Climate Change Forcing Alebtong Youth Out of Agriculture

The worsening effects of climate change are driving many young people in Alebtong District away from agriculture, with a growing number turning to idleness in trading centers and alcohol consumption.

A recent study by the Africa Center for Trade and Development (ACTADE), in collaboration with the Noble Youth Network under the “Craks” project, revealed that a significant percentage of youth in Alebtong have abandoned farming, citing declining profitability due to climate-related challenges.

While presenting the research findings to the Alebtong District leadership, Viola Musiimenta, Program Director at ACTADE, noted that although some youth are interested in improving their agricultural practices, many have lost hope due to low returns driven by unpredictable weather patterns.

Musiimenta also highlighted that climate change affects men and women differently, with women more likely to adopt positive adaptation strategies such as afforestation and livelihood diversification.

“There are still significant gender disparities in access to and utilization of climate and agricultural knowledge in Alebtong District,” she stated.

She further attributed the worsening effects of climate change in the district to a shortage of agricultural extension workers saying that out of the 52 extension workers required, only 16 are currently available, leaving many farmers without the necessary support to adapt to the changing climate.

Musiimenta emphasized the need for collective responsibility in tackling climate change and urged stakeholders to strengthen adaptation strategies.

Viola Mussimenta

David Kennedy Odongo, LCV Chairperson of Alebtong District, expressed concern that many youth no longer prioritize agriculture, which is negatively impacting the district’s economic growth.

“Agriculture is the backbone of our country, but here in Alebtong, youth are abandoning it. Many now spend their time loitering in trading centers, drinking alcohol, smoking opium, and playing cards,” Odongo lamented.

He attributed the global climate crisis to environmental degradation, such as deforestation and wetland destruction, and called for urgent action to restore and protect the environment.

David Kennedy Odongo, LCV Chairperson of Alebtong District

Meanwhile, Dr. Charles Noki, Alebtong District Agricultural Officer, stressed the importance of tree planting as a key strategy to mitigate climate change by enhancing rainfall formation and providing windbreaks.

He stated that the district is encouraging farmers to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices, including small-scale irrigation schemes, through initiatives such as the Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfer Program (UgIFT), which has already benefited 11 farmer groups.

However, Noki acknowledged that many youth lack the financial capacity to invest in climate-smart farming techniques, making it difficult for them to sustain agricultural activities.

Community engagement on climate change that ACTADE had in Awei sub county, Alebtong

Boniface Obura, a youth from Abako Sub-County, confirmed that many young people are leaving agriculture because they cannot afford the necessary inputs and equipment needed to cope with climate change.

“Instead of blaming youth for abandoning agriculture, the government and different organizations should support us through economic empowerment projects,” Obura suggested.

He also urged the government to introduce climate change education in schools, advocating for programs that teach young people about environmental conservation from an early age.