World Development & Relief Committee

Local Projects/Overseas Conferences

PROJECTS IN AFRICA

Voluntary Action for Development (VAD): Uganda

Wakiso District in Central Uganda was a war zone during the second liberation of the country from dictatorial regimes in the 1980s. While more than 90% of its population depends on farming for food and income, the double tragedy of civil strife and the HIV/AIDS pandemic has devastated the ranks of knowledgeable farmers. Today the majority of farmers are widowed women who work tirelessly to support their children. But few of these farmers have access to appropriate farming technology or resources like training, tools, seeds and livestock.

	Deo with bananas

Farmers are struggling to feed their families and earn enough income for basic necessities like clothing and medicine. In 2000, majority of Wakiso's farmers earned less than $20 a month - or just 60¢ per day - which is far below the national poverty line. In an effort to free themselves from the shackles of poverty and continued marginal lifestyle, farmers in Wakiso have formed groups to help increase their crop production and participation in livestock rearing and petty trade.

	Community Agricultural Trainer: Margaret Senzizi

Over the past six years, VAD has worked with 60 groups in the Wakiso area. On average a farmers' group has 15-20 members, 80% of which are women. VAD focuses on training the farmers in sustainable agriculture, livestock production, and natural resource management. The impact of VAD's work is visible in higher yields of bananas, vegetables, vanilla, and other local crops; good environmental management that includes agro-forestry water harvesting; and an increase in dairy goat rearing.

Funds from WDRC will be used to develop the water projects presently being initiated - wells, tanks and protected springs will improve water and health for 14,500 people. Local committees are set up to manage the repair and maintenance of pumps.

£8,000 / €12,000

Mrs Migadde's Story

Mrs. Migadde is a trained Community Agriculture Trainer (CAT) who lives in the central zone of Mende parish. Mrs. Migadde is 45 years old and married with eight children. She underwent intensive training in Sustainable Agriculture, which was organized by Voluntary Action for Development (VAD) and sponsored by Lutheran World Relief. In a period of only one year, Mrs. Migadde has transformed her farm into a centre for learning and admiration/model farm where other farmers come to view and learn to acquire appropriate farming techniques.

1-½ years ago, Mrs. Migadde's farm was like many other farms in the parish where the land was barren and all crops were poor and unproductive. At that time Mrs. Migadde didn't belong to any farmer's group and had no knowledge at all of organic farming practices. Before VAD's training, Mrs. Migadde's family didn't have enough food to eat and their income was extremely low. The training has tremendously improved Mrs. Migadde's family's livelihood. She now produces sufficient bananas for her domestic consumption and the surplus is sold for income for her family. In addition, she produces varieties of crops, some of which are sold, while the rest is stored for family use in the event of drought. She received a hybrid He-goat, which has brought her an additional income as many nearby farmers bring their indigenous She-goats for mounting. She charges Ug.shs 3000 per mount and she says her goat has given her a net sum of Ug.Shs 196.000 in a period of eight months. She has put in place many organic farming practices, including integration of trees in her farming system, integration of animals with crops, and soil and water conservation measures. All of these have improved her family practices and have greatly contributed to her increased crop production.

Mrs. Migadde is also a member of the Mende Farmers' Association. She recently received a loan of UgShs 200,000 from the Association and she used it to expand her maize plantation where she has also received added income. Mrs. Migadde is also a treasurer of the Farmers' Association where she has gained a lot of leadership skills. Mrs. Migadde's family now lives a happy and successful life.

Mr Mabirizi Bilal

Mr Mabirizi Bilal is one of the model farmers in Mende parish. He is 47 years old and married with 7 children. Mr. Mabirizi has lived a very difficult life, living in a temporary shelter and farming a barren piece of land.

With VAD's intervention Mr Mabirizi was trained intensively in sustainable agriculture, organic farming practices, farm planning, use of organic pesticide and agro forestry. He was a very active farmer who immediately started on implementing these practices.

After one year, he is one of the farmers who have obtained maximum yields from his garden. He grows vanilla, bananas, and other food crops. He has a well-managed farm. During last year's boom in vanilla prices he was able to produce a very high harvest and immediately purchased metal sheeting which will become the roof for his future house. He recently started construction on his 3 room house and he hopes to complete it in two months time after he harvests his cassava crop. Building a house has been the dream of his life.

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