Implications of Large-Scale Land Acquisitions on Agro-Pastoral Livelihoods in Karamoja: A Qualitative Analysis of Mining in Rupa Sub-County in Moroto District

Abstract

Land is the primary source of livelihood for small-scale farmers who live in rural areas. However, the agrarian sector is presently witnessing unprecedented changes concerning the use and ownership of land. These changes expansively relate to large scale land purchases by multinational companies, businesses, governments and individuals, which is largely driven by neo-liberal policies-a phenomenon widely labeled 'land grabbing' by popular media and critical literature due to the consequences it poses. As a result, the study set out to investigate the implications of mining-driven large-scale land acquisitions( land grabbing) on tenure security and livelihoods of agro-pastoralists in Moroto, Uganda. The research study employed fieldwork as a qualitative research technique to collect data from 80 participants. Data were collected using a key informants interview guide and a focus group discussions interview guide. Other qualitative tools employed included: historical analysis which was used to investigate the evolution of land access, ownership, and control, as well as the different uses attached to it across time, a case study technique which entailed an intensive study of a sample of households in Nanyidik village in Rupa sub-county who have been affected by activities of Sunbelt mining company and finally, participant observation which provided a chance to 'watch' more and also understand what was not clearly answered during the interviews. Content analysis was employed in analyzing this qualitative data whereas direct quotes were maintained.

The results of the study show that mining-driven largescale land acquisitions have created and intensified insecurity of tenure, led to land dispossession and dislodgment of pastoralists from their rangelands without sufficient consultations and/or compensation. Results further reveal livelihoods are transitioning away from pastoralism as agro-pastoralists have resorted to other alternative livelihoods as a copying mechanism. Findings also show that largescale land acquisition has led to: restricted access to grazing areas, loss of animals due to confinement and/or arrests, environmental destruction and exploitation of labor among agro-pastoralists in Moroto. This has had a negative implication on the security of tenure and the livelihoods of agro-pastoralists in the study area.