By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu and Esther Kyomugasho,
NATIONAL
Right now, 49 million people are at risk of falling into famine, US organisation on food Security, Relief Web reported last.
According to a July 2022 report by Relief Web, life-threatening hunger is likely to expand for families in 20 hot spots around the world.
“The current devastating levels of hunger are expected to persist for years to come. Projections estimate that 670 million people—8% of the world—will still face hunger in 2030.”
Read excerpts of the report.
In Uganda, some areas like Karamoja in Eastern Uganda reported looming hunger late last year and there are already signs of food scarcity such as high food prices, dry weather being experienced in peri-urban and urban areas.
The country’s second oldest political party, Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has advised government to emphasis on stockpiling as resilience to ending famine and hunger in the country.
“UPC is advising the government to start stock piling dry food rations for hard times ahead of us. This implies that all our food storage facilities/silos should be in good condition, and adequate crop financing to enable buy farmers produce across the country.” UPC advised
Sharon Arach Oyat, the party spokesperson says that many families in Uganda no longer afford to have two meals a day due to escalating hunger.
She attributes this to the dry weather in the country which has affected farmers and their crops.
“With our erratic rains, the crops are experiencing a big set-back; farmers who are in position to irrigate have already started doing so. This leaves the poor farmer with nothing, but poor harvests! This means that the cost of production for irrigated crops is to be high. By implication, it is signaling increased food scarcity and high prices, which is bound to affect our economy.” Arach said
As a mean to prevent and respond to the unprecedented levels of global food insecurity and malnutrition, Relief Web provides for decisive mobilization and action by the governments affected states to mitigate the immediate loss of life and tackle the systemic challenges they face.
“Still, more work is needed to ensure we can prevent future escalations of hunger through improved long-term planning, better alignment of humanitarian and development programs, and an increased focus on adaptation and resilience building.”
