A changing climate poses significant risks to the well-being of Ugandans by endangering natural resources. The impact of climate change is already affecting the livelihoods of Uganda’s population and compromising its agricultural sector — a critical economic driver — as rising temperatures and variations in rainfall patterns compound existing stresses for households and communities.
Extreme weather events, such as heavy rain storms, floods and droughts, will affect crop growth and viability, pest and disease prevalence, soil moisture, postharvest losses, transportation and other aspects of the agricultural value chain.
To help Ugandans adapt to increasing risks, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is reinforcing climate change expertise. The USAID/Uganda Education and Research to Improve Climate Change Adaptation activity is focused on supporting Ugandans in building a hub for excellence in academia, professional development and research in climate science, climate adaptation and related disciplines. The hub is being developed in partnership with Makerere University’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) through the Makerere University Centre for Climate Change Research and Innovations (MUCCRI). This partnership aims to:
- Assist with formalizing and transforming MUCCRI into a leading institution for climate change education and research in Africa
- Develop the capacity of university staff, government officials, civil society and the private sector to better understand climate change, impact and adaptation
- Improve and support diploma, undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate education in climate science, meteorology and climate adaptation
- Conduct and disseminate research on climate change, impact and adaptation in the agricultural sector
The activity will also support the center in training students, staff and external stakeholders, as well as in communicating with external stakeholders on climate change adaptation.
