In Karamoja, recurrent droughts, erratic rainfall and chronic food insecurity continue to place pressure on both households and community institutions. Schools are often among the first to feel the impact. Hunger can reduce attendance, affect children's ability to learn and increase the risk of pupils dropping out as families prioritise immediate survival needs.  

Kunu Primary School, located in Abim District, faced many of these challenges. With food shortages affecting both households and the school community, sustaining attendance and supporting children's wellbeing became increasingly difficult.  

At Kunu Primary School, climate-smart agriculture became a practical way of strengthening preparedness. School gardens provided a reliable source of food that helped reduce the impact of food shortages on pupils, while at the same time equipping children with skills they could take back to their households.  

As pupils and teachers strengthened their knowledge, the benefits extended beyond the school grounds. Pupils introduced climate-smart farming practices within their own households, helping families improve food production and adapt to increasingly unpredictable weather conditions.  

The project also introduced agroforestry activities, with pupils learning how to establish nurseries, raise seedlings and plant trees within their communities. These activities support environmental restoration while helping communities adapt to the longer-term impacts of climate change.  

A particularly successful aspect of the initiative was the active involvement of pupils in planning, production and decision-making. This approach strengthened ownership, encouraged peer learning and helped ensure new knowledge was shared beyond the school environment.  

Pupil representatives even showcased their produce during a community field day at Kairu Town Council. Income generated from small sales enabled the school to reinvest in agricultural inputs, supporting long-term sustainability.  

The experience of Kunu Primary School demonstrates how strengthening local institutions can help communities prepare for and respond to recurring climate and food security shocks. By building practical skills, strengthening local systems and encouraging community ownership, the NOURISH programme is helping schools and households become more resilient in the face of future challenges.