Karamoja is situated in the northeast part of Uganda. Livestock production is the dominant livelihood system, followed by more risky crop farming. The region encompasses five livelihood zones and three livestock production systems, primarily agropastoral groups, followed by mixed crop/livestock farmers, and a small proportion of pastoral groups.
Outside of natural causes, livestock production in Karamoja has been seriously affected by endogenous and exogenous factors. Persistent inter-communal conflicts were characterized by violent cattle raids that not only impoverished many households but also contributed to substantial outmigration and a shift towards more risky livelihood strategies. Seasonal livestock movements were dictated by safety considerations.
This review is drawn largely from the literature produced during the last five years on Karamoja generally, and more specifically on the livestock sector in Karamoja. Additional information was obtained through interviews in Kampala and Moroto with Government and NGO staff in April and May 2016.
The review synthesizes the main issues impacting livestock production in the region and identifies critical factors affecting livestock production.
