Food Systems for Resilient Communities Activity (WFSA)
The Feed the Future Water and Food Systems for Resilient Communities Activity (WFSA) is a five-year initiative (2023–2028) designed to improve food and water security in Uganda’s Kyoga Basin, particularly in the Lokok, Awoja, and Lokere watersheds. The project seeks to empower communities to mitigate and adapt to climate-related shocks, strengthen livelihoods, enhance nutrition and health, address conflict drivers, and reduce reliance on humanitarian aid. WFSA is aligned with broader development goals, including the USAID Uganda 2022 Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) and the U.S. Government’s Global Water Strategy and Climate Adaptation Plan.
One of WFSA’s key focus areas is addressing conflict and violence in Karamoja, a region where communities face significant challenges such as violent cattle raiding, resource conflicts, and the effects of climate change, including droughts and floods. To ensure interventions are context-sensitive and community-driven, WFSA conducted a Violence and Conflict Analysis (VCA) to assess the root causes of conflict, existing peacebuilding efforts, and actionable solutions.
As part of this process, Community Validation Workshops were held in eight districts—Amudat, Abim, Kaabong, Kotido, Moroto, Nabilatuk, Nakapiripirit, and Napak—to review and refine the preliminary research findings. Data collection took place from June 20 to June 27, 2024, using participatory rural appraisal tools. In each district, researchers engaged with communities through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with adult men, adult women, and mixed-gender youth, as well as Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with local leaders at the district and sub-county levels.
The Community Validation Workshops provided a platform for residents to confirm the accuracy of findings, clarify any misinterpretations, and highlight priority areas for intervention. Feedback from these sessions will shape the final Karamoja Violence and Conflict Assessment Report, ensuring that WFSA’s interventions are tailored to community needs and contribute to long-term stability and resilience in the region.
By integrating conflict sensitivity, local leadership, and inclusive development approaches, WFSA aims to create sustainable solutions that enhance water and food security, improve livelihoods, and promote peaceful coexistence in Karamoja.