Impact

About

Seven refugee-led organisations (RLOs) in Kenya, Zimbabwe and Uganda are working together to address issues around climate change that affect their communities and promoting climate smart agricultural livelihood opportunities for their communities.As part of the collective, RLOs share knowledge, skills, experiences and best practices as they aim to build resilience and sustain and develop prosperity in communities under constraints brought about by climate change harshness.


Refugee settlements like Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, Tongogara Refugee Settlement in Zimbabwe, Kyaka II refugee settlement in Kyegegwa, Uganda among other refugee hosting areas in African countries often lack adequate infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events. This makes them highly susceptible to damage from floods, storms, and heatwaves, putting lives at risk and exacerbating already poor living conditions.


In a nutshell, refugees are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to their pre-existing challenges related to displacement, lack of resources, and precarious living conditions. A number of these communities sit on the frontline of climate vulnerable regions, their resilience and capacity respond is critical for today and the future.


Climate-Related Activities and RLO Involvement

In the face of escalating climate challenges, communities are taking proactive steps to adapt and mitigate environmental impacts. From creating awareness about climate change effects and mitigation strategies to actively engaging in environmental clean-up efforts, RLOs are at the forefront of these initiatives. With a strong commitment to tree planting, they are fostering reforestation and regenerative agriculture practices. Training for adapting agricultural practices ensures that families can cultivate resilient crops. By promoting proper waste disposal and effective water usage, they are safeguarding their resources. The dedication to renewable energy solutions reflects a collective ambition for a sustainable future, highlighting the critical role of community involvement in addressing climate-related issues.


KNOWLEDGE & INSIGHTS:

Many refugee hosting areas depend on firewood as the main source of fuel leading to deforestation and soil degradation.

Many refugee-hosting regions rely on wood and charcoal for cooking fuel, which contributes to environmental degradation. For example, in Uganda, where more than 1.5 million refugees reside, over 90% of refugees depend on wood for fuel, leading to deforestation and soil erosion. This not only harms local ecosystems but also increases competition for resources between refugees and host communities.


Major refugee-hosting countries are in regions already prone to climate-related impacts, including droughts, desertification, and flooding.

“My favorite parts of the course were web development and digital marketing,” Ramazani shares. “Creating websites and learning how to market products online opened up new opportunities for me.”

Weeks of heavy rainfall and flooding in the East Africa region has triggered widespread displacement with hundreds of thousands displaced across Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Ethiopia and Tanzania. So far 637,000 people have been affected including 234,000 displaced as of 3 May 2024 according to the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, but the numbers keep rising.

Unpredicted rainfall due to effects of climate change leads to drought and soil degradation in refugee hosting areas

According to the World Food Programme (WFP), climate change could increase the number of people at risk of hunger globally by up to 183 million by 2050, with refugee populations being disproportionately affected. In Uganda's Bidibidi Refugee Settlement, one of the largest in the world, refugees rely heavily on subsistence farming, which is increasingly at risk due to unpredictable rainfall and soil degradation.

CONTEXT & CHALLENGES

Climate change is disproportionately affecting refugee-hosting areas of Africa with 84% of refugees residing in climate-change hotspots (UNHCR, 2022). Access to natural resources is vital to provide refugees with income, food and water security yet climate change is reducing the availability and increasing competition for such resources.


Refugees already face multiple socio-economic and political barriers to realising sustainable livelihoods, good nutrition, adequate health care and opportunities for quality education and mobility.


As such, refugees and hosting communities are more exposed and sensitive to the impacts of climate change on their health and livelihoods and less able to absorb and adapt to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. RLOs such as FARMING & HEALTH EDUCATION, Refugee Coalition for Climate Action, LIVE IN GREEN (Live in Green Live in Wealth Youth Initiative); FRADI (Fraternity for Development Integrated); HODARI Foundation (HF); Faulu Productions and Refugee brotherhood have spearheaded numerous projects that respond to issues around climate change, linking climate adaptation with migration and displacement, their responses have shown resilience as they are community led, relevant to their contexts and, importantly, considering sustainability in through their initiatives.

LIVE IN GREEN's STORY OF CHANGE

SUSTAINABILITY BORN OUT OF DISPLACEMENT: THE ORIGIN TALES OF LIVE IN GREEN

In the heart of Bukere, Kyaka II refugee settlement in Kyegegwa, Uganda, a remarkable transformation is taking place. Amid challenges the refugees face from displacement, Live in Green formed as a Refugee-led Organization dedicates its efforts towards combating climate change and promoting sustainable living. Our journey is not about survival; it is a story of resilience, empowerment, and hope

The Spark of Inspiration

For Ndayishimiye, a Congolese refugee, the journey began in her hometown of Rutchuru – North Kivu. “I remember the lush gardens and the vibrant community,” she reflects. “But after the war, everything changed. We lost our homes, our way of life.” After fleeing to Uganda, Ndayishimiye found herself in the Kyaka II refugee settlement, grappling with loss but determined to rebuild.

Inspired by the environmental challenges in her new home—deforestation, waste management issues, and water quality—Ndayishimiye and her fellow refugees saw an opportunity to make a difference. With the support of Live in Green, they volunteered to be members, aiming to address both climate change and the socio-economic challenges faced in the Kyaka II.

“My favorite parts of the course were web development and digital marketing,” Ramazani shares. “Creating websites and learning how to market products online opened up new opportunities for me.”
“My favorite parts of the course were web development and digital marketing,” Ramazani shares. “Creating websites and learning how to market products online opened up new opportunities for me.”
Building a Sustainable Future

Live in Green launched several initiatives that have profoundly impacted the settlement and beyond. One of their flagship programs involves creating community gardens using biodegradable waste components from recycled materials from the Energy Resource and Waste Recovery Centre. These gardens not only provide fresh produce but also serve as a space for education and community building. “We teach each other about sustainable farming practices, composting, and the importance of biodiversity,” Ndayishimiye shares, her eyes sparkling with pride.

The organization conducts workshops on renewable energy and waste reduction. Participants learn how to create solar-powered cooking stoves and briquette systems, empowering them to reduce reliance on scarce resources. “It’s about dignity,” Ndayishimiye explains. “We may be refugees, but we can contribute to a healthier planet.”

Live in Green

The impact of Live in Green has extended far beyond the camp. The organization collaborates with local schools and communities, spreading awareness about climate change and sustainability. They’ve hosted clean-up drives, planted trees, and engaged in advocacy efforts for better environmental policies.

Residents from host communities, initially sceptical, have begun to join their initiatives. “I saw how dedicated they were,” says Amooti, a local farmer. “They taught me how to use less water and improve my yields. Now, we work together.”

“My favorite parts of the course were web development and digital marketing,” Ramazani shares. “Creating websites and learning how to market products online opened up new opportunities for me.”
“My favorite parts of the course were web development and digital marketing,” Ramazani shares. “Creating websites and learning how to market products online opened up new opportunities for me.”
Personal Transformations

For many refugees, Live in Green has been a pathway to personal growth. Aisha, a single mother of three, recalls the day she joined the organization. “I felt lost and hopeless. But through this work, I found purpose. I’ve learned skills I never thought I would have.”

Her children now help in the gardens, learning about the environment and the importance of caring for their future. “They see the changes we’re making and feel proud. It gives them hope,” Aisha says.

Looking Ahead

As Live in Green continues to grow, its leaders are now focusing on expanding their reach. They aim to create partnerships with international organizations to enhance resources and support. “We have a vision for a sustainable future—not just for us but for everyone,” Mr. Solomon the Executive Director declares. “Climate change affects us all, and together, we can make a difference.”

News Feed

LIVE IN GREEN

SHINE-IT MEAL Training Empowering Refugee-Led Organizations in Kyaka II On January 9th and 10th, 2025, LIVE IN GREEN successfully conducted a transformative SHINE-IT Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) training for nine Refugee-Led Organizations (RLOs) in the Kyaka II Refugee Settlement. This milestone event, funded by Response Innovation Lab (U-RIL), marked a significant step in building the capacity of RLOs to improve program implementation and accountability. A Collaborative Effort The training event brought together an inspiring mix of participants and esteemed guests, including representatives from the UNHCR Kyaka II Field Team, the Refugee Welfare Council (RWC) III, and the CEO of the Kyaka II Refugee-Led Organizations Network (KRLON). Their presence underscored the importance of empowering refugee-led initiatives and fostering collaborations that drive sustainable development. Training Objectives and Focus Areas The SHINE-IT MEAL training was designed to equip participants with essential skills and tools to: 1. Develop MEAL Frameworks: Participants learned how to design comprehensive MEAL plans tailored to their organization’s specific programs and goals. 2. Enhance Data Collection and Analysis: Practical sessions focused on collecting and analyzing data effectively to measure program impact. 3. Promote Accountability: Strategies for engaging beneficiaries and ensuring their voices are heard were a core part of the curriculum. 4. Facilitate Learning and Adaptation: Participants were introduced to methods for applying insights from MEAL activities to improve program design and implementation. 5. Leverage Digital Tools: Training on the SHINE-IT platform enabled organizations to use technology for streamlined reporting and tracking progress. Innovation Journey Roadmap (Theory of Change) A key highlight of the training was the introduction of the Innovation Journey Roadmap (Theory of Change). This roadmap provided participants with a structured approach to: • Define Long-Term Goals: Clearly articulate the desired impact their programs aim to achieve. • Identify Pathways to Change: Map out the necessary preconditions, interventions, and actions required to realize these goals. • Establish Indicators of Success: Develop measurable indicators to track progress and evaluate outcomes. • Incorporate Feedback Loops: Use insights from MEAL activities to refine strategies and adapt to emerging needs. The roadmap emphasized a participatory approach, ensuring that beneficiaries’ perspectives and voices remain central to program design and evaluation. Interactive and Practical Learning The training sessions were highly interactive, featuring group discussions, case studies, and hands-on exercises. Participants worked collaboratively to develop sample MEAL frameworks and practiced using digital tools to monitor and evaluate projects. This approach ensured that the learning experience was both practical and applicable to their ongoing and future initiatives. Key Outcomes and Impact The training achieved several notable outcomes: • Capacity Building: All nine RLOs left with enhanced knowledge and confidence to implement MEAL practices effectively within their organizations. • Improved Collaboration: The event fostered stronger connections among RLOs, encouraging peer learning and shared experiences. • Technology Integration: Participants gained practical experience with the SHINE-IT platform, empowering them to embrace digital solutions in their work. • Commitment to Accountability: The training reinforced the importance of transparency and accountability in delivering impactful programs to beneficiaries. Voices from the Training Participants and guests expressed their appreciation for the initiative: • “This training has been an eye-opener. We now have the tools to measure the real impact of our work and make data-driven decisions,” said a representative from one of the RLOs. • “LIVE IN GREEN continues to demonstrate its commitment to empowering refugee-led organizations. This training is a testament to their dedication,” remarked the KRLON CEO. A Step Towards Sustainable Development LIVE IN GREEN remains steadfast in its mission to empower refugee and host communities through capacity-building initiatives like the SHINE-IT MEAL training. By equipping RLOs with critical skills, the organization ensures that grassroots efforts are more effective, accountable, and impactful. As these nine RLOs implement their newly acquired knowledge, the ripple effects are expected to enhance program quality, improve lives, and contribute to the broader goal of sustainable development in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement.

12:01 pm · Jan 14, 2025

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