Climate change is an international catastrophe that is modifying weather patterns and globally crippling food security. Continuous droughts, erratic rainfall and rising temperatures are just but a few of the effects being experienced world over as a result of global warming. These environmental upheavals have serious repercussions for agriculture, which supports the production of food. It increases the possibility of food insecurity if crops fail or animals suffer thereby putting more lives at risk. In addition to this, climate change also affects food availability and safety by increasing the likelihood of diseases caused by eating spoiled food as well as presence of dangerous chemicals in it.
Various agricultural productivity is being impacted globally by climate change. In regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa, where agriculture depends on natural rainfall, alterations in the pattern of rainfalls can lead to extensive destruction. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that extreme weather events including floods and droughts are increasing and becoming more severe, leading to failure of crops and reducing crop yields. This worsened by high temperature which can cause heat stress in plants and animals thereby reducing agricultural productivity further. There is an increase in food prices as well as unpredictability of food production which may threaten food security especially in developing countries that lack resources to adjust to these changes.
Africa being a country, is prone to climate change. Uganda’s economy heavily relies on agriculture and about 70% of its population works in this sector making it the backbone of the country. However, the sector is rain-fed hence susceptible to weather changes. In Uganda for example, there have been a number of climatic shocks like prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall and flooding among others that have had negative effects on agriculture productivity as well as food security.
In some areas, such as Kasese District, the issue of food security has been worsened by climate change. Kasese is found in Western Uganda and it is known for its fertile soils which makes many people engage in farming activities mainly bananas and coffee growing. Nonetheless, changing weather has led to numerous challenges in this particular district including shortage of water supply as a result of long dry spells; thereby affecting both crops production and livestock keeping. On top of that intense precipitation has brought about floods plus landslides resulting into destruction crops as well as displacement communities thus heightening food insecurity more.
Apart from food security, climate change also has significant implications for foodborne diseases. Changing weather patterns increase the chances of people getting food poisoning. Warm temperatures make bacteria that are contained in a meal grow faster while floods might bring pathogens into water sources. In Uganda, there have been more cases of food poisoning notably during severe weather events.
Climate change is also driving an upsurge in chemical use within agriculture. To increase crop yields and protect them from pests and diseases under highly variable climatic conditions, many farmers have resorted to the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Although these inputs may enhance productivity in the short run, they are also risky to the safety of food supply chains. Over reliance on chemicals could cause contamination of crops, soils as well as water putting consumers at health risks.
In a similar case, farmers in Kasese have noted increased application of pesticides to curb the increasing pest populations that thrive in warmer weather. Regrettably, this situation has led to cases of pesticide levels exceeding the allowed limits in food which threaten food safety precautionary measures. In Eastern and Northern Uganda for instance there is an increase in the use of chemical fertilizers which have the potential of contaminating water sources hence exposing communities’ health status to adverse risks.
Such an intervention is necessitated by the complex combined pair of challenges food security and climate change narrative in relation to food safety issues. In Uganda, it should aim at making agriculture more resilient. This involves promoting climate-smart agriculture (drought-resistant crop varieties, advanced irrigation techniques and soil conservation practices ). The food producers learn and practice these methods in order to cope up with the changing weather cycles, while keeping their productivity constant.
Further to this also needed was greater knowledge and education about the correct usage of agricultural chemicals. Training the farmers in abilities such as IPM techniques to reduce harmful chemical use and encourage natural alternatives is what we specialize at. In addition, re-enforcement of food safety requirements and regulations are paramount to maintain the quality and purity of the foods that reach consumers.
With regard to local initiatives on the other hand, we need to encourage communities in districts similar Kasese (and beyond) that are willing and able to push for sustainable agricultural practices; including promoting food safety. However, by collaborating and sharing knowledge farmers can learn from each other using suitable practices that help improve resilience to climate change. In addition, local governments and NGOs can support these initiatives by sharing resources with farmers to help them conduct training programmes as well as create awareness on the significance food safety.
Basically climate change has challenges as far food security and safety is concern in various countries including Uganda. With more erratic weather patterns the risks of crop failure, foodborne illnesses and chemical contamination by pesticides likely increase as well. But with climate-smart agricultural practices, proper food safety messaging and community support they can become threats or catalysts to a resilient way of living that supports the local economy. In this regard, the experiences from regions like Kasese reinforces the call for urgent action and a reinforcement of community-led initiatives in addressing Climate Change adaptation.
Written by Edwin Mumbere