THE number of hungry people in Uganda increased from 12 million in 1992 to 17.7 million in 2007, according to the food and Agricultural Organisation. How does this happen in a country which used to be the bread basket for the region?

Drought and climate change effects, high food prices because of much demand in the region, low agricultural production and a low investment in agriculture are some of the contributory factors. In some areas, crops have failed due to soil exhaustion. Besides, the current food production cannot match the rapid population growth.

According to Action Aid, some countries have made spectacular results in tackling hunger. China, through heavy investment in supporting its poor farmers, has reduced the number of undernourished people. Now less than 9% of the population goes hungry.

Vietnam, whose economy was at par with Uganda at the time of independence, pursued equitable land reform and investment in small holders and with relatively strong social policies, has made unprecedented progress, reducing poverty by half.

Malawi, one of the poorest countries in the world, has through massive boost of investment to small scale farmers, trebled production to halt a famine that threatened nearly a third of its population.

So what lessons can Uganda learn from these countries? Over the years there has been emphasis on industrialisation without the Government making agricultural production a national priority. Donors have sunk a lot of money in agricultural projects, but most of it has been stolen.

In some areas in Uganda, people are going hungry not because of lack of food, but inability of poor people to buy it.

The hunger situation is a wake-up call for the Government to prioritise agriculture which is the mainstay of 85% of Ugandans. Emphasis on large scale production without considering small holder farmers is missing the point.

Tackling hunger requires both resources and a political will. The Government should allocate enough funds to the small holder farmers who contribute to the national food baskets.