Social-Equity-Oriented Participation Mechanisms in Large-Scale Agricultural Investments for Lwera Wetland Communities, Kalungu District, Uganda: A Literature Synthesis

Abstract

Large-scale agricultural investments (LAIs) in ecologically sensitive zones like the Lwera Wetlands in Uganda often marginalize local communities, leading to livelihood losses and conflicts. This literature synthesis examines the pathways through which community participation mechanisms can foster social equity in such investments. Grounded in People-Centered Development Theory (PCDT) and Social Equity Theory, the study conceptualizes a progressive pathway from information dissemination to consultation, collaboration, and stakeholder support. The synthesis reveals that while Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) reduces knowledge asymmetries, its effectiveness is hindered by gender and literacy barriers. Furthermore, consultation and collaboration only yield equitable outcomes when they transcend tokenism to facilitate genuine power-sharing and joint decision-making, supported by well-resourced state and non-state actors. To address empirical gaps in LAI-wetland scholarship, the study advances four testable hypotheses for mixed-methods research. The paper concludes by recommending the institutionalization of an "information → consultation → collaboration → equity" pathway to ensure commercial rice farming in Lwera aligns with community well-being and distributive justice.