Refugee-led initiative fosters soil health and resilience in Uganda

Context: Strengthening soil health and resilience is essential for building sustainable agriculture and food security, especially in refugee communities where resources are limited and land degradation threatens livelihoods.

Partners: Coalition of Action 4 Soil Health (CA4SH), KYETE BIINGI TAI NYEME (KBTN) Refugee Organization, UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency) Innovation Service, University of Buffalo Experiential Learning Network (ELN), Private donors and diaspora communities, and The Office of the Prime Minister Department of Refugees (OPM-DOR)

Duration: Ongoing, with notable activities reported from 2021 to 2024

Location: Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Isingiro District, Uganda

Impact achieved:

• Over 550 refugee households and 150 Ugandans households in 24 out of 79 communities in Nakivale gained knowledge in sustainable soil management techniques, improving their agricultural practices and reducing soil degradation.
• Enhanced soil fertility through sustainable practices, such as composting, organic farming, and crop rotation, leading to healthier and more productive agricultural land.
• Reduced soil erosion and increased organic matter in the soil, supporting food security and environmental sustainability for over 300 refugee households.
• Empowered over 25 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) with irrigation systems to reduce food security by minimizing reliance on rainwater for farming.

Description:
The initiative at Nakivale Refugee Settlement focuses on improving soil health as a foundation for sustainable agriculture and community resilience. Led by KYETE BIINGI TAI NYEME (KBTN), a refugee-led organization, the project aims to address soil degradation and enhance agricultural productivity through sustainable land management practices. These refugee communities have faced food insecurity, malnutrition, and extreme poverty due to limited access to land, severe soil exhaustion from prolonged cultivation, and poor agricultural practices.

Key activities include workshops and training sessions on soil conservation techniques such as composting, organic farming, mulching, and crop rotation. Currently, they are restoring 150 acres of degraded land in two refugee communities by creating contour ditches, planting cover and fruit trees, and applying organic manure, involving over 10 VSLAs to ensure sustainability and support crop growth once the land is fully restored. The initiative also supports the establishment of communal gardens that serve as demonstration sites for sustainable practices, fostering a hands-on learning environment. Refugees are taught to improve soil fertility by using organic inputs and reducing chemical use, which enhances soil structure and nutrient content. Additionally, the project promotes the use of drought-resistant crops and agroforestry techniques to improve soil health and water retention. By focusing on soil conservation and sustainable agriculture, the initiative not only improves food security but also builds the resilience of refugee communities against climate change impacts. The project has successfully engaged diverse refugee groups and the host communities within Nakivale to promote social cohesion and peaceful coexistence, empowering them with the skills to restore and maintain soil health, which is crucial for sustainable livelihoods and environmental stewardship in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement.

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The Food Systems Call to Action is a global initiative that urges non-state actors and governments to take immediate steps to transform food systems by 2030. It highlights the urgent need for resilient, sustainable, and equitable approaches that support food security, protect nature, and address climate change. Through targeted actions and principles, the Call to Action emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity—ensuring that farmers, frontline workers, Indigenous communities, and other key players are at the forefront of decision-making and implementation.