What We Do
The Coalition for Pastoralist Civil Society Organisations (COPACSO) is a leading advocate for pastoralist communities in Uganda, working to secure their rights, promote their livelihoods, and ensure their well-being. Formed in 2005, COPACSO brings together 20 member organizations to build a cohesive voice for pastoralism in national and regional policy arenas.
We focus on five key thematic areas to advance the pastoralist agenda in Uganda:
Pastoralism and Land Use
This thematic area focuses on securing pastoralists’ access to and control over land, a vital resource for their livelihoods. The increasing individualization of communal grazing lands threatens pastoralist mobility and leads to conflicts over land use. COPACSO advocates for policies that recognize pastoralists’ traditional land rights and promote sustainable land management practices in the rangelands.
Pastoralism and Investment
This area emphasizes the importance of investing in pastoralism as a viable economic activity. COPACSO works to attract investments that support pastoralist communities, enhance their capacity to manage rangelands sustainably, and promote the development of pastoralist-related businesses.
Pastoralism and Resource Conflict
Pastoralists are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including droughts, floods, and extreme weather events. COPACSO works to enhance the climate resilience of pastoralist communities by promoting adaptation strategies, advocating for climate-smart policies, and raising awareness about the importance of drylands..
Pastoralism and Emerging Technologies
Emerging technologies have the potential to improve the lives of pastoralists by enhancing livestock management, veterinary services, market access, and communication. COPACSO promotes digital inclusion for pastoralist communities by advocating for affordable innovations, supporting technology adoption, and bridging the digital divide. We facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity building to empower pastoralists to leverage technology for their benefit.
Pastoralism and Climate Change
Pastoralists are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including droughts, floods, and extreme weather events. COPACSO works to enhance the climate resilience of pastoralist communities by promoting adaptation strategies, advocating for climate-smart policies, and raising awareness about the importance of drylands.