Funding required: $29,775
This project will help: 1,045 children and families
Estimated completion date: June 2027
Country: Uganda
Executive summary
Most families in Ronda village in North Western Uganda rely on subsistence farming to survive. However, malnutrition and lack of farming skills are a major challenge for families in this area and many are suffering from food insecurity. Inadequate crop production skills, prolonged droughts, limited youth engagement in crop production and selling household harvests to cover other essential needs lead to food insecurity for families. A survey of Compassion beneficiaries in Uganda found that 80 per cent of these families have poor nutrition and inadequate crop-production skills. Right now, 1,046 children and families in Ronda Village in North Western Uganda are in immediate need of support. Compassion’s church partners in these regions are working tirelessly to assist children and families, but with approximately 90 per cent of caregivers dependent on subsistence agriculture as their main source of income, many are coming to them in a desperate state of need and their resources are stretched to capacity. This intervention will provide 196 households in Ronda Village, Uganda, with training in effective farming practices and techniques, along with farming inputs. Caregivers will receive drought- and disease-resistant seeds, including beans and soy beans, and cassava cuttings. The local church partner will set up demonstration gardens, so caregivers can gain practical experience. Families will be able to grow their own food and prepare nutritious meals for their families, improving their food security and child development.Background
In the village of Ronda, in North Western Uganda, the Okufura Child and Youth Development Centre is assisting 245 participants. After collecting data through home visits and a survey, poor nutrition and limited crop-production skills surfaced as major challenges affecting participants and their families. Centre staff and caregivers believe that when families are equipped with farming skills and are supported in food production, they will become food secure and their dietary needs will be met. Once families know how to farm effectively and can feed their households, caregivers can take on income-generating activities to lift their families from poverty.The need
Most of the families the Okufura Compassion centre serves in Ronda village in North Western Uganda live in poverty and rely on subsistence farming to survive. However, families in the area are experiencing food insecurity. Many of these caregivers are using outdated farming techniques and have limited tools, resulting in low crop yields. Sadly, the area experiences periods of drought, affecting crop production. In addition, many caregivers sell most of their harvests to meet other household needs, neglecting the dietary needs of their families. Compassion Uganda is committed to helping families achieve food security so caregivers can pursue income-generating activities. Your gift will equip the local church partner in Ronda, Uganda, with the resources they need to educate families on farming best practices and provide drought-resistant seeds to these vulnerable families. Qualified agriculturalists will train caregivers in nutrition and pre- and post-harvest management. Families will be able to learn from a large demonstration garden at the centre and three mini demonstration gardens in their villages. These gardens will serve as learning sites where families can observe and practise effective farming. Families will receive food support with drought-resistant beans, soy beans and cassava cuttings, as well as two other vegetables of their choice so they can produce food sustainably. Nutritionists will educate caregivers on basic nutritional needs to ensure their children are consuming a balanced diet.What your gift will do
Your generous support will allow centre staff to provide agricultural training and inputs to 196 families in North Western Uganda, including:- Drought-resistant seeds for 196 households
- Naro beans
- Cassava cuttings
- Maize bazooka
- Tomato bawito
- Land purchase for demonstration gardens
- Fertilizers and gardening support
- Transportation
- Procurement meetings
- Support services and training
- Farming assistance
- Tilling
- Cultivation
- Post-harvesting support
- Monitoring visits
Logistics
- Local contribution: US$6,989.21
- Handling of funds: Compassion Uganda will work with centre leadership to ensure this intervention stays within budget.
- Monitoring and follow-up: Compassion centre staff and church leaders will provide ongoing monitoring and support to ensure families are putting their resources to good use and that their gardens remain sustainable.