Dawn At Witness Radio

In this episode, we dive into the recent announcement that Turkey has been selected to host the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP 31), beating Australia in a competitive bid. We explore what this means for global climate diplomacy, Turkey’s climate and environmental agenda, and the potential opportunities and challenges ahead.

In this episode, we dive into the growing tensions in Buvuma District , where the expansion of the National Oil Palm Company threatens the livelihoods of hundreds of smallholder farmers. Local communities share their stories of uncertainty, displacement, and the environmental impacts of large-scale palm oil production.

In this episode, we unpack the highlights and controversies of the recent G20 Summit held in South Africa. Despite the notable absence of the United States, global leaders gathered to discuss pressing economic challenges, climate action, and international cooperation. We explore the reasons behind the US boycott, the key decisions made by participating nations, and what this could mean for global...

In this episode, we explore how multi-stakeholder platforms are transforming land governance across Africa and beyond. Land is not just soil; it is livelihood, heritage, and power. Yet, conflicts over land rights, forced evictions, and uncoordinated development projects continue to threaten communities. We delve into the importance of bringing together governments, civil society, community leaders...

In this episode, we explore the transformative role of rural women farmers in strengthening food security through land rights empowerment. Across many communities, women face systemic barriers to owning and controlling land, limiting their ability to cultivate sustainably and provide for their families. We speak to inspiring women farmers, community leaders, and experts who share how access to lan...

In this episode, we explore the critical issue of food sovereignty in Africa , examining how communities can take back control over the food they grow, eat, and trade. We dive deep into the debate around Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) , discussing their impact on health, the environment, and local farming practices. Our conversation also highlights agroecology as a sustainable alternative ,...

In this episode, we delve into the growing tensions between local communities and palm oil companies. Residents affected by large-scale palm oil projects are speaking out after being excluded from compensation schemes, despite bearing the brunt of environmental degradation, loss of livelihoods, and social disruption. We hear firsthand accounts from community members detailing the challenges they f...

In this episode, we dive into the latest developments at COP30, where over ten nations have pledged to tackle the growing challenge of misinformation, especially in the context of climate action. We explore the strategies these countries plan to implement, the potential impact on public awareness, and the role of digital platforms in spreading—or combating—false information. Join us as we speak wi...

In this episode, we unpack a powerful new report that challenges the long-standing “vacant land” narrative being used to justify land grabs and dispossession across Africa. The report exposes how land labeled as “empty” or “unused” is, in reality, home to thriving communities, indigenous peoples, pastoralists, and small-scale farmers whose land use systems are often ignored or deliberately erased....

Human rights defenders are increasingly facing intimidation, threats, criminalization, and physical violence for standing up for justice, land, and environmental protection. In this episode, we explore why documenting attacks against human rights defenders is not just an act of record-keeping, but a vital tool for accountability, protection, and advocacy. We examine the growing patterns of violenc...

In this episode, we examine the growing dependence on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and its far-reaching impacts on society. Our discussion explores how GMO adoption has influenced public health, altered ecosystems and biodiversity, and reshaped farming systems—particularly in developing countries. We also unpack critical questions around democratic oversight: Who controls seeds and food s...

In this episode, we unpack the government’s decision to set aside UGX 24 billion to compensate persons affected by the National Oil Palm Project . We examine who qualifies for compensation, what the funds are intended to cover, and whether the process addresses the long-standing concerns of affected communities. Through voices from the ground, expert insights, and policy analysis, the discussion h...

In this episode of the Global Land Observatory podcast, we share early findings on land tenure and governance and what they mean for ordinary people and communities. The discussion focuses on how land is owned, used, and controlled, and how government decisions, investments, and development projects affect people’s land and livelihoods. Drawing from real community experiences, the episode highligh...

In this episode, we unpack viral claims suggesting that large sections of the Amazon rainforest were cleared to construct a highway ahead of COP30. Through verified evidence and expert fact-checking, we examine what truly happened, separate facts from misinformation, and explain why these claims are misleading. The discussion highlights the importance of accurate reporting on climate issues and ho...

In this episode, we explore how agroecology is reshaping sustainable agriculture in East Africa. During a field visit to an agroecology model farm in Uganda, Members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) acknowledged the transformative potential of agroecological practices in improving food security, protecting the environment, and strengthening community livelihoods. Through firsthand o...

As the world reflects on the outcomes of COP30 , this podcast unpacks what the decisions mean for climate-vulnerable countries , especially across Africa and the Global South. We examine key commitments made at COP30, the gaps that remain, and the growing link between climate action and public debt . Why are countries already burdened by debt expected to finance climate adaptation and mitigation?...

A newly released report by the Economic Governance Initiative (EGI) and the Center for Research and Innovation (CRI) exposes alarming human rights violations against community members in Uganda’s Albertine Region. From forced land evictions and intimidation to loss of livelihoods and restricted civic space, this report sheds light on the harsh realities faced by communities living in resource-rich...