Reducing the Impacts of Climate Risk on Livelihoods in Karamoja, Uganda
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Karamoja, Uganda is one of the most vulnerable regions to climate risks in the country. Drought is the main and recurrent natural disaster, whose effects are amplified by climate change. This affects crop production and pasture for livestock, and has a direct negative impact on the livelihoods of the rural population in the region. Against this background, it was crucial to strengthen the resilience of agropastoral communities and the local government in Karamoja, to reduce the impacts of climate risks on livelihoods in the region.
What did the project do
The establishment of a fully functional Drought Early Warning System significantly improved the capacity of district local governments to respond to crisis, and the ability of beneficiary communities to implement early actions. The project greatly strengthened the adaptive capacities of agropastoralists through training provided in 380 Agropastoral Field Schools. To buffer against dry spells, water harvesting and irrigation facilities were established, which were strategically located along grazing routes. Solar-powered multipurpose water facilities were built to provide water for livestock, irrigation and domestic use. A hugely successful vaccination campaign against transboundary and endemic animal diseases was implemented, which was considered the largest in a single region of Uganda in 20 years.Impact
Overall, the project greatly strengthened the resilience of local rural communities to climate risks and other shocks. As a result of the diversified income sources that were developed, the beneficiaries obtained a steady cash flow of disposable income to meet school fees, introduce dietary diversity for improved family nutrition/health, and invest in improving farm production and productivity. The introduction of cereal banking and post harvest loss mitigation technologies and practices enabled farmers to bridge the cyclic hunger period or lean season. The establishment of water-harvesting and irrigation facilities also provided a much needed buffer to beneficiary communities during dry seasons. The project contributed significantly to the reduction of animal morbidity and mortality, in particular facilitating service providers to carry out emergency interventions and vaccinations.Activities
- Nearly two million head of livestock vaccinated.
- Regional veterinary laboratory equipped, and personnel trained.
- Training provided for 380 Agropastoral Field Schools to improve livestock production and productivity, and offset shortage of pastures experienced during long dry spells.
- Fully functional Drought Early Warning System and animal disease surveillance system established.
- Seven contingency plans drafted and endorsed by district councils.
- 1 000 acres of rangelands rehabilitated, and productivity increased with legume seeds.
- Participatory rangeland management plans developed for three microcatchments of Lyoro, Panyangara and Lolachat, benefiting an estimated 22 000 individuals.
- 1 260 households provided with increased access to water, and improved production.
- 43 water for production facilities established, comprising seven solar-powered multipurpose water facilities.
- Woodlots established in 48 villages identified as the most degraded, where about 100 000 seedlings of Markhamia spp and Malina spp were planted, and live fences were established.
- Three water resources studies prepared and published.
- 120 defective boreholes rehabilitated.
- 12 APFS groups supported to produce vegetables and quickmaturing crops.
Project symbol: GCP/UGA/042/UK
Project title: Strengthening Adaptive Capacity of Agropastoral Communities and the Local Government to Reduce Impacts of Climate Risk on Livelihoods in Karamoja, Uganda
Contact: FAO Office in Uganda / Abdul Saboor Jawad (Lead Technical Officer)
Download PDF: http://www.fao.org/3/I8547EN/i8547en.pdf