers face in protecting their livelihoods.

To address these threats, the NDC Action Project — a partnership between UNEP and the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre — focuses on building resilience in agriculture. Mirey Atallah of UNEP stressed the need for both technical and financial tools to strengthen farmers' defenses against climate risks.

Bananas play a vital role in Uganda, involving nearly half of the country’s farmers and supporting both nutrition and income. Yet, for the past 15 years, erratic weather has threatened this key crop. To mitigate losses, the Banana Industrial Research and Development Centre has facilitated access to crop insurance, making claims more accessible through digital assessments.

Beyond financial protection, this initiative includes training in sustainable practices, enhancing both productivity and resilience. Expanding this program offers farmers like Justine not only a safety net but also the confidence to face future climate challenges.

source: unep.org

photo: flickr.com