A Karamoja case examining how community knowledge, farmer engagement and social-impact thinking can shape climate-resilient agricultural development before full-scale implementation.
This practice-based case reflection examines how social impact thinking can be integrated at the planning stage of agricultural development in Karamoja, Uganda, a semi-arid region where water scarcity, climate variability and community livelihoods are closely linked. It draws on early project planning, farmer engagement and training experience, with attention to water management, drought-resilient production, local capacity building and participation in project design. Rather than treating community engagement as a late compliance step, the approach asks how local knowledge and livelihood priorities can shape decisions from the outset. The presentation will discuss a practical planning framework for identifying social risks and opportunities before full-scale implementation, including water access, inclusion of women and youth, local employment, skills transfer and relationships with surrounding farming communities. It will also reflect on the limits of applying formal social impact assessment tools when projects are still at an early stage. The case offers a practitioner perspective on how community-led principles can strengthen climate-resilient agricultural development in dryland settings.
Nakato Nalweyiso Gloria is a Business Development Manager at Sigrow Africa Investment Limited. Uganda, working in agricultural development, farmer engagement and training.