FAO Acts to Reduce Flood Impact in Ugandan Hotspots

Summary:

• The FAO is implementing a project in flood-prone areas of Uganda to enhance early warning systems and proactive measures, safeguarding food security and livelihoods. Through initiatives like rehabilitating markets and dams, FAO aims to mitigate flood impacts and empower communities. This effort is crucial given Uganda’s high risk of disasters, including flooding, particularly with the likelihood of El Niño occurrences predicted by climate models.

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In an effort to protect food security and livelihoods in flood-prone regions of Uganda, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is executing a project focused on early warning systems and proactive measures.

Targeting vulnerable communities in flood hotspots, the project aims to reduce potential damages caused by anticipated flooding. This initiative integrates proactive measures for early warning with tangible improvements to essential infrastructure.

Dubbed “Strengthening flood early warning, preparedness and Anticipatory Action in hot-spot areas,” the Belgian-funded project equips vulnerable households with necessary tools and knowledge to take preemptive actions before floods occur.

Dominique Reumkens, a Programme Specialist at FAO, emphasized that the implemented actions enhance the resilience of food production and livelihood systems in the targeted areas, aligning with FAO’s strategic framework of “better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life.”

FAO, in collaboration with stakeholders like the Uganda Red Cross Society, remains committed to supporting the government and communities in planning for and managing future hazards in disaster-prone areas like the Teso Sub-Region.

Through the rehabilitation of the Ocorimongin market and Cheele Dam in the Teso region, FAO ensures uninterrupted market activity and strengthens water resource management, respectively, thereby safeguarding food security and supporting livelihoods.

The interventions not only address immediate flood threats but also equip households with preparation tools and knowledge. This holistic approach, carried out in partnership with the Uganda Red Cross, empowers communities to face upcoming challenges with confidence.

The FAO’s support has benefited over 13,000 vulnerable farming households in Uganda, demonstrating its commitment to addressing both immediate and long-term challenges posed by floods.

Uganda’s high risk of disasters, including flooding, underscores the importance of proactive measures. With climate models predicting the likelihood of El Niño occurrences, which historically lead to increased rainfall and floods, initiatives like FAO’s project are crucial for mitigating potential damages and protecting lives and livelihoods.