Cultivating Change in a Warming World: A New Project to Benefit Adjumani , Soroti, Apac, and Amuria Districts
In an effort to tackle pressing issues of climate change, inequality in food systems, and natural resource governance, Oxfam, in partnership with PELUM Uganda, ESAFF Uganda, and the Community Integrated Development Initiative (CIDI), officially launched the 'Cultivating Change in a Warming World' (CCWE) project in Adjumani and Soroti districts. This groundbreaking initiative, backed by a €1,120,000 funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), aims to empower rural women and their communities across four districts: Adjumani, Apac, Soroti, and Amuria.
The Vision of CCWE At the heart of the CCWE project lies a transformative vision: to create a fair, green, equal, and safe world where rural women and their communities are not only surviving but thriving as empowered agents of change. The project recognizes the disproportionate impact of climate change on rural women, who often bear the brunt of environmental degradation and food insecurity. By placing these women at the forefront, CCWE seeks to amplify their voices and leadership in key areas such as agroecological practices, biodiversity management, and climate change adaptation.
Key Objectives The project aims to achieve several critical outcomes over its five-year lifespan:
Adoption of Agro-Ecological Practices : Rural women and their communities will be supported to adopt sustainable farming practices, focusing on growing a diverse range of crops that are resilient to climate change. This shift is expected to enhance food security and improve livelihoods in the targeted districts
Leadership in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management : CCWE will empower women to take the lead in managing and protecting local biodiversity and ecosystems, crucial for the long-term sustainability of their environments
Strengthening Climate Change Capacities : The project will bolster the capacity of rural women and their communities to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change, ensuring they are better prepared to face the challenges ahead.
The Launch in Adjumani
The launch event in Adjumani was marked by significant enthusiasm and support from local leaders and stakeholders. Peter Taban, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Adjumani, expressed his appreciation for the project, highlighting its alignment with the government’s broader development objectives.
“I am pleased that this project places women at the forefront of its implementation. This aligns perfectly with the government's development objectives, especially on promoting women’s leadership across all spheres of life,” Taban remarked. He emphasized the crucial role women play in addressing the challenges posed by climate change and the importance of supporting their leadership in these efforts.
A Collaborative Effort
The successful implementation of the CCWE project will rely on the collaboration between various stakeholders, including Small Holder Food Producers, climate change activists, land rights advocates, and local government technical teams and Land Boards. This multi-stakeholder approach ensures that the project is comprehensive and addresses the needs of the communities it aims to serve
The Impact in Soroti and Beyond In Soroti, the launch was similarly well-received, with community members and leaders expressing optimism about the potential benefits of the project. The focus on agroecology, in particular, resonates with the region's agricultural base, offering a pathway towards more sustainable and resilient farming systems.
As the project rolls out in the coming months, the communities of Adjumani, Soroti, Apac, and Amuria can expect to see tangible changes in their agricultural practices, ecosystem management, and overall resilience to climate change. By centring women in these efforts, the CCWE project not only addresses immediate environmental and social challenges but also contributes to the broader goal of gender equality and empowerment.
The launch of the 'Cultivating Change in a Warming World' project represents a significant step forward in the fight against climate change and inequality in Uganda. With a clear focus on empowering rural women and their communities, this initiative is poised to create lasting, positive change in Adjumani, Soroti, and beyond. As the project unfolds, it will serve as a model for how collaborative, community-driven efforts can effectively address the complex challenges of our time, paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable future.
