Uganda

In the Karamoja region, in northeastern Uganda, 80% of the population depends on agriculture and pastoralism. However, long-term droughts due to climate change, lack of government support and recurrent conflicts threaten their way of life. In addition, animal healthcare has barely been expanded, which regularly causes epidemics with massive mortality in cattle.

 

How we help

  • In the north of the country we provide Kenyan goats. They are larger than the local goats and produce more milk.
  • At the same time, we build better goat shelters so that the animals do not suffer from rain and mud at night.
  • The growing population in the East African country puts extra pressure on nature. Therefore, we support local water and grazing committees, which sustainably manage the natural resources.
  • We build and maintain above and below ground wells and make agreements on where to graze.
  • We encourage the Karamojong to eventually take on the local projects themselves. Through participatory training, where new insights complement traditional knowledge, livestock farmers can better control their future.

Natural resources management

We advocate for livestock keepers’ land rights and facilitate dialogue between ethnic groups to reach agreements on resource sharing.

> Factsheet

Local partners

Matheniko Development Forum (MADEFO): fights in the north of Uganda against poverty. The organization defends the rights of livestock keepers and farmers. It also helps to prevent the destruction of natural resources.

Dodoth Agro-Pastoral Development Organization (DADO): is active in the Karamoja region. It engages itself to ensure a sustainable existence for pastoralists.

Contact

Emmanuel Emaruk
Country representative Uganda (Moroto)
uganda@vsf-belgium.org

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