We work at the center of the Karamoja–Turkana cluster — one of the most dynamic pastoralist regions in the Horn of Africa. These cross-border drylands are shaped by mobility, climate shocks, shared rangelands, and long histories of cooperation and conflict.
Our presence here is intentional: this is where pastoralists’ livelihoods, rights, and resource systems are most under pressure, and where evidence-driven engagement can make the greatest impact.
Karamoja — Uganda
The realities shaping our work in Karamoja
Karamoja is home to over 1.2 million people, with nearly 70% relying on pastoralism or agro-pastoralism. The region experiences some of the highest climate variability in East Africa, with drought cycles now occurring every 2–3 years.
Despite hosting vast rangelands, Karamoja faces recurring conflict, limited service delivery, and high levels of land tenure insecurity.
Why We Work Here
Karamoja represents one of the most underserved pastoralist regions in Uganda — yet also one of the most important ecological and mobility corridors in the Horn.
The area faces challenges such as land grabbing, weakened mobility routes, limited water access, recurrent insecurity, and fragmented development efforts.
80%
of Karamoja’s ~1.2 million people engage in pastoralism or agro-pastoralism
41%
of households have reliable access to safe water for humans or livestock Karamoja
2&7
share borders with two pastoralist contries & hosts 7 cross-border corridors linked to Turkana, Toposa, and Pokot grazing routes.
85%
of people in Karamoja experience multidimensional poverty, including lack of access to services, water, and education
Our work in Karamoja, Uganda
We strengthen land governance, support mobility rights, build peace structures, grow local leadership (especially women and youth), and generate pastoralist-led research used in national frameworks such as NDP IV and KIDP III. Our work also supports cross-border peace, community dialogues, and institutional trust-building.
Turkana is Kenya’s second-largest county and one of its most climate-stressed regions. Home to over 1 million people, nearly 80% depend on pastoralism.
The county shares borders with Uganda, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, making it a crossroads of regional mobility and conflict dynamics.
Why We Work Here
Turkana is central to cross-border pastoral mobility and hosts key grazing areas used by communities from Uganda, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.
Despite its strategic importance, Turkana faces chronic drought, resource competition, weak infrastructure, and limited access to services — particularly around border zones.
300+
over 300 cross-border conflicts reported between 2019–2023.
60%+
over 60% of households face water scarcity during dry seasons.
70%+
over 70% of households rely on livestock as their primary livelihood.
<200
Turkana records some of the lowest rainfall in Kenya — often below 200 mm per year.
Our work in Turkana, Kenya
We strengthen cross-border peace structures, support women’s and youth leadership, enhance mobility governance, and work with partners like FoLT, PACIDA, and Lokado to link grassroots evidence with regional policy. Our efforts help protect shared water points, support dialogue across borders, and amplify pastoralist voices in IGAD and AU processes.
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