Working for Household Food Security in Uganda

Thanks to our supporters, this project has improved the household food security, income and health of 826 families in the Kamuli District.

A family in rural Uganda

Uganda is one of the world's Least Developed Countries; life expectancy is just 45 years and it has extremely high rates of maternal and child mortality.

The majority of families in Kamuli region in South-East Uganda live off less than 2 acres of land using traditional farming techniques. This does not provide them with enough food for the year, leading to malnutrition especially among children. There is rarely surplus to sell to supplement their income.

The rate of deforestation in Kamuli is steadily increasing as people attempt to improve their household income and search for land to cultivate crops. Deforestation causes soil erosion and creates imbalances in the local eco-system, making it even more difficult for local communities to live off the land in the future.

The goal of the project was to improve land productivity and agricultural production, which will aid in addressing the interlinked problems of poverty and land degradation. It aimed to enable 500 families to practice farming that produces the best yield for them and also protects the environment. The project also aimed to facilitate the use and replication of successful agricultural practices, which will allow families to improve their food security, increase their incomes and supplies of fuel wood, and reduce long-term damage to the local environment. Improved nutrition from more balanced diets will also contribute to better health for children and their parents.

Project Activities:

• 30 farmer-trainers provided with skills in sustainable farming, and 50 families trained in sustainable farming technologies
• 818 vegetable beds set up, providing vegetables for home consumption and sale
• 15 community libraries established to hold and disseminate information on agricultural practices
• 331 households involved in exchange visits to share experiences and advice on sustainable farming
• 26 home fruit tree nurseries established and 40,000 tree seedlings planted
• 746 families provided with skills to manage agricultural activities and increase production. This included yam production and banana, cassava and pineapple management

Results:

• Families are using sustainable farming methods to manage their land and expect to increase their yield. They have also diversified the crops that they farm
• Families have an improved understanding of the long-term impact of farming on the environment, how to minimise the negative impact and how this will be beneficial to them in the long-term 
• Gender awareness was raised, resulting in more men becoming involved in farming and family members discussing gender issues
• Health improved due to healthier diets and better hygiene
• Awareness of HIV/AIDS and malaria raised through health workshops 
• Farmers have gained additional skills such as managing a community-based project, training others and working in co-operatives which will ensure long-term sustainability

Thank you for your support which has made this project such a success!