A prolonged period of dry weather is raising concerns about food production and rural livelihoods across Uganda, even as urban residents in Kampala contend with heat, dust, and reduced business activity. Farmers in several districts report that crops have begun to wither after more than a month without significant rainfall, raising the risk of poor harvests and potential food shortages in the months ahead, according to interviews with agricultural stakeholders. In Kwania district, farmer Mark Odyomo said beans in his garden had already dried up and been destroyed, while maize and sunflower have shown greater resilience but remain dependent on timely rainfall to survive. “The drought has dried and destroyed beans in the garden. The only crops that have tried to survive are maize and sunflower, and we believe that in case rain comes back in time, those crops may be saved,” Odyomo said. He called for government intervention, particularly through the provision of quality agricultural inputs such as seeds and financial support for farmers organised in small village groups. Uganda, where two thirds of its population depend on agriculture for their livelihood, generally experiences two major rainfall seasons from March to May, and September throughout to December. Just over a week ago, the ministry of Water and Environment, in a press statement, said the country is expected to experience El Niño rains from September to December. “This suggests an increased likelihood of enhanced rainfall, particularly over the Central, Northern and Eastern regions of Uganda,” the statement noted. The statement added that “most parts of the country are expected to receive near-normal to above-normal (near-average to aboveaverage) rainfall, and warmer than average temperatures.” Bank of Uganda, in its monetary policy outlook released in August, pointed out how inflationary pressures had subsided as the change in the prices of goods and services had stabilised around the economic target of five per cent. However, the bank warned that the outlook remained uncertain partly due to “adverse weather conditions that could reduce agricultural output and drive up food prices.” Morris Obura, a seed scientist at the National Crops Resources Research Institute, warned that continued dry conditions could have serious consequences for food production. He explained that some affected crops had stopped developing while still in the vegetative stage and failed to reach the reproductive stage, which is critical for producing a harvest. “If this prolonged sunshine continues, we may expect to experience famine in the near future,” Obura warned. He encouraged farmers to consider irrigation as a means of sustaining production during periods when rainfall is unreliable, noting that while some farmers practise agriculture mainly during rainy seasons, others – particularly those using irrigation schemes – continue farming regardless of weather conditions. For farmers who depend heavily on rainfall, the dry spell directly threatens household income and food security, as most have few alternative sources of livelihood. In Kampala, the economic impact is less severe but still visible. Boda boda rider Moses Wiso said the heat and dust have discouraged customers, directly affecting daily earnings. “This constant drought period has caused a shortage of clients because people are afraid of too much sunshine and dust that will affect them when they use boda bodas,” Wiso said. The unusual increased road works around Kampala have not made matters easier, raising dust in many places. Emmanuel Okello, a Kampala resident, noted that some shops have closed temporarily because products can easily be affected by dust. He added that the weather is unusual for August, which typically sees rainfall, and that the heat has forced him to increase his daily water intake to at least two litres. Urban residents remain hopeful that conditions will normalise. For rural communities, however, the stakes are higher: the return – or continued absence – of rainfall will determine whether crops survive, families eat, and farming livelihoods endure. Already, coffee plantations in Masaka are reportedly drying up. Banana plantations in Western Uganda are also suffering under the extreme weather. akaolucky21@gmail.comThe post Prolonged dry spell threatens crop yields appeared first on The Observer Media Ltd.