AFARD implemented this project in Jangokoro Sub-County, Zombo district, West Nile region, Uganda. The project overall goal was, “to contribute to inclusive and sustainable poverty reduction in Nebbi Catholic Diocese.”
Project worked with 05 farmer groups with 210 members. It drilled 02 boreholes, introduced VSLA, trained 25 Community Health Frontline Advisors (CHFAs – 50% females) to support community sanitation and hygiene education, HIV Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT), and Natural Family Planning education. It also trained 10 mentors (50% females) who conducted 05 Functional Adult Literacy (FAL) classes for 243 learners (including 71 non-group members). The project introduced Irish potato farming as a business and provided improved seeds while group members contributed in cash (UGX 10,462,000) for the purchase of fertilizers. Finally, the project created awareness on human and women’s rights and supported 10 petition and accountability day sessions with the Sub county local government leaders so that farmer groups benefit from local government development programmes.
The participatory close-of project assessment found out that:
- The five smallholder farmers groups were working together with their leaders and there was a sense of ownership and belonging among members of the groups.
- Access to safe water increased from 28% to 43% and 100% of group members homes had improved pit latrines with hand washing facilities. Disease burden decrease as medical cost dropped from over UGX 400,000 to less than UGX 100,000 per year.
- Comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS increased from 94% to 100% and all group members tested and knew their HIV status.
- VSLA encouraged a savings culture among groups and provided capital for micro businesses.
- Irish potato production increased household income from UGX 1,701,000 to UGX 3,454,368.
- Asset poverty declined by 18% (from 77% to 63%); food security increased by 37% (from 66% to 90%) while women empowerment increased by 9% (from 57% to 62%).
Project Budget: UGX 387,295,000
Donor: Manos Unidas
