Introducing VUCCA
What is VUCCA?
VUCCA stands for "Vulnerability and Climate Change Adaptation in Conflict-Affected Regions". This interdisciplinary research project focuses on Northern Uganda, one of the world's most vulnerable areas due to its exposure to extreme climate events and ongoing social and environmental issues.
Who we are
We are an interdisciplinary team of researchers from anthropology, geography, agronomy, ethnobotany and development studies:
Martin Reinhardt Nielsen, Mariève Pouliot, Derick Kawanguzi Tenywa, Nuwategeka Expedito, Gaster Kiyingi, Polycarp Mwima, Christine Oreyma, Julian Hopwood, Emmanuel Kodwo Mensah.
VUCCA is funded by Danida Fellowship Centre and hosted by Roskilde University. Our partners are Gulu University (GU) University, K?benhavns Universitet - University of Copenhagen and Tree Talk Plus.
Our objective
The VUCCA project aims to comprehensively understand the connection between farmers' adaptation strategies and their vulnerability, especially regarding access to natural resources. By incorporating the experiences of smallholder farmers and other local stakeholders, we strive to propose recommendations for progressive social change.
Climate justice
Climate change does not affect everyone equally. Smallholder farmers in conflict-affected regions in Sub-Saharan Africa are amongst the worst affected. They face unique challenges, including displacement, trauma, loss of assets, uncertain land rights, lack of access to resources, and poverty. Minorities, women and children are often disproportionately affected. Traditional adaptation policies often fail to address these specific needs. VUCCA aims to bridge this gap by suggesting alternative pathways to social change that will benefit the most vulnerable groups.