The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Livelihood Restoration Program

The USD 4 Billion East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project aims to construct a heated, 24-inch pipeline to transport 216,000 barrels of oil per day across 1,443 km from Uganda’s production areas to Tanzania’s coast for export. For this, the Ugandan Government acquired land from approximately 3,700 households to establish the pipeline corridor, main camps, and pumping stations.

In line with the IFC Performance Standard 5 on Land Acquisition and Involuntary Resettlement, the EACOP plans to implement the Livelihood Restoration Program. This program is designed to restore or improve the production, income-earning capacity, living standards, and overall means of the households affected by the EACOP.

OUR ROLE

EACOP contracted ASIGMA as the Livelihood Restoration Coordinator for the pipeline’s southern districts, including Gomba, Sembabule, Lwengo, Rakai, and Kyotera. Leveraging our expertise in delivering projects using Market System Development approaches and proven capabilities in program assessment and design, ASIGMA was tasked with designing and overseeing the implementation of livelihood restoration activities. This included contracting local partners, coordinating market actor’s efforts, and managing the quality of the initiatives aimed at supporting the eligible Project Affected Persons in the Southern districts mentioned above.

In the past 12 months, we leveraged our in-house technology and market driven solutions to empower more than 2,000 homes, and 12,431 individuals through various sub-programs. These programs range from establishing vegetable gardens to bolster nutritional security, enhancing the productivity of food and cash crops such as; maize, beans, cassava, and coffee, improving livestock management, as well as fostering entrepreneurial development for sustainable income generation.

OUR IMPACT

Facilitating Linkages and Access to Improved Inputs and Agricultural Practices

To execute this market component, we employed aspects of systemic thinking, sustainability, facilitation, adaptive management and the appreciation of scalability as core principles of Market Systems Development (MSD) in the project.

The incorporation of our MSD approach seeks to sustain our efforts in building functional markets along the pipeline affected districts. Leveraging our extensive knowledge of market driven approaches and a deep understanding of the local context, ASIGMA has empowered Project Affected Persons (PAPs) by facilitating access to quality agricultural inputs, building capacity on general agricultural practices, and fostering linkages amongst input and output market actors. Additionally, we enhance dietary diversity, contributing to improved nutrition and food security.

Contributing to youth skilling and HH business development

Entrepreneurial development is being initiated at the household level, primarily by providing vocational training to youth from Project-Affected Households (PAHs). This is coupled with the identification of potential business opportunities, offering business skilling and support. These initiatives aim to increase non-agricultural or seasonally independent income, particularly in communities with low education levels.

The program has significantly contributed to community development by ensuring gainful employment for both skilled individuals and those supported by the program. During the pilot vocational skilling program, 123 youths graduated and were certified in various courses including baking, tailoring, mechanics, plumbing and welding, among others. Notably, more than half of these graduates are now gainfully employed, showcasing the program’s tangible impact.

Establishing mutually beneficial partnerships within the community and Uganda

Local partnerships have been crucial to the efficient delivery of services in the area. We have collaborated with up to 20 firms to provide a range of goods and services essential for the restoration program, including agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilisers, and farm tools, as well as PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), meals, refreshments, fuel and event management. Strong relationships with District and Local Governments have also facilitated the mobilisation of Project-Affected Households (PAHs) and ensured the smooth execution of program activities. These local connections not only ensure sustainable market access but also open diverse income-generating avenues for households through produce and value-added products.

OUR PARTNERS