The European Union is planning to restructure its funding priorities in Karamoja, Roberto Ridolfi, head of the European Union head has disclosed. Ridolfi says EU plans to reduce funding on food aid and step up funding on livelihood activities and social services. He says the European Union is now shifting its strategic interventions from aid distribution to more development oriented sectors.
He says in its next funding phase of 2014-2020, the EU is considering on how to make the region fully exploit the commercial value of the livestock in Karamoja and mining sector. Ridolfi says the EU has resolved to consolidate the achievements made over the last two years and further improve Karamoja’s livestock and crop production.
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He however notes that drought and poor harvests have left the Karamoja region highly food insecure, adding that they will extend support to improve farmer education, agricultural facilities, seed supplies and storage to ensure that the problems that lead to food shortage are avoided.
Janet Museveni, the Minister in charge of Karamoja affairs says government is trying to ensure that food security in Karamoja is improved. She says Karamoja region has depended a lot on the food aids in the past through World Food Program. The Minister says government wants to break the culture of such dependency in Karamoja so as they are able to depend on their own through crop production and other agro-pastoral activities.
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Karamoja is yet considered one of the most disadvantaged regions in the country.
