I was happy when I read a story in The New Vision of October 19, quoting the minister of agriculture unveiling the Government commitment of sh2 trillion for agriculture improvement.
There is a commitment to transform this country, especially by reforming agriculture, environment and natural resource sectors. Unfortunately, this has not been reflected in the budgetary allocations to these engines of our economy.
From our geographical set up, Uganda has the capacity to fight hunger, guard against famine and consequently, enhance food security. This can be achieved by protecting our environment, which has a bearing on the performance of agriculture. Uganda has to value the environment and agriculture in order to defeat hunger.
The irony is that even with the contribution of agriculture and the environment to the Gross Domestic Product and community livelihoods, the sectors are still marginalised in terms of funding.
It is so sad that we can have floods sweeping people’s houses and gardens and two months later, famine claiming lives in the same locality. Why hasn’t the agriculture ministry or the National Planning Authority thought about putting up irrigation structures for small scale and large scale farming?
These structures would store excess rain water to be used in dry seasons. Even areas like Karamoja have the potential to move from subsistence production to commercial and industrialised production.
All that is needed are political expressions of commitment translated into adequate resource allocation. Once resources are properly utilised, there will be extension service delivery, which is why I am happy about the announcement of funds for agriculture.
I hope the same goes for environment management to reverse the current rate of resource degradation. Emphasis should be placed on protecting the environment so as to ensure food security for all Ugandans in future.
The writer is a farmer and natural resources specialist based at Uganda Wildlife Society
