The consequences of inter-communal land disputes on livelihoods of women in Uganda: a case study of Apaa Village, Amuru District

Abstract

The study was about the consequences of intercommunal land disputes on Livelihoods of women in Apaa Village, Amuru District. The aim of the study was to examine the consequences of inter-communal land disputes on livelihoods of women in Apaa village. Whereas the specific objectives were: To assess the causes of inter-communal land disputes in Apaa Village. To assess the effects of inter-communal land disputes on food security among women farmers in Apaa Village. To examine the effects of inter-communal land disputes on the income of women farmers in Apaa village. The study involved 50 participants, qualitative research approach with feminist phenomenological research design to understand lived realities and experiences of women involved in Agriculture in Apaa village. Data was collected using interviews, Focus Group Discussion and Key informant interviews. It employed purposive sampling technique. Data was collected and transcribed to make meanings and analyse them using thematic data analysis. The study found that weak governance and inadequate legal frameworks failed to address the land disputes in a timely and fair manner. This has only served to escalate the land disputes. Although the government has implemented various measures aimed at resolving these conflicts such as establishing special courts dedicated to handling land-related cases and enacting legislation like the Land Act (1998) and Land Amendment Act (2010), the absence of robust mechanisms for community consultation and dispute resolution have perpetuated conflicts, as decision-making processes failed to address the needs and rights of the affected communities (Shalom Conflict Centre, 2023). The lack of transparency and accountability in governance has further fuel tensions and hinder effective conflict management (Smith et al., 2022; Lee & Wang, 2023). The study found out that the frequent clashes and displacements highlighted by Focused group discussions have further hindered agricultural activities and access to food. Rodriguez (2022) discusses how conflicts have led to frequent displacements, which disrupts farming operations and limit access to productive resources. This disruption in agricultural activities prevents farmers from cultivating their land effectively, resulting in reduced food production and significant shortages. Their study detailed how the loss of arable land and the destruction of crops during these conflicts resulted in severe income reductions for families reliant on agricultural produce for sale, which is consistent with the study. The psychological trauma experienced by displaced farmers, highlighted in both the research and their study, further hinders the ability to resume farming activities even after conflicts subside (Brown & Miller, 2022). Inter communal land conflicts in Apaa village had severe consequences on agricultural practices of women farmers, impacting their access to land, food security and farming practices in that it interfered with agricultural production. There needs to be a concerted effort to address historical grievances between the Acholi and Madi communities and mitigate political manipulation by powerful actors and investors to reduce the intensity of these conflicts. Initiatives aimed at fostering reconciliation and dialogue between communities can help build trust and promote mutual understanding. Strengthening local governance structures and promoting community-led conflict resolution mechanisms are also critical in addressing underlying tensions and preventing escalation of disputes.