Simon Ekwaro

An Agronomist & AgriculturalExtension Specialist with a strong interest & experience in Early Warning & Anticipatory Actions for building a resilient community.

[FAO in Uganda @FAOUganda]

🔉Happening now: The 3rd National Anticipatory Action Dialogue Platform 2026.

The 2-day dialogue focuses on transforming risk into resilience by strengthening #AnticipatoryAction through local action, coordination, sustainable financing and evidence-based policy.

[Uganda Media Centre @UgandaMediaCent]

𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎 | Dr. Alfred Okot Okidi, Permanent Secretary @min_waterUg notes that the ongoing El Niño episode is expected to intensify during the September–October–November (SON) season, bringing increased rainfall, especially to the Central, Northern, and Eastern regions.

[NARO Uganda @narouganda]

This Week: The Soil Plant Clinic!

For farmers in vulnerable communities like Karamoja, every planting decision counts.

This week, our Soil & Plant Clinics in Nakapiripirit and Amudat tested soils for over 150 farmers.

With 60 trained Soil Doctors now serving the region, farmers can access local testing for soil organic matter, structure and pH, turning soil knowledge into healthier crops and stronger livelihoods.
@FAOUganda
@MAAIF_Uganda
@BusitemaUniv
@amudat_localgov

[Simon Ekwaro @OEkwaro]

@SamEngola3 Weldone @SamEngola3

[FAO in Uganda @FAOUganda]

As the training continues, students gain hands-on experience measuring greenhouse gases from peatlands, including CO₂ & CH₄, using low-cost, field-friendly chamber tech.

The session draws on work in 🇺🇬’s Nabajjuzi peatland, building local capacity for research & #ClimateAction

[FAO in Uganda @FAOUganda]

Today, W/@MAAIF_Uganda & @WFP_Uganda held the final Steering Committee for the @EUinUG-funded #FOSTER project to take stock of progress in strengthening #foodsecurity, climate resilience, and #agric production & discuss opportunities for scaling up across 9 districts of Karamoja.

[FAO in Uganda @FAOUganda]

Over 3 years, #FOSTER delivered tangible results:

✅ 9,120 farmers trained
🐄 700K+ livestock reached thru strengthened #animalhealth systems
📢 1.35M people reached w/ early warning info
💧 45 boreholes + 6 micro-irrigation systems
💰 UGX 1B invested in farmer enterprise grants

[FAO in Uganda @FAOUganda]

From drought to flood risk: The latest Multi-Hazard #EarlyWarning Bulletins show worsening drought across Karamoja, Teso & Elgon, while forecasts point to enhanced rainfall from September.

We must act now with #AnticipatoryAction to protect lives, livelihoods & food systems.

[Ezana G. Kassa @EzanaKg]

Thank you, H.E. @jessica_alupo, for the warm reception and constructive engagement. FAO is committed to partnering with Uganda to accelerate agricultural transformation, create jobs, enhance competitiveness, and drive inclusive economic growth.

[FAO in Uganda @FAOUganda]

Today, FAO Representative @EzanaKg and team paid a courtesy call on H.E. @jessica_alupo, the Vice President of Uganda.

They discussed @FAO’s partnership with Uganda and the critical role of #agriculture in driving #foodsecurity, sustainable development, and economic growth.
🇺🇬

[Simon Ekwaro @OEkwaro]

@SamEngola3 @R_Nabbanja This is great news. Addressing water challenges in Karamoja is one step forward towards addressing food insecurity in the region. We thank you for the proactiveness sofar. Keep it up!

[FAO in Uganda @FAOUganda]

Alternative income sources strengthen resilience in pastoral communities.

Through @EUinUG-funded #FOSTERProject, @FAO equipped Akadon Farmer Field School members in Moroto District with improved beehives & beekeeping skills to generate additional income & improve livelihoods.

[FAO in Uganda @FAOUganda]

On our Rep. @EzanaKg’s field visits and community engagements, today we met rice farmers in Butaleja, supported thru @FAO-China #SSC project.

With improved rice-growing skills and quality seeds, farmers report 📈 yields from 1.2T to 4T per acre, boosting food & income security.

[FAO in Uganda @FAOUganda]

6/6 Mechanization is key to helping farmers make the most of Karamoja’s short & unreliable rainy season. @EzanaKg commissioned 2 tractors for Abim + Nakapiripirit under @EUinUganda-funded #FOSTER Project to support timely land preparation, expand cultivation & boost #foodsecurity

[FAO in Uganda @FAOUganda]

At @NARO Nabuin ZARDI, on the mission, we met #researchers, discussed technologies & innovations suited to Karamoja’s conditions, & how to strengthen links btn research, policy, extension services + communities, to ensure evidence-based solutions benefit farmers & pastoralists.

[FAO in Uganda @FAOUganda]

In Napak District, @EzanaKg visited a Farmer Field School where farmers are multiplying cassava planting materials.

While many crops have been affected by drought, cassava is thriving, highlighting its potential as a #foodsecurity and #climateresilient crop for the region.

[FAO in Uganda @FAOUganda]

4/6
Addressing drought and hunger in Karamoja requires coordinated action.

@EzanaKg met @UNinUganda Area Coordinators to discuss strengthening the #OneUN approach, supporting @GovUganda drought response efforts while advancing sustainable solutions to chronic #foodinsecurity.

[FAO in Uganda @FAOUganda]

1/6
This week, @FAO Rep. in 🇺🇬@EzanaKg undertook a field mission to Karamoja, meeting communities, DLGs & partners on current drought situation and drivers of persistent #food insecurity, identify immediate actions & long-term pathways to sustainable food and #nutritionsecurity.

[FAO in Uganda @FAOUganda]

FAO Rep. @EzanaKg today met with @EUinUganda Ambassador, HE @JanSadek, to strengthen strategic ties for sustainable dev’t in Uganda.

Discussions centered on:
🌱 Forestry & the green economy
🌾 Agrifood value chains & trade
🚜 Mechanization

🤝 for resilient agrifood systems.

[FAO in Uganda @FAOUganda]

"Investing before disasters strike is more effective & far more cost-efficient than responding after impacts have already occurred. Let us engage in dialogue and explore collaboration, investment and innovation for a more resilient Uganda." - @martin_ameu, FAO Uganda Asst. Rep.