With an investment of USD 470,000 funded by the African Climate Change Fund (ACCF), Kotido district has become a pilot hub for climate resilience led by women. The initiative, implemented by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) with technical support from the African Development Bank, has trained over 130 rural women in reforestation techniques, sustainable soil management, and water conservation. This innovative model aims to strengthen equitable land access and reduce climate vulnerability across Uganda, Kenya, and Djibouti.
The project is part of the regional program “Enhancing Gender Equality in Access to Land Resources for Transformative Climate Change Adaptation,” which combines environmental sustainability with inclusive governance. The strategy has successfully integrated women’s cooperatives, civil society representatives, and district authorities, creating institutional synergies among the Ministries of Lands, Environment, and Gender. This multisectoral coordination has been essential to delivering sustainable and replicable results.
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Among the most notable success stories is Jane Logel, a local official who transformed her land into a community nursery that now operates as an environmental training center. Similarly, 55-year-old community leader Lina Lomadiko developed an efficient irrigation system using minimal resources, serving as a model of local innovation applied to climate adaptation. Both cases demonstrate the transformative potential of women’s leadership when combined with technical support and access to resources.
These efforts have also gained political recognition. The Kotido district government officially declared April 3 as Tree Planting Day, reinforcing the public sector’s commitment to environmental restoration. ACCF officials highlighted that the impact is clear: increased tree cover, women’s empowerment, and sustained local climate action—all essential elements to ensure scalability across the region.
Looking ahead, IGAD has announced plans to expand the model along the livestock corridor of the Horn of Africa, prioritizing transboundary areas affected by climate stress. “Kotido represents a turning point. It is not just a successful pilot but a strategic platform for Africa-led climate adaptation,” said Jocelyn Bigirwa, IGAD’s Head of Mission in Uganda. The project confirms that investing in women, land, and sustainability is not charity—it is smart policy for continental development.
