Climate Change & Its Implications to Livelihoods and Economic Development in Uganda

 Climate Change; every bodies responsibility 
14th
May, 2008
Climate Change &Its Implications to Livelihoods
and Economic Development in Uganda
Introduction
Around the world, the climate is changing. Climate change and the threat of related extreme
conditions such as floods and droughts is a concern to all States and has major implications for
development, particularly for poor countries and communities who have fewer resources to cope
with the additional shocks and stresses a changing climate will bring.
The poorest developing countries will be hit earliest and
hardest by climate change…… The Stern Review, 2006
The purpose of this briefing paper is to raise awareness about climate change, its social and
economic development impacts in Uganda and hence the need for urgent actions by key
stakeholders (including Government, Development Partners, Civil Society, Policy Makers,
Political Leaders, Private Sector, Academia, Research Institutions, Cultural and Faith Based
Leaders and Communities among others) towards adaptation and mitigation of the impacts of
climate change at various levels. The paper defines key terms and concepts in the context of
climate change; discuses and analyses the implications of climate change to livelihoods and
economic development in light of current relevant policies and programs at International and
National levels. Local and International examples are used to justify the implications of climate
change. It also gives possible appropriate strategies at policy and practice level for
consideration in addressing the impacts of climate change in Uganda.
1.0 Background
1.1 Definition of terms and concepts
1.1.1 Climate, climate change, global warming, adaptation and mitigation
Climate is the prevailing or average weather conditions of a place as determined by the temperature and
metrological change over a period of time. Various factors determine climate and the most important are
rainfall and temperature (NAPA, 2007).
Climate change is attributed to directly or indirectly to human activity which alters the composition of global
atmosphere and additionally the natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods (NAPA,
2007).

This paper was presented at the Climate Change workshop for Trocaire Partners in Lira Hotel, Lira , May 2008. For more information
contact Environmental Alert at P. O. Box 11259 Kampala, Uganda; Tel: 256-41-510547;
Fax: 256-41-510547; Email: envalert@envalert.org;
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Global Warming is the gradual increase in the average temperature on the earth and affects all sectors of
development (NAPA, 2007). It is the documented historical warming of the earth’s surface based upon the
worldwide temperature records which have been maintained by humans since 1880s. In real terms, it is the
historical and/or recent climate change on the global scale.
Adaptation is an adjustment in natural or human systems, in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli
or their effects, which moderates harm or exploits beneficial opportunities (NAPA, 2007).
Mitigation refers to an intervention to reduce green house gas (GHS) emissions or enhance GHG sinks
(NAPA, 2007).
Around the world, the climate is changing. Average global temperatures are rising - the 20th century was
the warmest the world has seen in 1,000 years, and the 1980s and 1990s were the warmest decades on
record. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Third Assessment Report (2001)
concluded that global warming has accelerated in recent decades and that there is new and stronger
evidence that most of the warming over the past 50 years is attributable to the increase in greenhouse gas
emissions associated with human activities. During the past century, global surface temperatures have
increased at a rate near 0.06°C/decade (0.11°F/decade) but this trend has increased to a rate
approximately 0.18°C/decade (0.32°F/decade) during the past 25 to 30 years (Stephen et. al., 2007).
Climate change is more than a warming trend. Increasing temperatures result in changes in many aspects
of weather, such as wind patterns, the amount and type of precipitation and the types and frequency of
severe weather events that may be expected to occur in an area. Climate change and the threat of related
extreme conditions such as floods and droughts is a concern to all States and has major implications for
development, particularly for poor countries and communities who have fewer resources to cope with the
additional shocks and stresses a changing climate will bring. The changes in climate, the impacts on
physical and biological systems, the vulnerability of ecological and human systems, and the harmful and
beneficial consequences for human well-being and sustainable development will be conditioned by
exposures to other stresses and the capacity to cope, recover and adapt, all of which will vary across space
and time.
Global warming has far reaching implications on social and economic development and the entire global
ecosystems. Indeed it threatens to undo many years of development efforts and frustrate poverty reduction
programmes in developing countries and overall global development targets. Climate change will therefore
not only delay the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in many of these countries
but escalate hunger, human suffering.
Our actions now and over the coming years could create risks of major disruption to economic and social
activity, on a scale similar to those associated with the great wars and the economic depression of the first
half of the 20th century and it will be difficult or impossible to reverse these changes (Stern, 2006).
1.2 The main causes of climate change
The major cause of climate change is the production of green house gas emissions (mostly carbon dioxide)
from human activities including agricultural production, industrialization, burning of fuels (fossil and bio),
and deforestation among others (Stern, 2006) (Figure 1). These gases react with the thin layer (Ozone)
which protects the earth from direct heat from the sun. When this layer is depleted, sun rays hit directly on

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the earth resulting in temperature raises which influence climate on the earth and these changes manifest
as global warming, prolonged droughts, and unreliable rainfall. The developed countries particularly United
States of America, China among others are the largest producers of these emissions and hence the largest
contributors to climate change (Praveen, 2005). However developing countries also contribute to carbon
dioxide emissions through deforestation, exhaust fumes from old vehicles and industrialization albeit to a
very small extent.
Power
24%
Industry
14%
Waste
3%
Agriculture
14%
Land use
18%
Buildings
8%
Transport
14%
Other energy related
5%
Figure 1. Green house gas emissions from various activities in 2000.
For example in Uganda, the rate of deforestation is very high. Some of the causes of deforestation include
conversion for agriculture, settlement and urbanization. In addition majority of Ugandans depend on fuel
wood as a source of energy at household levels, hence forest trees are cut for production of charcoal. This
trend is likely to increase unless other livelihood opportunities are provided as alternatives.
1.3 Why act now
Firstly, Climate change is a concern that the world can’t continue to ignore. The escalation of the problem
over the last 50 years is an indication of the urgency required as response towards corrective action. In
October 2006, the Stern report emphasized that the world does not need to choose between averting
climate change and promoting growth and development. Not acting on climate change will, in the long term,
be a lot more costly to the global economy than acting on it now. Stern elaborates explicitly on high costs of
climate change for the poorest countries, and calls upon the international community to support them.
Secondly, the IPCC's 4th Assessment Report provides a regional analysis of the anticipated impacts from
climate change. For Africa, home to the large majority of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small

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Island Developing States (SIDS) the report concludes that it is one of the most vulnerable continents to
climate variability and change because of multiple stresses and low adaptive capacity. Water stress, food
insecurity through droughts and desertification, new health risks, extreme weather events and migration
pressures are some of the projected impacts. Other parts of the world including Asia, Latin America and
SIDS face similar challenges. In most cases, climate change superimposes itself on existing vulnerabilities.
In many LDCs and SIDS, food security and safe water supply, for instance, are already challenged due to
gradual erosion of natural resources. They are also often ill-prepared for disasters, which have many times
left countries in a state of devastation. At the same time, due to their limited economic development, it is
LDCs that are least responsible for the accumulation of GHG in the atmosphere, and hence climate
change.
Thirdly, irrespective of LDCs contributions to the carbon dioxide emissions, the impacts of climate change
will affect every body. In fact projections of the impacts of climate change show that the LDCs and Small
Island Developing States (SIDS) will be hit earliest and hardest. Moreover, these countries have the fewest
resources to prepare for these alterations, and to adapt their way of life. Therefore the general perception
that climate change is not a LDCs problem because of their minimal contribution to carbon dioxide
emissions coupled with the arguments that addressing climate change is denying LDCs an opportunity for
economic development is misleading. By considering climate change now and how LDCs might adapt
before impacts occur; LDCs will develop more options to minimize impacts and their costs and reduce our
vulnerability. This is particularly important when it comes to major investments and decisions that may
affect whole sectors, or communities.
The evidence shows that ignoring climate change will eventually damage economic growth. Our actions
over the coming few decades could create risks or major disruption to economic and social activity, later in
this century and in the next, on a scale similar to those associated with the great wars and the economic
depression of the first half of the 20th century. And it will be difficult or impossible to reverse these changes.
Tackling climate change is the pro-growth strategy for the longer term, and it can be done in a way that
does not cap the aspirations for growth of rich or poor countries. The earlier effective action is taken, the
less costly it will be (Stern, 2006).
Climate change is everybody’s responsibility because every one contributes to its existence but the
difference is the extent of contribution. Developed countries are the largest polluter and hence contributors.
However, the impacts of climate change affect every body. Therefore, everybody has a responsibility and
the time is now to act. The motivation for acting now are the manifestations of climate change in terms of
global warming, prolonged droughts, floods, strong winds and thunderstorms, cyclones among others. In
Uganda for instance climate change is a reality and the impacts are here with us and the following are
some of the examples:
 In each decade since 1950, average maximum and minimum temperatures have increased
resulting in global warming;
 Extreme torrential rainfall and associated floods resulting in loss of life and property;
 Variability in type, amount and frequency of rainfall which affects agricultural productivity;
 Evidence exists of severe droughts, with associated famine;
 Receding and falling water levels in lakes (e.g. Lake Victoria and rivers (e.g. River Nile) has had
serious impacts on hydro power generation leading to power rationing in the domestic and
commercial sectors, and thus resulting in interruptions of economic activities and decline in
manufacturing outputs;

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 Increasing incidences of malaria in places such as Kabale where it wasn’t known before resulting
in loss of lives;
 Receding levels of ice caps on the Rwenzori mountains thereby jeopardizing Uganda’s tourist
potential.
2.0 Implications of climate change (so what if we do not act now?)
Climate change has a number of implications on several sectors, including people, the environment and
development on the whole. It threatens the basic elements of life for people around the world - access to
water, food production, health, and use of land and the environment.
2.1 Prolonged droughts
Climate change manifests itself through
increased frequency of droughts, which result
in drying of crops leading to food insecurity
(Figure 2).
Over the years, the global climate has changed
and this has manifested in terms of global
warming and prolonged droughts. The Stern
review, 2006 notes that Africa and Asia will the
most affected due to the geography, housing of
large number of vulnerable people, and their
multiple stresses and low adoptive capacities.
The report makes the following projections:
Over 200 million people my be exposed to water stress with in the next two decades, exacerbated by
rapidly growing population;
Climate change and variability will severely compromise food production, decreasing yields in some
area by 50% by 2020;
Over fishing and rising water temperatures will decrease lake fisheries resources.
In Uganda, these changes have been demonstrated as prolonged droughts, unreliable rainfall patterns.
Land mark droughts which resulted in crop failure, food insecurity and famine as impacts in various areas in
the country occurred during the years 1966-2003 (Table 1). Table 1 shows that prolonged droughts and
famine in Uganda have been occurring in the previous years but also annually and have had a great impact
on livelihood and economic development. They are likely to continue with greater impacts given the current
trends of climate change.
Table 1. The impacts of droughts, famine and related disasters in Uganda between 1966-2003
Year Nature of disaster Impacts
1993/4 Drought and famine Over 1.8m people affected and falling into poverty,
inadequate pasture and water for livestock in 16 districts
1999 Drought and famine 3.5m people affected and a large number of livestock in 28
districts
Annually Drought, floods, landslides, hailstorms Destroy an average of 800,000 hectares of crop
Source: PEAP, (2004/2005).
Figure 2. Occurrence of droughts in Uganda.

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The prolonged droughts and unreliable rainfall patterns have implications to the Ugandan economy, given
that it largely depends on rain-fed agriculture which is more vulnerable to climatic variability. Agriculture
alone contributes 34% of national Gross Domestic Products (GDP) (UBOS, 2006). Declining crop yields,
especially in Africa, could leave hundreds of millions without the ability to produce or purchase sufficient
food. Falling farm incomes increase poverty and reduce the ability of households to invest in a better
future, forcing them to use up meager savings just to survive. Furthermore, droughts lower the productive
capacity of the country; reducing its agricultural exports, increasing food prices leading to food shortages,
nutritional deficiencies and an unstable macro economy.
Secondly, livestock production is equally important to economic growth and development in Uganda. It
contributes 7.5% of the GDP which is 17% of the agricultural GDP (UBOS, 2006). It highly depends on rain
water for the growth of pastures and water for animals to feed and drink, respectively. Livestock production
is largely concentrated along ‘the cattle corridor’ which runs from southwest to northeast across Uganda,
encompassing 29 districts. This is one of the most degraded areas in Uganda with a lot of soil erosion, poor
soil fertility and water scarcity due prolonged droughts (NEMA, 2001). The climate change will worsen the
current conditions resulting in loss of pastures and drying of water reserves. These increased trends of
degradation in the area will greatly reduce livestock productivity and subsequently its contribution to the
economy. Additionally, it will trigger conflicts among the herders/pastoralists but also the neighboring (Land,
Land use and Soils Program, 2006). Over all, given that the national budget projections are heavily reliant
on export revenue from agricultural produce, this poses a challenge of where such revenues will be
obtained from when climate change unfolds its implications on the agricultural sector as discussed above.
2.2 Flooding
Floods across Africa are reported to be the worst in decades in some places and extend in an arc from
Mauritania in the west to Kenya in the east. They have affected over 17 countries in Africa including
Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, Sudan, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Togo, Rwanda and Ethiopia among others. The
number of people affected by massive floods in East and West Africa has risen to an estimated 1.5 million
(UNWFP, 2007). The floods and number of people affected (Table 2) are likely to increase given that
predictions are that large amounts of rains are likely to continue till October (DNN, 2007). The impacts of
the floods range from loss of lives for instance at least 250 people have been killed by the floods and
disease; hundreds of people displaced; destruction of thousands of homes and farmlands. Diseases such
as cholera and malaria and food crises remain a major threat in affected areas.
Table 1. Number of people affected by floods in Africa since on set of rains in July 2007
Country Number of people affected by Floods
Sudan 550,000
Uganda 400,000
Ethiopia 200,000
Source: DNN, 2007.
In Uganda especially in Eastern and Northern parts of Teso and Lango, floods have cut off the road
network making communication difficult; submerged crop fields and destroying crops and this will result in
long term famine and increase in cost of food. This means that over 1000 families affected would be food
insecure and not able to meet their daily food requirements and subsequently this will require adequate and
timely provision of relief food rations to save their lives.

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Trend in reported malaria morbidity in Uganda
0.000
0.100
0.200
0.300
0.400
0.500
0.600
0.700
0.800
0.900
1.000
1.100
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
Malariatreatments/person/year
Children under 5
Persons 5+
"5+ adjusted"
2.2.1 Health Implications
Floods increase the incidence of water borne diseases as they provide a good environment for the
proliferation of diseases causing germs and vectors. Table 3 illustrates WHO estimations of extra deaths
from climate change world wide. The incidence of diseases such as malaria, bilhazia, cholera, dysentery
will increase in communities affected by floods resulting in death unless otherwise substantial resources
are needed to provide adequate treatment for the victims.
Table 2. WHO estimates of extra deaths (per million people) from climate change in 2000.
Disease/illness Annual deaths
(millions)
Climate change component (death/%total)
Diarrhoeal 2.0 47,000/2%
Malaria 1.1 27,000/2%
Malnutrition 3.7 77,000/2%
Cardiovascular 17.5 Total heat/cold data not provided
HIV/AIDS 2.8 No climate change element
Cancer 7.6 No climate change element
Source: WHO, (2006) based on data from McMichael et al., 2004. The numbers are expected to least double to
300,000 deaths each year by 2030.
Climate change further imposes
additional burden on the health
services (human stress and capital) for
example estimates from the Ministry of
Health indicate that the average
expenditure on malaria-related
treatments are as high as US $300
million annually and are likely to
increase as malaria epidemics emerge
in areas where the disease was not
known before (Figure 3).
2.3 Social Implications
2.3.1 Breakdown in social networks
Widespread impacts of climate change could lead to waves of migration, threatening international stability.
One study estimates that by 2050, as many as 150 million people may have fled coastlines vulnerable to
rising sea levels, storms or floods, or agricultural land too arid to cultivate. Historically, migration to urban
areas has stressed limited services and infrastructure, inciting crime or insurgency movements, while
migration across borders has frequently led to violent clashes over land and resources. In addition, these
migrations lead to breakdown of social networks, conflicts as grazing and watering points become scarce
among pastoralist communities and livelihood insecurity.
Figure 3. Reported malaria morbidity in Uganda.
Source: Ministry of Health, Uganda

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2.3.2 Undermine poverty efforts
Climate change will further undermine efforts to mitigate world poverty, directly threatening people's homes
and livelihoods through increased storms, droughts, disease, and other stressors. Not only could this
impede development, it might also increase national and regional instability and intensify income disparities
between rich and poor. This, in turn, could lead to military confrontations over distribution of the world's
wealth, or could feed terrorism or transnational crime;
2.3.3 Conflicts and civil unrest
Altered rainfall patterns could heighten tensions over the use of shared water bodies and increase the
likelihood of violent conflict over water resources. For example Climate change already claims more lives
than does terrorism: according to the World Health Organization, global climate change now accounts for
more than 160,000 deaths annually. However, in the East African region, disputes/conflicts at community
levels as a result of diminishing water sources and pastures are experienced among pastoral communities
particularly the Karamojong and Pokot of North-eastern Uganda and Northern Kenya; Encroachment on
Queen Elizabeth National Park by the Bansongola; Conflicts among the Balaalo (pastoralists) and Banyoro
in Buliisa. Another example is the melting of ice caps on the Rwenzori Mountains which has increased the
erosive power of river Semuliki. This erosive power and the associated siltation down stream, compounded
by intensive cultivation along the river course has caused the Semuliki to disportionately erode the
Ugandan side and literally blocking its original course. Consequently, River Semuliki has shifted one
kilometer into Uganda initiating an on-going dispute on the actual boarder between the Democratic
Republic of Congo and Uganda (NAPA, 2007).
3.0 A snap short at current initiatives towards addressing climate change
Climate change is a global issue and therefore requires international action, cooperation and collaboration
at all levels.
3.1 International level
The United Nations Charter provides for number of multi-lateral agreements but also guides and influences
international actions on development and environment protection. It is the foundation for various multi-
lateral agreements which Uganda is a signatory to such as: the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC), Convention to Combat Desertification (CCD), Kyoto Protocol and the
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
(i) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC),
Individually and jointly we have created climate change although to varying degrees. This withstanding
(different levels of contribution to the problem) the international community, in the spirit of the United
Nations Charter and strong believe in multilateralism, responded by adopting the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The UNFCCC provides an international framework
for mitigating causes of climate change and its effects at both international and national level. Indeed it
commits countries to integrate climate change issues into their national planning process, sub regional or
regional programmes.

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The objective of the Convention is to stabilize concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the
atmosphere at a manageable level; permitting development to proceed in a sustainable manner and natural
ecosystems to recover from shocks of climate change. However, reaching manageable level requires
political will and commitment. This political will and commitment was demonstrated by the adoption of the
Kyoto Protocol and its entry into force. The entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol is a victory to
multilateralism and indeed a defeat of unilateralism. No country can single-handedly solve a global
problem.
(ii) The Clean Development Mechanism
The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) makes it possible for companies or countries that have to
reduce emissions under the Kyoto Protocol to invest in emission reduction projects in developing countries.
Such projects must contribute to sustainable development. The CDM leads to significant long-term
investment; it creates jobs and income, triggers transfer of technology and helps developing countries to
adopt climate-sensitive low carbon development paths. CDM projects cover many sectors, including
sustainable energy production and use, waste treatment, reforestation and biofuels. Access of such funds
is very competitive and involves development of project proposals of the most appropriate proposal based
on a specific criteria is chosen. Uganda has already benefited from the CDM projects for instance the
Nyagak multi-hydro project. CDM of the Kyoto protocol compensates countries which take actions tending
to reduce carbon emissions. Where as this is an opportunity, there is no established institutional and legal
framework to attract investments in CDM (PEAP, 2004/2005) in Uganda. However, the geographic
distribution of CDM projects remains uneven. The bulk of the projects are currently located in Asia and
Central/South America. The reasons for this are multifaceted, and include the complexity and high
transaction cost of registration, but also weak institutional capacity and a poor investment climate. Both
capacity building and technical support are needed to increase the participation of LDCs and SIDS in the
CDM.
(iii) Dialogue around Deforestation in developing countries
About 20% of global CO2 emissions are caused by deforestation. In LDCs, 62% of total emissions originate
in land-use change, primarily deforestation. The regions with the highest deforestation rates in the world
are Africa, Latin America and South-East Asia/Pacific. Deforestation has multiple economic, socio-political,
demographic and environmental causes: logging, agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, use of
biomass as main energy resource, but also policy and institutional failures, and cultural factors. The
importance of engaging in meaningful action to combat deforestation is recognized in the UNFCCC and
Parties are discussing policies and approaches to reduce emissions from deforestation in a post-2012
international agreement on climate change. The discussions are directed towards voluntary commitments
by developing countries, which would take action to reduce their current deforestation levels and be
rewarded on the basis of avoided emissions. Parties are expected to agree in Bali in December 2007 to
initiate pilot activities that will help countries to prepare for the future scheme to reduce emissions from
deforestation.
3.2 National level Initiatives
Some countries and regions are already taking action. The European Union, California and China are
among those with the most ambitious policies towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions

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The European Union (EU) has taken a leadership role in promoting international action to tackle climate
change. In March 2007 EU Heads of State and Government put forward proposals for a global and
comprehensive post-2012 climate change agreement to limit global warming to 2°C above pre-industrial
levels, and committing to significant cuts in the EU's GHG emissions, even in the absence of an
international agreement. The EU, as the largest provider of Official Development Assistance (ODA), has
also taken a lead role in international development efforts, as reflected in the “European Consensus”, in
ambitious ODA commitments and in the promotion of aid effectiveness and coherence. Although the EU
already highlighted the strong links between climate change and poverty in 2003, the urgency and
magnitude of the challenge calls for a more collective initiative to match Europe’s responsibility and
commitment in the fight against poverty.
However, the reluctance of USA and Australia to ratify the Kyoto protocol is undermining the other
international efforts to effectively address the reduction is GHG emissions. But action by individual
countries is not enough. Each country, however large, is just a part of the problem. It is essential to create a
shared international vision of long-term goals, and to build the international frameworks that will help each
country to play its part in meeting these common goals. These international conventions and agreements
should inform the National policies and programs and the Ugandan Government is signatory and
committed to their implementation.
3.3 Initiatives in Uganda
(i) Integrating climate change into the poverty eradication action plan (PEAP) for Uganda
The PEAP is Uganda’s National planning framework. It was first drafted in 1997 and revised in 2000. It
provides an over arching framework to guide public actions to eradicate poverty. The PEAP 2004/2005
recognizes the importance of climate for development. It interprets the issues and challenges of climate
change as the unexpected weather developments which impacts negatively on the livelihoods of the poor.
Secondly, as the weak infrastructure of the Meteorology department which gives inaccurate weather
information for planning and programming. Therefore, as key priorities for addressing these issues, include:
Strengthening data collection capacity to ensure adequacy and timeless for collection of whether and
climate information with particular focus to reach the poor; Investigate and establish appropriate institutions
to take advantage of opportunities under the CDM among others. Despite this, there is no analysis and
diagnosis of the implications of climate change on livelihood and economic development in Uganda.
However, for a long time, pronouncements on Uganda’s Poverty Eradication Action Plan (PEAP) on
environment and natural resources conservation and sustainable utilization have not translated in real
terms in the case of adequate resources allocation at all levels including national, local and community. For
instance at National level, the Environment and Natural Resources sector is one of the most marginalized
in terms of resources allocation yet environment and natural resources degradation is happening at an
escalating rate. Secondly, majority of the population especially the poor depends on environment for
livelihood. This therefore means the impacts of degradation would affect the poor most compared to the
rich because the latter have various alternatives and choices for livelihood. Table 3 shows Government
investment provisions for the years 2004/05-2006/07 and it’s very clear that most resources are allocated to
defense, roads and works and health sectors were as the list resources are allocated to agriculture, water,
lands and environment and the district natural resources sectors. Usually the common reasoning behind
little allocations to environment and natural resources is that the Government has limited resources and
subsequent most of the development programs and projects are funded by development partners.

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Nonetheless, this is not a good reason for there are can’t be enough resources to do every thing. What
should be done is to reflect on what priorities are made for resource allocation and hence the need for
prioritization of environment and natural resources sector for increased resource allocation to address
issues of climate change among others. According to Stern (2006), investments which take place in the
next 10-20 years will have a profound effect on the climate in the second half of this century and in the
next.
Table 3. Government Investment - MTEF Provisions (2004/2005- 2006/2007).
Sector GoU (bn Shs) Donor (bn Shs) Total (bn Shs)
Roads & Works 403 747 1206
Health 403 646 1049
Defense 645 3.30 682
Agriculture 215 183 397
Water 193 138.49 332
Lands and
Environment
26 59.53 86
District Natural
Resources
0.73 0 0.73
(ii) Uganda National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPA)
The development of NAPA by Least Development Countries (LDC) and small island developing countries
was initiated at the seventh Conference of Parties (COP 7) held in Marrakech, Morocco following a general
concern and recognition that LDC and small island developing countries are the most vulnerable to adverse
effects of climate change. NAPAs are quick channels of communicating urgent and immediate adaptation
needs to COP 7 of the UNFCCC. COP 7 adopted a decision to establish an LDC fund to support the
preparation and implementation of NAPAs. In Uganda, the preparation of NAPA was completed. The
Government of Uganda has endorsed the Ugandan NAPA and is committed to its implementation. The
Uganda NAPA recognize that climate change and its impacts are here and is a serious risk to poverty
reduction and threatens to frustrate poverty eradication and the MDG programs (Table 5) and would undo
decades of development efforts through destruction infrastructure, property and lives (NAPA, 2007).
Therefore the Ugandan NAPA provides a framework for programs/projects with actions to address and
mitigate the impacts of climate change in Uganda.

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Table 4. Climate change and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
MDG Situation by 2100 with Climate Change
Goal 1: Eradicate
extreme poverty and
hunger
At 30 C, around 150-550 million additional people around the globe are under the risk of
hunger and 1-3 million die of malnutrition every year. An additional 145-220 million people
would be living on less than $2 a day by 2100
Goal 2: Achieve
universal primary
education
Climatic disasters can threaten educational infrastructure making it physically impossible for
children to attend school. Schooling will become less affordable and accessible, especially
for girls
Goal 3: Promote gender
equality and empower
women
Workloads and responsibilities of women such as collecting water, fuel and food will grow
and become more time consuming in light of greater resource scarcity.
Goal 4: Reduce child
mortality
An additional 165,000 to 250,000 child deaths per year in South Asia and sub-Saharan
Africa by 2100
Goal 5: Improve
maternal health Severe malnutrition may increase the incidences
Goal 6: Combat
HIV/AIDS, malaria and
other diseases
Even at 10 C, 300000 people may die every year due to climate related diseases like
malaria, at 2 C, up to 60 million people in Africa alone would be exposed to malaria
Goal 7: Ensure
environmental
sustainability
Increasing mass migration and conflicts due to addition of another 2-3 billion people to the
developing world’s population because of rising sea level and desertification in the next few
decades. Add to this the growth in population in the developing world by another 2-3 billion
by 2050, and the future seems catastrophic. Market monopolization of basic needs
including water and health care systems will further aggravate inequality of access to wealth
and livelihood; putting further pressure on environmental sustainability.
Goal 8: Develop a
Global Partnership for
Development 1
Given the kind of problems with reference to access to resources, largely due to increasing
demand on them, clearly, sustainable use will become increasingly difficult. Increased
competition and conflicts over resources may lead to growing distrust among nations, a
problem already rampant in parts of Africa.
Source: Stern, (2006)
The development and endorsement of NAPA by the Government of Uganda is a good step towards
combating adverse effects of climate change to livelihoods and economic development. However, there is
urgent need for its prioritization and providing adequate resources for its implementation as soon as
possible. It also important to note that proposed actions to address the impacts of climate change are
presented in proposed projects as presented in the NAPA, 2006 which are short term 3-5 years, yet the
climate change comes with long term impacts which require a long time and a lot of resources to address.
Therefore, there is need to consider long term financing as opposed to project funding in order to ensure
tangible benefits and change among communities and ecosystems.
Additionally, the proposed NAPA projects have barriers in their implementation including: Inadequate
understanding of climate change and its impacts among stakeholders thus creating a barrier to resource
allocation; Inadequate technical capacities on issues of climate change; Inadequate financial resources and
various issues competing for them; Weak institutional and coordinating mechanisms, and limited political
support for financing adaptation and mitigation of impacts of climate change (NAPA, 2007 and Nantongo,
2007).

13
(iii) Development Programs and Projects
Various projects and programs have been implemented for long by both Government (both National and
Local) and civil society organizations among communities country wide. Most of these program/projects
have a common goal for contributing to poverty reduction, food security and environmental conservation
and sustainability. During the implementation of such projects, a number of good practices, innovations and
technologies have been tested and demonstrated among communities. Such technologies range from land
and soil management, crop and livestock production, forestry, water harvesting and conservation, wetlands
management among others. Most of these practices have contributed to measures for mitigation and
adaptation to impacts of climate in Uganda.
However, these programs/projects have reached a few areas in the country for instance most of the remote
and highly degraded areas (e.g. Karamoja among other districts in the cattle corridor) have not benefited
from such project. And being projects with short term and small funding, they are implemented as pilots and
most of them are phased out after a period of 2-4 years. Therefore, they reach a few individuals in the
community and in some cases the same individuals continue benefiting from various programs/projects for
reasons that they access information about the projects and or the project implementers select them
because they are active and would facilitate the project to produce results quickly. This is partly influenced
by the conditions of the development partners as embedded in the project documents. Consequently,
sizeable number of people especially the chronic poor are left out and have not benefited from such
development programs. This means that with the limited options and they will entirely depend on the
environment and natural resources for livelihood. Given that they lack access to sustainable management
practices, there are higher chances that they will use the environment and natural resources unsustainably
resulting in further degradation. Secondly, there is limited documentation and sharing of lessons learnt but
also best practices as demonstrated by the various programs/projects among stakeholders at different
levels.
(iv) Lobbying and advocacy by civil society in Uganda
The lobbying and advocacy on issues of environment and natural resources conservation and sustainable
utilization by the civil society in Uganda cannot be under estimated. This has to some extent influenced
Government policies/programs/proposals like the PEAP, PMA/NAADS, Forestry policy, The Land Act, Food
and Nutrition Policy; degazzetement of forest reserves (e.g. Mabira) for sugar production among others.
However, there is still limited awareness, lobbying and advocacy by CSOs on issues of climate change and
its impacts on livelihood and economic development in Uganda. Lobby actions also need to urge
government technocrats and negotiators to pursue the actualization of global commitments and
reorientation of overall development financing to ensure entrenchment of climate change sensitive
development plans and their political support.
(v) Political Pronouncements
His Excellency, the President of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has declared a state of emergency in
the northern and eastern parts of the country because of the floods and land slides which have caused loss
of life and property in the area thus constituting a natural disaster. By declaring a state of emergency, the
Government of Uganda recognizes a national tragedy which requires urgent local and international
attention (Daily Monitor, 2007). ‘Such a declaration would guarantee quick international aid and support to
avert the situation.’ (Tororo Member of Parliament). This requires deployment of adequate resources to the

14
affected communities. ‘It requires Government to come to Parliament to relocate funds, possibly cutting
from other departments but you cannot do that unless you recognize that this is a national tragedy.’
(Freddie Ruhindi, Deputy Attorney General)
The declaration of the state of emergency and statements by key Government officials clearly shows that
the Government has not effectively prepared and planned to address the challenges and impacts of climate
change in Uganda. It is also important to note that addressing impacts of climate change have long term
effects on the economy and livelihoods of communities and therefore require long term planning and
financing and this should not entirely depend on external support and assistance. Therefore, the
Government among other stakeholders should be seen to prioritize long term planning and financing to
address the impacts of climate change.
4.0 Proposed actions/strategies for adaptation and mitigation of impacts of climate change
While it is clear that the climate is changing and will continue to do so. This therefore necessitates a strong
consideration for adaptive responses. It is important that efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
continue and, indeed are strengthened over time. A key underpinning of developing countries’ greenhouse
response is that adaptation should not be regarded as a substitute for reducing our greenhouse gas
emissions. Adapting to climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions are both necessary and
complementary strategies. Both adaptation and risk reduction strategies must focus on raising the adaptive
capacity of the most vulnerable groups in developing countries. The following actions and or strategies are
proposed for adaptation and mitigation of impacts of climate change to livelihoods and economic
development in Uganda:
1) The poorest countries are most vulnerable to climate change. It is essential that climate change is
fully integrated into development policy, and that rich countries honor their pledges to increase
support through overseas development assistance. International funding should also support
improved regional information on climate change impacts, and research into new crop varieties that
will be more resilient to drought and flood. At the National level, climate change should be
integrated in the development planning and policies like the Poverty Eradication Action Plan.
2) There is urgent need for prioritization and providing adequate resources for the implementation of
the Ugandan NAPA as soon as possible! Given the proposed actions to address the impacts of
climate change in the short term projects of 3-5 years as presented in the NAPA, 2006, there is
need to consider long term financing as opposed to project funding in order to ensure tangible
benefits and change among communities and ecosystems which are short term 3-5 years, yet the
climate change comes with long term impacts. This is because climate change comes with long
term impacts and reconstruction of destroyed ecosystems and infrastructure requires a lot of time
and considerable resources.
3) The implementation of NAPA program/projects should build on existing knowledge and initiatives to
ensure ownership and sustainability.
4) There is need to gunner political support at all levels for financing mitigation and adaptation of
climate change and its impacts.

15
5) The Meteorology Department and its associated function in generating climatic and whether data
and information is very critical and therefore should be given the support it requires in terms of
resources and technical expertise. This will facilitate it in generating more accurate whether and
climate forecast to inform programs, planning and implementation.
6) Need for an integrated flood monitoring and forecasting systems to provide accurate information for
early warning systems, program planning and implementation.
7) Need for providing opportunities for alternative income generating activities among pastoralist
communities as diversified source of livelihood as opposed to entirely depending on livestock. This
would reduce on the pressure on natural resources especially water and pastures that are already
scarce due to climate change among other causes.
8) There is urgent need for adequate facilitation to the Disaster Preparedness Ministry, Office of the
Prime Minister and relevant departments in terms of resources and technical capacity to effectively
respond to disasters associated with climate change through provision of timely and adequate
relief. Such relief should be linked to long term development and livelihoods.
9) Continuous sensitization and trainings for all stakeholders on issues of climate change and its
impacts. This is because every body has a contribution to changes in climate and therefore should
be involved in all actions towards addressing climate change and its impacts. Such sensitizations
can be integrated in the implementation of the various Government program but also livelihood
projects by various development partners at different levels.
10) A number of appropriate practices, technologies have been piloted, tested and promoted among
communities through various development projects and programs. They have contributed to
adaptation and mitigation of impacts of climate change in Uganda. However, they should be
documented as models and adequate support should be provided for replication and up scaling
them to other areas in the country to increase the scope of adaptation in both numbers and
geographical coverage.
11) Policy strategies for investing in environment and natural resources such as carbon credits,
payment for environment services as alternatives for financing should be explored.
12) Sustainable management of the existing permanent forest estate on public and private land should
be strengthened to curtail the accelerating destruction of forests.
13) The civil society in Uganda should continuously lobby for increased resources allocations to the
environment and natural resources sector; monitor resources utilization during program/project
implementation but also compliance to environmental policies, laws, regulations and standards.
14) Uganda’s energy policies should be reviewed to come up with strategies which explore and
support access and utilization of a diversity of energy sources and technologies like solar, among
others to meet household and industrial energy needs. This would reduce the pressure and
depletion of the forest estate.

16
5.0 Conclusions
Climate change and its impacts on livelihood and economic development are here with us and is not about
to go. It is no longer a myth and a problem of the developed countries as some schools of thought purport
to think. Therefore, the time is now for different stakeholders including Government, Development partners,
Civil Society both National and International and communities among others to act. This should be through
prioritizing climate change through long term planning and resource allocation to address the impacts of
climate but also through undertaking appropriate strategies at different levels including local, national and
regional and international levels.
This paper was jointly developed by Environmental Alert staff, Joshua Zake and Dorothy
Kaggwa, Environment and Natural resources technical advisors, with support of several staff
who are involved in developing the EA climate change campaign.
6.0 Selected References
Civil Society position paper on the National budget proposals for the financial year 2007/2008, May, 2007. Adressing key
poverty, gender and equity issues
DNN, (2007). Disaster News Network. 1.5 Million affected by floods in Africa,
http://www.disasternews.net/news/article.php?articleid=3448
The Daily Monitor, 20 September 2007. The Monitor publications, Kampala, Uganda
Land, Land use and Soils Program, 2006). Response to Pastoralists policy brief by COPASCO titled ‘Enhancing Economic
Growth and Household Incomes: What role can Pastoralist play?’ Environmental Alert, Kampala, Uganda.
www.envalert.org
Nantongo C. (2007). Climate change and poverty reduction. Salient issues arising from the role of civil society in advocacy and
delivery of services. A paper presented at…in Guyana. Environmental Alert, Kampala, Uganda
NAPA. (2007). National Adaptation Program of Action on Climate Change in Uganda
NEMA, (2001). National Environment Management Authority. State of Environment Report for Uganda 2000. Kampala, Uganda
PEAP, (2004/2005). Poverty Eradication Action Plan. Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Kampala,
Uganda
Praveen, J. (2005). Climate change and its implications: Which way now? Centre for Economic Studies and Planning,
Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
Sawin, J. (2005). Climate Change Poses Greater Security Threat than Terrorism. Global Security Brief #3. Worldwatch Institute,
http://www.worldwatch.org/node/77
Stern, (2006). The Economics of Climate Change
Stephen, C., Kevin, V. (2007). Global warming. In: Encyclopia of Earth. (Eds.) Cutler J. C. Environmental Information
Coalition, National Council for Science and the Environment, Washington D.C., U.S.A.
http://www.eoearth.org/article/global_warming
UN World Food Program, (2007).

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