Case Studies from Pfr Uganda

BUILDING RESILIENT COMMUNITIES: CASE STUDIES FROM PFR UGANDA

WORKING TOWARDS COMMUNITY RESILIENCE EXPERIENCE FROM PARTNERS FOR RESILIENCE IN KENYA AND UGANDA

\\ REVIEWED BY: Sirak Abebe Temesgen

I. INTRODUCTION: result of climate change. Rap- the extremes they face. Mean- A CASE FOR CHANGE id environmental degradation is while, the world around them is Disaster risk is rapidly increas- reducing the capacity of nature changing rapidly. This represents ing. The reasons for this are to regulate these hazards and to a major challenge. At a local lev- manifold. Extreme events such provide food, clean water sup- el poor communities in both rural as storms, floods and droughts plies and other products. Com- and urban areas face setbacks become more extreme and more munities struggle to find a way in their livelihoods each time a frequent in some places as a to prepare for and respond to disaster strikes. As a result they

5 FOCUS OF THE PARTNERS FOR RESILIENCE

DEVELOPMENT

ECOSYSTEMS RESILIENCE DISASTER

CLIMATE CHANGE ENVIRONMENTAL EXTREME WEATHER DEGRADATION EVENTS

are trapped in a vicious cycle of both temporal and spatial scales. Philippines, Indonesia, India, poverty. At a broader scale gov- In addition, resilience building Nicaragua, and Guatemala. The ernments are confronted with the requires much more than the program is funded by the Dutch mounting costs of ill-informed sum of isolated and disconnect- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and development decisions that ren- ed interventions by different ac- runs from 2011 to 2015. der the natural environment and tors. That is exactly the rationale society increasingly vulnerable. behind the coming together of The overall goal of the program humanitarian, development, cli- is to reduce the impact of natu- Risk reduction practitioners typ- mate and conservation practi- ral hazards on the livelihoods of ically adopt sectoral approaches tioners to form the consortium 750.000 – 1.000.000 members of to resolve these issues. Some dubbed “Partners for Resilience” vulnerable communities. experts focus their risk reduction to implement “a climate proof di- This goal is pursued through work exclusively on communi- saster risk reduction” program in three outcome objectives: ties. Others focus on water man- nine disaster prone countries in agement within river basins or on Africa, Asia and Latin America. 1. To increase the resilience of the management of ecosystems. These organizations are Neth- communities to disasters, These fragmented approaches erlands Red Cross (NLRC), Cor- climate change and environ- no longer suffice on their own. daid, Wetlands International (WI), mental degradation; Instead, efforts to enhance the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate resilience of the most vulnerable Centre (RCCC) and CARE Nether- 2. To increase the capacity of communities should encompass lands. The target countries are civil society organisations multiple disciplines and span Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Mali, (CSOs) to apply disaster

6 risk reduction (DRR), cli- daid, WI and RCRCCC which have to resist, absorb, accommodate mate-change adaptation been engaging with Kenya Red to and recover from the effects (CCA) and ecosystem Cross Society (KRCS), Merti In- of a hazard in a timely and effi- management and restoration tegrated Development Program cient manner, including through (EMR) measures and engage (MID-P), and IMPACT to imple- the preservation and restoration in policy dialogue; ment the program from 2011 to of its essential basic structures June 2015. The target area for and functions”. We do so without 3. To make the institutional en- the program is Isiolo and part of discounting other valid terminol- vironment from international Laikipia Counties following the ogy. It is not our intent however to grass-root level more Ewaso Nyiro River Basin benefit- to contribute to the academ- conducive to integrating di- ing 40,000 vulnerable community ic discussion that has evolved saster risk reduction, climate members. The area is affected by around this topic. Instead, we try change adaptation and eco- frequent drought, flood, conflict, to show below how the partners system-based approaches. eco-system degradation, human have tried to unpack the concept and aid its translation into prac- The strategy to realize these out- and animal diseases. tice using identified success sto- come objectives and, ultimately, PfR Uganda: - The PfR alliance ries. a contribution for the overall goal members in Uganda are Cor- is guided by the effective inte- daid, NLRC, CARE, WI and RCCC. gration of disaster risk reduction The implementing partners GUIDING APPROACH/ (DRR), climate change adapta- are Uganda Red Cross Society OPERATIONAL PRINCIPLES tion (CCA) and eco-system man- (URCS), Soroti Catholic Diocese TO UN-PACKAGE AND PUT agement and restoration (EMR) Integrated Development Organ- RESILIENCE INTO PRACTICE as outlined and specified in the isation (SOCADIDO), Transcul- PfR resilience vision document, tural Psychosocial Development Asses disaster risk in a holistic the Minimum Standards for lo- Organisation (TPO), Caritas manner cal climate-smart DRR and the Uganda, Ecological Christian Or- Communities, civil society or- Eco-System Criteria. ganisation, Facilitation for Peace ganisations and government en- and Development (FAPAD) and tities are aware of the multi-risk This booklet documents the prac- Caritas Moroto. environment they face. Risks, tical experience of Partners for vulnerabilities, capacities and Resilience in Kenya and Uganda in The target districts are: Amuria, root causes to risk are always applying the integrated approach Napak, Nakapriprite, Apach, Kat- assessed at both community and and the PfR resilience vision akiwi and Otuke. The total num- landscape level. This results into guidance to realize the outcomes ber of beneficiaries PfR Uganda comprehensive insights into the sought through the program. It benefits at the end of year to be social, economic and ecological describes the challenges over- 75,000 people across 93 villages. aspects of risk. The way in which come in the course of implemen- people impact and depend on na- tation, and lessons learnt. These ture and how they evolve along insights contribute to existing with a changing environment knowledge in unpacking and ap- II. OUR VISION OF is fully understood. Knowledge plying this lofty concept called RESILIENCE about these socio-ecological in- resilience and will help to improve What do we mean with commu- terrelationships forms the basis future program design. nity resilience? A nearly endless of risk reduction planning. list of descriptions and defini- PFR PROGRAM IN KENYA tions exist. For practical reasons Address the whole range of risk AND UGANDA in this document we follow the management options UNISDR definition; “Resilience is PfR Kenya: -The PfR alliance Stakeholders are dedicated to the ability of a system, communi- members in Kenya are NLRC, Cor- take all measures that are required ty or society exposed to hazards

7 to prevent disasters, reduce their degradation of the natural en- opment measures that contribute impact or prepare to deal with the vironment inflicts new hazards, to enhanced social and economic effects of a disaster. Following the exacerbates vulnerability to ex- resilience. In this way, regular risk steps defined in the risk reduction isting ones and weaken people`s assessments were done con- cycle they implement convention- coping and recovering capacities. sidering existing, changing and al humanitarian measures such as This increase in disaster risk is a emerging risks at the local level. contingency planning, emergency result of the decreased capacity stocking and preparedness, first of degraded ecosystems to sta- Work across scales response, forward recovery and bilise hill slopes, regulate water Risk reduction professionals un- rehabilitation. They also address flows and provide food and clean derstand that drivers to vulnera- underlying causes of vulnerability water supplies. With this in mind, bility express themselves at mul- and disasters, through a well-inte- the management and restoration tiple spatial and temporal scales: grated set of environmental man- of ecosystems, including the re- from household or community to agement and development mea- sources they provide forms a core landscape level. They understand sures. part of risk reduction in the tar- how the water cycle connects get areas. Risk reduction, climate people along the upper reaches of Consider environmental, social change adaptation and Infra- a river with those who live further and economic dimensions of structure development measures downstream. They appreciate the resilience work with and alongside nature, temporal dimension of risk: some Both in Kenya and Uganda, all di- rather than fighting it. These key drivers to vulnerability and mensions of resilience are con- measures are implemented par- approaches towards increasing sidered. It is understood that allel to humanitarian and devel- resilience take years to emerge.

8 This is acknowledged in pro- whereby risk reduction measures Promoting Community gramme design and taken care were unintentionally done at the Self-Management of during implementation through expense of long term benefit. Part- Communities are not just vic- inclusion of short- and long-term ners were distributing drought re- tims of shocks and stresses, they risk reduction measures at local sistant crops and vegetable seeds are survivors in otherwise dif- and regional scales. to later found out they were plant- ficult situations. The resilience ed close to the river banks con- of a community is to a great ex- Ensure adaptive planning and tributing for further degradation of tent determined by the degree avoid mal-adaptation the riverine eco-system. Later this to which people understand and Climate change introduces a ma- was resolved through community monitor their risks, have the nec- jor factor of uncertainty in risk discussion and provision of alter- essary resources and are capa- reduction planning. For many cli- native water sources such as rain ble of organizing themselves and mate-related hazards it remains water harvesting. mobilizing appropriate and locally unknown to what extent their available resources. Communi- Adopt a partnership approach frequency, intensity and predict- ty empowerment and creation of with a strong civil society ability will change. Stakeholders local ownership are essential for capacity building component adapt their risk reduction plans communities to be in the driving to this uncertainty. They design There is no organization who is seat of the resilience building measures that accommodate best in everything, and resilience processes. They should also be anticipated changes, and that building requires multiple disci- able to establish and facilitate can be flexibly adjusted once plines, including the participation risk assessment, risk reduction change becomes visible. Institu- of professionals from a range of plans and turning these plans into tions themselves become adap- sectors such as humanitarian, actions. tive too. development, conservation and Support the creation of enabling water resource managers and The potential implications of risk policy and institutional environ- climate experts. Partnerships reduction measures are always ment typically consist of local commu- fully assessed. It is understood Government agencies are the nities, government agencies and that short-term responses to cur- main actors in deciding devel- civil society organisations. This rent risks may increase vulnerabil- opment directions for local com- enables implementation of risk ity in the longer term. Likewise risk munities. The decision taken by reduction measures in both the reduction experts are aware that these agencies significantly de- private (community or household interests between stakeholders termines how easy or difficult level) and public (the wider land- may be conflicting; the construc- resilience building would be. In scape) domains. Private actors tion of water harvesting structures order for resilience building pro- are fully engaged where relevant. in a highland area for example, cess to be effective, efficient and Universities and knowledge insti- may cause water scarcity down- sustainable it should be embed- tutes provide technical backup stream in the catchment. These ded in the policies, strategies and during vulnerability assessment trade-offs are well mapped and plan of the government at differ- and program implementation where possible resolved. Disaster ent levels. This will set the institu- and contribute to monitoring and risk reduction programs always in- tional arrangement and resources evaluation. That is why PfR Part- clude measures to address harm- allocation which is a fertile en- ners decided to join hands and ful ‘external’ developments that abling environment for resilience pull their human, material, or- take place across sectors, even if building. Too often, well intend- they lay outside the direct sphere ganizational resources and also ed risk reduction measures are of influence of the stakeholders closely work with local commu- compromised by unsustainable involved. These issues are easy nities, government agencies, civil development. Risk reduction pro- said than done. There are many society organizations, Universi- fessionals should engage these cases in PfR Kenya`s experience ties and research centres. groups in their work by establish-

9 ing extensive dialogues on issues “Partners for Resilience” alliance hazards and exacerbates vulner- of concern. This also requires came together from completely ability to existing ones by weak- touching upon sensitive issues, different mandate/competence ening people`s ability to cope and such as dams (in the case of PfR areas for the first time to work recover. It also implies knowledge Kenya), mining, logging and infra- together and dared to test a and capacity for these functions, structure development. new chemistry of an integrated and investing in community or- approach (DRR, CCA, and EMR) ganizations and networks, infra- Align traditional and to realize resilience in disaster structures, financial savings and science-based knowledge prone areas. This necessitates political competence. systems developing a culture of openness Despite the emerging risks asso- to one another, compromises on ciated with climate change, most positions, and focus on com- communities are not new to the mon interest, supporting each III. BUILDING BLOCKS common hazards they are ex- other and learning in the course OF COMMUNITY periencing; they have developed of implementation. So, efforts RESILIENCE some adaptation capacities on were made by the partners to So what can be practically done how to reduce its impact and deal install a strong learning culture. with its negative consequences. This involves sharing of lessons to achieve resilience on the basis The traditional knowledge plays learned and good practices with- of the above guiding approaches an essential role in designing rel- in and between communities, and operational principles? How evant and context-specific inter- CSOs, government agencies, do existing approaches within ventions to reduce disaster risk. knowledge institutes and exter- the humanitarian, development, But local knowledge rarely suffic- nal actors. climate and environment sector es to gain full insight into the lo- come together and complement cal vulnerability context and also Focus on Livelihoods each other? The Partners for Re- the nature and behavior of ever Disasters not only take lives, they silience program undertakes its changing and emerging risks also have an impact on livelihoods. collaborative programming on which the community have less And through unsustainable prac- the basis of four ‘building blocks’. experience with. Therefore scien- tices that harm the protective ca- Three of these, anticipation, ad- tific inputs are key to incorporate pacity of the environment, liveli- aptation and transformation, are aspects that are not visible or lest hoods activities themselves may derived from current resilience understandable locally. In Ugan- even contribute to slow-onset thinking. Considering the man- da PfR collaborated with; Kyam- disasters. Therefore, all dimen- date of some of the humanitari- bogo University, National Agri- sions of resilience are considered an partners and recognising our cultural Research Organisation, through links with essential liveli- role in disaster response, we have Uganda National Meteorology hoods capital in its human, social, added a fourth building block, Authory, National Semi-Arid Re- physical, financial, natural and namely response. These building sources Research Institute (NAS- political dimensions-“the sus- blocks should not be seen as dif- SARI) and Makerere University. tainable livelihoods framework”. ferent sequential phases or a cy- Similarly in Kenya, PfR worked Diversification can strengthen re- cle. In reality they often take place with University of Nairobi , Re- silience by enhancing livelihoods at the same time. searcher (Groningen University, capital multiplying options. This Kenya Research Institute, Interns promotes human well-being and Individual partners from different from various Universities through through sharing of benefits, in- sectors may engage in activities RCCC, and national meteorologi- corporates equity issues. The under different building blocks. cal experts. natural dimension is one of the In practice however their strength key aspects, as environmental and traditional mandate are usu- Stimulate learning degradation reduces basic eco- ally confined to a subset of the The partners who formed the system functions and inflicts new four components. This underlines

10 the need for a partnership ap- portunities. This capacity has reach certain levels. It is import- proach. two key aspects: early warning ant to note that early action is to and early action and has four key respond to warnings, not disas- components: risk knowledge, risk COMMUNITY RESILIENCE ters. These early actions have monitoring, risk communication CAN BE UNDERSTOOD AS to primarily use local capacities, THE CAPACITY TO: and action. The other aspects of ensure people are aware, pre- an effective early warning system pared and are ready to act, and 1. Anticipate is to have a clear and practical that response plans are tested This is the capacity to foresee recommendation on ranges of and updated. Contingency plans the impending hazard and take early actions which the commu- describe and trigger the early ac- appropriate and timely action to nities or individuals have to take tion that the target communities reduce harm or/and exploit op- when the early warning signals should put in place based on the

11 past and present experiences of on likely case scenarios, includ- hazard whenever it occurs with disaster patterns and incorpo- ing anticipation of new extreme little (in short term) or no effect rating future scenarios of climate events) prepared as part of early (in the long term) and also exploit change that my induce more ex- action planning. When the haz- opportunities for people to thrive. treme and unprecedented hazard ard strikes, a trained community 4. Transformation levels. team should take action, and if the disaster exceeds the local re- Transformation refers to address 2. Response sponse capacity, then a district or underlying factors and root caus- Response is the provision of national level response team be es of risk in a sustainable way. emergency services and public dispatched to the community to Identification of these root fac- assistance during or immediate- assist in conducting rapid dam- tors and potential opportunities ly after a disaster in order to save age and needs assessment and to address them is done during lives, reduces health impacts, support the community action the participatory risk assess- ensure public safety and meet teams. ment. The transformation aspect the basic subsistence needs of mainly focuses on unfair policies, 3. Adapt to tackle changing and the people affected. This is im- unjust power relation to access emerging risks portant because of the fact that and control key resources, com- a hazard doesn`t wait until the As indicated earlier, adaptation is munities` perception, ideologies, root causes of vulnerabilities and the adjustment in natural or hu- harmful culture etc. Sometimes lack of capacities are addressed. man systems in response to ac- a disaster gives communities a In that case, a hazard could prog- tual or expected climate stimuli chance to completely change the ress into a disaster. So, as part or their effects, which moderates way they used to behave and act of risk reduction and climate harm or exploits beneficial oppor- based on the experience and les- change adaptation measures, tunities These capacities enable sons drawn from it. there should always be “Plan B”. the community/household/ in- This is a contingency plan (based dividual to comfortably face the

12 COMMUNITIES LOOK BEYOND EFFECTS OF FLOODS AND WATERLOGGING IN UGANDA \\ authors: irene amuron, deborah atebo & denis mwaka \\ editor: sophia irepu

August 2007, marked a flood like wetland encroachment and As a result, Uganda Red Cross catastrophe that left a perma- deforestation, left the East- Society (URCS), in consultation nent mark in many Ugandan’s ern and Northern regions of with the communities, con- memories. Located between Uganda with increased levels structed flood resistant huts, the hilly landscapes of Karamo- of vulnerability. Apac, Katakwi as part of its floods emergency ja sub-region and Lake Kyoga and Otuke districts have since recovery programme; since the basin, the flat landscape, which suffered perennial flooding and traditional huts had been col- has suffered persistent ecosys- waterlogging. lapsing and causing deaths and tem degrading human activities loss of property. In contrast, the

13 flood resistant huts were lined with plastic sheeting in the foundation to block off water seepage through the floor. While URCS provided technical, material and financial support, the communities contributed their labor and other locally available materials like bricks, mud and grass.

REACHING FOR CHANGE After the 2007 success, URCS in 2012 embarked on improving the version of flood resistant huts, to reduce the effects of extreme weather variability causing floods and water logging. URCS partnered with Makerere University, to review and improve the design of the original flood resistant huts. This led to the use of a double lining of plastic sheeting for the hut’s floor, instead of a single sheet.

A UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP IS FORMED The PfR project was thus implemented in Apac (Akokoro Sub-County) and Katakwi (On- URCS’s success; TPO and CARE mobilized community based vol- gongoja), in partnership with replicated the technology for the unteers in each community and CARE Uganda in Otuke district first time in their own project ar- equipped them with the required (Olilim and Ogor sub- coun- eas, following flash floods in 2013 skills and knowledge. URCS and ties), and TPO (Transcultural and 2014, respectively. CARE trained 140 community Psychosocial Organizations) in members and volunteers as Train- Katakwi (Magoro and Ongongo- To implement the new improved er of Trainers (ToT) for the con- ja sub-counties). Inspired by the flood resistant huts’ design, URCS struction of the huts. In addition

THREE SIMPLE STEPS TO CONSTRUCT AN IMPROVED FLOOD RESISTANT HUT

1. Lay building material, locally know as ‘kaveera’ or black plastic sheeting, on a 1.5 feet raised foundation floor. 2. Build a special soil brick mound to make a conical wall, plastered with a mixture of dung and mud, for termite control. 3. Roof with grass or iron sheets.

14 was excavated in 2014, with each village digging the sec- tion passing through their village up to the point where it drained into the swamp. This effort cost TPO and the community five hundred thousand Uganda shillings per kilometer (166 euros/172 dollars).

COMMUNITY EFFORTS BEAR FRUIT The new hut design improved the traditional shelter built by the communities using existing knowledge and skills. Mr. Andrew Ogwara from Apac commented...

“After my training in Flood Resistant Huts, I built five huts. I built three at my first wife’s homestead and two at the second wife’s, URCS attached ten households to effects to tackling the caus- in Akokoro. It has taken me each volunteer to support in the es of water logging during two months and one hundred construction of their own huts. To a meeting held with TPO to date, URCS, CARE and TPO, have review implementation and and ten thousand shs jointly constructed 685 improved performance in 2013. Since (44 USD), to construct the flood resistant huts; with another the channel dug earlier in two huts at my second home. 225 up to wall level in all three lo- 2013, from Adurukoi through cations. Local material was used Oriau B and Kaikamosing I received a four square such as grass, bricks and mud, villages to the swamp, had meter piece of polythene however this slowed down the not reduced the water log- material from URCS, which construction process. ging, the communities pro- I used in the floor. Since then, posed digging another one connecting Kaikamosing to water has never entered WATERLOGGING IS CON- Oolir through Kipinyang vil- my house again. Since my TROLLED lage, to drain excess water family is expanding, Concerned by the persistent into the nearby wetlands. waterlogging in their gar- I will build more huts”. dens, the communities of With the active participation Omasia parish, in Katakwi of 242 community members, The partnership with communities district, raised the need to a new drainage channel that in the construction of improved move beyond addressing is eleven kilometers long flood resistant huts promoted

15 ownership among beneficiaries cuttings which I had planted • The costs of community and secured their household this year. I was able harvest based adaptation measures property, food and other valuable can be more affordable if items. In Olilim Sub-County, Atoo twelve bags of groundnuts, jointly implemented with the Celina, 66 years old, was support- which were adequate for communities and if they take ed by CARE in the construction sale, home consumption and the lead. of a flood resistant hut. In addi- storage for next planting. • Involving communities in tion, after receiving training from identifying causal factors of From this good harvest, I CARE, 3,201 community members hazards affecting them helps raised their verandas to keep wa- will sell 5 bags of ground them to develop simple and ter off and planted grass in their nuts from which I expect to lasting solutions to the haz- compounds to reduce water log- ards. ging. get about 500,000 Uganda shillings. The cassava in the • Incorporation of affordable, As a result of the construction practical, culturally sensitive of the water diversion channels garden will fetch me about and friendly technologies fa- in Kipinyang, Kaikamosing and 3.5 million Uganda shillings cilitates the multiplier effect Adurukoi villages in Katakwi dis- from both the cuttings and of initiatives. trict, community benefits such the tubers when I sell them. I • The labor intensive nature of as good harvests, risk reduction, attribute these good harvests the improved flood resistant controlled loss and damage of huts has placed extremely crops, huts, community access to the water diversion vulnerable persons, at the roads and other household prop- channel which was dug in my mercy of Good Samaritans, erty, were achieved. From one to acquire one. hectare of ground nuts, house- village and, has greatly • Seasonal availability of lo- holds harvested at least ten bags. reduced waterlogging in the cal construction materials The rich harvests of November gardens. If it has slowed and constrained 2014 helped vulnerable house- were not for this water construction of huts as com- holds in Omasia parish, Magoro munities turn priority to agri- Sub-County, Katakwi district to channel, I would have lost all cultural activities during the survive the dry spell from Novem- the ground nuts and cassava wet season. ber to early April 2015. As one of to water logging’. the beneficiaries testified; Community benefits from the improved flood resistant huts and LESSONS AND CHALLENGES ‘I secured a loan from water diversion channel have en- • Integrating local and modern couraged PfR Uganda to adopt the VSLA group to buy 5 technologies in the hut’s de- these activities as flood risk re- kilograms of groundnut sign and partnership in the duction strategies that can be seeds to top up on the 15 construction, made commu- scaled up and replicated in flood- nity replication and multipli- prone communities. kilograms that I had stored cation of the improved huts and 5 bags of cassava easy.

16 INTEGRATED APPROACH OFFERS A NEW LEASE OF LIFE FOR KARAMOJA AND LANGO, UGANDA \\ Authors: Justin Bob Kocho, Monica Anguparu, Festo Longole \\ Editor: Nancy Okwengu

The hilly terrain of Karamoja while others were identified Extreme and unpredictable separated people for years but as living downstream at Otuke weather seasons became dis- Lake Kyoga along with its tribu- district. For years they enjoyed turbingly common such as alter- taries was a resource that they their life by the water and paid nating floods and droughts. This shared and cherished. Some little or no attention to the en- provoked a once peaceful com- were known as the people who vironmental degradation that munity into resource based con- lived upstream in Napak Dis- was taking place right in front flict fighting for the now scarce trict and Nakapiripit District of them. resources. The effects of the

17 drought (often upstream) and the floods (often downstream) also left these communities vulnerable to loss of life and property.

INTEGRATED APPROACH ACTIVITIES BREED RESILIENCE Partners for Resilience in con- junction with Ecological Chris- tian Organization (ECO), CARE International and Caritas Moroto supported a three-fold community led integrated approach to mitigate the impact of hazards on these communities.

The plan started with training by PfR to community members on participatory disaster risk assessment, and mapping of land cover to identify the services provided by the now degraded ecosystems and the importance the community gave to the services. This analysis led the community to focus on the potential of the degraded land and the need to restore it. After the above exer- cises, the community identified wetlands; vegetation cover using grow better. The communities in measures to promote practical indigenous species and grass. Otuke received seeds and estab- DRR, CCA and EMR integrated lished two fruit and woody tree approaches. Promoting these Establishing a Disaster Risk Re- nursery beds comprising teak, practical integrated approaches duction (DRR) and wetland man- graviella, acacia, muvule, she- called for collaboration and har- agement committee and involve- anut, avocado, mango, orange, monizing ways of working for the ment of local leaders were also and guava and succeeded in es- success of the participatory ap- critical in achieving a successful tablishing over 6,000 successful proach. In fact, a Memorandum of collaboration. trees. Understanding (MOU) was drawn between the community, PfR and Communities in Napak and Na- In addition, modern local irrigation the local government. The pur- kapiripirit received about 800 interventions were adopted. For in- pose of the MOU was to clarify: fruit trees and over 1,000 wood stance, affordable drip irrigation by the roles of the stakeholders; the tree seedlings from the Serere using perforated plastic containers contributions and responsibilities and Nabuin Zonal Agricultural filled with water (by ECO in Naka- of partners involved; incentives Research and Development Insti- piripirit) and harvesting surface wa- for adherences to short and long tutes. The institutes offered them ter (by CARE in Otuke) were adopted term ecosystem activities; agree- expert knowledge on the type of and were critical for watering trees ment on areas demarcated for weather, planting season and soil in both Otuke and Nakapiripirit. Fur- conservation such as degraded type so that the seedlings would thermore a protected woodlot of

18 through controlled soil erosion as well as restoring the ecosystem.

With availability of water and fruit trees laden with flowers and pol- len to attract bees, the community engaged in bee keeping which has become an alternative source of livelihood. Moreover the availability of reliable water points lessened bee’s migration hence honey production increased. Otim Peter from Otuke District, another beneficiary remarked…

“The skills we learned have helped me to forge way forward in my future. Last season I sold 12 kg of honey and received 50 dollars income. I will make more bee hives and sell in the market to get money.” indigenous sheanut trees in three Nabwal and Tepeth parishes in To ensure the sustainability of acres of land in Otuke was demar- Napak district. Mr. Lokuun Peter, this success, the community has cated in order to preserve the trees. a community member noted, also been trained on bee keeping Finally, the communities received for income generation. Mr. Lokol incentives in the form of bee hives Mariko in Nakapiripirit who at- and goats that kick-started them “Many farmers that were tended one of the training ses- as they sought alternative sources farming along wetlands sions added… of livelihood. have now been restricted and the incidences of severe “I have learned to INTEGRATED APPROACH floods have reduced. We also appreciate bee keeping. GIVES A HEAD START FOR get sufficient clean water for We used to know that bees SUSTAINABLE FUTURE animals and humans” are untamable insects living There have been many posi- in the wilderness. Now we tive outcomes of these communi- The knowledge they received from have learnt safe larger scale ty led processes with PfR support the training on how to sustain the bee keeping and are doing for different stakeholders—such growth of trees meant that ex- as the local government. First- isting trees were conserved and it as an income generating ly, by-laws were developed and more trees planted all of which activity that meets my adopted by the communities of contributed to reducing risks family’s needs.”

19 my wife and our new born SUSTAINING ENVIRONMENT “Successful bee keeping baby would have been FOR PROSPERITY AND has helped these detained at the hospital POSTERITY communities to appreciate for failure of clearing the The positive impacts of the inte- conservation of water medical bill. The money grated approach were numerous, sources and trees. from the sale of the honey among them: nutritional boosts These are at the core of provided a way out for us. from fruits and honey; the veg- bounty honey harvest” I value bee keeping.” etation cover that provided wel- come shade for animals and …said Mr John Nangiro, a humans; the increased income; community member from Napak the jobs created; and the water District. “We were blind of the supply being assured. Above all, abundant potential of these communities are becoming He added that, honey production in our active agents in ecosystem management and restoration. That is land. Now we are able to “The income I generated the success of an integrated DRR, keep bees, harvest honey, helped me very much. The CCA and EMR approach! feed our family, even create harvest of 2013 coincided employment for workers who with the birth of our new work in the bee farms,” baby and we needed funds to clear the hospital bill. …said Omach Celina of Latara With my previous income, village in Otuke

IN NUMBERS • Approximately four years of project implementation • Over 500 direct beneficiaries reached so far • Over 500 beneficiaries received beehives after training on bee keeping and management • 150 farmers received honey harvesting kits • About five honey processing machines distributed • One training per district conducted on DRR, CCA and EMR

20 AN INTEGRATED APPROACH CONTRIBUTES TO INFORMED LOCAL ADVOCACY A CASE OF TESO-KARAMOJA IN UGANDA \\ Author: david adong \\ Editor: Nancy Okwengu

In the good old days, Teso–Kar- the picture of the idyllic past in formerly were all unusual have amoja rural areas were charac- Northern Eastern Uganda. How- become more prevalent. In fact, terized by green leafy high and ever, the last decades they have food insecurity, loss of lives and low lands as well as livestock experienced climate variations in loss of property have slowly be- grazing in the serene low lands. the region; deviations that have come common. The hearty laughter of children increased peoples vulnerabili- playing and their contented ty because hail storms, floods It was also notable that little parents watching them, paints and prolonged dry spells which was being done by the local

21 BOX 1: THE PROCESS OF BY-LAW FORMULATION FOR DRR, CCA AND EMR PROJECT IN NAPAK, AMURIA, KATAKWI AND NAKAPIRIPIRIT

Problem identification through researchn Consultative meetings for lobbying and advocacy n Drafting of the by-law n Presentation of the draft by-law for review by the Local Council III council n Endorsement of the by- law n Implementation of the by-law

governments of Teso-Karamoja EMR at the local level. The find- engaged local government and to integrate Disaster Risk Re- ings were: national level decision makers duction (DRR), Climate Change to lead initiatives for environmen- Adaptation (CCA) and Ecosys- • Minimal integration of DRR/ tal conservation. A mix of means tem Management Restoration CCA/EMR in the local gov- of engagement namely national (EMR) into their development ernment development plans and international events, audio plans. In fact there were mini- • Inadequate financial alloca- and visual evidence, stakehold- mal planned measures for pre- tion towards DRR/CCA/EMR er analysis, dialogue meetings, venting the negative impacts of in local government budget policy briefs, mass media and climate change. • Uncoordinated interventions exchange visits, were used to ad- to mitigate climate change at vocate integrating DRR/CCA/EMR in the District Development Plans STEPS TAKEN TO SUSTAIN local government level and budgets for the Teso-Kar- LIVES IN CHANGING TIMES • Low technical capacities amoja region. Fact finding research studies within the local government in the Teso–Karamoja were com- to implement DRR/CCA/EMR In addition, Caritas Uganda con- missioned by the Partners for Re- ducted various trainings for part- silience (PfR) consortium to find Equipped with data from ners to share knowledge and the obstacles and opportunities these research studies, Cor- skills on advocacy and lobbying, for implementing DRR, CCA and daid’s PfR local partners budget analysis and expenditure

22 a practice which was rampant in Iriri. The “Ecomai” tree, was a cherished tree in this community, provided multiple benefits and served as a major source of livelihood. To name a few of its at- tributes, its leaves provided food for this community and its wide canopy provided a cool shade for pastoralists and their animals during the hot seasons. Above all, this popular tree was an integral part of the ecosystem of this area. However, the trees were endan- gered and the benefits this tree provided were diminishing to an alarming extent. (See Box 1 : The process of by-law formulation in Napak, Amuria, Katakwi and Na- kapiripirit).

The perspective that the “Ecomai” tree was a money maker changed community attitudes and amaz- ingly the community became ea- ger to preserve these trees. tracking. The partner organiza- get allocations for Environment Additionally, the local government tions then targeted key decision and Natural resources increased of Amuria joined hands with Cari- 1 makers at the local government from 1.5% in financial year 2013 tas Soroti (SOCADIDO) and com- level and challenged them to to 5% in financial year 2014, in munity members to demarcate the plan and budget for the DRR, CCA each of the four district local Kiriik wetland in Acowa Sub Coun- and EMR integrated approach. governments of Amuria, Katakwi, ty that had been degraded by the The main channels and ways of Napak and Nakapiripirit. These local communities. The accep- communicating with the decision funds facilitated tree planting, en- tance by decision makers was key makers were dialogue meetings vironmental awareness outreach to this success. to share research findings and and training various stakeholders The degradation of this wetland community direct feedback in on DRR. was worrying. For instance, when videos, audio and print documen- floods hit the area in 2007, the tation. This combination enabled The most notable success was damage caused was a wakeup effective communication of key the enactment of the 2014, Envi- call that this was not business advocacy demands and conse- ronmental Protection and Conser- as usual. The community dis- quently facilitated understanding vation By-law in Iirir sub-county covered that the destruction of and promoted change within the of Napak District. This by-law the wetlands had contributed to local governments. helped to regulate indiscriminate cutting of trees such as the “Eco- 1 Soroti Catholic Diocese Integrated Develop- As a result of these activities, bud- mai” tree for charcoal burning, ment Organization.

23 increasing floods because wet- They may face new challenges mon end and the end is healthy lands acted as water reservoirs due to years of environmental co-existence within the ecosys- and pathways by the rice fields. degradation, but the people of Te- tem. Their environment is green- Fortunately, with the demarcation so-Karamoja are now more deter- er. A typical case of DRR, CCA and and protection of the Kiriik Wet- mined to progressively overcome EMR paving the way for a brighter land in Acowa Sub County Amero them. So far this process has also secure future. Parish this community was now led to harmony and unity in the protected from diverse effects of community since the ecosystem climate risks such as floods. is viewed as a means to a com-

24 COMMUNITIES ROLES IN MAKING BY-LAWS TO MANAGE AND RESTORE THEIR ECOSYSTEM \\ Authors: Irene Amuron and Stephen Abila \\ Editor: Patrick Nzioka

Uganda Red Cross Society store the environment, adapt to crop diseases, all of which un- (URCS) and Soroti Catholic Di- their ecosystem and ameliorate dermines their development ef- ocese Integrated Development the negative impacts of climate forts. URCS is working in Akokoro Organization (SOCADIDO) have change. sub-county in Apac district and been working with communi- Ongongoja sub-county in Katak- ties in the Northern, Eastern and A common thread in the commu- wi district while SOCADIDO is North-Eastern parts of Uganda nities is that their areas are prone working in Acowa sub-county in to enable the communities to re- to floods, drought, animal and Amuria district.

25 A strategy of the PfR Programme for their leadership in the com- is to build the capacity of community. munities to participate in the for- With Support from SOCADIDO, mulation and implementation of the communities in Amero par- by-laws to restore their degrading ish, Acowa sub-county mobilized eco-system. themselves and came up with To ensure full participation, the by-laws on eco-system man- two organizations supported agement and restoration that communities in analyzing their were approved by the sub-county risks and in forming 11 groups at Council in 2012. In the same year, the parish level locally known as URCS facilitated an exchange vis- DRR committees. In each parish, it to the Apac district of selected a committee was formed, com- DRR members and local govern- prising between 20-25 members ment officials from Katakwi. The each. These groups were formed team from Katakwi learnt about to contribute to risks reduction how their counterparts in Apac and mitigation of the effects of were managing environmental flooding. These groups act as issues related to tree cutting by change agents and as links be- enacting and enforcing by-laws tween the local government, against indiscriminate cutting. NGOs and the communities. The These by-laws emphasized pres- groups have been registered as ervation of indigenous tree spe- Community Based Organizations cies such as the shea nut butter, (CBOs) to enable them to access mango, and tangerine, the restric- resources from government and tion of charcoal burning, and the donors once the project ends. demarcation of fragile wetlands. The groups are also involved in On return from Apac district, the other development work such as DRR committees and local gov- mobilization of communities for ernment officials engaged the government programmes like the community and disseminated youth empowerment and social lessons learned, which result- protection programmes in the ed in the development of a by- same area. law, ‘Elimination of tree-cutting’, The members were trained in which prohibits indiscriminate project planning and manage- tree cutting. ment, report writing, leadership In addition, the DRR members or- skills, agro-forestry, construction ganized campaigns against tree of energy saving stoves, contin- cutting using the slogan ‘eraiek- gency planning and early warning itoiopaperikon’ (the tree is your systems. friend’) to remind communities Since the group members are not about the importance of trees. paid, URCS has motivated them The Ogongoja sub-county, in by donating bicycles, T-shirts and consultation with the DRR mem- umbrellas, while SOCADIDO has bers, developed ‘The Wetland Ac- supported exchange visits. They tion Plan’ after holding a series have also been recognized by the of consultative meetings with the community and local government communities.

26 27 Following the enactment of the Currently, most of the farmers that The degraded eco-system is re- by-laws on eco-system resto- are cultivating around this wetland covering slowly but surely. ration in Acowa sub-county, the do not go beyond the demarcated Lessons learnt are that the in- communities demarcated the area and the sub county officials volvement of communities and Kiriik wetland using sisal cover- together with the DRR committee council members in the developing a length of about 50 kilome- members have continued to mon- ment of by-laws promotes accep- ters. itor the area that was demarcated. tance and implementation.

28 GRASSROOT COMMITTEES FILL POLICY IMPLEMENTATION GAPS A CASE OF OTUKE DISTRICT, UGANDA \\ Author: Monica Anguparu \\ Editor: Harry Misiko

For over 40 years, residents of waters during the rainy seasons. fected mainly the agro-pasto- Ogor and Olilim sub counties The situation is worsened by the ralist Langi community’s efforts in Otuke District, North Eastern location of the district— in the to recover from the two-decade Uganda, have suffered periodic low-lying area of Lake Kyoga ba- civil war that uprooted them from ravages of floods, water logging sin, which acts as a water point their homeland. Their dream to and drought. Over 14,000 res- for run-off waters from Karamoja return to an agro-pastoralist life- idents have been losing crops, highlands. These annual floods style has been elusive for about livestock and property to raging and droughts have seriously af- a decade.

29 30 While the Government of Uganda CARE together with OPM and formulated policies to alleviate Otuke District Natural Resourc- the suffering of communities like es and Agriculture Department Langi, their implementation faced conducted two separate train- challenges. For instance, the Na- ings. First, 90 persons select- tional Wetland Policy (1995), which ed by the residents acquired sought to promote the protection practical skills in disaster risk of wetlands, has had limited im- reduction and management. pact in villages prone to floods, The second training of 66 com- water logging and drought. A sim- munity representatives focused ilar scenario applied to the Na- on wetland management to tional Disaster Preparedness and promote their sustainable use. Management Policy (NDPM 2010), The NDPM training ended with which sought to “reduce Uganda’s the formation of nine-member vulnerability to disasters”. committees in the 10 parishes of Ogor and Olilim sub counties; To contribute to the goals envis- the wetland management train- aged in the two policies, in 2011 ing, ended with the formation CARE studied the issues that of two, 33-member committees were limiting their effective im- for Agony and Acilayang wet- plementation in Otuke. Key find- lands. ings included limited dissemination of the policy, absence of NDPM committees in parishes management committees in the later trained locals who formed villages and language barriers similar nine-member committees that limited understanding of the in villages. Together, they planned policy and made it appear a for- and mapped hazards in all the 10 eign document for the elite. As parishes, drew hazard and vision such, the community continued maps, and developed and imple- degrading wetlands through rice mented contingency plans. They growing, grazing and felling trees also documented indigenous for charcoal and wood. weather forecast, which was dis- cussed and shared with govern- CARE consulted with the Office ment meteorologists for integra- of the Prime Minister (OPM) that tion into the scientific weather coordinates implementation of forecast that they disseminate to the DRR policy with the Ministry the community. of Water and Environment, the Local Government of Otuke and The two wetland management the Langi community, seeking to committees in 2013 organized enable the locals to participate in meetings with the communities filling the identified gaps. Training to discuss threats to their en- residents on NDPM and Wetland vironment. They mapped wet- Management policies to build lo- lands threatened by degrada- cal capacities to lessen effects of tion due to rice growing, grazing, hazards, promote sustainable use bush and charcoal burning. The of wetlands, environmental pro- community and the committees tection, and promotion of alterna- agreed to protect Agony and Aci- tive livelihoods were considered lanyang wetlands in Ogor Sub viable interventions. County. They held consultative

31 meetings with all stakeholders prone areas relocate to stay with of the wetlands such as reli- “I have lived knowing wetlands relatives in safer areas during the gious institutions, cultural lead- are our future resources…but rainy season. Others have con- ers, women, youth, pot makers, people returned from camps structed raised granaries for food crafts men, schools, fishermen, to cultivate them. The plan storage, zoned areas for graz- miners, hunters, sub-county, ing during dry season and built we have developed is good. district NGOs and the Ministry of flood-resistant huts. Water and Environment, to plan I am now in the committee the sustainable use of the wet- and teaching people on Over time, the communities have lands. traditional values of our learnt to live with environmental wetland resources…” hazards by reducing the risks on The wetland management plan their livelihoods, infrastructure included demarcation of the and environment. They are imple- According to Ms. Akello Betty, a wetlands, digging cattle water menting the by-laws they formu- member of Ogor DRR Committee: points and setting aside graz- lated because they were consult- ing areas outside the wetland ed and involved. People are taking sources. It also involved con- “I used to cut trees for actions at household levels to trolling fishing and hunting, charcoal including shea safe-guard against hazards. formulation of by-laws and im- nut and at the same time There is also increased commu- plementing them. Penalties for nication and coordination with harvest shea oil for sale. breaking the by-laws included sub-county and district officials. cash and livestock fines and Now I realize the importance arrest and confinement by po- of using trees sustainably. PfR have learnt that communities lice. I now sell more shea nut have the potential to manage issues that affect them. When orga- The locals have owned the risk oil for income and I have nized, they can work collectively reduction and wetland manage- stopped cutting trees. Nature with simple laws which feed into ment interventions. They follow is our wealth, the shea nut government policies. Implemen- the by-laws which integrate with trees I harvest were actually tation of this project has helped to the District Natural Resources understand that local communities Ordinance that CARE facilitated harvested by my great are knowledgeable and resourceful. in 2013. According to the Dis- grandparents for food, oil Improving on what they know, pos- trict Natural Resources Officer of and shade. Environment is sess and believe in, helps enhance Otuke, cutting of trees for char- now my friend”. their contribution to disaster risk coal has been reduced by about reduction. Even with insufficient 60 percent. Communities in Atira, Amunga financial resources and capacities Mr. Angulo Yuventino, a member and Ogwette parishes of Olilim at government level, communities of Agony Wetland Management Sub-County have adopted appli- can go a long way in sustainable Committee in Ogor sub-county cation of traditional risk reduction use of the environment and reduc- remarked: plans. Families living near flooding the impact of hazards.

32 INDIGENOUS AND SCIENTIFIC WEATHER FORECASTS WORKING TOGETHER IN UGANDA \\ Authors: Stephen Abila, Irene Amuron and Monica Anguparu \\ Editor: Sophia Irepu

For ages, communities interact- when they could not explain why lining along a village path, and ed with their environment and certain things happened the way cooing of the black kiwi bird, were learnt to read its behavior and they did. used to tell whether it was going symbolism and with time, started to rain, be dry or extremely windy. to associate its unique charac- Symbols such as the reddening of The consistency of these signs ter with changes in the weather. the moon, absence of stars in the built community’s confidence in They learnt to listen, speak and sky, migration of birds in a certain the local signs. This made them act with their environment, even direction, dropping of leaves, ants reluctant and indifferent to sci-

33 entific weather forecasts given the communities to proactively wind, whistling of kiwi birds lo- by weather stations. Additionally, receive and use information dis- cally known as Esuksukin Amu- weather forecasts were printed in seminated by UNMA. ria, Katakwi, Napak, Nakapiripirit English and broadcast on national and Awila bird in Otuke, patterns television and radio, media which of stars and moon, croaking of TACKLING THE PROBLEM were largely lacking in remote vil- frogs, as signals commonly used lages. Religious sensitivities also PfR partners worked with the to tell whether there would be rain played their part, with some peo- communities in Amuria, Apac and or drought and its magnitude, ple maintaining that only God can Otuke to conduct a rapid assess- with minimal variations from one forecast the future. All this affect- ment in determining practical community to another. ed community’s response to and means of increasing coverage action on the scientific informa- and use of UNMA weather fore- Soroti Catholic Diocese Integrat- tion disseminated. casts by subsistence farmers, ed Development Organization agro pastoralists and pastoralists (SOCADIDO) working in Acowa for effective planning and imple- Sub-County,Amuria District, and DISCOVERING THE mentation of farm activities, and CARE Uganda working in Ogor MISSING LINK for monitoring and giving feed- and Olilim sub-counties in Otuke Participation of Partners for Re- back to UNMA. The assessment districts then supported the com- silience (PfR) collaborators in revealed the communities strong munities in formerly documenting the monthly National Disaster attachment to indigenous signs and developing these into Ear- Risk Reduction platform with and symbols for reading weath- ly Warning Early Action (EWEA) the Uganda National Meteorol- er as an opportunity to bridge the posters and matrices for easy ogy Authority (UNMA) revealed gap. dissemination and access. The that communities were ignoring matrices are used to integrate in- the quarterly forecasts released With this information, PfR Ugan- digenous and scientific weather by UNMA. There was a need to da, worked with the same com- forecasts and draw actions on a bridge the gap between UNMA munities to identify and record quarterly basis, for dissemina- and communities in dissemi- known indigenous signs and tion by the Disaster Risk Reduc- nation and use of weather fore- symbols used for weather fore- tion (DRR) committees in market casts. This would involve finding casts. The communities collec- places, churches, mosques, tradi- new and unique ways of engaging tively identified movement of the tional events, schools, communi-

INDIGENOUS SIGNS USED BY THE COMMUNITIES TO PREDICT WEATHER

SIGN/SYMBOL SIGNAL/MEANING

Whistling of Esuksuk or Awila bird (kiwi bird) Onset of rain

Croaking of frogs Onset of heavy rain

Movement of stars from East to West direction Rain is about to come

Movement of very strong dry wind from north to south Onset of dry season

Silence of Esusuk and Awilabird Onset of dry season

Heavy flowering of Luchoro tree Onset of very heavy rains and hence floods

Delayed and poor flowering of Luchoro tree Delayed and short rains affecting crop yields

34 ty information centers and other parisons, he agreed that the two loud speakers tied together, with public notice boards. were in agreement and could be a microphone, and a solar pan- disseminated to the communities el and its accessories for power. as an integrated weather fore- The community members se- BUILDING BRIDGES cast to cover both indigenous and lected one household to host the SOCADIDO has since partnered scientific interests. Since then, radio equipment that covers a ra- with the meteorology office in So- the community members have dius of two and a half kilometers. roti district to validate the com- continued to disseminate their This household is responsible munity’s local weather forecasts weather forecasts as integrated, for the overall management and and disseminate quarterly sci- covering both indigenous and security of the equipment, sup- entific weather forecasts to the scientific predictions. ported by a committee set up by communities through meetings. the community. The management During one of these meetings, the charges a fee of Uganda shillings meteorology officer reviewed the COMMUNITY RADIO 500 to 1000, which is less than a EXTENDS REACH indigenous signs and symbols dollar for private radio announce- documented by the community In Apac and Katakwi districts, ments to support maintenance of for that quarter, along with the Uganda Red Cross Society the radio. Dissemination of the early actions agreed upon by the (URCS) supported the commu- information on this radio is done community to assess the level nities in setting up community by six trained Community Based of accuracy in comparison to the radios for easy dissemination of Disaster Risk Reduction (CB- scientific weather forecast and weather forecasts. Attached to a DRR) members. Francis Amode, recommended actions for that long pole on the roof of a hut, the Omunyuk Parish Development quarter. After more than two com- community radio consists of two Chairperson, testifies:

35 CASTING A WIDE NET to undertake early actions “The community radio has CARE partnered with meteorolo- like opening channels and eased communication in gists from Ngeta Zonal Agricul- planting fast maturing and the villages of Omunyuk, ture and Research Development drought tolerant crops. Anyangabela, Obarute, Institute to disseminate weather • UNMA has used the expe- Obulengorok and Amuruto. forecasts in Otuke district and rience with the PfR project train district sector heads in We now get timely on integrating indigenous weather forecast dissemination. and scientific knowledge to information on the state of Private media houses were used inform the development of roads, water, climate and to disseminate weather fore- national indicators for cli- even education and make casts through radio talk shows mate change. informed choices…” to increase access and coverage. Speakers on these talk shows included a meteorologist and dis- LESSONS LEARNT After the installation of the Apac trict officials. Feedback sessions • Partnering with other stake- weather station in June 2014, with radio listeners were arranged URCS partnered with Apac Dis- holders helps to bridge gaps to monitor coverage and general trict Local Government to share in weather forecast dissem- feedback from the community to and disseminate district specif- ination and build in sustain- UNMA. ic weather forecast information, ability. through the community radio. CARE partnered with the Africa • Beneficiary involvement in Jasper Otimoi; District Environ- Climate Change Resilience Alli- information collection for ment Officer and Weather Fore- ance, supported the translation weather forecasts helps to cast focal person, Apac district, and dissemination of forecast dispel skepticism, distrust shares his experience: highlights in 8 local languages, and build confidence, com- including those spoken in PfR mitment, ownership and “Before the weather station project sites. Community volun- demand from the target teers were trained to use a simple was opened in June 2014, beneficiaries. monitoring and evaluation tools we relied entirely on infor- to obtain feedback on weather mation from the Meteorology forecast dissemination and use. Department in Entebbe. The feedback is used by UNMA to This was troublesome and inform decision making. unreliable, as it was not area specific. This made ACHIEVEMENTS communities consider the • Communities now use the information as inaccurate.” integrated scientific and indigenous weather forecasts

36 COMMUNITY BASED KNOWLEDGE CENTRES BOOST COMMUNITIES’ SKILLS IN UGANDA \\ Authors: Festo Longole Lorika and Alfred John Okeng \\ Editor: Sophia Irepu

The saying “knowledge is wealth” risk assessments. The risk assess- Atangwatta, Omwonylee, parishes held true for the communities of ments were conducted in 2011 with in Ogor Sub-County and Ogwette, Napak and Otuke districts in Kar- the communities by Caritas Moro- Gotojwang, Anepkide, Angetta, amoja and Lango sub-regions of to in the parishes of Nabwal and Amunga and Atira parishes in Olilim Uganda when Partners for Resil- Tepeth in Iriir Sub-county, in Na- Sub-County Otuke district. ience (PfR) collaborators worked pak district and by CARE Interna- The common hazards identified with them to conduct community tional Uganda, in Oluro, Anyalima, by the communities included pro-

37 longed dry spell1, droughts2, flash floods, and hailstorms. The impacts ranged from, crop damage to reduced yields, food insecurity and hunger, loss of lives, poor animal health, destruction of infrastructure and people’s properties. The communities identified limited DRR/ CCA/EMR knowledge, skills and exposure, as factors limiting their capacity to mitigate and adapt to extreme conditions of weather variability.

COMMUNITIES JOIN HANDS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM During further consultations with the communities and other stakeholders in Napak district, communities identified the establishment of community based structures as one of the ways to address the capacity gaps identified and to enhance communities’ capacity to cope with hazards. Follow- ing this recommendation, Caritas Moroto, supported the communities in Napak district to construct six learning centers in the villages the finances, technical experts were composed of local leaders, of: Naloret; Lojom; Naturumrum; and other construction materi- women and men, with the main Apenanyia; and Loskait, in Iriir als like cement and iron sheets responsibility of overseeing and Sub County. to help complete construction of managing the community learn- the learning Centre building. Once ing centers. Upon their selection, For their part, the communities built they equipped the learning contributed labour, local materi- the DRR committee members Centre with books, flip charts, als, and land for both the Centre were thus trained in leadership, training boards and Early Warning building as well as demonstra- Centre management and group and Early Action posters which tion gardens. Caritas provided dynamics skills, to help in their had been developed previously management of the community with the communities. Farm in- 1 Dry spell is a prolonged dry season with Centres. minimal impact and potential to progress puts such as hoes and spades into a drought. In Uganda, dry spells are were also given for use in the In order to address the technical experienced more commonly in the flat lands of Teso and Lango sub regions. demonstrations gardens. skill gaps earlier identified by the 2 Drought is the failure of two or more communities in the consultation consequential rainfall seasons resulting in the drying of pastures and water points, To keep the Learning Centres meetings, basic livelihoods skills with dire consequences on people’s lives functional, Caritas Moroto facil- trainings on soil and water con- and livelihoods. A drought can last for months or years, or may be declared after itated the community in identi- servation measures like establish- as few as 15 days. Drought is more common in Karamoja than any other region in fying 20 community members to ment of drainage channels, use of the country, given the semi-arid nature of serve as DRR committees. These small scale irrigation schemes and its terrain.

38 skills and practices and ability to pass it on to the community. Af- ter their selection, CARE provided training on improved agricultural technologies such as apiary, soil and water conservation practices like mulching and post-harvest handling, conducted by Ngetta Agricultural research institute in Lira District.

In addition, CARE attached five vulnerable households to each of the 30 model farmers to pass on their knowledge, skills and practices. For incentive, five model farmers were provided with a technician to guide in constructing rainwater harvest pits on a cost sharing basis. Ten model farmers received drought tolerant seeds like cassava and peas for multiplication and five received eggplant and onion bulbs to establish kitchen gar- modern agronomical practices cal knowledge attained from the dens, as learning farms for oth- center to both direct and indirect such as agroforestry, apiary man- er community members. Five beneficiaries who visit the com- agement and construction were cassava multiplication fields munity center. Occasionally the conducted. Additional training in have since been established in committees also carry out com- sustainable use of energy effi- Angetta, Atira, Anepkide par- munity sensitization activities to cient stoves, DRR/CCA/EMR basic ishes in Olilim Sub-County and share DRR/CCA/EMR principles. components, livestock treatment Omwonylee, Oluroparishes, and integration of the traditional Ogor sub-counties. and scientific weather forecasts MODEL FARMERS SCALE UP for early warning and early action, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS were also given for the commit- TRANSFER INITIATIVES THE BENEFITS tees to pass on to the communi- In Otuke District, CARE, in 2012, More than 300 people in Napak ties on a regular and sustainable in consultation with the com- were trained by the DRR commit- basis. munity, parish and sub disaster tees in energy efficient stove con- The DRR committees are now run- management committees iden- struction, small scale irrigation, ning the centres and work with the tified 30 model farmers from ten apiary management, agronomy, communities on a monthly basis, target parishes, using the criteria water and soil conservation prac- to develop monthly action plans to of good behavior, activeness, re- tices, and local water harvest- roll out the theoretical and practi- ceptiveness to new knowledge, ing technologies. Out of around

39 270 beneficiaries evaluated in of income and improved their re- • Climate variability limiting 2014: 70 are practicing local wa- silience to hazards. Ten commu- production and harvests ter harvesting on their farms and nities have now constructed small homesteads; 190 adopted home water points for harvesting water LESSONS LEARNED vegetable gardens; 240 are able for their animals. Mr. Acuma Tom, • Presence of community to diagnose, treat and vaccinate a model farmer from Got Ojwang learning centres and refer- livestock by themselves; and 156 parish, Olilim, proudly notes; ence points in the commu- are maintaining protective trees nities help to facilitate easy in and around their gardens as a transfer of knowledge and local flood response measure. Mr. My home is now a skills among community Mutia Joseph a DRR committee demonstration site. I receive members. member from in Nabwal parish community members, • Use of participatory ap- testifies; District stakeholders proaches helps to put solu- and other civil society tions in the communities’ Caritas-Moroto trained representatives, who come hands and promotes their ownership and the sustain- us on horticulture in the to learn from me and also ability of initiatives. DRR center and gave us give me necessary support. • Understanding communi- vegetable seeds to plant The chief administrative ties’ local capacities, skills, in and around our home. officer said my home will knowledge, perceptions and We are now able become a central learning natural resources helps to to practice most of point for visitors. design more acceptable and resilient interventions at the these activities without community level. much external support. CHALLENGES • High cost of inputs that In Otuke District, five model farm- farmers cannot easily afford, ers have scaled up their production which discourages adoption levels from one acre to four acres. • Slow government interest to This has diversified their sources support community initiatives

40 USING IMPROVED SEED VARIETIES TO ADAPT TO CLIMATE CHANGE \\ Authors: Deborah Atebo and Stephen Abila \\ Editor: Jayne Rose Gacheri

For Charles Okullu and Vincent to go without a day’s meal. This is only for the rains to fail Okello, both from Katakwi and because their fortunes in farming and reduce the harvest to Amuria Districts of North Eastern were uncertain and often difficult nothing,” said Okello. Uganda, respectively, the last 10 due to unpredictable weather. years have been stressful. They had to live from hand to mouth Conversely when the rains came striving to provide for their fami- “Sometimes we would plant flooding their crops were swept lies. Many times their families had expecting a bumper harvest away. Living in the drought strick-

41 en regions, there were hardly any of improved crop varieties of cas- varieties that performed well for alternative sources of economic sava, sorghum, green grams, sim- adoption and multiplication. Most activity when farming failed. The sim and peas. of the seed varieties performed two Districts have two plant- better that the traditionally used In order to access the improved ing seasons; a wet season from seeds, with the exception of seso seed varieties, TPO Uganda and March to October, and a dry sea- 3 that withered even under normal SOCADIDO contacted the Nation- son from November to February. rain conditions. NaSARRI and the al Semi Arid Research Resources However, Cordaid Uganda, an or- community used this feedback Institute (NaSARRI). NaSARRI is ganization which supports farm- to determine which strains were a government-led research in- ers, noted that these seasons worth adopting in the two com- stitute that develops improved were increasingly becoming unre- munities. varieties of local crops that can liable and unpredictable. This was better endure climate variabili- attributed to changing weather After establishing the suitability ty. NaSARRI´s researchers were patterns that have resulted in pe- of the tested seed varieties and also interested in establishing a riodic prolonged dry spells as well their compatibility with the soils demonstration site where they as intermittent flooding. and climatic conditions of the two could demonstrate their work sub-counties, TPO Uganda and This phenomenon greatly affect- and encourage local adoption of SOCADIDO procured seeds from ed the economy of the two dis- these new seed varieties. The two NaSARRI and distributed them to tricts because more than 90% of organizations signed a memo- 825 households in Amero Parish the population rely on subsis- randum of understanding to pro- and 1,216 households in Omasia tence agriculture and animal hus- vide improved seed varieties and Parish. The seeds distributed in- bandry. Some of the major crops to establish demonstration sites cluded sorghum, pea, soya beans, grown included cassava, sweet for learning purposes in the two cassava stems and sesame. The potatoes, ground nuts, sorghum communities. total of the seeds distribution is millet, peas and maize. indicated in the table below:

PRACTICAL LESSONS According to a Uganda food se- After planting the improved seed THROUGH DEMONSTRATION curity brief of November 2010, varieties, Okullowho hails from SITES Katakwi and Amuria were among Amero Parish was quite im- the District in Teso region that In 2012, seven demonstration sites pressed by what he harvested in were bordering on food insecurity were established in Omasia Parish less than a year. or were moderately food insecure. and eight in Amero Parish. Plant- This implied that appropriate re- ed in the demo farms were several “The improved cassava sponses and strategies were nec- varieties of sorghum (seso 1-3), essary to improve the livelihoods peas (secow 1-3), cassava (NASE variety took less than a year and to reduce the risk of hazards. 14) and simsim (sesame 3). Na- to mature as opposed to the SARRI trained 120 local residents traditional variety which took (60 in Amero and 60 in Omasia) to The two Cordaid Uganda part- five years to mature,” ners: Transcultural Psychosocial run the demonstration farms. They Organization (TPO Uganda) and were trained on how to handle and Soroti Catholic Dioceses Inte- cultivate the new varieties. They said a jubilant Okullu. grated Development Organiza- were only authorized to purchase He explained that with the tradi- tion (SOCADIDO) worked with the improved seeds from the research tional variety he had to go through Communities of Amero in Acowa station that were evaluated by the stressful periods where he had Sub-County and Omasia in Ma- communities according to their difficulty feeding his family while goro Sub-County to identify al- yields, maturity period and resis- he waited for the harvest. Now, ternative adaptation measures tance to pests and diseases. The he says, he can spend this valu- to prolonged dry spells. The two evaluation was done to help the able time doing others things that communities prioritized adoption communities in identifying the

42 TABLE 1.

IMPROVED SEEDS DISTRIBUTED (2012)

20,410 Kilograms of sorghum (seso 2)

1,127 Kilograms of pea seeds

280 Kilograms of soya beans

1,080 Bags of cassava stems

416 Kilograms of sesame

have economical gains. with my family which received the improved cassava was not the case before”, varieties for multiplication. Farm- ers in Amero and Omasia parishes “I am extremely impressed have already distributed 412 bags explained Okullo. with this type of cassava of cassava stems to 212 households for planting within their variety (NASE 14) which From the inputs distributed (Table parishes. “This means that the has taken 8-12 month 1 above), the outcome was encour- projects is going to touch many aging as seen from table 2 below. to mature. This has helped lives in the next three years,” me to recover from the Okullu noted. CHANGING FAMILY FOR- problem of food shortage TUNES that had affected my “The improved varieties At the beginning of the project in household. I can now have 2012, a total of 904 households (sorghum, green grams, peas, more than two meals a day from Katakwi and Amura districts and cassava cuttings/stems)

TABLE 2.

NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS SEED TYPE OUTPUTS (IN TONNS) SUPPORTED

Sorghum 2041 3,673.8

Peas 1,127 90.16

Soya beans 56 22.4

Sesame (3) 416 22.88

Cassava cuttings 904 2,712

43 that were distributed to the parcel of land. Now Okello had “This way we hope to households have changed more than one acre of land under cultivation and he was looking save enough to invest into household food security forward for better yields to en- large scale farming and status. Families in these able him to become a commer- who knows, maybe one day regions are now able cial farmer. “I am happy with the we shall save enough to grow to have two meals a day,” yields from these improved new the group to a cooperative said Vincent Okello, a farmer seeds and I am looking forward saving scheme where from Omasia Parish, adding for a better harvest which I can members can borrow that before the introduction sell,” he said. The excited farmer said he was planning to save and repay with interest,” of the improved variety enough to venture into dairy seedlings, most families farming. could hardly afford more said Okello. than a meal a day. From the sale of the peas, sesame and soya beans harvested in From the gains made in the im- Before trying the improved va- 2013, a total of 13 households proved seed venture, households rieties Vincent Okello used to in Omasia Parish purchased 62 were not only able to feed their harvest less than 50 kilograms goats while those in Amero Par- families but could pay their bills of green grams and peas from ish purchased 71 goats. After such as school fees, hospital his ½ acre parcel of land. Now, breeding the animals to maturi- bills, and hire additional labor for he said the yields have improved ty, they sold them off and shared ploughing, planting, and harvest- and he harvested more than 100 the proceeds with group mem- ing. The sky is the limit for the kilograms of green grams and 80 bers. Part of the money was used farmers of Katakwi and Amuria kilograms of peas in the same to buy more goats. districts.

44 VILLAGE LOAN ASSOCIATIONS IMPROVE LIVES IN UGANDA \\ Authors: ROBERT OTIM, JUSTIN BOB KOCHO, AND FESTO LONGOLE \\ Editor: HARRY MISIKO

They are kilometres apart. Their have been causing crop failure, Resilience (PfR), Facilitation for populations are different. But mainly maize, sesame (sim sim) Peace and Development (FAPAD), Otuke, Napakand Nakapiripir- and sorghum every year— expos- Ecological Christian Organisa- it districts in Uganda have one ing a combined agro-pastoral- tion (ECO) and CARITAS Moroto, thing in common: Crippling abject ist population of over 120,000 to facilitated a participatory as- poverty caused by flash floods, hunger. sessment of this problem. The erratic rainfall and prolonged dry assessment was done in Olilim spells. The ravages of weather In 2011 and 2012, Partners for and Ogor sub-counties of Otuke

45 District; Nabilatuk and Lolachat sub-counties of Nakapiripirit Dis- trict and IriirSub-County in Napak District. They established that while the mainly agro-pastoralist Karimojong and Langi communities have been seeking to alleviate poverty and hunger through diversification of income sources, lack of capital has stood in their way. The two communities were actually worsening the climate change problem by clearing forests and burning charcoal to make ends meet.

Majority of the locals involved in the community assessment made it clear that their main problem was access to capital to diversify their income sources. They want- ed to save the money they had to get start-up capital from shared pools.

PfR mobilized and facilitated the residents informing and regis- tering Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs). The choice of VSLAs was informed by the among VSLAs to help them Moroto extended a Uganda successes that CARE Interna- learn from one another. Shillings 700,000 loan to its tional recorded with that resource Various members of VSLAs 12 VSLAs in Napak District mobilisation method in Karamoja in Otuke District, for instance, to help them give adequate region in 2006, as well as in oth- paid a visit to Apetosican and loans to their members. er areas of Uganda. PfR took the Eswamata Ajautu VSLAs in following steps: • Since some VSLA members Olwa Parish, Amuria District, were investing their loans • 400 community leaders were in November 2014. Here, in crop production, FAPAD trained on record-keeping, they learned added value and helped 30 successful farmers group dynamics, financial marketing. in villages establish mod- management, and leader- • They provided saving kits el farms in Ogor and Olili ship skills. The leaders then to the groups to keep their sub-counties from which returned to their respective money safely in their homes. VSLA members could learn communities and trained The kits included cash boxes, best farming practices. other persons on leadership counter-books for keeping • FAPAD, ECO and CARITAS skills. They also supported records, rubberstamps, ink Moroto later facilitated su- the groups to formulate and pads, and pens. pervision and sensitisation of implement by-laws. • In some cases, PfR provided the associations in financial • They facilitated group visits start-up capital to VSLAs. For management to help them and exchange programmes instance, in 2012, CARITAS remain stable.

46 and borrowed Uganda Shillings 2 million to diversify his businesses. He invested the loan in a shop, a restaurant and rice farming.

“In 2014, we used the loan to construct a permanent house that cost Uganda Shillings 15 million. We have rented out part of the building and the other part is a hotel,”

Mr Odongo shared.

BUSINESS BOOM Most businesses started by VSLA members are doing well. Some VSLA members have opened shops and restaurants while others buy and sell livestock, fish and cereals. Some have repaid their loans and are sustaining their These interventions have led to Lokitare John Bosco, the group business with the profits they resilience of the targeted popula- secretary Lojom VSLA in Napak have made over the years. District, commented: tion to floods, long dry spells and Mr Ngiro Charles of Namid-Kao erratic rainfall, all problems which Village, for instance, took a loan are worsening daily. The details of “Currently, the total of Uganda Shillings 300,000 from the success are as follows. Lokwakwa VSLA and invested it savings of the group in an animal drugs business. He stand at Ug Sh 1,200,000 RESOURCE MOBILISATION had this to share: and the welfare fund The targeted residents of Otuke, is 350,000.” Napak and Nakapiripirit districts “In two months I had are now pooling their money and made a Uganda Shillings pulling together quite literally. This money is usually available for 250,000 profit. This is Over 200 VSLAs with over 8,000 members to borrow and venture the money I’m using to run members have been formed in into diversified crop cultivation, my business. Besides, I the three targeted districts— 186 business and other IGAs. In 2012, associations in Otuke, 30 in Na- for example, George Odongo and grow and sell vegetables kapiripiritand 12 in Napak. An- his wife Josephine Akello joined throughout the year. I save nually, the VSLAs can save up to CARE VSLA called Par pi Anyim in the proceeds every week.” Uganda Shillings 164 million. Mr Bar Keo Village in Otuke District

47 BETTER LIFE vation say they are getting bet- welfare loans. ter harvests after diversifying Some residents have used VSLA their crops, and learning new loans to improve the quality of their LESSONS LEARNED methods of farming at village lives. They have built better hous- model farms. Additionally, most • VSLAs can serve both literate es and acquired assets. Mr. Lotee of them are now able to buy bet- people and those without Mariko and his wife Lucy from Na- ter and drought-tolerant seeds. formal education. This is be- tapararengan Village, for example, They have used VSLA loans to cause record keeping— one have realized their dream of living put more land under cultivation, of the main headaches for il- in an iron-sheet-roof building. The with some farming parcels as literate people— is simplified two members of Ariamriam VSLA large as two hectares. This has by representing a share value have set up a six-room house. boosted food production and with symbols that are trans- food security for the targeted ferred to record books with “I have also been able population. inked stamps. This helps all members to keep track, audit to acquire a number of CEREAL BANKING or verify information regard- chickens and three goats ing their savings. using profits from the loans Some VSLA members have ven- tured into cereal banking where • VSLAs are very flexible, able I took at the VSLA,” they keep their money. Besides to respond well to varied keeping their loans safely, they conditions and needs, and says Mrs Lotee. make profit by selling the grains can operate in any environ- at competitive prices. This has ment. EDUCATION boosted family incomes and • VSLAs cultivate financial provided an alternative bank- management culture among Some residents of the three dis- ing system in remote villages the participants. Members of tricts are using loans from their where commercial banks are VSLAs in the three districts VSLAs to fight illiteracy. In Ogor not available. Lokitare John Bo- are now better planners and Sub County, for instance, Otim Pe- sco, the group secretary Lojom financial managers. ter from Amyelo Village, a mem- VSLA in Napak District, noted ber of Note EnTeko VSLA, has • VSLAs are good platforms that the group has opened a set up a nursery school that now for integrating marginalised cereal bank worth Ug Shillings has 35 children. Besides helping groups like women in lead- 1,800,000. boost education levels in the area, ership and politics. They are Mr Otim has created jobs for five also good tools for social mobilisation and integration community members who teach SOCIAL SECURITY AND of many people into commu- and cook for the children. COHESION nity programmes. VSLAs have improved the social MORE CROPS security of residents of Otuke, BETTER YIELDS Napak and Nakapiripirit districts. Members of VSLAs who have in- Members of over 200 associa- vested their loans in crop culti- tions now get emergency and

48 INCENTIVES FOR ECOSYSTEM BASED ADAPTATION IN PASTORAL COMMUNITIES: THE CASE OF NAKAPIRIPIRIT IN UGANDA \\ Authors: Leonard Akwany \\ Patrick Nzioka

Livelihoods in agro-pastoral- while at the same time, limiting therefore crucial to their survival. ist areas such as the Karamoja livelihood options. Initiatives to reverse these trends sub-region in Uganda are deeply should aim to build community dependent on nature. Environ- Such communities are usual- resilience to climate change. PfR, mental degradation and climate ly food insecure, do not have through Wetlands International, variability - that result in period- enough pastures for their ani- proposed implementing an eco- ic floods and drought - worsen mals and have little or no water. system based adaptation ap- the communities’ vulnerabilities, Sustainability of the ecosystem is proach (EbA).

49 It is important to note that proj- Once the conservation measures harvested and sold to Beehouse ects aimed at long term benefits, prove successful and sustainable, Limited and other individuals. as is the case with EbA, may not the repayments are ultimate- at the outset be attractive to the ly converted into a communi- A beneficiary from Losimit village, communities. It is with this in ty-based revolving fund for fur- Adiaka Max Kale said: mind that Wetlands Internation- ther resilient development. al, working with Partners for Re- “We have been cutting silience, proposed the bio-right THE PROCESS approach to motivate communi- and burning our trees not ties through incentives for wider The first step in the implementa- knowing that we were losing adoption of ecosystem based ad- tion process included an assess- other livelihood resources. aptation measures. ment called “rapid ecosystem Our grasslands are providing profiling” aimed at identifying habitat types, services and goods pastures to our animals. I get WHAT IS THE BIO-RIGHT the communities get from the en- income from honey that has APPROACH? vironment they live in, as well as helped me buy food for my This approach is essentially a environmental status and threats. family. We need to protect micro-credit finance mechanism This was followed by sensitiza- our ecosystem to live”. that combines poverty reduction tion through meetings to seek the measures with environmental community’s support and to also As a result of implementing the restoration and conservation, by identify the project sites. project, we learned that contin- releasing funds to enable com- Five grazing reserves, totaling uous funding for incentives for munities to develop resilience and 30 acres, were selected for con- livelihoods is crucial for main- mitigate the negative impacts of servation in the five villages. The taining participant’s commitment climate change. grazing areas were zoned. Rules to EbA activities. for their use were enforced and The bio-rights approach was ap- promotion of natural regenera- plied in 2014 in the Nakapiripirit GOING FORWARD tion and planting of woody tree project in the Karamoja sub-re- species was promoted. Penalties We also learned that it is import- gion of Uganda. In this sub-re- were also levied to those who did ant to work out strategies to deal gion, communities depend on not adhere to the rules. with complexities resulting from nature for their livelihoods; such cultural and religious beliefs. For as requiring rain to sustain their An immediate benefit was that example, payment of interest or pastures. More than 200 vulner- the zoned grazing areas provided riba, on micro-credits is consid- able people from five villages - fodder to feed more animals than ered haraam and is forbidden in Namidkao, Lokitela, Losimit, Do- before. They were also used as a Muslim communities. We adopt- moye and Naponga South – are water reservoir during prolonged ed revolving fund that is very sim- participating: dry seasons. ilar to Zakat, to make it acceptable amongst Muslim communities. Their communities receive mon- The zoning additionally resulted ey as credit to develop sustain- in the rejuvenation of natural trees Sensitization is key to ensure able income generating activ- whose roots and leaves are used for that as many people as possi- ities. They repay the principal medicinal treatments. Acacia and ble voluntarily participate in the of the loan while the interest is Neem trees were targeted because scheme. paid in the form of conservation they are drought resistant. As an activities such as reforestation, incentive, the communities were Projects that involve revolv- habitat protection and refrain- given 200 beehives and 90 goats. In ing community assets such as ing from unsustainable land use 2014, 75 kg. of honey, with a value small ruminants or refunds of practices. of 720,000 Uganda Shillings, was micro-credit in kind, were found

50 51 to be acceptable to the people, contracts have to be signed, it is formal and customary laws on however, the risk rests with the important to involve respected land ownership. organization providing the loan. organizations like religious institutions or the local government. The bio-rights approach presents Working with groups as opposed a viable alternative to promote to individuals was found to be Where land is communally owned, ecosystems-based approaches the best way to mitigate against it is important to come up with through microcredit. defaults. In situations where by-laws and recognition of both