Summary:
- Notably, in late 2022, more citizens (70%) reported that the climate was worsening, possibly due to differences in rainfall and agricultural productivity between 2022 and 2023.
NEWS: According to research conducted by Twaweza Uganda, a citizen-centered initiative focusing on large-scale change in East Africa, 57% of citizens believe the overall climate is getting worse, and the vast majority (86%) are concerned about the impact of climate change on their lives.
Notably, in late 2022, more citizens (70%) reported that the climate was worsening, possibly due to differences in rainfall and agricultural productivity between 2022 and 2023.
Martha Chemutai, Communications Officer for Twaweza Uganda, shared that the survey, conducted from October 25 to November 25, 2023, included 2,762 respondents and is based on data from Sauti za Wananchi, Africa’s first nationally representative high-frequency mobile phone survey.
Seven out of ten citizens report declining agricultural yields and find it harder to secure basic necessities for their households. Additionally, 82% of households and 83% of communities report experiencing the effects of climate change, especially in rural areas and regions dependent on agriculture, like Northern and Eastern Uganda.
Chemutai revealed that low crop yields (40%) and food shortages (17%) are the main impacts of climate change reported at both household and community levels. Road damage is also a significant issue at the community and national levels. To combat these adverse effects, 52% of respondents recommend planting trees, and nearly as many (45%) have already done so. Advocating for tree protection or planting is supported by 36% of respondents, aligning with the 70% who identify deforestation as a major cause of climate change.
While half of the respondents (51%) believe rich countries should bear most of the blame for climate change, 34% disagree. However, 68% agree that those responsible for climate change should cover the costs of adaptation.
Chemutai emphasized that Uganda is very vulnerable to the effects of climate change, and this new data shows that citizens are already experiencing the predicted changes to agricultural production. Wealthy nations’ carbon emissions are the main cause of climate change.
