Pader community joins LIFE-AR climate adaptation effort

30 August 2024, 17:21

By Lakareber Gladys Kasline

In a significant step towards enhancing climate resilience, 342 households from eight villages in Kilim parish, Laguti subcounty, Pader district, have pledged their land for the Least Developed Countries Initiative on Effective Adaptation and Resilience (LIFE-AR) programme . This initiative is part of Uganda’s comprehensive strategy to improve climate resilience and sustainability by 2030.

The LIFE-AR project, which aims to tackle climate change and its impacts, has selected Pader district, along with 11 other districts for its intervention. Since the official launch of the programme at Pader District Local Government Headquarters in September 2023 , the programme has had a number of public -community hearings including, at Pajule-Lacani Primary School in Awalmon parish on August 28, 2024.

Awalmon parish will serve as one of the pilot areas for this significant initiative.

During a follow-up public hearing in Apobo village on August 29, 2024, residents of Kilim parish expressed strong support for the LIFE-AR programme. “I am eager to contribute my land, as I believe this project will effectively address our flooding problems and enhance our living standards,” said Mrs. Aida Amito, a local resident.

Robert Okumu, Chairperson of Laguti subcounty, highlighted the importance of the project for the region. “Our selection for the LIFE-AR project is based on our significant geographical challenges, including frequent flooding and environmental degradation. This is an opportunity for us to make a meaningful impact on our environment and improve our community’s resilience,” Okumu stated.

The LIFE-AR project is expected to provide substantial financial support to the selected areas. Pader District Forest Officer Martin Okello announced that each parish will receive approximately 180 million UGX, totaling 540 million UGX allocated to Pader district.

“This funding is crucial for supporting local climate action projects and will play a vital role in addressing the climate induced challenges we face,” Okello said.

Winnie Namuyiga from the Ministry of Water and Environment emphasised that the LIFE-AR programme is designed to benefit entire communities rather than individual landowners. “Our goal is to create widespread benefits for the community as a whole. The programme will address key issues such as gender-based violence and deforestation, aligning with Uganda’s vision for a climate-resilient future by 2030,” Namuyiga explained.

She also noted that approximately 70% of the programmes climate finance will be allocated to support local climate actions, ensuring that the initiative delivers tangible benefits at the grassroots level.

The LDC initiative for effective adaptation and resilience (LIFE-AR) programme boosts community resilience to climate change by implementing sustainable adaptation practice. Partnering with local stakeholders, it aims to enhance adaptive capacity, support environmental sustainability, and mitigate the impacts of climate change through targeted, community-driven initiatives.