Climatic changes in Karamoja sub-region are disrupting the traditional lifestyle of cattle keepers, especially the pastoralist majority, who for generations have relied on livestock as their main source of subsistence. Short scattered torrential rains have also heavily contributed to an increase in soil erosion and land degradation, which has contributed to poor harvests and food insecurity in Karamoja.
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“Shifting Seasons” explores how Uganda’s last remaining pastoralist communities are searching for water as climate change increasingly disrupts traditional ways of life in the cattle corridor. In October 2021, I made the journey of eight hours to Moroto town, to spend eight days moving with a group of herders as they went about their days.
It was an eye-opening experience being in the region for my first time. The daily life of Karamojong is quite different from what I or many of us are used to. They live in ‘kraals,’ or small homesteads, with thorny fences and blocks of wood encircled for protection against raids and wild animals that might attack their cattle.
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As early as 5 a.m., I was forced to wake up by the loud mooing sounds of cattle. Young boys between the ages of 6 and 10 are in charge of milking the cows, and it is amazing how fast they do it.
Dry season rains
In October 2021, anticipating a dry season, Amudat, Nakapiripirit and Nabilatuk realized an early onset of torrential rains, whereas Kotido and Kaabong districts experienced unpredictable rains. The patchy vegetation that sprouts in the wake of these flash floods are seen especially in Kotido, Amudat, and Nabilatuk districts.
Pastoralist ‘dropouts’
In 2014, Karamoja accounted for about 20 percent of Uganda’s total livestock. Irregular weather patterns coupled with the inconsistent rainfall supply have however influenced a great number of pastoralist dropouts, according to Mathew Lumwinyi, an elder in Moroto district. Former herders have ventured into crop farming or small-scale businesses, but face challenges in crop agriculture due to lack of skills.
Expecting a dry spell, many also decided not to cultivate in October 2021, increasing the food insecurity in the region. In Kotido district alone, Mathew Lumwinyi, an elder, said that the number of Karamojongs selling their livestock as a result of food shortage is growing, something that was very unusual before, given their sentimental attachment to the animals that made selling a near taboo.
“At the moment, I could sell a cow between 600,000 UGX ($171) and 1,200,000 UGX ($341). During the wet season, it could even go double for a fully grown one,” said James Okono, a pastoralist from Kotido district.
More scattered rains, but less water?
Pastoralists in the Karamoja sub-region rely heavily on water. It is one of the most important resources they need to sustain their livestock; however, they still have insufficient supply especially in Kotido, Amudat, and Kaabong districts. The nature of the soil has contributed to water scarcity. The sub-region holds a low soil organic carbon, which plays an essential role in soil binding and moisture retention.
Despite the erratic heavy rains, there is still a lack of enough water resources especially for home use. Livestock can drink the surface water, unlike the pastoralists, since it can cause diseases.