ACDI/VOCA Promotes Sound Environmental Stewardship in Uganda

ACDI/VOCA’s Environmental Protection and Economic Development Project (EPED) in the Masindi, Hoima and Nakasongola Districts of Uganda is in the third phase of a seven-year effort funded by USAID. This multifaceted project is testing an approach that integrates economic development and environmental management with the overall goal of long-term conservation of fragile ecosystems and protected areas in the region. Central to the success of the project has been ACDI/VOCA’s close relationship with the district and local governments to build environmental planning capacity.

A chief focus of the project has been coordination with local governments in the creation of environmental action plans. This participatory approach has resulted in many effective structures at all level of government. Over the course of the project, over 50 villages have formulated environmental action plans. In addition, ACDI/VOCA has helped create 45 parish sustainable action plans, 14 sub-county sustainable development plans and one district-level sustainable development plan in Masindi. By involving community members in the formulation of these plans, the project assures both sustainability and long-term community responsibility for implementation.

Another facet of the EPED project is reducing pressure and protecting biodiversity in certain regions by encouraging families to relocate to other areas. Due to the voluntary relocation of 125 families (about 1,000 people), biodiversity in the Karuma Wildlife Reserve is improving. Agricultural production in relocated villages has grown and household incomes have increased by 24 percent over two years.

Project communities have adopted numerous environmentally responsible practices. For instance, 300 trees were planted between January 2000 and June 2001. Over 100 households have implemented new soil and water conservation farming practices, and 101 families are using more fuel-efficient stoves. New infrastructural developments, like 50 kilometers of access roads, two new health posts, 39 safe water points, three community centers and three schools, have boosted the overall socioeconomic welfare in the project areas.

In addition to current successes in the Masindi district, the project has expanded activities to include the Nakasongola district, where six sub-county sustainable development plans have been formulated and 43 parish action/environmental plans are being created.