Uganda: Climate Change Could Undermine Our Economic Performance

Uganda's economy grew steadily on an average of seven per cent per annum for the two decades between 1990 and 2010.

This performance was exceptional and the country won the plaudits of many a commentator and was highly-regarded as one of the best performers in the world. However, during years 2011 to 2014 and thereafter, this rate slowed down to an average of 5.5 per cent per annum. The slowdown has been attributed to both internal and external factors.

Climate change has been one of the internal factors that continue to undermine economic performance. It should be noted that more than two thirds of Ugandans are engaged in agriculture as a primary source of livelihood. The sector is also a major source of export revenues.

As such, a shock to agricultural production not only affects the basic livelihoods of majority of Ugandans, but also reduces foreign exchange earnings. Remember, without enough foreign exchange earnings, the country is constrained to meet its import bills and external debt servicing obligations.

http://allafrica.com/stories/201706070557.html

Garrett Ziegler

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