Landscape approach for reviewing USAID Uganda activities in the southwest

This report employs a landscape analysis of the SW for use in Mission planning under its new strategic objective (SO) 7. The landscape approach, a comprehensive method of area analysis, focuses on three characteristics of the landscape: (1) structure (what kind of systems exist); (2) function (flows of energy and how the systems interact); and (3) the change of systems over time). Section one of the report describes the landscape of the SW (target districts), first in terms of biophysical and social, cultural, and economic factors, then in terms of activities in the area that are related to the design of the new SO 7. Section two presents the recommended landscape approach for SO 7. It is a framework that uses the information in section one to demonstrate how a landscape approach defines gaps and organized important pieces of information for analysis. The framework and the guidelines provided could be used for any part of Uganda. Section three uses SW target districts as a model for analyzing constraints and opportunities for developing strategies, programs, or projects throughout Uganda. Section four contains the major findings and recommendations for SO 7. Appendix one is an assessment of the above-ground carbon values for the target district. Appendix two is a table that lists development projects supported by the Mission in relation to the landscape elements presented in section two. Appendix three is a more detailed description of the target districts.