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Harnessing Community Capitals for Livelihood Enhancement: Experiences From a Livelihood Program in Rural Uganda

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  • Haroon Sseguya
  • Robert E. Mazur
  • Dorothy Masinde

Abstract

This study assesses how community capitals can be harnessed to improve food security using the “sustainable livelihoods” and “community capitals” frameworks. We demonstrate how the dimensions of these frameworks can be measured and applied in development work. Data were collected using participatory methods in four communities comprised of 500 households in rural Kamuli District, Uganda, where food and nutrition insecurity have been a serious problem. Results indicated high levels of land degradation linked to high population densities and resource constraints. Compared to cultural capital, existing social capital levels were relatively inadequate for development activities. The condition of physical capital varied among the communities. Community members also generated indicators of income, food and nutrition security which were used to rate the status of each participating household. The information collected guided the setting of priority program interventions. Lessons learned from use of the participatory methods are also discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Haroon Sseguya & Robert E. Mazur & Dorothy Masinde, 2009. "Harnessing Community Capitals for Livelihood Enhancement: Experiences From a Livelihood Program in Rural Uganda," Community Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 40(2), pages 123-138, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:taf:comdev:v:40:y:2009:i:2:p:123-138
    DOI: 10.1080/15575330903012239
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nkonya, Ephraim M. & Pender, John L. & Jagger, Pamela & Sserunkuuma, Dick & Kaizzi, Crammer & Ssali, Henry, 2004. "Strategies for sustainable land management and poverty reduction in Uganda:," Research reports 133, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    2. Paarlberg, Robert L., 2002. "Governance and food security in an age of globalization," 2020 vision discussion papers 36, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    3. Behera, Bhagirath & Engel, Stefanie, 2006. "Who Forms Local Institutions? Levels of Household Participation in India’s Joint Forest Management Program," Discussion Papers 276267, University of Bonn, Center for Development Research (ZEF).
    4. Pender, John L. & Jagger, Pamela & Nkonya, Ephraim M. & Sserunkuuma, Dick, 2001. "Development pathways and land management in Uganda: causes and implications," EPTD discussion papers 85, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    5. Ellis, Frank, 2000. "Rural Livelihoods and Diversity in Developing Countries," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198296966.
    6. Frank Ellis, 2000. "The Determinants of Rural Livelihood Diversification in Developing Countries," Journal of Agricultural Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 51(2), pages 289-302, May.
    7. Paarlberg, Robert L., 2002. "Governance and food security in an age of globalization," 2020 vision briefs 72, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
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    Cited by:

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    2. Melissa Jackson & Rodney A. Stewart & Kelly S. Fielding & Jessie Cochrane & Cara D. Beal, 2019. "Collaborating for Sustainable Water and Energy Management: Assessment and Categorisation of Indigenous Involvement in Remote Australian Communities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-30, January.

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