Identify the root causes
In early July 2024, Woord en Daad brought together local partners, civil society organisations, and government representatives for a two-day System Change Canvas Workshop under the LEAD Uganda project. The workshop, held in collaboration with key stakeholders, aimed to identify the root causes of the challenges faced by refugees and host communities in Uganda and co-create solutions for systemic change. This event marked a pivotal moment in the journey towards empowering local actors to lead development in their communities.
Understanding the bigger picture
The workshop was guided by a systemic approach, encouraging participants to step back and examine the broader structures and power dynamics affecting refugees and host communities. It was an opportunity to ask fundamental questions: What are the root causes of the challenges we face? How can we address these, rather than just the symptoms?
One example raised was the issue of food insecurity among refugees in West Nile, where 50% of the population is classified as food insecure. Rather than focusing solely on short-term interventions, such as providing food aid, the participants explored how deeper systemic factors—like market access, infrastructure challenges, and power dynamics—contribute to this issue. This shift in perspective helped everyone present understand the complexity of the problems at hand and the need for comprehensive, multi-level solutions.
A collaborative approach to change
At the heart of the LEAD Uganda project is the principle of co-creation. This workshop embodied that spirit by inviting key stakeholders to contribute their insights and expertise. Representatives from refugee-led organisations, women’s rights groups, local government bodies, and civil society came together to collaboratively define the system’s boundaries, actors, and challenges.
Through participatory exercises, such as the root cause analysis and stakeholder mapping, the group identified several leverage points that could drive change. One such point was the need to build the capacity of in-country partners—local organisations that play a critical role in delivering services to refugees and host communities. By strengthening these partners’ ability to advocate for inclusive policies, access market opportunities, and deliver high-quality services, we can create a sustainable impact on the ground.
The system change canvas
The system change canvas, a tool developed by Woord en Daad, was central to the workshop’s methodology. This step-by-step tool allowed participants to visualise the entire system in which they operate:
- Who are the key actors?
- What are the existing challenges and opportunities?
- How are decisions made?
By mapping these elements, the group was able to clearly define what needs to change and how those changes can be achieved. The result was a shared understanding of the systemic barriers and the pathways to overcome them.
Looking ahead: Implementing change
As the workshop concluded, it was clear that this was only the beginning of a much larger journey. The insights gained from the System Change Canvas will inform the design and implementation of LEAD Uganda’s interventions over the coming years. One of the key outcomes of the workshop was the establishment of a solid monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure that progress is measured and adjusted as needed.
The LEAD project’s vision is ambitious: a Uganda where local actors are empowered to deliver services for refugees and host communities, fostering peaceful coexistence and dignified living. Thanks to the active participation and contributions of our partners, we made a good start on the road to achieving that vision.
The workshop demonstrated that real change requires a collective effort. By working together—leveraging the strengths of local organisations, government, and international partners—we can create lasting impact for refugees and host communities in Uganda. Stay tuned for more updates from the LEAD Uganda project as we continue to move forward, turning insights into action.