Uganda is Africa's largest refugee–hosting country. The high influx of refugees endangers the livelihood and resilience of both the host and refugee communities. An increased competition for land and water, in combination with climate change, results in environmental degradation and higher socio-economic fragility. The EMPURECO project aims to empower the refugee and host communities in two selected settlements (Nakivale and Rhino Camp) in becoming climate resilient. A multi-actor approach targets the engagement of citizens, governmental, non-governmental organisations and academics in planning climate resilience. A citizen science approach will build capacity and awareness while also gathering needed data on soil and water quality. At the same time, the project aims at improving Mbarara University's academic capacity in the natural and social sciences aspects of climate resilience (incl. the provision of 2 PhD scholarships).
Promoter: Titeca Kristof
Co-promoter: Cools Jan
Duration: 01/09/2024 - 31/08/2029