Ugandan CSOs Urge Gov’t to Boost Funding for Agroecology, Renewable Energy in Climate Fight

A few days after Action Aid International released a report on public financing and its connection to the climate crisis, civil society organizations (CSOs) in Uganda urged the government to increase funding for agroecology and renewable energy as part of its environmental conservation strategy.

Xavier Ejoyi, Action Aid International Uganda’s Country Director, unveiled the report in Uganda. During a press briefing at Action Aid International Uganda’s offices on Monday, CSO representatives emphasized that the findings highlighted the urgent need to redirect public funds toward sustainable development initiatives.

“We urge the allocation of public finance to support industrial agriculture with a focus on people-centered climate solutions. This should include investments in agroecology, renewable energy, decentralized renewable energy systems for greater energy access, and gender-responsive agricultural training in agroecology and climate adaptation,” the representatives stated.

Ejoyi also called on wealthy nations to honor their commitment to providing grant-based climate finance to countries in the Global South, including Uganda. He pointed out that human activities, particularly the continued use of fossil fuels and industrial agriculture, are significant contributors to the climate crisis.

Throughout the previous week, Action Aid International Uganda engaged in several activities to raise awareness about climate change and the funding of fossil fuel initiatives.

Mercy Grace Munduru, Head of Programs and Fundraising at Action Aid International Uganda, reaffirmed their long-standing advocacy for policy reforms to address the climate crisis. She highlighted AAIU’s role in formulating Uganda’s first National Agroecology Strategy, which promotes sustainable farming to enhance food security and environmental conservation while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Additionally, AAIU, along with its partners, has been advocating for the Climate Change Act, which integrates financial strategies to ensure resources are allocated for effective climate action. AAIU continues to support clean energy technologies and agroecology at the grassroots level to build climate-resilient communities and reduce dependence on fossil fuels and industrial agriculture. They are also pushing for the swift implementation of the Loss and Damage Fund to address the irreversible impacts of climate change.

Eric Kizito, Program Manager for Agroecology & Sustainable Natural Resources at PELUM Uganda, praised the report’s timely release, especially as Ugandan farmers are encouraged to adopt agroecology practices for environmental conservation. He mentioned that Uganda is close to finalizing its Agroecology Strategy, making it the first country with such a strategy, and they plan to present it to Parliament for further action.

Report Overview

On September 18, 2024, Action Aid International launched the report titled “How Finance Fuels the Climate Crisis: Corporate Capture of Public Finance in the Global South.” The report investigates how public funds in the Global South are being funneled into industries that drive the climate crisis and harm communities.

Between 2016 and 2021, industrial agriculture in the Global South received an annual average of $238 billion in public subsidies, reaching $276.4 billion in 2021. The fossil fuel sector received an even higher average of $438.6 billion annually in subsidies from Global South countries over the same period, with subsidies rising to $495.3 billion in 2023.