Using a Theory of Change Approach for Inclusive and Resilient Urban Food Systems in Uganda

Summary, in English

We explore how the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) project applied a theory of change approach to raise awareness of the importance of smallholder farmers and to bring them into decision making processes, as key players working towards a sustainable and resilient food system in Kasese Municipality and Mbale City in Uganda. Critical inputs from using a theory of change approach included: constant eye on research impact, in line with the desired long-term change; integrating local Municipality staff as part of the project team; mapping stakeholders and their (dis)interest; transparency and flexible engagement; building capacity for cross-stakeholder communication; attitudinal change and skills improvement via peer-to-peer learning, field visits and, institutional engagements. We can, with a high degree of certainty, conclude that, through working with theory of change, our project sparked a positive attitude change among policy makers, recognition and empowerment of smallholders, and efforts to boost smallholder resilience to stress and shocks.

• Author: Frank Mugagga; Paul. I. Mukwaya; Peter Kasaija; Patricia Nagawa Kiggundu; Ritah Nakanjako; Allen Kiiza; Eunice Muyama; Juma Wepukhulu; Mary Kemigisha; Heather Mackay; Magnus Jirström
• Department/s: Department of Human Geography
• Publishing year: 2025-02-22
• Language: English
• Publication/Series: Systemic Practice and Action Research
• Volume: 38
• Links: https://link.springer.com/10.1007/s11213-025-09711-8; http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11213-025-09711-8
• Document type: Journal article
• Publisher: Springer
• Topic: Other Social Sciences
• Status: Published
• ISBN/ISSN/Other: ISSN: 1094-429X