Uganda finalized its Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) in 2023, marking a key milestone in its efforts to address climate change through strategic technology planning.
The TNA process enabled Uganda to identify priority sectors, evaluate barriers to technology adoption, and develop actionable strategies to support the uptake and diffusion of climate technologies.
Located in East Africa, Uganda is a landlocked country bordered by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Tanzania. The country’s southeastern border is defined by Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake and a vital resource for livelihoods and biodiversity. Uganda’s economy is heavily reliant on agriculture and natural resources, with approximately 80% of the population depending on subsistence farming. The agricultural sector also contributes around 90% of the country’s export earnings, underscoring its central role in national development.
Uganda faces a range of climate-related challenges, including rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events. These changes threaten food security, water availability, and the sustainability of natural ecosystems. Through the TNA process, Uganda is better equipped to identify and implement technologies that support climate adaptation and mitigation, while also enhancing access to climate finance and international support.
For adaptation, Uganda prioritized the sectors of water, agriculture, and land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF). In the water sector, technologies such as rainwater harvesting, solar-powered water pumping, and improved irrigation systems were identified to enhance water access and efficiency. In agriculture, climate-smart practices including drought-resistant crop varieties, agroforestry, and conservation agriculture were emphasized to improve resilience and productivity. The LULUCF sector focused on reforestation, afforestation, and sustainable land management to combat land degradation and preserve ecosystem services.
For mitigation, the energy sector was prioritized, with a focus on expanding access to clean and renewable energy technologies. Key technologies include solar photovoltaic systems, improved cookstoves, and biogas digesters, all aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions while improving energy access, particularly in rural communities.
The completion of the TNA reflects Uganda’s strong national commitment to climate action and provides a foundation for integrating technology solutions into its broader development and environmental strategies. By aligning technology priorities with national goals, Uganda is paving the way for a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.
Uganda’s TNA contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals:
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Photo credit: Axel Fassioa, CIFOR / Flickr.
