Linking Practice to Policy Change for Food Security and Sustainable Natural Resources Management in Uganda, 20 Years Experience of Environmental Alert

A Discussion Paper Presented at The National Policy Dialogue to Cerebrate 20 Years of Environmental Alert’s
Advancement of Policy and Practice Change for Food Security and Sustainable Natural Resources Management, Held at
Protea Hotel, Kampala, Uganda, November, 2008. An Environmental Alert Publication. P. O. Box 11259 Kampala, Uganda;
Tel: 256-41-510547; Fax: 256-41-510547; Email: envalert@envalert.org
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Linking Practice to Policy Change for Food Security and Sustainable Natural Resources
Management in Uganda, 20 Years Experience of EA
Abstract
This briefing paper presents EA’s perspectives, lessons and experiences in advancing policy and practice
change for food security and sustainable natural resources management in this briefing paper. Particularly,
it highlights case studies of EA’s engagements on policy and practice change for sustainable land, land use
and soil management; sustainable forestry, food security and urban agriculture. Furthermore, the paper
raises various gaps in policy and practice natural resources management, associated implications to
livelihoods and economic development; and proposes recommendations for consideration in policy
formulation, planning and implementation. It was presented at the high level national stakeholder’s policy
dialogue being one of the national events to mark the EA’s 20 years celebrations in pursuance of her vision
i.e., ‘a poverty and hunger free society that is able to manage and sustain its natural resource base for
attainment of sustainable livelihoods.’ The theme for the 20 years cerebrations was ‘Balancing
Environmental Conservation and Development.’ Were as the theme for the high level national policy
dialogue was, ‘Perspectives, lessons and experiences in advancing policy and practice change for food
security and sustainable natural resources management.’ Our 20 years experiences in advancing policy
and practice change for food security and sustainable natural resources management in Uganda, make us
optimistic that, ‘Balancing Environmental Conservation and Development,’ can be achieved. However, in
realizing this achievement, we are challenging key stakeholders in agriculture, environmental and natural
resources and other associated sectors to reflect on their actions/performance and proactively initiate a
policy and practice paradigm shift towards balancing environmental conservation and development.
1.0 Background
Environmental Alert (EA) is a development Non Governmental Organization founded in 1988. Her vision is
‘a poverty and hunger free society that is able to manage and sustain its natural resource base for
attainment of sustainable livelihoods.’ Since then, EA has diligently strived to improve the food security and
nutritional situation in the country but also contribute to the development of conducive natural resource
policy environment. In her core business, EA pursues an enabling natural resources policy and practice
environment; increased civic expression of vulnerable communities; and an enabling policy framework for
food security and nutrition. EA uses various approaches to its work including evidence based advocacy and
lobbying, partnerships and collaborations with natural resource dependent communities, partners and
stakeholders with the aim of improving their livelihoods through promotion of increased agricultural
productivity and sustainable natural resource management.
Since 1989, EA implemented her programs and projects in 11 districts in Uganda including, Luweero,
Mpigi, Wakiso, Kampala, Mubende, Kyenjonjo, Moyo, Adjumani, Tororo, Sironko and Yumbe. This year EA
Marks 20 years in pursuance of its vision and celebrates with all stakeholders in a series of events
organized at community and national levels. The national policy dialogue is one of these at the national
level. The theme for the 20 years cerebration is, ‘Balancing Environmental Conservation and Development.’
Particularly, the theme for the policy dialogue is, ‘Perspectives, lessons and experiences in advancing
policy and practice change for food security and sustainable natural resources management.’

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The purpose of this briefing paper is to share EA’s experiences and lessons regarding the paradigm of balancing
environmental conservation and development after 20 years of engagements in policy and practice change for
food security and sustainable natural resources management in Uganda. Particularly, it highlights case
studies of EA’s engagements on policy and practice change for sustainable land, land use and soil
management; sustainable forestry, food security and urban agriculture. Furthermore, the paper raises
various gaps in policy and practice natural resources management, associated implications to livelihoods
and economic development; and proposes recommendations for consideration in policy formulation,
planning and implementation. The paper is targeting key stakeholders in agriculture, environmental and
natural resources and other associated sectors challenging them to reflect on their actions/performance
and proactively initiate a policy and practice paradigm shift towards balancing environmental conservation
and development. The key stakeholders include Government Line Ministries and Institutions, Development
Partners, Civil Society, Policy Makers, Political Leaders, Private Sector, Academia, Research Institutions,
Cultural and Faith Based Leaders and Communities among others).
2.0 Case studies of EA’s engagements in policy and practice change for food security and ENR
Case study 1: Land, Land use and soils policies
An overview of the land sector
Of the total land area of Uganda, 84, 694 square kilometers is farmland, 84,010 square kilometers are
under subsistence agriculture and a mere 684 square kilometers are under commercial farms. This
illustrates the importance of land in supporting rural livelihoods, and access to land is thus a basis for
livelihoods and human development. Furthermore, Uganda is an agricultural based economy, with
agriculture contributing 43% of the total GDP of the country and over 90% of its total exports. In addition it
is also regarded as a medium that defines and binds together social and spiritual relations within and
across generations. Therefore, in social and cultural terms, a debate on control over land and associated
resources constitutes sovereignty over the very spirituality of a society.
Land lies at the heart of social, political and economic life of most of Africa. Agriculture, natural resource
use and other land-based activities are key to livelihoods, income and employment. It also has major
historical and spiritual significance (IIED, 2005). Various problems have accumulated in the land sector in
the course of the historical events. These relate to land both as property and a resource that is fundamental
to economic development. For instance, in Uganda, soil erosion alone accounts for 4–10% of the Gross
National Income and represents up to 85% of the total annual cost of environmental degradation (Slade et
al., 1991). The worst affected areas include highland areas in the southwest and some dry land districts.
The estimated cost to the National economy due to environmental degradation (in form of biodiversity loss,
deforestation and soil erosion) lies between 4% and 12% of the gross domestic product (PMA, 2005). Also
IFPRI, 2002 soil nutrient loss studies and UBOS, 2002 census data reported the value of soil nutrient loss
at $ 625 million per annum. In order to address this and other challenges in the land sector, the
Government of Uganda through the respective line ministries and institutions to initiate formulation of the
National Soils policy, National Land Use Policy and the National Land Policy (Table 1).

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Table 1. Tracking the national land, land use and soil policy processes
Policy Policy goal Responsible
Institution
When was
the
process
initiated
Status of process
now as at 2008
Gaps in policy formulation and
implementation
National
Soils policy
To streamline soil
management
methods
(framework), to
improve and maintain
soil quality and
productivity on a
sustainable basis
National Environment
Management Authority
through the National
Committee on Soil and
Water Conservation
1992 Still on going towards
finalizing
Limited resources allocation to
facilitate formulation and
implementation, thus stalled policy
formulation process
Limited political will/obligation
National
Land Use
Policy
To achieve
sustainable and
equitable socio-
economic
development
through optimal land
management and
utilization in
Uganda”
Ministry of Lands,
Housing and Urban
Development
2001 Process finalized and
policy approved and
launched by the
president in 2007.
Investment plan for
policy implementation
being undertaken
National
Land Policy
To agree on a
framework which will
ensure the
sustainable
utilization of
Uganda’s land
resources for
poverty eradication?
Ministry of Lands,
Housing and Urban
Development
2005 Still on going and
currently policy
document at draft 3
and the Ministry is
conducting
stakeholders
consultations
Limited resources allocation to
facilitate formulation
Limited political will/obligation
However, It is also important to note that National Land, Land use and Soils policies are informed by
regional and international obligations to which Uganda is a signatory for example millennium development
goals 7 (MDG 7) targets towards integrating the principles of sustainable development into country policies
and programmes and reverse loss of environmental resources. Others include: The African Convention on
the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (1968); The Convention on Biological Diversity (1992);
The World Commission on Environment and Development; The World charter for nature and Agenda 21.
However, despite the initiative of development of the land, land use and soils policies, the sector still faces
a number of constraints, and challenges including limited resources allocation and limited political will to
quickly finalise the formulation and effective implementation of the respective policies. This status has
escalated land degradation, food insecurity and social cultural unrest of various areas of the country
manifesting as land evictions, tribal conflicts among others.
Consequences of the gaps on livelihood, economy and land resources

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Land Use Policy was approved and process is under way for its implementation of the policy. Once
implemented, this will address most of the land use and planning challenges in Uganda. However, the
formulation processes for the Land and Soils policy are still on going. Particularly, the soil policy has stalled
i.e. has taken 16 years since initiation in 1992. This shows that policy formulation processes in Uganda
take a lot of time. Given that the annual major nutrient loss in Uganda is estimated at 30 kg Nitrogen ha-1 yr-
1, 5 kg Phosphorus ha-1 yr-1 and 25 kg Potassium ha-1 yr-1 (Stoorvogel and Smailing, 1990), for the last 16
years, 480 kg Nitrogen ha-1 yr-1, 80 kg Phosphorus ha-1 yr-1 and 400 kg Potassium ha-1 yr-1 have been lost.
This depicts that land and soil degradation is escalating with grave implication for food security, community
livelihoods and economic development. This is because; they have not been addressed through guided
holistic approaches which should be based on effective implementation of the land, land use and soils
policies in Uganda. What is seen are piece meal efforts initiated by various stakeholders which would not
address the challenges effectively to achieve the anticipated impact.
EA’s interests in the Land sector are based on the fact that Land is major factor and key resource of
production and the main capital to the majority people particularly, the rural folks who depend on
subsistence agriculture for their livelihoods. Hence, it stimulates National economic growth and
development for example agriculture contributes approximately 80% of the total workforce. Furthermore,
due to recognition that the majority of EA’s target group depends on this resource for their food security and
incomes yet it is a fixed resource that is increasingly getting degraded posing a threat to sustainability of
the communities’ livelihoods.
What is EA’s contribution?
(i) Policy analysis and reviews
EA’s issues, concerns and proposals for policy and practice change relating to land, land use and soils
(such as land degradation, high population growth, insecurity of land tenure, out dated soils maps, land
inventories and cadastral maps, poor land use and management, poor agricultural practices among others)
were documented in the Land, land use and Soils Issues Paper, 2006. This was shared with key policy
makers in respective Ministries and other stakeholders for reference and use in Land, Land use and Soils
policy development processes. Furthermore, various drafts of the National Land policy, National land use
policy and National Soils policies were reviewed to highlight salient policy gaps and recommendations.
These were packaged as memorandum which were submitted to respective drafting committees and also
shared with other stakeholders for information and use.
(ii) Policy lobbying and advocacy
This was done strategically to influence inclusion of salient EA concerns, issues and proposals on Land,
Land use and Soils into the respective policy documents. It was done as follows: Facilitating stakeholders’
meetings/policy dialogues; Facilitating consultative meeting on policy formulation processes; Advocacy
engagements through networks/coalitions i.e. Uganda Land Alliance1 for the engaging in the national land
policy and National Land use Policy, NGO Network on Sustainable land management; Organising and
leading advocacy campaigns for instance a campaign on escalating land degradation in the country
amplified the gravity and implications of land degradation on livelihoods and national growth given the rapid
population growth of Uganda; and Micro level advocacy on land degradation. Particularly, the micro level
1 A consortium of CSOs advocating for fair land policies and laws in Uganda

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advocacy was done through facilitating establishment of a Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
i.e. Wakiso Environmental CSOs advocacy coalition (WECAC)2 charged with advocacy and monitoring for
policy and program implementation for food security and sustainable natural resource management in
Wakiso district.
(iii) Modelling/piloting appropriate land use and soil management techniques, practices that ensure high
crop and soil productivity without compromising the integrity of the land and soils
This is done through interaction with land users particularly farmers through participatory approaches such
as the Farmer Field School (FFS)3 among others. The FFS is a holistic framework through which farmers
can identify, prioritise livelihood constraints and together with a facilitator test, develop and evaluate various
technologies/practices for sustainable land use and soil management through season long observations at
a central demonstration and learning plot. They upscale proven technologies on farm and train other
farmers in the community. This interaction, also involves capacity enhancement on selected topics relating
to agricultural production, land and sustainable soil management among others based on a needs
assessment. These models were piloted in Wakiso District and up scaled to other areas in the country. The
lessons and experiences drawn from these interventions were also used to inform the land, land use and
soils policy advocacy engagements.
(iv) Up scaling proven techniques/practices
The proven technologies/practices for instance the use of farm yard manure integrated with soil and water
conservation trenches have been scale out to other areas affected by the similar constraints of soil fertility
depletion and food insecurity including Tororo, Mudende, Kyenjonjo, Moyo, Adjumani, Sironko and
Kampala districts. This was done through initiating similar interventions in these areas and in addition
through strategic sharing of information and lessons with other stakeholders such National Agricultural
Advisory Services and other CSOs but also during cerebration of important days e.g. World Environment
days and World food days.
(v) Strengthening farmer’s institutional development
Farmer’s groups/institutions were strengthened for effective management of their affairs. This was done by
building on existing community social dynamic in the groups based on a training needs assessment. They
were particularly equipped with additional skills and knowledge relating to group dynamics, leadership
skills, group cohesion, credit and savings, revolving fund management, record keeping, planning skills
among others. Furthermore, they were facilitated to develop institutional constitutions and for registration
with the district directorate of community development. Currently, over 20 farmer’s institutions are
implementing their own development agenda and are recognised as legal entities that can benefit from
various development programs in the community.
(vi) Strengthening community capacity for civic expression
2 It comprises of Agency for Integrated Rural Development (AFIRD), Environmental Alert, Buso Foundation, Alinyikiira Farmers’
Development Association, Agali awamu Famers’ Development Association, Buganda Cultural and Development Foundation,
Nature Palace as members.
3 FFS is a ‘school’ without walls located at the farmers’ field under a tree shed. It comprises of 25-30 farmers who come together
to solve a common problem (FAO, 2000).

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This was done through participatory processes that emphasize rights, roles and responsibilities of various
stakeholders in fostering development and sustainable natural resources management. In so doing
strategies that systematically ensure strong and sustainable institutions have been used. This is done
through sensitization, access to trainings and mentoring for advocacy skills enhancement and exposure to
where best practices are demonstrated. This component of the programme was incorporated in the FFS
and enabled farmers to raise their concerns to their local government leaders.
(vi) Linking farmers or natural resource users to research and development (R&D) institutions
The farmers were linked various research and development institutions namely National Agricultural
Research Organization (NARO), Universities, Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs), National Council
of Science and Technology (NCST), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), District
Agricultural Departments, PROLINNOVA and Private sector among others. The purpose of these linkages
was to explore continued support for services and but also access to technologies including good quality
seeds and livestock breeds after scaling out of development initiatives as well as opportunities for validating
and standardization of the knew knowledge generated. This contributed greatly to the sustainability of the
development initiatives in the community. Furthermore, it gives an opportunity to R&D players to solicit
input from farmers into their development initiatives.
Impact of EA’s interventions
 Increased crop yields especially for beans, maize and vegetables by over 75% as compared to the
farmers’ practices of no fertilizer application. Consequently, there is household food security,
increased incomes, better nutrition and hence improved livelihoods.
 Increased learning across scale, were farmers have learnt from extension workers, researchers
and vise versa i.e. extension workers and researchers learning from farmers.
 Enhanced capacity of farmers in terms of analyzing their farming systems. For instance they can
analyze their farming systems based on the physical appearance of soil and crops. They can easily
establish the extent of soil fertility depletion and take appropriate action with minimum support from
extension workers/service providers. Secondly, they have gained popularity and confidence in
training other farmers on issues of sustainable land use, soil management and other livelihood
aspect as community extension facilitators.
 The farmers have realized the importance of locally available inputs for restoration of soil fertility.
Local farm inputs such as manure is now handled with much more care. Hence they have testified
to this as follows: ‘I learnt the value of cow dung.’ ‘I used to let it run off, now I pick it from any
where along the way and take it home.’ ‘We learnt how to use manure with little effort but
significant output. It was much easier that we had imagined.’
 Level of expression and leadership skills and relations with other people has improved. Hence,
they have testified that now they can ably participate in discussions in various meetings at village,
district, national and international levels. ‘I used to be shy but now I talk, I am even the advisor of
the group.’ ‘I also speak for my Association at the district and I am listened to.’ As a result, the
NAADS program supported them in the establishment of a piggery unit, an enterprise of their
choice that had been for long neglected. This has also triggered close monitoring of service

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providers under the programme that had never been monitored by the government programme
leaders from the local government.
 Participating farmers’ skills for visioning and planning for personal and community development
have been strengthened. They have testified to this, for example, ‘I never used to plan anything,
now I do and with greater understanding of the value.’
 Farmer field schools and groups have developed into more sustainable community structures
constituting community-based organizations (CBO). These are legal institutions registered with the
District Directorate of Community Services, and have operational savings accounts on which they
save monthly fees as stated in their constitutions. They are charged with specific objectives to
continue working together using FFS principles to champion development in the community. They
deal with other community constraints such as poor nutrition and health for children, environmental
conservation, and also implement income generating projects for their members and associations
through revolving fund with appropriate terms and conditions such as interest rate, grace and loan
repayment period among others, which they set themselves.
 Recognition for EA’s contribution at different levels, for example EA was recognized as 1st prize
winners of Energy globe awards 2005 under the earth category4. This recognition has motivated
the community further that now they feel more confident to train other farmers. Besides the
international recognition, EA’s contribution is as well recognized in various national and local
government policy development and implementation; and program planning and implementation
processes.
 Most of EA’s concerns, issues and proposals as reflected in various policy briefs and memoranda
have been integrated in associated policies
What are the challenges?
 High expectations of farmers with respect to farm inputs ranging from farm tools, seeds, fertilizers,
and livestock among others. Hence at the beginning of the interventions there was a high turn up
but some farmers dropped out because they felt their expectations were not met.
 Participation and involvement of all stakeholders in development initiatives requires patience and
subsequently a lot of time.
 Limited financial support to be able to meet more farmers and scaling out of the project lessons
and proven technologies to other areas affected by similar constraints.
 Limited political will for policy development, implementation and enforcement. Given the fact that
we do not control the policy making process, some policy processes have stalled and hence over
delayed for example the National soils policy for Uganda has taken over 15 years yet land and soil
degradation is increasing at escalating rates. To date Uganda does not have a Land policy to guide
4 The Energy Globe Award is a world award for environmental sustainability and is one of the most prestigious world
environmental awards. It is an annual award given to innovative projects world wide contributing to improved livelihoods and
environmental sustainability in the categories of Air, Fire, Water, Earth and Youth. Environmental Alert was recognized for
implementing the INMASP project which built farmers’ capacities in analyzing their farming systems by promoting a blend of local
and scientific knowledge (PELUM bulletin, 2006). http://www.energyglobe.at

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sustainable land management and land use. Secondly even where policies exist, there is
weakness in compliance and enforcement.
What lessons can be drawn from these engagements?
(a) Farmers have a lot of information and knowledge about their community but also on issues
affecting their day to day livelihood which should be tapped when initiating development projects or
initiatives and policies.
(b) Local knowledge or techniques have hidden scientific attributes or interpretations and these can be
identified and appreciated by both parties when farmers interact with scientist or researchers
(b) Smallholder farmers still have a notion that the extension workers or researchers know it all.
Likewise some extension workers think they know it all. Hence getting them to open up to share
their knowledge requires patience and participatory approaches, which challenge them to take an
active role. Also getting such extension workers/scientists to provide opportunities for farmer
participation in technology development and extension requires training to enhance their facilitation
skills but also appreciating and deeper understanding of participatory extension approaches such
as the FFS among others.
(c) Farmers can understand and explain scientific techniques and concepts so long as these are
simplified through illustrations and demonstration during training.
(d) Farmers’ ownership and adoption of developed technologies is higher because they have a feeling
of being part of the process. This makes them self reliant in the sense that they are able to analyze
their own farming systems and take appropriate decisions with minimum support from outside.
(e) When confident and if given spaces, communities can lead to relevant policy/programme
development and implementation. Critical for this is the need to build the confidence and
information sharing.
Case study 2 – Forestry Policy and Legislation
Overview of the forestry sector
According to the UFP, (2001), there are 4.9 million hectares of forest cover i.e. 24% of total land cover of
the country) in Uganda. Of this, 70.6% (3.46 million hectares) were on private lands. The forest estate in
Uganda has significant contribution to livelihoods and economic development. The total economic value of
Uganda’s forests is estimated at 593 billion shillings, equivalent to approximately 5.2% of the Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) (Glenn Bush op cit). The sector supports about 24 million people mainly in the
rural areas for their basic needs such as firewood, building poles, furniture and medicine. Over 90% of
Ugandans use firewood as their main and sole source of energy, consuming nearly 27 million tones in
2007, valued at UShs 324 billion. It is expected that fuel wood will continue to be the dominant source of
energy in Uganda for the foreseeable future, despite the growing importance of petroleum and electricity.
Forests and trees are also an important source of construction materials, providing timber, poles, and ropes
among others. Furthermore, forests contribute significantly to the protection and stabilization of the
environment including water catchment areas. The contribution of forests to soil and water management,
carbon sequestration, and future use for Uganda’s biodiversity is valued at UShs 222 billion annually
(Glenn Bush, op cit). At the global level, forests contribute to climate change mitigation.
The reform in the forestry sector started in 1997 led to development of the Forest Policy, 2001, the National
Forest Plan (NFP), 2002 and the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act, 2003. These government

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instruments decentralized and/or devolved management of forestry activities. In Central Forest Reserves
(CFR) the mandate for management was vested into the NFA, and management of National Parks/Wildlife
Reserves was vested into Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). At the sub-national level, the DFS is the main
vehicle for the management of Local Forest Reserves (LFR) and supporting management of forests on
private lands.
However, despite the advancement in the formulation and implementation of the National forestry Policy,
National Forest Plan, and the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act, the sector still faces a number of
constraints, gaps and challenges (Table 2). Some of these include: Reduction in forest cover rated at 17%
of total land area (15% of total area of the country) per annum between 1990 and 2005. Much of this
degradation occurs on private forests. Hence 1.9% of forest cover on average is lost annually! Forest
degradation is associated with loss of ecological services and products from forests (i.e. timber, wood).
Other challenges are the increasing pressure on forest land and increasing demand on forest products;
limited management capacity and institutional weakness constrain development due to limited resource
allocation and non functional institutional frameworks (EA, 2008).
Consequences of the gaps on livelihood, economy, forestry estate
The reduction in the forestry cover has negatively affected the supply of forest products and services;
resulting in social stresses (e.g. hostilities between the people & law enforcement agencies) and escalating
poverty levels among the communities, given that they mainly depend on forest products and service for
survival. The stresses were increased by the poor governance (e.g. corruption, ethnic tensions, and
politicization of technical matters) that has plagued the forestry sub-sector for a long time, threatening the
very survival of Uganda’s forests and the livelihoods associated with them. Furthermore, it also means
reduction in revenue collection from the sector thus impacting on the national economic growth.
Why this policy process/engagement?
Environmental Alert is particularly interested in the forest sector for the following reasons:
 To raise the profile of natural forests on private land and provide and provide practical
recommendations to policy makers and practitioners on how to curtail the current rapid
degradation of private forests and ensure sustainability of the forest estate in Uganda
 Advocate for increased budget allocation to the ENR sector by both central and local
governments
What has EA done?
(i) Mobilisation and sensitization of stakeholders on forestry issues through the Forests, Trees and People
program. This was through radio programs and information dissemination; 1997-1999. This resulted in
various stakeholders to appreciate the importance of trees and forests to livelihood and economic
development. Furthermore, they got involved in the forestry formulation policy processes.
(ii) Policy analysis and reviews
Policy analyses and reviews, particularly of the draft national forestry policy and national forest and tree
planting bill were done to highlight gaps and proposals. These were documented as memoranda and
submitted to respective drafting committees. The analyses and recommendations were informed by
experiences and lessons of EA based on her engagements with communities in Luweero district on agro

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forestry, farm forest and collaborative forestry. In addition, these lessons and experiences were
documented as policy briefs, posters, fact sheets and disseminated to various stakeholders in the forestry
sector.
(iii) Policy lobbying and advocacy
Lobbying and advocacy on forestry issues was done through the Uganda Forestry Working Group
(UFWG)5. The UFWG effectively engaged in the forestry policy and legislation policy processes. In
addition, the network implemented the FAO NFP program (2002-2006) in collaboration with Government of
Uganda. This particular program sensitised communities in Mubende, Masindi and Mokono on sustainable
forestry and influenced NAADS Program for inclusion of forestry extension as part of the overall agricultural
extension. These were implemented through the UFWG membership.
EA mobilised UFWG membership and generally Ugandan Citizens in save Mabira forest give away
campaign against the Uganda cabinet decision to convert part of the forest into a sugarcane plantation.
This was done through mass awareness through radio, television and print media with effective use of
documented tools i.e. facts sheets, policy briefs, stickers, posters clarifying and communicating facts on the
importance of the forest and anticipated implications when converted into a sugarcane plantation.
(iv) Promoting economically viable, socially acceptable and environmentally friendly community based enterprises as
incentives for sustainable management of the forest resources on private land. These include beekeeping and fruit
trees (Mangos, Oranges and Avocado) which were selected in a participatory manner by private forest owners in
Mubende and Kyenjojo districts.
(v) Strengthening the knowledge and skills of stakeholders particularly the private forest owners (in Luweero,
Mubende and Kyenjojo district) and local environment committees to sustainably manage their forests through
building on already existing indigenous knowledge and practices. The training focused on specific aspects of
sustainable forest management, fruit tree nursery establishment and management; appreciation of poverty and
environment linkages and enterprise development among others. The trainings are highly participatory and involve
exposure visits, mentoring and farmer to farmer extension.
(vi) Action Research
Action research is among the strategies EA uses in her engagements. Particularly under the forestry
sector, EA has commissioned various studies to bridge information gaps and establish baseline survey to
inform her interventions at community level and also her policy advocacy work in the forestry sector. Some
of the studies conducted include the following:
 Economic valuation of forest patches in Mubende and Kyenjojo districts, 2004
 Market research on potential forest-based enterprises in Mubende and Kyenjojo districts, 2006
 Tracking environment & natural resources (ENR) and Agriculture investment trends and decisions
in public expenditure, 2006
 Inventory of critical issues in the forestry sector that require urgent attention for sustainable forestry
in Uganda, 2008
5 UFWG is a network of civil society organizations, academic and research institutions engaged in the development and
sustainability of the forestry sector in Uganda. It’s hosted by Ea as the Secretariat.

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(vii) Up scaling proven techniques/practices
Proven techniques and practices for sustainable forestry management and agro forestry have been up
scaled to other areas beyond the areas of EA interventions through targeted documentation; facilitating
awareness policy dialogues at the national level; and demonstration during celebration of important days
like the WED and WFD.

A Discussion Paper Presented at The National Policy Dialogue to Cerebrate 20 Years of Environmental Alert’s Advancement of Policy and Practice Change for Food Security
and Sustainable Natural Resources Management, Held at Protea Hotel, Kampala, Uganda, November, 2008. An Environmental Alert Publication. P. O. Box 11259 Kampala,
Uganda; Tel: 256-41-510547; Fax: 256-41-510547; Email: envalert@envalert.org
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Table 2. Tracking the national forestry policy and national forestry tree planting act formulation and implementation
Policy Policy goal Responsible
Institution
When was
the
process
initiated
Status of
process now as
at 2008
Gaps in policy/legislation
National
Forestry
Policy
An integrated forest sector that achieves sustainable increases in the
economic, social and environmental benefits from forests and tress
by all people of Uganda, especially the poor and the vulnerable
Ministry of
Water, lands
and
Environment
1996 Formulation of
the policy was
completed and
policy launched
in 2001. This
was followed by
the development
of the national
forestry plan for
implementation
of the policy
Non functional institutions especially
the district forestry services
Weak policy implementation
Limited political will e.g. Mabira forest
give away for sugarcane plantation
Conversion of forestry to agriculture –
land use change
Lack of incentives to support private
forestry management
Limited documentation on economic
befits from forestry
National
Forestry and
Tree Planting
Act
To provide for the conservation, sustainable management and
development of forests for the benefit of the people of Uganda; to
provide for the declaration of forest reserves for purposes of
protection and production of forests and forest produce; to provide
for sustainable use of forestry resources and enhancement of
productive capacity of forests; to provide for the promotion of tree
planting; to consolidate the law relating to the forest sector and trade
in forest produce; to establish a National Forestry Authority; to repeal
the Forests Act, Cap 246 and the Timber (Export) Act Cap. 247; and
related matters.
2000 Was assented to
by Uganda
Parliament in
2003
Weak enforcement of legislation

Advancement of Policy and Practice Change for Food Security and Sustainable Natural Resources Management, Held
at Protea Hotel, Kampala, Uganda, November, 2008. An Environmental Alert Publication. P. O. Box 11259 Kampala,
13
The Impact of EA’s interventions
Some of the impact as a result of EA’s interventions are listed below:
 The National Forest and Tree Planting Act, 2003 recognizes and has provisions supporting
management of forests on private land – is this an impact?
 Contribution towards institutionalization of the community workers model under the NAADS
programs
 Deferred decision for degazatement of Mabira by the Cabinet
 Budgets especially at local government level
 Demonstrated that best practice models on forest-based enterprises enable communities to
coexist with forests and mutually benefit from forest products and services while generating
incomes. Major outcomes from these models are: Eight hundred fifty two(852) acres under
sustainable forest management in Mubende and Kyenjojo districts; Beekeeping and fruit tree growing
commercialised and 215 private forest owners independently managing their enterprises; Six
enterprise associations formed and strengthened; Six savings and loan associations formed and
opportunities provided for private forest owner to save and borrow and On average ,some private forest
owners are now earning 4.8 million shillings per year from sale of honey and honey products compared
to 600,000/= from maize.
 Limited political will due to notion by political leaders all levels in appreciating that development
and environmental management and conservation are mutually supportive. This perspective
has seen rampant conversion of natural forests to other land uses; limited budget allocations to
the sector and weak enforcement of policies and laws.
 Non- functionality of the district forestry services due to inadequate facilitation. This leaves the private
forest owners heavily reliant on the project for support and extension. Hence, very high community
expectations which we cannot address holistically as EA.
 Difficulty in convincing stakeholders including private forest owners to adopt FBEs for forest
management and conservation. This was partly due to lack of reference points as models
 Land grabbing, immigration problems and tribal conflicts in Mubende and Kyenjojo delayed the
mobilization exercise since communities were apprehensive,
 Ongoing debates and reforms in the land sector especially the land amendment bill have brad fear
among communities and their misinterpretation that we after their land and forest, thus resulting in
delays in implementation
i) Local communities appreciate the importance of forests and the need to conserve them. However,
due to overwhelming household needs and demands, forests are cleared for quick gains to meet
the household needs.
ii) The link between forest based enterprises and the conservation objective should be made explicitly
right at the very beginning of the initiative, otherwise the enterprise could be an additional income
generating activity while the owners continue clearing the forest for agriculture.
iii) The business approach calls for developing a business plan, undertaking adequate market survey
so that the producers are linked to the markets right away. This way those engaged in enterprises
produce for an identified market, ensuring the required quality and quantities are achieved. This pre-
empts the frustration that comes with failure to identify markets for products produced.

14
iv) It has been observed that the forest based enterprises, just like any other enterprises take a period
of time to bear fruit say 1-3 yrs in our case. It is important to support owners to engage in off
resource income generating activities while the enterprises take off. A revolving fund is critical here
because it provides affordable credit that could finance these kinds of initiatives. Additionally, these
kinds of projects need funding for at least 5 yrs compared to the 2 years in our case. This allows
time for the establishment and development of enterprises.
v) There is need for specific policy incentives (trust funds, easements, among others) that
governments should put in place to facilitate/ support the establishment and development of forest
based enterprises as one of the economic benefits that motivates conservation of private forests.
vi) It was observed that factors causing forest degradation in Luweero, Mubende and Kyenjojo districts
were a consequence of livelihood demands many miles away and/or individual interests of people in
other places, forests on private land can be sustainably managed and conserved only if
comprehensive and inter-sectoral planning is put into consideration.
Case study 3 – Food and nutrition policy and legislation
An overview of food security in Uganda
Food and nutrition insecurity is a global challenge. An estimated 854 million people in the world today suffer
from hunger. Of those, about 820 million live in developing countries, the very countries expected to be most
affected by climate change (FAO, 2008). The situation of food and nutrition insecurity remains a fundamental
challenge for human welfare and economic growth in Uganda. 63.5 % of Ugandans were food insecure
in 2002 and figure rose to 68.55% to-date. Over 40% of deaths of children are due to malnutrition; over
38 % children under 5years stunted, 22.5 % underweight, and 10% women are undernourished.
(National Food and Nutrition Strategy, November 2005). The reasons behind these statistics are due to
both natural and man made factors. It is estimated that 9 million Ugandans are starving due to food
shortage caused by the effects of climate change (Daily Monitor, Monday, October 20, 2008). In
addition, experiences and lessons learnt from EA constituencies have shown that poor soil management
practices aggravate the situation further. In Northern and North Eastern Uganda, Teso, Karamoja, parts
of Lango, Acholi , Westnile and the cattle corridor alone, 3.5 million people are facing starvation as a
result of crop failure. Food insecurity and malnutrition has also been aggravated by increasing food
prices that are being experienced in all regions of the country and increasing demand for food in
neighboring countries without matching production enhancement strategies.
The escalating levels of food insecurity in rural and urban households are associated with low food production,
low purchasing power, and induced sale of food. At the same time agriculture policies, institutional
mechanisms and product market mechanisms have remained wanting to foster agriculture growth. If
the food insecurity trend continues, Uganda may not be able to adequately meet the Millennium
development goal 1 of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger by 2015. In this context, the Government of
Uganda through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal, Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) initiated the formulation of the
Uganda Food and Nutrition policy and bill. Some of the guiding principles of the Food and Nutrition
policy include adequate food as a human right, food as a national strategic resource, among others
provides a framework for delivering to this critical human right. The policy does not only commit
government to create mechanisms to ensure food chain from production to consumption but also to set
up a legal framework to ensure food security and adequate nutrition for all Ugandans. The National
Food and Nutrition Bill (2008) is yet to be tabled in Parliament. A national food and nutrition strategy

15
and investment plan (2005) was developed to operationalize the policy but remains to be adequately
and systematically implemented. Furthermore, the Plan for Modernization for Agriculture (PMA) has been a
holistic, strategic framework for eradicating poverty through multi sectoral interventions enabling the people to
improve their livelihoods in a sustainable manner. One of the objectives of PMA is to improve household
food security through the market. The National Agricultural Advisory services (NAADS), which is one of the
components of PMA provides for increased farm household food security as an objective among others. Despite
these processes and initiatives from the Government, there are still gaps and challenges to address
food and nutrition security in the country especially among the vulnerable communities (Table 3.
Table 3. Tracking the formulation and implementation of the nation food and nutrition Policy and the
nation food and nutrition bill
Policy Policy goal Responsib
le
Institution
When was
the process
initiated
Status of
process
now as at
2008
Gaps in the policy and bill
National Food
and Nutrition
Bill
Provides for the right to food and
obligations of citizens;
establishment, objects, functions
and composition of the food and
nutrition council and committees at
district and sub-county levels and
roles of the various public
authorities.
MAAIF 2003 Working
draft Food
and
nutrition bill
2008, not
yet passed
There is a draft still at ministerial level
awaiting to be tabled in parliament
National Food
and Nutrition
policy
To ensure food security and
adequate nutrition for all the
people in Uganda, for their health
as well as their social and
economic wellbeing.
MAAIF and
Ministry of
Health.
1992 It was
passed in
2003
Implementation is slow due to
absence of a legal framework and
inadequacies in institutional structures
and well streamlined programmes
The National
Food and
Nutrition
strategy
To transform Uganda into a
hunger free and properly
nourished country within a
timeframe of ten years.
MAAIF and
Ministry of
Health.
2003 It was
passed in
2005
Implementation is slow due to funding
gaps to operationalize the strategy
The national priority performance
indicators were designed according to
PEAP pillars and will need to be
aligned to the current national
development program if resources are
to be realized.
What are the implications?
The weak implementation and stalled process of the bill has resulted into coping mechanisms
manifesting as piecemeal interventions to address food insecurity by various stakeholders NAADS,
CSOs, PMA do not address the issue holistically leaving many pockets of food insecurity, hunger and
malnutrition in the country. This state of affairs also makes it difficult for different stakeholders to
effectively respond to natural disasters, rising food prices, and impacts of climate change (e.g. prolong
droughts) thereby escalating the food insecurity and hunger in the country. The escalating levels of food
insecurity in rural and urban households are associated with low food production, low purchasing power, and

16
induced sale of food. At the same time agriculture policies, institutional mechanisms and product market
mechanisms have remained wanting to foster agriculture growth.
Why this policy process/engagement?
 The right to food is a fundamental human and constitutional right for all citizens of Uganda.
Hence, policy, programs and legal and institutional frameworks should deliver this right
 Escalating food insecurity and poverty levels among the vulnerable communities
What is EA’s contribution?
(i) Policy analysis, lobbying and advocacy
EA is a member of the Food Rights Alliance (FRA) which is a loose Coalition of CSOs pursuing issue of
food security. EA spearheaded and convened CSOs to undertake the activities mentioned below:-
 CSO workshops to analyse and critique the bill which led the PMA food security committee to
cause impromptu meeting to expedite the bill process. A submission of the critique highlight
Food as a Right, composition the Food and Nutrition Council
 Several CSO meetings held with PMA secretariat including making contributions to the Food
Security and Nutrition Strategy and investment plan
 Lobby meetings with Wakiso, Kampala, Sironko district officials (production department,
environment department and political leaders) to develop district wide strategies for food
security
(iii) Modelling/piloting appropriate interventions for food security and nutrition
When policy processes stalled, alternative approaches were employed towards implementation of the
policy in order to address the food needs of the poor. Some of them included the following:
 Food security interventions at local government and community levels
o Sustainable agriculture techniques (soil land water conservation, improved crop and
livestock etc) in Luweero, Tororo, Wakiso, Kampala, Moyo.
o Study that assessed the ability of people to access food security through the market
(iv) Up scaling proven techniques/practices (how was it done?)
Best practices, techniques and lessons regarding food security and nutrition have been documented in
form of posters (on a write to food), policy briefs e.g. 5 years of implementing urban food security and
nutrition in Kampala) and disseminated among key stakeholders and decision makers at local
government levels for up scaling and out scaling. Furthermore community beneficiaries have been
mentored and facilitated to showcase best practices in local and national platforms during important
days like World Food Days, World Environmental Days and during EA and partner lobby fora.
(v) Strengthening farmer’s institutional development e.g.
Group level farmer trainings in sustainable agriculture, nutrition and health; group dynamics and basic
lobby skills to continuously demand for their rights characterise EA’s interventions. In additional,
community facilitators were given more skills through training of trainers (TOTs) to continuously train
other farmers in the community. Some of these include: Community Health Workers, Traditional Birth
Attendants (TBA) in Kampala district, Community Agricultural Advisors (CAAs) in Luwero and Mpigi
districts.

17
The impact of EA’s interventions
 Specific policy provisions (i.e. food as a right and food reserves, recognition of the right to food
in the food and nutrition bill l) advanced through the FRA were integrated in the policy
 Recognition of CSOs contribution/value to the policy process by PMA and other policy makers.
This is evidenced by the various invitations for CSOs participation through making technical
presentations on various issues in the food and nutrition bill formulation processes
 E.g. communities have enhanced skills for farm planning to effectively address food insecurity
at household
 Increased food production and security at household level
 remarkable increase in food production within EA constituencies (quotes, %ages ) right to food
wholly reflected in the bill
The following are key challenges during the implementation of EA interventions:
 Limited resource allocation to the agricultural sector hampers interventions at community level.
 High expectation from communities in addressing food insecurity since food security is a key
ingredient in household livelihoods.
 When policy processes stall, alternative approaches can be used to address the prevailing
community needs (food Insecurity)
 Though very committed to seeing such key policy processes being accomplished, CSO have
limited powers to have to these laws passed
 Where men are not involved in food security issues (..) is associated with food shortage in the
households
Case study 4 – Kampala District Urban Agriculture Ordinances
An overview of urban agriculture in Uganda
In Uganda, the role of agriculture as a backbone of the National economy is a well established fact. The
sector contributes 31.9 percent to GDP 2006/07 (UBOS, 2007), employs 77 percent of the population.
Urban agriculture is practiced worldwide in cities of developed and developing countries alike. The
contributions of urban agriculture to urban food security, urban economy and city ecology that have
been identified by urban agriculture practitioners from various parts of the world cannot be
underestimated. Provision of adequate and safe food supplies for urban inhabitants will be the major
challenge of the ‘Century of Cities’. Social exclusion caused by poverty and unemployment results in
many urban dwellers being unable to access adequate and safe food supplies. The solution to the
above crisis lies in Urban Agriculture (UA). In Uganda most government agriculture programmes focus
on rural poor yet there is a significant urban poor population that depends on agriculture as their major
livelihood strategy. In Uganda, the urban population currently stands at 3.7million out of a total
population of 29.6 million. Urban poverty constitutes 18% compared to 45% for rural (MFPED 2004).
Studies undertaken indicate that 50% of urban households supplement their incomes through urban and
peri-urban agriculture. 40% of food consumed in Kampala, 70% of food consumed in Mbale

18
municipality, 60% in Mbarara municipality, and 60% in Lira municipality come from urban farming
(Maxwell, 1995, Environmental Alert, 2006).
What was EA’s contribution?
 Provision of resources both human and financial (seed) towards the process.
 The best practices from the urban food security and nutrition project provided practical
actions/provisions that informed the policy.
 Environmental Alert’s critical role in the initiation of the policy process coupled with her
consistent engagements with KCC facilitated the process.
In an attempt to demystify myth about urban agriculture, Environment Alert implemented a 5-year urban
food security and nutrition project in Makindye division in 1999-2004. In the same project EA in
collaboration with Kampala City Council (department of social services, Agriculture section both
technical and political offices) and other stakeholders embarked on a process of formulating urban
agriculture ordinances.
Table 3. Tracking the formulation and implementation of the Kampala district urban agriculture
ordinances
Policy/Legisl
ation
Policy goal Responsible
Institution
When was
the process
initiated
Status of process now
as at 2008
Gaps in
implementation of the
urban agriculture
ordinances
Kampala
Urban
Agriculture
Ordinances
To guided controlled urban
agriculture in the city to
ensure more orderly,
organized, highly
productive, profitable and
environmentally friendly
agriculture.
KCC Formulation
of the
ordinances
was initiated
through out
cry after
realisiling
benefits from
Urban
agriculture
project in
2000
The ordinances were
assented by the Mayor
in 2005 and urban peri
agriculture has been
appreciated as a
livelihood strategy for the
urban poor
Limited awareness of the
ordinances among
communities and
stakeholders
Limited political will for
enforcement of the
ordinances
Challenges
 Funding limitation was a major challenge in this collaboration. As mentioned earlier, for a long
time, the partners had to finance the activities of the collaboration as they waited proper
funding.
 The negative attitude of some political and technical decision makers also paused a challenge
in the process. By 1999, many people within the KCC still regarded UA as illegal and were
skeptical about discussing it despite the awareness building and practical activities in favor of
UA carried out by EA for local politicians.
 Harmonizing varied stakeholder views on UA and ensuring that a consensus was reached was
also a challenge.

19
(i) Engagements with high level political leadership is a major influence for change and otherwise if not
involved. Hence, the roles of the Kampala Mayor and City Minister for production were crucial in the
development of Kampala City laws for UA in 2005. Having such high level allies is important in a change
process. This can be done through exposing political leaders to the realities on ground through field
visits, awareness and one to one briefings as well as to wider thinking and experiences through regional
meetings. The presence of highly educated and well informed leaders can lead to effective processes.
(ii) Local level policy processes are faster to engage with … Once change has occurred at this level, the
outcomes can be used to inform the national agenda and this can be a springboard for a wider change.
The case in point is the draft national policy on urban Agriculture under the MAAIF.
(iii) The participation of all key stakeholders in research and development at grass roots and policy
maker’s level is very critical. It breeds ownership of the interventions and outcomes by all stakeholders.
Furthermore, it’s important that planned and budgeted for early in the process.
(iv) There has been a considerable role for evidence in this process, both empirical, research based,
and from the experiences of EA, other NGO’s and technical officers. Such evidence is useless however
unless strategically communicated. The exposure of politicians to the realities on the ground had to be
backed up with empirical evidence of the scale and importance of the practice, and with evidence and
experiences to suggest practical ways of engaging. Use of strategic communication involving field visits
and targeted meetings proved particularly effective in this case.
(v) Effecting policy change requires significant time for attitudinal and behavioral change and
commensurate (i.e. financial, human and time) resources should be invested.
(vi) The partnerships which were promoted in this policy change process were diverse and
characterized by selfless and total commitment towards urban agriculture. The mix of CSOs, local and
central government, and national and international research organizations brought a breadth of
perspectives and expertise. The success of this partnership was partly due to the efforts of a number of
individuals involved and investment to make them work effectively can result into real change.
(vii) The use of Champions i.e. strong and committed individuals in organizations who are proactive in
identifying and taking opportunities for action. They helped in influencing attitude and behavioral change
regarding urban agriculture in their organizations. They should be identified at both political and
technical level and supported to provide the necessary leadership.
(viii) The use of multiple strategies is critical for effective lobbying and advocacy. This should be through
the combination of traditional presentation of research findings, field visits to development and research
activities, lobbying through internal reports, exposure to international experiences together with more
straight forward open advocacy activities created greater influence and realization of the policy.
(ix) Consensus building among stakeholders is a vital factor for success of any collaboration. It is
important for the group to agree on a way forward and front that way with one voice.
(x) Process documentation and dissemination of best practices is very key in informing the lobbying and
advocacy
Impacts of EA’s interventions
 Urban agriculture has been appreciated as a livelihood strategy for the urban poor

20
 International recognition of Kampala as the first city in Sub- Saharan Africa to successfully
engage in such a process of policy formulation drawing from experiences of different
stakeholders
 Increased interest in UA by Uganda Local Authorities Association (ULAA)
 There was improved collaboration between KCC and Civil Society (Environmental Alert) in
pursuing the policy process
 The collaboration not only recommended practical revision to Kampala Urban Agriculture
Ordinances but also undertook a lobby process for macro recognition of Urban Agriculture as a
livelihood strategy that should be entrenched in the national development strategy as well as
national agricultural related policies and frameworks
 Experiences and lessons from the engagements have been up scaled through development
and implementation of new projects (including ecological sanitation, edible landscape and focus
cities) by KCC and other
3.0 General Discussion, Conclusions and Recommendations
3.1 General Discussion
National Land, Land use and Soils Policies
Land Use Policy was approved and process is under way for implementation of the policy. Policy
processes for development of the National Land Policy, National Soils Policy are on going. The PEAP
articulates land degradation as a major issue will grave implications on livelihoods and economic
development. However, these policies are still on paper without supportive programs or interventions to
address land and soil degradation. This result in continuous degradation of the resource associated with
low productivity, food insecurity, low incomes with grave impacts on livelihoods and economic
development.
Kampala Urban Agriculture Ordinances
The Urban Agriculture Ordinance was approved, some actions/processes appreciating the contribution
of UA to livelihoods; initiating a national policy on urban agriculture by MAAIF. Despite this, the
ordinances are yet to be fully implemented to guide sustainable urban farming systems.
Food Security and Nutrition Bill
The food and nutrition bill process, which will provide an institutional framework and mandates to
implement strategies addressing food insecurity, has stalled. As a result, there are disjointed/unguided
food security interventions scattered under various programs such National Agricultural Advisory
Services. Consequently, there are piecemeal and or inappropriate strategies to address the escalating
food insecurity situation in the country.
The National Forestry Policy and Legislation
The forestry policy was completed and national forestry investment program was developed and
implemented for the last 10 years. Additionally, legislation in form of the National Tree planting act 2003
was developed and being implemented by stakeholders through various programs e.g. NFA. However,
implementation of both the policy and legislation has a number of gaps that have grave implication on
the integrity of the natural resources and subsequently the community livelihoods. Some of the gaps

21
include non functionality of the district forestry services due to limited funding from the Central
Government, yet this is a decentralized function. This means that the resource users do not access
technical guidance on farm forestry and sustainable forestry management; Lack of incentives to private
owners to stimulate conservation or sustainable use of forests through forest based enterprises yet over
64% of the forest estate is located on private land. Thus there is untouched potential of promoting forest
based enterprises for poverty reduction while conserving the natural resource to continuously deliver
ecosystem goods and services.
Value addition of EA’s Engagements to Policy/Legislation Formulation and Implementation
EA’s engagements have added value to policy/legislation formulation and implementation in form of
demonstrating practical and appropriate lessons/experiences/technologies as potential solutions to
address constraints (food insecurity, poverty and degradation). Furthermore, the continuous
engagements with relevant policy makers stakeholders towards fast tracking stalled processes and or
initiating new policies e.g. soils policy urban agriculture, respectively.
Implications of Natural Resource Management Practices to Livelihoods and Economic Development
Natural resources degradation for instance in the forest, land, water among others has implications of
low productivity resulting in food and nutrition insecurity; low incomes and general poor livelihoods given
that the communities are not able to meet their basic needs and requirements. In addition, this situation
results in social and economic conflicts among communities. At the national level, natural resources
degradation presents implications such as reduced revenue collection from natural resources products
(e.g. timber, honey agricultural produce), loss of employment opportunities, loss of ecosystem services
(e.g. climate regulation, underground water recharging), thus overall resulting in low Gross Domestic
Product performance. On the other hand, sustainable utilization of natural resources has positive
impacts that are beneficial to livelihoods and economic development without compromising the integrity
of the natural resources base. Some of the impacts include sustained productivity, increased household
income, food security and provisioning of ecosystem services such as climate regulation and
underground water recharging among others.
What Lessons/Perspectives/Experiences in EA Approaches/Policy Processes Have Worked or Not
Worked?
The following lessons/perspectives/ experiences have worked:
 Like minded CSO Partnerships, coalitions – common voice, cost effectiveness, up scaling
through sharing information
 Government-CSO partnerships e.g. UFWG; EA – KCC – quick buy in, ownership, sharing on
enriching different perspectives
 Empowering communities to advance issues affecting them
 Integrated approaches to address community/livelihood constraints – not policy per see or
chronological policy making process i.e. policy – law - Investment plan- law
The following lessons/perspectives/ experiences have not worked:
 Policy process are long term and Uganda case some stall for over 10 years yet communities
need immediate solutions and support to their problems

22
 Were policies in advanced stages but remain on paper due to limited resource allocation and
poor enforcement of laws and political interference at all levels
Can Balancing Environmental Conservation and Development be achieved?
Based on our lessons and experiences generated through interactions with natural resource dependent
communities, it’s very clear that environmental conservation and development can be balanced.
However, it requires a favorable policy and legislation framework proactively and equitably considering
the basic principles of sustainable development.
3.1 General Conclusions and Recommendations
There are various initiatives to address food insecurity, poverty and environmental degradation in
Uganda. These are implemented both from the Government side in form of policy, legislation and
institutional frameworks; and CSOs particularly EA in form of modeling best practices in sustainable
agriculture, natural resource management and advocacy engagements to contribute to a conducive
policy, legislation and institutional stewardship in the agriculture, environment and natural resources
sectors. These initiatives discussed as case studies under the land, forestry, food security and urban
agriculture present lessons, experiences and perspectives that demonstrated opportunities that
balancing environmental conservation and development is possible. However, there are still policy gaps
and challenges in the agriculture, environment and natural resources sectors that must be addressed by
the respective lead agencies and stakeholders.
3.2 General Recommendations
Our 20 years experiences in advancing policy and practice change for food security and sustainable
natural resources management in Uganda, make us optimistic that, ‘Balancing Environmental
Conservation and Development,’ can be achieved. However, realizing this achievement would require
proactive steps by key stakeholders in implementing the following recommendations Table 13:
Table 4. General Recommendations
Stakeholder Key Policy Recommendation
National Planning Authority, Ministry of Finance and
Economic Development, Local Governments, Private
Sector, Civil Society Organizations
Program planning and implement at all levels (community, local and
national) should conscious address environmental and natural resources
management/conservation to ensure sustainable livelihoods and
development
National Environment Management Authority Fast tracking the national soils policy to completion and implementation
Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development; Fast tracking the national land policy to completion and implementation
Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development;
National Environment Management Authority
Development and strengthening of legal frameworks for enforcement of
provisions in the National Land use policy, National Land Policy, National
Soils policy at all levels (Community, Local and National)
Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development;
National Environment Management Authority; Uganda
Parliament
Establishment and facilitation of appropriate institutional frameworks for
implementation and monitoring at all levels (Community, Local and
National) of national soils, national land policy and national land use
policies
National Planning Authority, MAAIF, NAADS, Local
Governments
Agricultural support and development programs should develop and
implement strategies to address land and soil degradation

23
Ministry of Water and Environment, Forest Sector
Services Department
Reviewing the National Forestry Program to respond to the current gaps
and critical issues in the forestry sector
Development Partners, Private Sector, Uganda
Investment Authority
Support and promotion of ecologically sound, economically viable and
socially acceptable community environment and natural resource based
enterprises
MAAIF/PMA Fast tracking the food security and nutrition bill
MAAIF, Ministry of Local Government, Urban Authorities
and Municipalities
Development of specific incentives and regulations facilitating access to
land, water, and advisory services for urban agriculture
Research and Development Institutions including
National Agricultural Research Organization, CIAT,
Internal Food Policy Research Institute, Food and
Agriculture Organization
Research should respond to challenges associated with urban agriculture
development including agro-processing, space confined technologies and
associated gender issues
National Planning Authority, ministry of finance, District
Local Governments
Strategies supporting urban agriculture should be integrated in national
development plan and local government development plans and budgets
Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries Fast tracking the formulation and implementation of the urban agriculture
policy
Kampala City Council, Civil Society Organizations, Media Sensitization of urban communities and the public about Kampala City
urban agriculture ordinances
Government line Ministries and institutions (e.g. NEMA,
NFA), Civil Society Organizations
Enhance participation of stakeholders in policy and program planning,
monitoring and implementation including the real resource users directly
or indirectly through institutions that are interacting with them on a regular
basis.
Government line Ministries and institutions (e.g. NEMA,
NFA), Civil Society Organizations, Research Institutions
(i.e. NARO, IFPRI, CIAT), Uganda National Council of
Science and Technology
Appreciating that there is a lot of potential in community and can add
value to policy formulation
MAAIF, NAADS, Civil Society Organizations Up scaling proven appropriate techniques/practices for sustainable land
use and soil management e.g. application of fertilizers, soil and water
conservation trenches
About the Authors
By Joshua Zake1, Agnes Yawe2, Maria Kaweesa3, Bugaari Ambrose4, Grace Maiso5, Christine
Nantogo6
1Ag. Senior Program Officer, Environment and Natural Resource at Environmental Alert
2Ag. Senior Program Officer, Empowerment and Food Security at Environmental Alert
3Program Officer, Food Security at Environmental Alert
4Program Officer, Enterprise Development at Environmental Alert
5Program Manager at Environmental Alert
7Executive Director at Environmental Alert
P. O. Box 11259 Kampala, Uganda. Tel: 0414510215; Email: envalert@envalert.org, Website:
http://www.envalert.org

24
4.0 Selected References
Environmental Alert (2005). Consolidated memorandum for National Soils policy for Uganda, 2005. Land, Land
use and Soils Program, Environmental Alert
Environmental Alert (2007). Ending Urban Poverty through Urban Agriculture.
Environmental Alert (2006). National Study on Urban Agriculture in Uganda
Environmental Alert, (2008). Inventory of Critical Issues in the Forestry Sector That Require Urgent Attention for
Sustainable Forestry in Uganda. Environmental Alert, Kampala, Uganda
Draft Food and Nutrition Bill, (2008) (unpublished). Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries,
Entebbe, Uganda
Increasing forestry resources benefit to the poor; A policy dialogue report (2007). Environmental Alert
IFPRI (International Food Policy Research Institute), (2002). Strategic criteria for rural investment in productivity
(SCRP). Phase II completion report.
Implementation of District forestry services; A Study Carried out for Uganda Forestry Working Group
with Support of the FAO-NFP Facility in Uganda, (2007). Environmental Alert
International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), 2005. Land in Africa: Market asset or
secure livelihood? Issues paper no. 136 Natural Resources Institute, Royal African Society
Kaweesa, M., (2005): Five years of implementing an Urban Food Security and Nutrition Project;
makindye Division, Kampala district. Environmental Alert.Kampala:6.
Land and Land use Media Advocacy Report, (2006). Land, Land use and Soils Program, Environmental Alert
Land, Land use and Soils Issues Paper, 2006. Environmental Alert, Kampala Uganda.
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