Agriculture and Livestock

As much of the Greater Horn of Africa braces for warmer-than-usual temperatures and reduced rainfall, the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) forecasts significantly higher-than-average rainfall in Rwanda, Burundi, and eastern Tanzania during the week of 13–20 May 2025.

According to ICPAC's latest regional weather outlook, these three areas stand out as exceptions in an otherwise drier-than-average week across most of the region. Rainfall in these zones is expected to exceed seasonal norms, with some locations in eastern Tanzania likely experiencing exceptional rainfall surpassing the 90th percentile – meaning rainfall totals higher than 90% of historical records for this time of year.

Other regions expected to receive moderate rainfall (50–200 mm) include central to western South Sudan, central Kenya, parts of central Somalia, western Ethiopia, and eastern Tanzania. However, light rainfall (less than 50 mm) is forecast over most of Uganda, southern Ethiopia, southern Sudan, and southern South Sudan.

The rainfall distribution comes with stark anomalies. More than usual rainfall is anticipated over most parts of Rwanda, Burundi, eastern Tanzania, and parts of central and northern South Sudan. Meanwhile, a notable rainfall deficit is projected over most of Uganda, southeastern South Sudan, western Kenya, and much of Somalia and southern Ethiopia – raising concerns for water availability and agricultural productivity in those regions.

This divergence in rainfall patterns may strain already vulnerable farming systems, especially in areas dependent on seasonal rains for crop planting and water replenishment.

At the same time, much of the Greater Horn of Africa will experience warmer-than-usual temperatures, with anomalies exceeding 2.5°C above average in northern and eastern Sudan, northeastern Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Eritrea. High temperatures exceeding 32°C are forecast for most of Sudan, western Eritrea, and northeastern Ethiopia.

These extreme temperatures could increase heat stress risks across a broad swathe of the region, including South Sudan, Eritrea, Somalia, eastern Kenya, and the Afar region of Ethiopia. Prolonged heat stress not only affects human health but also puts additional pressure on livestock, agriculture, and energy needs.

The combination of excess rainfall in localized areas and persistent heat and dryness elsewhere underscores the need for region-wide climate preparedness and early warning systems. Flash floods may become a risk in areas expecting exceptional rainfall, while heatwaves and water scarcity may intensify in drier zones.

The One Health approach aims to integrate the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems, recognizing their interdependence. Although the concept gained prominence during the 2003-2004 SARS outbreak, it has roots in traditional Indigenous practices. By involving multiple sectors and disciplines, One Health seeks to address broad health challenges, including access to clean water, food security, and the impact of climate change, contributing to sustainable development.

Incorporating a gender dimension into One Health reveals how societal norms and power relations create vulnerabilities for women, men, and non-binary individuals. Gender roles influence behaviors that affect human, animal, and environmental health, such as meat consumption, where traditional masculine practices often contribute to environmental degradation. By unmasking these gendered patterns, the approach can foster more sustainable and equitable practices across societies.

A gender-transformative One Health approach goes beyond addressing superficial health issues by challenging entrenched gender norms and power dynamics. It promotes equitable resource distribution, fosters dialogue, and encourages behavioral change to create more egalitarian relationships between men and women. This holistic perspective enables systemic transformations that support both gender equality and healthier, more sustainable interactions with the environment.

Read more on this factsheet by the GIZ Selva Maya programme on this link .

The IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) has released its October to December 2024 seasonal forecast, revealing contrasting weather patterns across East Africa. Drier-than-normal conditions are expected in the eastern parts of the region, particularly in southern Ethiopia, Somalia, eastern Kenya, and central and southern Tanzania. These areas face increased risks of drought, which could exacerbate food insecurity and affect livelihoods. On the other hand, western parts, including northern Uganda, western Kenya, northern Tanzania, southern Burundi, and parts of Rwanda, are predicted to receive above-normal rainfall, likely boosting agricultural productivity and water availability.

This forecast highlights the urgent need for coordinated action to mitigate the impacts of these climate extremes. Warmer-than-average temperatures are also expected across the region, with the highest probabilities in eastern Tanzania, Kenya, and Ethiopia. In contrast, cooler conditions are anticipated in northern Tanzania and parts of Uganda, Kenya, and South Sudan. Experts, including IGAD's Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, stress the importance of early warning systems and preparedness efforts to address the region's food security challenges and build resilience against the growing threat of climate change.

Read more on this link . 

A new report by Oxfam, released on World Food Day 16th October 2024, reveals an unpleasant reality: up to 21,000 people are dying from hunger daily, largely driven by conflicts worldwide. Titled Food Wars, the report highlights how conflicts are not only fueling food insecurity but actively weaponizing food, water, and aid to gain control in war-torn regions.

Manufactured Hunger and Public Health Risks
The report underscores that many of today’s food crises are “largely manufactured” by warring parties. Countries embroiled in conflict account for nearly all 281.6 million people facing acute hunger globally. The destruction of infrastructure, blocking of humanitarian aid, and displacement of people are contributing to severe food shortages and increasing public health risks. The lack of access to food, clean water, and essential health services due to conflict escalates the spread of diseases and malnutrition, especially among vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.

The Economic Impact of Hunger and Conflict
Beyond the immediate health risks, hunger crises significantly damage economies. Many conflict-affected countries rely on exports of primary products like gold, oil, and livestock. In Sudan, for example, 95% of the country’s export earnings come from these sectors. However, mining operations and resource extraction have often fueled violence, forcing people from their homes and devastating the environment. This displacement disrupts economic activity, destroys livelihoods, and increases poverty rates.

Oxfam criticizes the current peace-building efforts focused on attracting foreign investment, which often exacerbates inequalities rather than alleviating them. The model of economic liberalization, aimed at promoting export-driven economies, has failed to address the root causes of conflict and hunger, worsening economic instability.

The Global Impact: Climate, Conflict, and Rising Food Prices
The hunger crisis is not limited to conflict zones alone. Climate-related disasters such as droughts, floods, and rising global food prices, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic and disruptions from the Russia-Ukraine war, have intensified food insecurity worldwide. East and Southern Africa are particularly affected, with soaring food prices making essential goods unaffordable for millions. This creates a global ripple effect, as nations interconnected through trade and supply chains face economic and food shortages as well.

Breaking the Cycle: What the World Must Do
The Oxfam report calls on global leaders to take decisive action. To meet the 2030 goal of “zero hunger,” world leaders must address the root causes of these crises. Oxfam advocates for holding those responsible for “starvation crimes” accountable under international law. The United Nations Security Council and other international bodies must prioritize peace-building strategies that address systemic inequalities, human rights abuses, and the lingering effects of colonialism.

In addition, the global community must work to strengthen public health systems, create resilient economies, and build infrastructure that can withstand the pressures of conflict, climate change, and economic shocks. The solutions must be comprehensive, addressing the full range of risks that contribute to hunger. Only then can the cycle of hunger, displacement, and conflict be broken, ensuring a healthier, more equitable future for all.

Read full report Food Wars
 

Read also read Global ceremony highlights the right to nutritious safe and affordable foods  on this link World Food Day 2024 
 

Tests carried out by East African Community (EAC) standards experts have confirmed the presence of high aflatoxin levels in Ugandan maize earlier rejected by South Sudan authorities. Aflatoxins are a group of naturally occurring mycotoxins (toxic compounds produced by molds) that are primarily produced by two species of fungi: Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. These molds can grow on crops such as peanuts, maize (corn), cottonseed, and tree nuts, particularly in warm and humid climates. Aflatoxins are potent carcinogens, and long-term exposure to them can have serious health implications for humans and animals.

Read more: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-set-to-destroy-1-700-tonnes-of-maize-4408556

EAC records huge post-harvest losses in cereals and root crops. EAC records huge post-harvest losses in cereals and root crops. EAC records huge post-harvest losses in cereals and root crops. EAC records huge post-harvest losses in cereals and root crops