In Uganda, extreme weather patterns are influencing food prices. The Observer reports that intense droughts are causing food prices to escalate. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, costs for crops like green peppers, dry beans, and tomatoes have risen.
Green pepper prices, in particular, have jumped by 17.2%. "This significant price increase is largely due to unfavorable weather conditions," UBOS head of economic statistics Samuel Echoku told The Observer. "The recent dry spell has affected crop yields, reducing the availability of fresh produce in markets across the country and consequently driving up prices," he added.
The Observer notes that rising food prices strain local households, forcing adjustments in spending habits. The broader context includes global temperature increases linked to the use of dirty energy and the release of pollutants, which exacerbate extreme weather events. These climatic changes challenge farmers aiming for successful harvests to meet food supply demands.
In response to these challenges, Ugandan households are seeking cheaper food alternatives, favoring products like maize flour and rice, which are less affected by price hikes. However, businesses face difficulties in "absorbing increased costs without significantly raising prices," The Observer reports.
Farmers are adapting by altering crop selections and experimenting with varied growth techniques to cope with unpredictable weather.
Source: TCD