Climate Change and Population Health: Perspectives of Refugees and Host Populations on Climate Change and Associated Challenges in Two Refugee Host Districts in Northern Uganda

About this CARP project

Uganda hosts an estimated 1.5 million refugees in 13 districts. Adjumani and Lamwo (Palabek) host an estimated 208,422 and 71,195 refugees, respectively. The influx of refugees and increasing host population put pressure on available natural resources, including the green ecosystem that also affects surface and underground water. These, in the long run, have an impact on the environment and people’s well-being. However, people’s perceptions of climate change and its impacts are not known. This study therefore aims to improve the understanding and perspectives of refugees and the host population in the Adjumani and Lamwo districts regarding climate change challenges on their health and wellbeing.

Study site

This study will be carried out in two refugee hosting districts in northern Uganda, namely Adjumani and Lamwo.

 Main Research Questions

• What are the perceptions of the refugees and host communities regarding climate change and its impact on population health and well-being in the two refugee hosting districts of Adjumani and Lamwo?
• What are the factors (including socio-demographic and economic) associated with the perceived climate change challenges experienced by the refugee and host communities in Adjumani and Lamwo (Palabek) refugee settlements? 
• What are the views of the refugee and host population regarding the adaptations needed to mitigate the effects of climate change on the health and welfare of communities in the Adjumani and Lamwo districts?

This project relates to disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in that it recognizes climate change is taking place in Uganda, including in areas hosting refugees which has had an impact on the environment and peoples’ wellbeing. The project, however, will identify adaptation measures on how to mitigate the effects of climate change. This research will inform national policy and the local authorities in Uganda on the various areas and population subgroups to be targeted with climate change mitigation strategies.