By eastafrican gazette
The Government in partnership with the Food Agricultural Organisation (FAO) are working to strengthen the social protection systems among smallholder farmers to create an inclusive and resilient agrifood systems.
According to the Minister of Gender Labour and Social Development (MoGLSD), Betty Among said the ultimate robust social protection system benefits farmers, consumers and the social economic development of the country.
“As we work towards building a more sustainable and equitable future, it is crucial that we prioritize the needs of rural populations and ensure that they have access to social protection benefits as they deserve,” he noted.
These include interventions addressing specific challenges faced by smallholder farmers, women, youth, persons living with disabilities and other vulnerable groups in rural areas.
She urged all stakeholders, such as government agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, and the private sector, to collaborate in advancing social protection and ensuring alignment with agrifood systems.
“Let us collaborate to design and implement innovative solutions that strengthen the resilience and well- being of rural populations and contribute to the sustainable development of our communities,” she noted.
During the regional dialogue on social protection for rural populations, jointly organized by FAO and RUFORUM in collaboration with our Government, the Among emphasized the Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development’s comprehensive mandate for policy and program implementation of social protection in Uganda.
She highlighted that agriculture plays a crucial role in sustaining livelihoods and providing nutrition for millions in Uganda, the African continent, and worldwide.
“In many countries, including our own, agriculture is not just a sector of the economy; it is a way of life for millions of smallholder farmers and rural communities. These hardworking individuals are the backbone of our agrifood systems, providing us with the food we eat, feed for our animals and the economic resources we rely on,” he noted.
The minister emphasized that rural populations involved in agrifood systems are frequently confronted with a variety of complex challenges and vulnerabilities, along with socioeconomic exclusion, that jeopardize their well-being and livelihoods.
She highlighted the crucial importance of social protection in safeguarding the resilience and welfare of these communities.
“By providing access to essential services, income support, and agricultural extension services, among others, we can empower farmers to improve their productivity, increase their incomes, and enhance their overall quality of life,” he added.
She commended FAO’s efforts in promoting the growth of social protection for rural residents and workers in the agrifood system, particularly women who constitute the majority of those facing poverty in Uganda and other African nations.
“Today, I stand to emphasize the pivotal role of social protection not solely within our nation but across the African continent and globally. The transformative potential it harbors for the well-being of our citizens underscores the commitment of the Government of Uganda to its effective implementation,” she noted.
Among said Uganda, upholds social protection as an inherent human right.
“It is thus our duty as government to ensure that all members of our society enjoy access to fundamental social protection benefits. These benefits encompass vital services such as healthcare, education, housing, income support, and other necessities, thereby facilitating dignified livelihoods,” she added.
Uganda’s vision 2040, the National Development Plan III (NDPIII) and the NRM Manifesto outlines Government’s commitment to expanding the scope and coverage of social protection.
In 2015, the Government approved the National Social Protection Policy which provides a framework for implementation of social protection programmes in the country.
In realization of the vision, Among said the government is focused on building a well-coordinated national social protection system for the provision of a comprehensive and inclusive social protection provisions geared towards: increasing access to social security; comprising direct income support and contributory social insurance.
“As a minister responsible for Social Protection, I am committed to developing and implementing policies that promote social inclusion, reduce poverty, and empower the most vulnerable members of our community, and most of these reside in rural areas. We must work together to build a more equitable and just society,” she noted.
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