Adaptation strategies and constraints of displaced households by the oil refinery development project in Uganda

Resettlement due to natural resources extraction and infrastructural development is known to be associated with impoverishments globally. In the Albertine region of Uganda including Hoima District, Resettlement has resulted into loss of assets and livelihood resources yet the exploratory and infrastructural development activities are still at midstream phase. The study therefore assessed how households are adapting in relocation areas and constraints affecting adaption strategies of men and women. Qualitative information was gathered by interviews and focus group discussions with people receiving different type of compensation, and host community of those formally resettled. The results of the study indicated that, farming remains a dominant activity where rural communities make a living. Although there were no variations observed in activities undertaken as coping strategies by men and women, divorced women and widows found it difficult to adjust with the situation, as they must take up all activities and responsibilities for the family. Displaced communities face several challenges such as reduced access to land, water and fuelwood, making it difficult to rebuild their livelihoods in relocation areas. Lack of access to infrastructural facilities including roads, markets, schools, health centres was emphasized during interviews and affected coping strategies of displaced households in relocation areas. The government needs to fulfill the promises of providing infrastructural facilities both to resettled people and host communities.

Caroline Aboda, Magnfríður Júlíusdóttir, Patrick Byakagaba, Frank Mugagga

EfD Authors

Byakagaba, Patrick

Sustainable Development Goals

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Reduced Inequalities