Uganda Moves to Strengthen Climate Resilience in Livestock and Food Systems

Uganda has taken a step towards strengthening the resilience of its food systems to climate change with the national inception workshop of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Development Account (UNECA-DA) project, “Accelerating Food Systems Transformation for Resilience to Climate Change in Africa.”

Held in Entebbe on 6 August 2026, the workshop brought together stakeholders from Government, UN, Private sector, Accademia, cultural leaders and CSOs to build a common understanding of the project, review its proposed areas of focus and provide feedback to guide implementation in Uganda.

The initiative comes as Africa continues to face significant food and nutrition challenges, with around 298 million people experiencing hunger - approximately 40 per cent of the global total. At the same time, the continent has substantial potential to transform its food systems, including extensive arable land and a youthful population that can contribute to agricultural production and transformation.

Climate change is adding to these challenges, leaving food systems increasingly exposed to droughts, floods, disease outbreaks and other climatic shocks. The project seeks to support agricultural transformation that strengthens resilience, improves commercialization across value chains and connects producers to markets, while promoting regional value chains and agro-industries.

The challenges are particularly evident in vulnerable communities whose livelihoods depend heavily on agriculture and livestock. In regions such as Karamoja, recurrent climate shocks, food insecurity and pressures on pastoral livelihoods underscore the importance of building food systems that can better withstand and recover from shocks. 

In Uganda, the project will place particular emphasis on livestock agri-food systems. The livestock sector supports an estimated 4.5 million people and contributes 17 per cent of agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Yet the sector remains vulnerable to climate change and faces challenges including limited access to inputs and finance, land tenure insecurity, inadequate insurance, weak cross-border trade and difficulties in meeting health and safety standards for livestock products (phytosanitary standards).  The project will focus on four interconnected areas: livestock value chain development; strengthening livestock insurance programmes; improving land tenure security; and strengthening land and climate data for evidence-based decision-making.

“Livestock is key, but we need to look beyond production and strengthen the whole system- from secure access to land and investment to stronger value chains and markets,” said Mr. Leonard Zulu, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Uganda, underscoring the need for a more integrated approach to strengthening the sector.

Through these areas, the project will support assessments of existing policies and regulatory frameworks, stakeholder consultations, policy dialogues and capacity-building. It will also support the development and validation of policy and legislative amendments aimed at strengthening livestock value chains, improving insurance programmes and promoting equitable and secure access to land and pasture.

For Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, strengthening the livestock value chain is central to improving production and livelihoods.

“A resilient livestock value chain is very important. This project will help fill critical gaps by strengthening livestock production and improving access to markets,” said Hon. Lt. Col. (Rtd) Bright Rwamirama, Minister of State for Animal Industry.

The inception workshop provided an opportunity for stakeholders to provide feedback on the project’s proposed methodology, focus areas, timelines and workplan. The engagement is expected to inform a finalized implementation plan that reflects Uganda’s context and priorities, while strengthening ownership and support among national stakeholders and development partners.

As climate change continues to reshape the risks facing agriculture, livestock and livelihoods, the project provides an opportunity to advance evidence-based policies, stronger value chains and better data systems that can help make Uganda’s food systems more resilient, inclusive and sustainable.