ECO’s work delivers measurable change at community, ecosystem, and institutional levels. Through long term engagement with communities and partners, the organisation has contributed to improved livelihoods, strengthened natural resource governance, and increased community resilience to environmental and climate-related challenges.
Across Uganda, ECO has supported communities to take practical action to protect their environment while improving their wellbeing.
In Karamoja, ECO has worked with artisanal and small-scale mining communities to strengthen knowledge of land, mineral, and environmental rights. Through community dialogues, policy engagement, and the organisation of miners into formal groups and associations, communities particularly women have improved their bargaining power, safety, and participation in decision-making processes. These efforts have contributed to better environmental practices, reduced conflict, and increased recognition of community rights within the extractives sector.
In farming and fishing communities around the Lake Victoria Basin and other regions, ECO has supported alternative livelihoods such as agroecology, coffee growing, livestock rearing, and nature-based enterprises. These initiatives have reduced pressure on forests and water resources while improving household food security and incomes. Community members have adopted sustainable land-use practices and diversified livelihoods that are better suited to changing climatic conditions.
ECO has also supported access to essential social services through integrated programming, including reproductive health outreach in hard-to-reach communities. By working with local health facilities and community structures, ECO has contributed to improved access to health information and services, particularly for women and young people.
