Empowering Refugees and the Vital Role of Community-Led Initiatives in Nakivale
The Nakivale Refugee Settlement Camp
Nakivale refugee settlement was established in 1958 and officially recognized as a refugee settlement in 1960 through the Uganda Gazette General Notice (no. 19). It is the 8th largest refugee settlement in the world, located approximately 200 km away from Kampala, Uganda's capital. It is one of the oldest refugee settlements in Uganda, and it is estimated to cover well beyond 180 square kilometres. This enormous area is geographically divided into three administrative zones – Base camp, Juru, and Rubondo. These three zones, in turn, contain 79 individual villages.
Refugees in Nakivale depend on food given by the World Food Program (WFP) and harvests from land given to them by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) to supplement food supplies. But recently, food rations by WFP were reduced, creating a food shortage worsened by the persistent drought experienced in the Isingiro district and soil exhaustion due to limited knowledge of soil management approaches. Since 2023, the communities’ needs have outpaced available resources. Humanitarian operations are now desperately overstretched, forcing many to scale down and further cut support to the most vulnerable.
This has led to malnutrition, anxiety, depression, stunted growth, and increased susceptibility to diseases, especially among vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women. For example, extreme weather conditions affect people’s livelihoods. In the dry season, the bare land is starved of trees to counter the heat from the harsh sunshine. Plants die, food becomes expensive and many go to bed hungry. In the wet season, rivers and swamps overflow into homes and gardens – causing destruction to houses, assets, and crops, exacerbating diseases such as malaria. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports that Uganda, including regions like Nakivale, is experiencing increased climate variability, with adverse impacts on food security and livelihoods.
The above crisis has increased the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid. Malaria transmission also increases in flooded areas, food insecurity, dependence on external aid, and scarce resources, such as water and arable land.
Through an investigation of the physical, social-economic and policy dynamics in Nakivale Settlement and the surrounding region, a Settlement Profile by UN-Habitat provides recommendations including the need for an alternative model for land and resource management, livelihood generation, investment in infrastructure to allow for pathways to self-reliance and the inclusion of Nakivale settlement in the physical plan for Isingiro and the District Development Plan 2020-2030. The Settlement Profile lists the strategic, socio-economic, environmental and spatial opportunities for the region as well as projected development scenarios which illustrate the impact of continuing ‘business as usual’ compared to pursuing spatial and institutional integration.
To promote soil health in communities, especially vulnerable ones like refugees, some several challenges or gaps need to be addressed
Many community members may lack awareness of soil health principles, sustainable farming practices, and the importance of soil conservation - and have limited access to quality seeds, fertilizers, tools, and equipment needed for sustainable agriculture practices - which hinders efforts to improve soil health. They also lack technical expertise and training in soil testing, composting, crop rotation, and other sustainable agricultural techniques. Insufficient infrastructure such as irrigation systems, storage facilities, and access to markets can constrain efforts to sustainably manage soil and enhance agricultural productivity. Inadequate policy frameworks or institutional support at local, national, and international levels may not prioritize or support initiatives aimed at soil health improvement in vulnerable communities. Communities may face challenges such as land degradation, deforestation, pollution, and climate change impacts, which can adversely affect soil health and agricultural productivity. Cultural practices or social norms may not always align with sustainable land management practices, requiring culturally sensitive approaches to promote soil health. Addressing these gaps requires a holistic approach that includes education and capacity building, access to inputs and resources, policy advocacy, infrastructure development, and community engagement. Collaborative efforts involving governments, NGOs, local organizations, and community leaders are essential to promote sustainable soil management and enhance resilience in vulnerable communities.
Why we use a community-based land management approach
We believe that community members understand their own needs, challenges, and strengths better than outsiders. This intimate knowledge allows can inform initiatives that are more relevant and effective. When communities lead initiatives, they take ownership of the process and outcomes. This empowerment fosters a sense of responsibility and resilience among community members. Local initiatives can also be tailored to respect cultural norms and traditions, making them more likely to be accepted and sustainable over the long term this is because communities often have resources - both tangible (like skills and materials) and intangible (like social networks) - that can be leveraged to address their own issues. Working together on initiatives fosters trust among community members and strengthens social bonds, which are vital during times of crisis or adversity. Overall, community-led initiatives promote sustainable development and resilience by tapping into local strengths and fostering a sense of solidarity and self-reliance.
“We believe that community members understand their own needs, challenges, and strengths better than outsiders.”
— Mbilizi Kalombo
Refugees can play a significant role in promoting soil health within their communities, despite facing challenges
Refugees often bring diverse agricultural knowledge and practices from their home countries; they share traditional farming methods that promote soil fertility and conservation with their new communities. Encouraging individuals to contribute their expertise can lead to the development of new solutions for sustainable soil management. These innovative agricultural techniques are usually suited to local conditions, such as drought-resistant crops, agroforestry, or organic farming methods that enhance soil health. Refugees, as active members of their communities, can advocate for policies and practices that prioritize soil conservation and sustainable land management by raising awareness about the importance of soil health among their peers and engaging with stakeholders. Supporting refugee-led agricultural cooperatives or enterprises promotes sustainable farming practices while generating income for refugee households. This economic empowerment contributes to overall community resilience. Therefore, harnessing the knowledge, skills, and resilience of refugee communities can improve soil health, enhance food security, and build sustainable livelihoods in refugee settlements and beyond.
Ways to promote soil health in Nakivale refugee settlement tailored to the local context and needs
Implement workshops and training sessions on sustainable agriculture practices such as composting, organic farming techniques, soil conservation, and water management in collaboration with NGOs, agricultural experts, INGOs, government entities and local authorities.
Provide refugees with access to quality seeds, fertilizers, tools, and equipment needed for sustainable farming practices. This could involve establishing community seed banks, promoting the use of organic inputs, and distributing agricultural kits.
Set up demonstration plots or model farms within the settlement where refugees can learn and adopt best practices in soil management firsthand. These sites can showcase techniques like cover cropping, mulching, and crop rotation.
Support initiatives that enable refugees to market their agricultural products locally and beyond. This not only enhances economic opportunities but also incentivizes sustainable farming practices that improve soil health.
Encourage community participation in planning and implementing soil health projects. This could include forming farmer cooperatives, youth groups focused on agriculture, or women's associations that promote sustainable land management practices.
Engage refugees in environmental conservation efforts such as reforestation, soil erosion control, and watershed management. These activities not only improve soil health but also contribute to overall ecosystem resilience.
Incorporate soil health components into existing livelihood programs, vocational training, and entrepreneurship initiatives. This ensures that soil management skills are integrated into broader efforts to improve refugee livelihoods.
Support research initiatives that explore innovative approaches to soil health improvement in refugee settings. This could involve partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, and agricultural experts to develop context-specific solutions.
By leveraging these opportunities, stakeholders can collaborate to enhance soil health in the Nakivale refugee settlement, contributing to food security, environmental sustainability, and the resilience of refugee communities.
