ENTEBBE – Uganda’s Karamoja sub-region has long struggled with hunger and food insecurity, a crisis deeply rooted in its history. For decades, the region has faced recurring droughts, conflicts, and environmental degradation, exacerbating poverty and malnutrition. The latest initiative launched by the European Union, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) aims to break this cycle of hunger and build resilience.
Karamoja’s history of hunger dates back to the 1970s and 1980s, when the region experienced severe droughts and livestock diseases. The subsequent conflicts and displacement further eroded the livelihoods of the predominantly pastoralist communities. By the 1990s, Karamoja had become one of Uganda’s most food-insecure regions.
In 2009, the Ugandan government launched the Karamoja Integrated Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (KIDDR) program, aimed at stabilizing the region and promoting economic development. However, food insecurity persisted, and in 2017, the region faced one of its worst droughts in history.
Today, Karamoja remains one of Uganda’s most vulnerable regions, with over 70% of its population living below the poverty line. Malnutrition rates are alarming, with stunting affecting over 35% of children under five.
The new EUR 5 million initiative seeks to address these deep-seated challenges. “This project is a crucial step towards achieving our shared goals of promoting green and climate transition, sustainable growth, and democratic governance,” said Carolina Hedstrom, EU Head of Cooperation.
“Our cooperation with Uganda focuses on promoting green and climate transition, sustainable and inclusive growth and jobs, and democratic governance and social inclusion,” Hedstrom added.
“This project, ‘Improving Food Security and Resilience of Food Production Systems in Karamoja,’ aligns perfectly with these priorities, particularly in addressing the challenges of climate change and promoting sustainable development.”
She underscored that the 3-year program aims to make food systems more inclusive and economically viable, enhance social and environmental sustainability, and increase government capacity to proactively respond to food crises.
She believes Karamoja is rich in biodiversity and possesses untapped agricultural potential. “By engaging local communities and leveraging their knowledge, we can promote sustainable food systems. Empowering youth and women with resources, training, and opportunities can drive innovation and create more equitable food systems.”
Dr. Charles Owach, FAO Assistant Representative, detailed the project’s objectives. “We will improve food and nutrition security by strengthening agri-food value chains, empowering smallholder farmers, women, and youth to build resilience agri-businesses, and reinforcing early warning systems and anticipatory actions.”
Marcus Prior, WFP Deputy Country Director, underscored the importance of access to food, resilience to climate shocks, and addressing hunger’s root causes.
“At WFP Uganda, we believe access to food is a fundamental right, essential for dignity, health, and opportunity. Without it, the cycle of poverty deepens. This year, we’ve maintained our partnership with the government, supporting Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger.”
He added, “We’re committed to helping communities at risk build resilience to climate shocks and addressing hunger’s root causes,” Prior continued. “In Karamoja, WFP works with the government, FAO, and partners to implement long-term solutions, ensuring increased food production, livelihood diversification, and climate adaptation.”
Major General David Kasura-Kyomukama, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted the project’s four critical outcomes: building inclusive food systems, protecting environmentally sustainable food systems, enhancing social sustainability, and enabling governments to respond to food crises.
He expressed that the project will complement the government of Uganda’s Parish Development Model, serving as a vital vehicle for organizing and delivering public and private program interventions for wealth creation at the parish level – the lowest economic planning unit.
Therefore, Kasura-Kyomukama implored all stakeholders involved in this project’s implementation to prioritize their efforts and attention. “Let us work together to ensure timely benefits for the intended beneficiaries and make a meaningful impact on food security and resilience in Karamoja.”
The project will benefit at least 16,000 households directly and 80,000 people indirectly across Karamoja’s nine districts. By supporting sustainable agriculture and resilience, this initiative paves the way for a brighter future for Karamoja’s communities.
Through this collaborative effort, the EU, FAO, WFP, and the Ugandan government demonstrate their commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger. By addressing the root causes of food insecurity and promoting sustainable development, they aim to break the cycle of poverty and ensure a food-secure future for generations to come.
As the project unfolds, stakeholders will prioritize community engagement, capacity building, and innovative solutions to address the complex challenges facing Karamoja.
