An Assessment of the Implementation of the National Climate Change Policy Recommendations on Food Security in Uganda: A Case of Kapelebyong Sub County, Kapelebyong District

Abstract

This study assessed the contribution of the national climate change policy recommendations on food security in Kapelebyong Sub-County, Kabelebyong District. The study was guided by three study objectives which included examining the effects of food storage facilities on food security, the effect of climate change adaptation measures on food security and the effect of water resource management practices on food security. A descriptive research design was used considering quantitative approach. The study targeted 373 participants and data was collected using questionnaires. The study findings revealed that there was positive but weak and insignificant relationship between food storage methods and food security at (r = .164, P > 0.01) and results also revealed that food storage methods positive but insignificant predicted food security at (Beta = .027, p=.547 >0.05). It was revealed that there was positive, moderate and significant relationship between climate change adaptation measures and food security at (r = .582**, P < 0.01) and climate change adaptation measures positively and significantly predicted food security at (Beta =.569, p=.000 <0.05). There was positive but weak and insignificant relationship between water resource management practices and food security at (r= .116, P > 0.01) and water resource management practices also positive but insignificant predicted food security at (Beta = .067, p=.108 >0.05). The however concluded that, there was a positive but weak and insignificant relationship between food storage methods and food security. Additionally, it was also concluded that while water resource management practices have a positive, their impact on food security is weak and insignificant. For the combined constructs of national climate change policy recommendations specifically food storage methods, climate change adaptation measures, and water resource management practices accounted for 33.8%. The study recommended that there is need training farmers to improve food storage methods among residents should focus on the introduction and adoption of modern techniques such as the use of silos, smoking, and freezing. There is need for providing comprehensive training and support programs that highlight the benefits and practical implementation of fast-maturing crop varieties, improved infrastructure, early warning systems, climate-resistant crops, and irrigation systems. It was also recommended that a comprehensive strategy be implemented including the establishment of robust rules and regulations governing water usage, supporting locals to construct and maintenance of tanks and ponds for efficient water storage, and the development of water monitoring networks to oversee and manage community water sources effectively.