Expert knowledge to parametrize an ex-ante environemental assessement model

Over the last year, i have been contributing to an ex-ante spatially explicity environmental impact assessment for intensifying value chains. This year we want to adapt the tool to the pig value chain in Hoima Uganda. In order to parametrize the model and develop the new modules that are particular to pigs, we combined a participatory GIS (geographical information system) with a transect drive through the landscape.

The objective of the PGIS is to learn from stakeholder about the natural resource base of the area with a particular focus on water and soil health for which little data is available, about the current and the future pig keeping systems.

Each groups were given a set of paper based maps, as well as transparencies upon which the groups could map the natural resources and the pig keeping systems on transparencies that could be laid over the paper base maps.

Two groups negotiating the amount of existing pig keeping systems

The participants identified four pig keeping systems :

• free range, where pigs are just roaming around
• theathered, where pigs are often kept within the banana trees that need a lot of manure
• padocking, pigs are enclosed within an area but free with the area
• intensive in build structures, pigs are kept in units from wood or concrete

 Each system was described in detail in terms of feeds, breeds, manure mangementchallenges, markets and mapped out.

participants stepping out of the timeship

In the afternoon, we asked to participants to board a timeship and we flied to Hoima 2025, and visited successful farmers as well as the poorest one. We then discussed how systems have changed : free range has disappeared, and high level integrated farms have emerged, these farms also have slaughterhouse  and a cold chain. The old and the new systems where also described and mapped.

weighting the future systems

In the end participants could weight in which system most of the farms will be in 2025.

Participants really enjoyed the day at the workshop, also because they have been engaged during the whole day, no one has felt bored even for a minute and we have collected the necessary base information in order to set up the environmental impact assessment tools!  Keep posted from the update from the transect drive and learn about Hoima's landscape dynamics.