‘The Only Place to Do This Is in Town’: Experiences of Rural–urban Migration in Northern Karamoja, Uganda

Abstract

<jats:p>Towns in northern Karamoja, Uganda, are growing due to an expanding commercial sector, shifts in livestock-based rural livelihoods, and the economic and social appeal of urban life. This article presents qualitative data from 83 individual migrants to Abim, Kaabong and Kotido, the three largest towns in northern Karamoja. The research aimed to better understand the factors behind migration, the livelihood strategies pursued by those moving to towns and the opportunities and challenges associated with urban life. The data show that the majority of respondents in urban centres retained links to their rural communities: these connections allowed migrants to access key assets such as land, social networks and food, and allowed rural residents to receive remittances and other forms of support. Those who were not able to maintain ties to their rural homes or families were frequently the most vulnerable; most were widowed or abandoned women. Reasons for migration included household-level shocks, such as the loss of livestock or the death of a family member, as well as food insecurity or 'hunger'. Towns are attractive destinations because of their economic opportunities and potential for a better life. However, many respondents struggled with the cost of living in towns and worked multiple ad hoc and low-skilled jobs in order to get by. While rural linkages were important for populations in both areas, most respondents did not envision returning to their rural areas. Urban planning and services have not kept pace with migratory patterns.</jats:p>

Trauma, loss and other psychosocial drivers of excessive alcohol consumption in Karamoja, Uganda

“…The most direct connections between shifts in livelihoods and the increase in alcohol consumption, production and sale relate to the increase in urbanization and monetization. The growth of towns and the concurrent decline in livestock ownership means that a growing number of people seek economic activities in towns, whether on a daily, occasional, seasonal or sporadic basis (Stites 2020). Cash is more widely available in both urban and rural households due to extensive informal employment in both urban and rural areas (primarily in farm labour or mining in rural locations) (Iyer and Mosebo 2017).…”

Newly evolving pastoral and post-pastoral rangelands of Eastern Africa

“…Yet, the effects of this trade ripple outwards, extending into northern Kenya, where livestock keepers increasingly supply camels to the regional trade through Moyale-based traders (Mahmoud 2013 ). Profits from livestock commercialisation are spurring an assortment of high-return economic activities, seen in the establishment of private ranches where grazing is hired for a fee, to the establishment of private abattoirs (in areas of Somalia and Somaliland) to a rental market in small towns and urban centres in Karamoja, Borana and Isiolo (Stites et al 2014 ; Korf et al 2015 ; Coppock et al 2018 ; Elliott 2020 ).…”

“…The expansion of petty trade and associated growth of small trading centres has provided new work opportunities for young men in butchering, unloading buses/lorries, brick making and construction and for women in domestic work (Caravani 2019 ; Stites et al 2014 ). While brewing is a lucrative activity for women, their other work is generally less remunerative than men’s work (Stites and Huisman 2010 ).…”

“…While brewing is a lucrative activity for women, their other work is generally less remunerative than men’s work (Stites and Huisman 2010 ). Livelihood diversification is not only about leaving pastoralism, but rather many use it as a way to remain in or move back into livestock keeping, as evidenced by migrants in towns who sustain links to family members and friends in rural areas (Stites et al 2014 ). The latter group generally consist of a few large families whose members straddle both town and rural settings, reflecting a livelihood strategy that combines wealth generated from livestock-keeping with income streams off the rangelands.…”

“…In Karamoja, rental and leisure markets have expanded as better-off Karamojong construct small hotels, housing and restaurants for recent migrants from within and outside the region. Up to now, many young Karamojong continue to seek opportunities outside of livestock-keeping, either in agriculture in more fertile areas such as Karenga, Abim, Namalu and Iriiri (Caravani 2019 ), or in towns (Caravani 2017 ; Stites et al 2014 ), however with limited success. NGOs and civil service jobs are the best available options for a few politically connected families.…”