Research initiative kicks off to help reduce climate risks and create opportunities for rice farmers
The Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) in collaboration with the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is undertaking research on private sector investment in a changing climate: Resilient Rice Value Chain Development in Uganda. The research targets private sector in Uganda who are investing in the rice value chains. Specifically it intends to identify and understand private sector investments along the value chain, and the potential public policy barriers and enablers to these investments. In addition, the study examines the impacts of climate risks in terms of supporting climate resilience and social inclusion along the rice value chain.
Presently, rice is second to maize as the food commodity most imported and exported out of Uganda. Given the rising demand for the commodity in the region, the Uganda government put in place a National Rice Development Strategy 2008-2018 whose aim is to “improve rice production, processing and value-addition for sufficient quality rice that meets domestic consumption needs and surplus for export”. But how this can be done with a smaller environmental footprint and maximum socio-economic benefits is a concern. The research will assist government to develop policies and strategies that encourage private sector investment that promotes climate risk management along the rice value chains.
The research is being conducted through two case studies focusing on domestic private investments in new rice seeds in Northern Uganda- Gulu district and in financial products in Eastern Uganda- Mbale district. The implementation of the two case studies will be done in collaboration with a domestic seed company, Equator Seeds Ltd, and the Centenary Bank Ltd. The project is being steered by a national project technical committee chaired by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development through the Competitiveness and Investment Climate (CICS) Secretariat. Other institutions on the committee are; Climate Change Unit, Ministry of Water and Environment, National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI), Private sector Foundation Uganda, Uganda National Farmers Federation, UNDP-Uganda and USAID-Uganda country office. The project extends from April 2015 to June 2016.