Integrated Water Management Development (IWMD) at NRDI Uganda focuses on restoring, protecting, and sustainably managing water resources within key catchments such as Mpanga, Semliki, and Nyamwamba. IWMD addresses the growing pressures of climate change, population growth, and ecosystem degradation by combining watershed restoration, wetland protection, soil conservation, and community-based water governance. NRDI works with local communities, water-user groups, and government agencies to rehabilitate riverbanks, improve water quality, and secure reliable water access for households, agriculture, and biodiversity. This integrated approach strengthens climate resilience, safeguards livelihoods, and ensures long-term sustainability of Uganda’s vital water ecosystems.
Currently Natural Resources Defense Initiatives (NRDI) in partnership with World Wide Fund ( WWF)
recently implemented Integrated Water Management Development Project ( IWMDP) in
Awoja Catchment. This was majorly in the sub-catchments of Apedur- Apapai and Lake
Okolitorom sub-catchments.
Some of the interventions included, Planting trees in degraded land, empowering
communities in Alternative Income Generating Activities like Apiary, Fish Farming, micro-
irrigation schemes, Fodder production and Coffee value chains
According to Edgar Muganzi the Executive Director NRDI, IGAs are a better option of
conserving and protecting the environment because they help communities leaving
adjacent to fragile eco systems to stop carrying out economic activities in those fragile eco
systems.
“The Ministry of Water and Environment ( MoWe) has always provided communities with
IGAs as alternatives to the communities in a bid to empower them economically and
sociall,” he explained .
Below are some of the advantages of promoting IGAs
IGAs provide employment and earnings, reducing financial struggles for families.
When people have stable income sources, they can afford necessities like food,
healthcare, and education.
Small businesses and local enterprises stimulate economic activity and boost local
markets.
Increased income allows communities to invest in infrastructure, technology, and social
services.
Income-generating activities create employment opportunities, reducing unemployment
and crime rates.
Skilled individuals can train others, creating a cycle of economic empowerment.
Eco-friendly IGAs (e.g., sustainable farming, beekeeping, and recycling) promote
environmental conservation.
Green businesses create income while protecting natural resources for future generations.