Enhancing climate-change adaptation in Karamoja, Uganda

Climate change will have significant impacts on economic activity in Uganda but can also provide new possibilities for people and businesses, e.g. to create new products and services, develop new markets and access new funding streams and finance mechanisms. The Overseas Development Institute (ODI) Working Paper 513 “Enhancing climate change development programmes in Uganda: Karamoja livestock value chain analysis for resilience in drylands” (2017, 40pp) by Elizabeth Carabine et al explores the economic opportunities for entrepreneurs and companies to invest in climate-change adaptation to enhance the resilience of Karamoja’s livestock value chain. Using the Value Chain Analysis for Resilience in Drylands (VC-ARID) approach, the research considers trade-offs and identifies adaptation options for Karamoja through upgrading the value chain and diversifying into related sectors.

About 20% of Uganda’s total livestock are found in the semi-arid Karamoja region. Investment in this sector can leverage development, employment opportunities and other socioeconomic benefits for both Karamoja and Uganda, reduce the vulnerability of pastoralists to climate change and contribute to national development priorities, including achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

A 23-minute video film “The livestock value chain in Karamoja: an opportunity for climate resilient Economic Development” (2017) was also made on the topic.

Posted on 3 September 2017 in Pastoralism & Climate Change, Pastoralist Livelihoods & Nutrition