Mapping Interdependencies and Climate-Related Risks in Uganda (Awoja & Gerenge)
We investigated infrastructure interdependencies under climate stress and co-created a participatory roadmap for policy and community action.
Partners
Engineers Against Poverty
Focus
Climate Risk & Interdependencies
Method
Questionnaires + FGDs
The
Challenge
How droughts, heavy rains, and floods disrupt interconnected infrastructure systems.
"Modern infrastructure systems are deeply interdependent. When climate shocks hit one node, the resulting failures cascade across transport, energy, water, and social services."
We gathered data across Awoja and Gerenge from local authorities, municipal officials, and residents to understand climate-event frequency, service disruptions, and coping patterns.
Findings showed major impacts on transport, power, sanitation, social protection, and livelihoods, reinforcing the need for immediate action planning and targeted infrastructure investment.
Perception & Coping Gap
46% cited relocation as the main coping strategy; only 6.3% identified infrastructure development.
Priority Exposure
Droughts, strong rains, and floods were the most frequently reported disasters in both sites.
Our Approach
Mixed-method evidence generation: questionnaires, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and participatory spatial mapping.
Structured Data Collection
Baseline questionnaires captured demographics, event frequency, coping behavior, and views on current government interventions.
Participatory Analysis
Focus groups and stakeholder dialogues mapped climate hazards, infrastructure interdependencies, and compounding community risks.
Prioritization for Action
Results were synthesized into a practical roadmap to guide prioritization of vulnerable settlements and critical infrastructure upgrades.
Study Footprint
Primary fieldwork took place in September 2022 across Awoja catchment and Gerenge (Katabi subcounty), blending qualitative and descriptive analysis.
Real World
Impact
From field evidence to practical priorities for infrastructure resilience in climate-exposed communities.
Questionnaire Respondents
54% male and 46% female participants across targeted communities.
Focus Group Sessions
18 sessions in Awoja and 15 in Gerenge informed local prioritization.
Relocation As Coping
Most respondents cited relocation, signaling a gap in resilient infrastructure options.
"Authorities must take immediate action planning into consideration. Villages such as Kitala and Gerenge landing site should be prioritized to prevent further loss and devastation."
Study Conclusion Awoja–Gerenge infrastructure risk mapping
Policy and Research Next Steps
Integrate the participatory roadmap into planning cycles and prioritize high-risk localities, especially where road access, energy continuity, and sanitation systems repeatedly fail.
Future quantitative studies should estimate risk levels by climatic event and location to strengthen resource allocation and protect communities, livelihoods, and critical services.
Research and implementation partnership
Interested in translating climate-risk evidence into practical infrastructure action plans? We can support adaptation design and execution.