Changes in demographic and employment in Kalangala since the arrival of oil palm Joselyn Bigirwa1 Summary Sharon Anena2 George Katunguka3 This study was undertaken in Kalangala and Buvuma in July-August 2018, using a mix of qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. 1 Gender and Social Development Statistical data was obtained from published reports. Qualitative data was Analyst consultant, Kampala, Uganda. cross-sectional, using focus group discussions with oil palm outgrowers,
[email protected] coffee and subsistence farmers, fishing communities, and Oil Palm Uganda Limited (OPUL) staff in Bwendero and Beeta, with key informant 2 Junior research associate, ENR – Africa interviews including with district officials, banking institutions, Kalanagla Associates, Kireka–Kinawata Road, Oil Palm Growers Trust (KOPGT), and selected hotels and other businesses Kira Town, PO Box 72287, Kampala, Uganda.
[email protected] in Kalangala and Buvuma towns. Results should feed into proposed implementation of the new ten-year National Oil Palm Project (NOPP). 3 Research and Training, Team Initiatives Ltd, Plot 29/30 Bombo Road, Kampala, Kalangala – Major activities were lumbering, fishing and subsistence Uganda. farming, but introduction of oil palm alongside the depletion of natural
[email protected], forest and fish stocks led to a shift in employment, attracting a massive
[email protected] influx of people. In formal employment, only 15% are locals, in low and poorly paying positions, and only 18% are women. In the informal sector, including fishing, more than 85% are men. More businesses have opened to meet the demands of the growing population, and oil palm is now a — 39 major employer in the district.