Household capacity to adapt to resettlement due to land acquisition for the oil refinery development project in Uganda

Abstract
Involuntary displacement due to infrastructure development and extractive projects is an issue that many developing countries are grappling with mainly because of lack of comprehensive resettlement frameworks to ensure equity. Considering that this affects livelihoods of the affected persons, it is important to interrogate adaptive capacity of communities that have undergone such experiences to inform future projects. The current study explored the variations in adaptive capacity, the asset base, activities, institutions and organizations that influenced households’ capacities to adapt to the changes. The study also investigated produced livelihood outcomes in the relocation areas of project-affected persons of oil refinery development project in Western Uganda. Household surveys and various interviews were conducted. The sustainable livelihoods approach was applied to analyse the households’ asset bases, choices of various activities and their outcomes. Access to different income-generating activities such as farming, petty trade and casual labour was reported (70%) to have helped households adapt in relocation areas compared to other assets accessed. Substantial variations were found in the socio-economic and demographic characteristics of the respondents. Household size, sex of respondents and education significantly influenced the adaptive capacity of project-affected households. Although there was no difference in adaptive capacity among project-affected households, the host community households followed by households formally resettled through land and/or house were more adaptive. The cash compensated households were the least adaptive. Understanding people’s access to and control over assets, and how they are transformed through activities to outcomes is crucial towards improving the adaptive capacity and the adaptation process of resettled households.

Caroline Aboda, Pål Olav Vedeld, Patrick Byakagaba, Haakon Lein, Charlotte Anne Nakakaawa

EfD Authors

Byakagaba, Patrick

Sustainable Development Goals

No Poverty

Zero Hunger

Decent Work and Economic Growth