Uganda Initiates Program for Climate Resilience and Better Land Governance

Uganda has embarked on a significant three-year program designed to fortify its food systems against the impacts of climate change and improve the management of land resources. This initiative, named the Accelerating Food Systems Transformation for Resilience to Climate Change in Africa Project, will delve into critical areas such as land tenure security, the livestock value chain, livestock insurance based on indices, and climate-land information systems.

The project’s findings are anticipated to play a crucial role in shaping policy reforms and will directly support Uganda’s broader objectives concerning climate adaptation and the transformation of its food systems.

The launch event, held in Entebbe during a national inception workshop, highlighted the collaborative nature of this undertaking, with support from organizations including the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the African Union (AU), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Judith Nabakooba, underscored the severe threats posed by climate change, including prolonged droughts, floods, land degradation, and escalating conflicts over resources, all of which jeopardize livelihoods and economic stability.

Nabakooba emphasized that building resilient food systems in Uganda, an agriculture-dependent nation, requires a holistic approach beyond just increasing production. “Resilient food systems require secure land rights, reliable climate information, sound policies and strong institutions working together,” she stated.

She further elaborated that effective land governance is fundamental to sustainable development and climate adaptation, noting that secure land tenure can attract investment, boost agricultural output, reduce land disputes, and improve a community’s capacity to withstand climate shocks.

The government has pledged its commitment to reforming land governance through enhanced administration systems and stronger tenure security. The Minister urged workshop participants to ensure the project’s implementation framework is tailored to Uganda’s unique context and development priorities, stressing the need for practical application of the project’s findings, not just report compilation.

The minister also called for robust collaboration among government bodies, local administrations, research institutions, development partners, civil society, and the private sector to effectively tackle climate-related challenges and strengthen land tenure security.

This initiative was reported by Nile Post.