On Tuesday, 29th September 2026, IGRAO was honoured to participate in a high impact capacity building training on Integrated Environmental Conservation and Livelihoods, organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Uganda, Build Hope, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The multi agency training convened diverse Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Community Based Organizations (CBOs), and Refugee Led Organizations (RLOs) operating within Kyangwali Refugee Settlement. The program aimed to deepen practical knowledge, technical competencies, and cross sector partnerships in harmonizing environmental restoration with resilient livelihood opportunities for displaced and host communities.
Core Thematic Pillars Covered in the Training
Facilitated by seasoned environmental and development specialists, the training explored four fundamental interconnected themes essential for sustainable community survival:
1. Landscape: Humans and Nature Together
Understanding the interdependent relationship between human settlement and natural ecosystems. The session underscored the vital importance of protecting natural forest cover, watersheds, and soils while simultaneously improving community livelihoods.
2. Environmental Governance
Promoting responsible grassroots leadership, community level accountability, transparent regulation, and equitable management of shared natural resources among refugee and host populations.
3. Shared Stakeholder Understanding
Building a common vision and harmonized baseline between settlement leaders, conservation agencies, and local groups to address deforestation, soil depletion, and changing weather patterns collectively.
4. Collaborative Action Planning
Encouraging joint implementation frameworks, strategic alliances, and collective monitoring to ensure long term, measurable impact across the Kyangwali landscape.
Why This Training is Critical to IGRAO
As a refugee led and community rooted organization actively running programs in education, youth skill building, and agricultural livelihoods, IGRAO recognizes the imperative of continuous institutional learning and capacity growth. Displaced communities are frequently on the frontlines of climate vulnerability and land degradation.
The actionable insights and conservation methodologies gained from this workshop will directly inform and enhance our field initiatives, including:
- Climate Smart Agro Ecology: Integrating agroforestry, tree nursery integration, and crop rotation at the IGRAO Livelihood Farm.
- Soil and Water Conservation: Training refugee farmers in mulching, water harvesting, and organic composting techniques.
- Sustainable Energy & Resource Protection: Promoting clean cooking solutions and community led conservation awareness within village clusters.
- Strengthened Inter Agency Coordination: Aligning grassroots activities with national frameworks established by OPM and UNHCR.
“Together, we can build resilient communities where people and nature thrive in sustainable harmony.”
Training Workshop Photographs
Visual highlights from the Integrated Environmental Conservation and Livelihoods training held in Kyangwali on Tuesday, 29th September 2026:
Appreciation & Partnership Acknowledgment
We express our deep appreciation to WWF Uganda, Build Hope, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), and UNHCR for organizing and facilitating this transformative learning forum. By investing in the capacity of local refugee led organizations, our partners are strengthening sustainable grassroots leadership and ensuring lasting environmental protection.
IGRAO , Building Resilience Through Education and Opportunity.
