Rangelands Community Initiative Africa (RCIA) is a registered Indigenous pastoralist umbrella initiative founded by an association of grassroots rangeland shepherds and youth networks in Karamoja. RCIA works to empower grassroots communities across districts and sub-counties in Karamoja through advocacy, knowledge preservation, and the equitable use of natural resources.

The initiative aims to strengthen community groups to raise awareness of the crucial role of rangelands and pastoralists in food security, biodiversity conservation, cultural heritage, and climate resilience. It promotes sustainable ecosystem management and secure land tenure rights to support peaceful coexistence among land users. Through collaborative partnerships with traditional leaders, women, youth, and researchers, RCIA mobilizes resources to promote ethical investment, facilitate knowledge sharing, and advance effective rangeland management and pastoralism rooted in Indigenous wisdom.

Mission:
To Empower grassroots Agro-pastoralists and youth networks in Karamoja to secure their well-being, safety, and identity through capacity development on land tenures and sustainable use of resources for peaceful coexistence.

Vision:

Creating a secure, just, and inclusive society for Agro-pastoralists peoples of Karamoja.

Objectives of RCI Africa

1. To promote rangelands biodiversity restoration and conservation through sustainable access, use and management of resources for community resilience.
2. To empower pastoralist communities to secure tenure rights and action on resource governance.
3. To promote indigenous and sustainable livelihoods and practices of agro-pastoralists

Thematic focus areas

1. Rangelands restoration and biodiversity conservation
2. Land rights and policy
3. Livelihoods and agriculture
4. Document Indigenous Knowledge practices