KARAMOJA FARMERS AND MOTHERS GAIN NEW ASSETS TO COMBAT CLIMATE SHOCKS AND MALNUTRITION

In a significant step towards improving food security and nutrition in the Karamoja sub-region, the stakeholders gathered in Moroto District to hand over an irrigation scheme and an Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) corner supported by the ‘Improving Nutrition Situation through Enhancing Food Security and Livelihoods among Farmers and Awareness Raising on Maternal and Child Nutrition’ (FSN) Project.

The Food Security and Nutrition project funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Japan commissioned a new mini-irrigation scheme in Tapac Parish, valued at $143,700, marks a transformative moment for local farmers. For communities long challenged by unpredictable weather and water scarcity, this scheme provides a reliable water source, enabling year-round cultivation, improved yields, and a stronger defence against climate shocks. Simultaneously, the inauguration of a new Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Corner at Kalemungole Health Centre II provides a vital resource for mothers and caregivers, offering the knowledge and tools necessary to ensure proper nutrition during a child’s critical first 1,000 days.

Significant strides were made in health and nutrition, with nine health centers now equipped with dedicated Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) corners, five of which were newly constructed. Furthermore, 30 health workers and 80 Village Health Teams were trained in malnutrition screening and nutrition education, directly contributing to the fight against high rates of stunting in the region. The project also strengthened multi-sectoral coordination through regular meetings, ensuring a unified approach to tackling malnutrition.

Despite these successes, the District Health Officer acknowledged the persistent challenges. Citing the Uganda Demographic Health Survey 2022, they noted that 81.4% of households in Karamoja still experience food shortages and 44% of children under five suffer from stunting, underscoring the need for continued investment and collaboration.

In his remarks, His Excellency the Ambassador of Japan to Uganda, Takuya Sasayama "The people of Japan are proud to stand in partnership with the communities of Karamoja. This project exemplifies our shared commitment to building resilience, enhancing food security, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive." 

As guided by the Save the Children Country Strategic Plan, we continue to implement interventions that scale climate-smart agriculture, promoting resilient livelihoods, and advocating for child-sensitive social protection policies to protect children from shocks like droughts and food crises.