Competing interests over natural resources and adaptation to climate change: the case of rice cultivation in the Gweri wetlands, Uganda.

Abstract

This chapter analyses the extent to which, and how, the combination of two trends are responsible for the increased tension between different land-use groups that has emerged over the past decade: climate change and the commercialization of rice cultivation. The chapter aims to examine the interactions of different institutions and enterprises and the consequences for climate change adaptation in the Awoja wetland system in Uganda. By studying the contestation among local groups over ownership of the wetlands, the chapter shows how conflicts over wetlands resources are being exacerbated by fuzzy land property rights and weak local governance institutions. Examining what roles are played by business people, local government bureaucrats and the political and economic elites of local communities shows how elite capture of weak local public wetland management institutions has accelerated the degradation of the Awoja wetland system.

Enhancing women’s resource rights for improving resilience to climate change

“…Furthermore, insecure land tenure also influences adaptive responses to climate change. For example, in Uganda, land-use changes in wetlands were tied to increasing floods and insecure land tenure (Aben et al, 2017). Furthermore, Kabasake argues that recognition and support for secure land rights for women should be considered important pathways for building adaptive capacity and resilience (2020).…”