01.03.2025
Fostering cooperation between refugee and host community farmers
Problem & solution
Since 2016, an acute refugee crisis brought close to a million South Sudanese refugees to Northern Uganda. Despite Uganda’s efforts, access to fertile farm land was a major problem. The refugees as well as their host communities were facing food insecurity and the lack of income opportunities – potential sources of conflicts.
The solution was to enrol Ugandan and South Sudanese farmers together in mixed farmer field schools and support them in accessing farming land and planning and implementing farming activities.
the experience
Seeking to secure livelihoods of South Sudanese refugees and host communities by combatting food insecurity, PALM Corps promoted backyard and commercial farming for nutrition and income generation. In a participatory approach, beneficiaries formed mixed groups of refugee and local members.
These mixed farmer field schools were involved from the beginning in planning the farming activities. Their discussions revealed that access to land was a major problem for refugees. That was the reason why Ugandans offered refugees to use part of their lands.
By working together in mixed groups communication among the two beneficiary groups improved, which resulted in a smoother and more effective cooperation.
Challenges
- Insufficient numbers of decision-makers/land owners involved in the groups
- Refugees’ persisting fear of land loss due to lack of agreements
Impact
- Cooperation and peaceful co-existence among refugees and host communities
- Access to land gained
- Income generation from sale of surplus agricultural produce
- Improved food security and livelihood
- Better nutrition and overall health
Lessons Learned
- Formation of 50:50 mixed farmer field schools allow for better communication and sets a common goal
- Informal land acquisition is more effective than formal processes
- Participation of beneficiaries in planning increases cooperation
