Spatial Analysis of East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and Potential Risks to Livelihoods in Uganda and Tanzania

Significant discoveries of oil and gas in East Africa in the last decade have ushered in a wave of foreign investments by major multinational companies. The construction and operation of a crude oil pipeline carries significant risk of environmental and socio-economic impacts and the process often leaves out the perspectives of those most affected. This research assesses the extent to which the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) is likely to affect natural resources and territories that support livelihoods in Uganda and Tanzania. This research seeks to visualize areas along the proposed pipeline route that can be considered to be at low, medium, and high risk from potential impacts, with a specific focus on populated areas, agricultural lands, grazing lands, and water resources. The analysis will be used by Oxfam America to identify priority areas for deeper investigation.