When it rains…

…it pours.

It’s supposed to be the season of “short rains” here in Uganda, however, failed and unpredictable rains are ever more regular across East Africa as wet seasons shorten due to climate change. While the region is still trying to recover from the worst draught in a decade and close to one million people are facing severe water and food shortages, the government of Uganda is already preparing for the destructive El-Nino rains expected to start next month and cause major floods. After the El-Nino, there will be the reverse conditions referred to as La-Nina, which will bring another severe drought. It’s a grim forecast for a country like Uganda, where agriculture generates 90% of export earnings.

~ by eyeontheequator on October 15, 2009.