Policy briefs from Drylands Transform

2026:6: Community perspectives on multi-dimensional social conflicts in the Karamoja sub-region
This study demonstrates that community perspectives offer a deeper understanding of different social conflict types in the Karamoja sub-region. It also reveals how certain key societal challenges, like inherent resource scarcity, perceived inequity in resource distribution and gender roles, power struggles, traditional norms and practices, form different types of social conflicts. Policy makers are encouraged to consider all forms of social conflicts, beyond the common resource-based and livestock raids, and put local communities at the center of designing appropriate and integrated interventions.
Author: MSc Derick Ansyijar Kuule

2026:5: Land cover change and pasture quantity and quality: Implications for rangeland management
Land cover change is reshaping pasture quantity and quality in Karamoja’s rangelands. This study shows how woody and grass-dominated rangelands differ in pasture biomass, species diversity and nutritional value across seasons, providing evidence to guide sustainable rangeland management.
Author: MSc Nabbanja Zamzam Rahmah

2026:4: Kitchen Gardens as a pathway to Food Security, Nutrition, and Livelihoods in Karamoja
Kitchen gardens have significant potential to improve food security, nutrition, incomes, and community cohesion in dryland areas. This policy brief highlights how kitchen gardens are organised and function in dryland settings, what they produce, their economic value, their strengths and limitations, and provides policy recommendations.
Author: MSc Mary Theodorah Ajal

2026:3: Vulnerability of Drylands to Livelihood Security Shocks: What's Next?
This policy brief highlights the vulnerability of dryland livelihoods in the Karamoja cluster to recurrent shocks and crises. Focus is on the patterns of shocks, household-level coping strategies, livelihood security, and what these imply for strengthening resilience, social protection, and sustainable agropastoral development.
Author: MSc Hawah Nabweteme

2026:2: Enhancing Pastoralist Livelihoods through Livestock Cafés in the Karamoja Cluster
Community-based co-learning centers, Livestock Cafés, have the potential to promote land restoration and improve food and fodder security. Findings from a survey in Kenya and Uganda reveal that pastoralists are willing to contribute labour and some money to support the Cafés.
Author: MSc Hildah Arinaitwe Nuwamanya

2026:1: Household food security situation in Napak District, Karamoja sub-region, Uganda
This policy brief highlights different aspects of food and nutrition security among women and children in pastoralist and agropastoralist households in Napak District, Uganda. It reports the findings from a community-based crosssectional study, including a household survey complemented by interviews and focus group discussions and concludes with action points and policy recommendations.
Author: MSc Jean Lomongin