Influence of Land Impermanence on Conservation and Utilization of Agrobiodiversity and Subsequent Effect on Food Attitudes and Consumption Patterns

Abstract

Trócaire in partnership with Bioversity propose to undertake research into the influence of Land Impermanence on conservation and utilization of agro-biodiversity and subsequent effect on food attitudes, choices and consumption patterns within the context of the Acholi and Teso sub-regions. The research seeks to evidence if impermanence in relation to land, influences agro-biodiversity use/conservation and in turn influences access to, attitudes towards and choices about consumption of food. An additional aim of the project is to design appropriate interventions (including advocacy strategies) based on the research findings and recommendations. The proposed research will use both quantitative and qualitative methods to ensure the opinions and perceptions of the Acholi and Teso people are represented in the findings and are therefore included in the development of policies.  Whilst land tenure stability/instability has been of great concern across Uganda, few major studies have been conducted to elucidate how this influences people’s food choices and consumption patterns. Even less attention has been given to understanding how land tenure stability/instability affects short and long term decisions on agro-biodiversity conservation and utilisation and how all this influences people’s access to and choice of food.   This makes this research very innovative.    

Collaborating Institutions

• Bioversity International
• Makerere University

Principal Investigator(s)

• Ian Dolan, MDS, Country Director, Trócaire Uganda 
• Beatrice Ekesa-Onyango, PhD, Scientist, Bioversity International

Co-Investigator(s)

• Eldad Karamura, PhD, Senior Scientist and Bioversity Regional Representative, Bioversity International 
• Gaston A. Tumuhimbise, PhD, Lecturer, Makerere University 
• Deborah Karamura, PhD, Plant Genetic Resources Scientist, Bioversity International