EfD researchers called for more efficient management of water and environmental resources at the 8th Uganda Water and Environment Week (UWEWK 2025). The event, held on March 17-21 and organized by the Ministry of Water and Environment (ME) through the Water Resources Institute, brought together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss pressing issues related to water, environmental sustainability, and climate change.
The theme of UWEWK 2025, "Water and Environment Resources for Enhanced Resilience and Improved Incomes and Livelihoods," focused on the sustainable use of natural resources to build resilience and improve livelihoods. The event also commemorated International Forest Day, World Water Day, and World Meteorological Day.
Edward Bbaale, Director of the EfD-Mak Centre, delivered a keynote address titled "Equitable and Sustainable Use of Water and Environmental Resources for Improved Incomes and Livelihoods." Edward Bbaale, highlighted the critical role water plays in Uganda's economic development, particularly in agriculture, energy, health, and industrialization.
"Water is fundamental to the success of many sectors. It influences health, education, agriculture, and energy, all of which are integral to economic growth," Bbaale emphasized.
Uganda's reliance on hydroelectric power makes water crucial for the country’s energy needs. Agriculture accounts for 70% of freshwater use. Water is also essential for transportation and the ecosystems. However, challenges such as climate change, pollution, and resource mismanagement continue to threaten water availability. Citing global data, Edward Bbaale stated that 40-70% of developing countries lack access to safe drinking water, exacerbating inequality and triggering conflicts.
He illustrated the economic consequences of water scarcity with an example from India, where over-extraction of groundwater could result in a 6% GDP loss by 2030. He further emphasized that while Africa possesses some of the world’s largest freshwater systems, over 400 million people on the continent lack access to safe drinking water. He also referenced the shrinking of Lake Chad and geopolitical tensions surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Nile, highlighting the need for cooperative water management. In Uganda, pollution of water bodies like Lake Victoria from industrial waste, untreated sewage, and agricultural runoff threatens the livelihoods of millions.
He shared global examples of sustainable water management, such as Singapore’s water self-sufficiency model, Israel’s efficient use of recycled water for agriculture, and the Netherlands’ advanced flood management systems. He urged African nations, including Uganda, to adopt similar strategies.
"Water scarcity, if not addressed, could lead to social unrest and significant economic losses. However, with proper management, water resources can drive industrialization, trade, and job creation," Bbaale concluded, calling for continued investment in sustainable water practices, including expanding irrigation coverage and promoting clean energy.
The need for comprehensive Natural Capital Accounting
EfD Researcher John Sseruyange participated in a policy dialogue on Natural Capital Accounting for Nature Positive Economic Planning. He stressed the importance of a comprehensive approach to natural resource accounting in Uganda. Natural capital—such as forests, wetlands, and water—is vital to the nation’s economy but has often been evaluated too narrowly, overlooking resources like land, fisheries, and marine assets.
"Natural capital is often misunderstood and narrowly defined," Sseruyange remarked, advocating for a broader approach to understanding Uganda's full natural wealth.
While the depreciation of physical capital is considered in the country’s net national product, the degradation of natural resources like land, water, and ecosystems is not.
"This imbalance limits Uganda's ability to fully account for its wealth and economic potential," he noted.
Sseruyange highlighted the role of the EfD-Mak Centre, which collaborates with government agencies and local stakeholders to ensure research findings are grounded in real-world issues and policy development. The EfD center’s Inclusive Green Economy program also trains senior civil servants on critical environmental topics.
Promoting sustainable policies for Uganda’s agricultural Sector
EfD Researcher Peter Babyenda presented a paper titled "Adaptation to Climate Variability Safeguards Welfare Loss in Uganda." https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cliser.2024.100523]\
His presentation focused on the urgent need for adaptation strategies to protect Uganda’s agricultural sector from climate variability. With 68% of Ugandan households relying on rain-fed agriculture, Babyenda emphasized their vulnerability to extreme climate events such as floods, droughts, and shifting rainfall patterns.
"Climate variability is no longer a future threat – it is a present reality for millions of Ugandans," He stated.
Using data from Uganda National Panel Surveys (2009-2019) and historical climate data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, he showed that households that adopted climate adaptation strategies saw measurable improvements in welfare, with an average gain of 4,054 Uganda shillings (about $1.2) per adult equivalent.
"Farmers who adapt to climate variability generally experience less damage to their livelihoods compared to those who do not, but adaptation strategies might incur initial costs that lead to short-term losses " he observed.
Babyenda stressed the importance of strategic policy interventions to promote climate adaptation, recommending that farmers be educated about the long-term benefits of adaptation and that such measures be subsidized to make them more accessible.
"Policymakers must ensure that farmers are informed and equipped with the tools to adapt, and the extension services to support farmers in adopting climate-resilient practices must be improved," he urged.
"Climate change is a clear and present danger, but through careful adaptation, we can secure the future of Uganda’s agriculture and the welfare of its farmers," he concluded.
By Jane Anyango
Communication Officer.