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Master's Project: A Case Study Of The "Benet Land Problem" In Eastern Uganda, Anna Dirkse

Rubenstein School Masters Project Publications

Boundaries are inherently political creations. Boundaries of national parks and other protected conservation areas are one such instance. Social boundary lines are also drawn within communities to determine who is legitimate and who is allowed to access resources as a community member. Boundary lines are also present in the stories people tell about themselves and their environment; the portrayal of their roles as land stewards may leave out certain details. The effects of environmental issues such as deforestation and soil erosion transcend such constructed boundaries.

Historically, the Benet, as indigenous peoples of eastern Uganda, had derived their livelihood and cultural …