WWF gives women UGX300m anti-climate change boost
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Officials pose with one of the women's group members at the handover of the grants.
Western Uganda has increasingly faced the devastating effects of climate change, with prolonged droughts, unpredictable rainfall, and floods threatening agriculture, biodiversity, and livelihoods.
In response, the World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in Uganda, in partnership with the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) Canada, has stepped forward with a UGX300 million grant to support women’s groups in the region. This initiative aims to enhance climate adaptation efforts and strengthen community resilience.
According to Paul Hatanga, WWF Uganda’s Project Coordinator, the funding prioritizes empowering vulnerable communities to mitigate climate change effects.
- “The World Wide Fund for Nature in Uganda has committed to supporting successful groups and vulnerable communities that have risked their potential to protect the environment,” Hatanga noted.
The grant is part of the Climate Adaptation and Protected Areas Initiative (CAPA) project, which WWF and IISD Canada launched in Rubirizi District. The initiative seeks to protect wildlife, conserve natural resources, and build local capacity to combat climate-related challenges.
Western Uganda, particularly Kasese and Rubirizi districts, has been significantly impacted by climate change. Deforestation, land degradation, and changing weather patterns have led to declining agricultural productivity and increased food insecurity. Many communities depend on farming, and erratic weather conditions have caused crop failures, livestock losses, and heightened poverty levels.
- Additionally, extreme weather events, such as floods and landslides, have destroyed homes, displaced families, and put a strain on local resources. These challenges necessitate urgent interventions to promote climate resilience and sustainable environmental practices.
At Kyarumba Catholic Parish in Kasese District, WWF Uganda office officially handed over the UGX300 million grant to three women’s groups dedicated to environmental conservation and climate adaptation. The beneficiaries include:
• Kyankwanzi Bakyara Tukorere Hamwe Bika Oguzee from Kicwamba Sub-County, Rubirizi, receiving UGX 106 million.
• Nyambuko Development Group from Kasese, receiving UGX 97 million.
• Bwitho Men and Women Group, also from Kasese, receiving UGX 97 million.
- The financial support will be used to implement sustainable agricultural practices, tree planting initiatives, and eco-friendly business ventures aimed at reducing the negative impact of climate change.
- Women’s groups will invest in climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry, and income-generating activities such as beekeeping and eco-tourism to enhance economic stability while protecting the environment.
WWF Uganda’s Communication Officer, Happy Ali, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to safeguarding biodiversity and promoting sustainable solutions.
“The WWF’s objectives include stopping the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and building a future where humans live in harmony with nature,” said Ali.
Asimwe Monica, the chairperson of the Kyankwanzi Bakyara Tukorere Hamwe Group, expressed appreciation for the support, stating that the funds would help expand their businesses and marketing opportunities.