Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I thank the witnesses for coming here this afternoon and making presentations.

Why do women account for 77% of agricultural employees? Have many men migrated or are they in other roles in the area? Why has Uganda the highest rate of soil degradation in sub-Saharan Africa? Has climate change led to desertification or are other factors at play?

I read the description of agroecology given by the witnesses and, to me, it sounds quite like permaculture. Is that the style of production being considered? I am not an expert but please confirm whether my assessment of agroecology is right or wrong. Please give a specific example of a model that has worked in Uganda, and outline what it was like at the start and where it is now.

Ireland may be a small island nation but it is a very well developed and rich country that has climate responsibilities. This meeting is timely as witnesses have told us that Uganda, as a developing country, has been negatively impacted by the success of the developed world through the production of greenhouse gas emissions and all of the rest. We must become more aware of our climate responsibilities and it is part of the national conversation at this stage. That is my observation. It would be helpful if the witnesses answered my few questions.