Uganda Nakapiripirit District Drought Bulletin Report January 2012

The month was characterized by effects of the dry spell that have been immanent since late last year. The vegetation continued to change during the month; most of the trees (mainly Neem and Desert dates) continued to shade off their leaves mainly because of bush fires that were common during the month. In some areas desert dates were reported to be fruiting, an indication of the immanence of the dry spell, this was also confirmed by the absence of Mosses. Information from the department of meteorology also indicated that there are high chances that the entire district is expected to experience dry and sunny conditions during the month of February 2012, with more frequent dry winds that are likely to expose communities to wild fires and burn of houses.

January experienced no agricultural activities, all households had harvested their produce and most households have some food stocks in their granaries. However, it was noted that households have started rationing their food, limiting it to only meals. This condition contributed to the surplus supply of labor on the market, hence the decrease in labor prices from 1812-1500Ugx. Similarly, Charcoal and Firewood prices dropped from 3550-3450Ugx and 2100-1800Ugx, following the influx of both commodities on the market. Livestock sales were mainly dominated by Bulls whose prices remained stable at 750,000Ugx. The purchasing power as per the Bull and Charcoal to sorghum ratio remained unchanged at 7 and 3.4 respectively whereas that of labor to sorghum dropped from 1.7-1.4 because of the drastic drop in the prices of labor. Communities registered an increase in the number of copying mechanisms adopted; the number of households that slaughtered old animals increased because of the on-going initiation ceremonies, consumption of less expensive cereals especially those involved in brewing. Begging for food, this was noted amongst households that experienced poor harvests last season.

The livestock situation was generally normal during the month, because of the availability and accessibility of pastures and water. Though this represented a decrease compared to December, 59% of the animals were in good condition, 26% and 14%, fair and poor respectively. The calf mortality and Abortion rates reduced from 2%-1.3% and 1.2%-0.89% respectively. This decline is attributed to the low disease situation experienced during the month. Tick borne infections were the most reported and cases of Brucellosis that have persisted because no interventions have been put in place so far. There were incidences of livestock migration to the wet belts. Animals moved from areas of Lolachat, Nabilatuk and Namalu to Komuriapus valley tanks, Kidule, Okutot and Kaabong all neighboring Katakwi district.

Water accessibility at household level reduced during the month from 60L-40L because the water levels in most of the natural fed water collection points reduced during the on-going dry spell. It was also noted that Boreholes were the main water source serving 70% of the population. 24% were relying on Rivers (water extracted from the river beds) especially in the areas of Namalu and Nabilatuk and the rest on springs. Households consumed a variety of food stuffs, Maize flour remained the most consumed food stuff at 17%, then Beans, Sorghum and wild fruits all at 12%.

- ReliefWeb