Kenya-Uganda Border Peace Project Unveils Groundbreaking Survey on Agriculture and Conflict Prevention
Lodwar, 28 January 2026
The Danish Refugee Council’s ambitious Karamoja Strong project will release crucial findings on Tuesday, 3rd February 2026, at Moroto, Uganda, marking a significant step in cross-border peace initiatives. This evidence-based approach addresses resource conflicts, gender-based violence, and economic challenges facing pastoralist communities along the Kenya-Uganda border. The project’s impact extends far beyond diplomacy—Turkana County, Kenya’s second-largest region at 77,000 square kilometres, hosts major refugee settlements including Kakuma and Kalobeyei. Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus confirmed county participation in this initiative that could transform regional stability for both refugee populations and host communities through innovative regenerative agriculture techniques.
Evidence-Based Approach to Regional Stability
The baseline findings will inform evidence-based interventions for sustainable peace and climate resilience, building on past successes in Turkana [1]. Deputy Governor Erus lauded the Danish Refugee Council for adopting an approach that focuses on streamlining resilience into peacebuilding and conflict management by addressing vulnerabilities to resource-based conflict, gender-based violence, and economic deprivation—common challenges facing pastoralist border communities in the region [1]. This methodology represents a shift from traditional diplomatic approaches to data-driven conflict prevention strategies that address root causes of instability.
Cross-Border Stakeholder Engagement
Alfred Loyok, Karamoja Strong Team Leader at the Danish Refugee Council, alongside David Oyori, Karamoja Strong Project Manager, confirmed that the upcoming event will gather stakeholders from Turkana, West Pokot and Karamoja communities to discuss the baseline findings, co-create ideas and solutions in shaping anticipated achievements and future collaborations [1]. This multi-community approach ensures that interventions address the specific needs of diverse populations across the Kenya-Uganda border region. The collaborative framework is particularly significant given the complex ethnic and economic dynamics that characterise pastoralist communities in this area [GPT].
Strategic Importance for Refugee Communities
Turkana County’s position as Kenya’s second-largest county, covering 77,000 square kilometres, makes it a critical location for regional stability initiatives [1][2]. The county’s role as host to major refugee settlements means that any improvements in cross-border security and agricultural productivity will have direct implications for refugee welfare and integration prospects. The focus on regenerative agriculture within the Karamoja Strong project addresses both environmental sustainability and food security challenges that affect both refugee and host communities equally [1].
Timeline and Implementation Framework
The survey findings scheduled for release on Tuesday, 3rd February 2026, at Moroto in Uganda, will mark the beginning of a new phase in cross-border cooperation [1]. The timing of this announcement comes at a crucial period when regional governments are increasingly recognising the interconnected nature of security, environmental, and economic challenges facing East African pastoralist communities. The Deputy Governor’s confirmation that Turkana County Government will be part of the process demonstrates institutional commitment to implementing the project’s recommendations [1].