Uganda, facing malnutrition and food insecurity, is home to 1.7 million refugees. Rugwira, a refugee, improved his family’s circumstances through Action Against Hunger’s farming program, learning innovative agricultural techniques. He successfully grew chili, generating significant income and allowing his children to attend school. The initiative also benefits local communities, demonstrating the effectiveness of high-value crops in providing economic opportunities.
Uganda hosts Africa’s largest refugee population, with approximately 1.7 million individuals arriving to escape various crises, including conflict and food insecurity. Rugwira John Baptist, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, settled in Uganda in 2009. Facing immense challenges, he struggled to provide for his family of 12 in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement, where malnutrition is prevalent due to strained resources and health systems.
The COVID-19 pandemic worsened Rugwira’s situation, limiting access to essentials for his family. Fortunately, Action Against Hunger intervened, enrolling him in a nutrition program that emphasized sustainable farming practices. Rugwira learned about the Optimized Land Use Model (OLUM), which helped him maximize crop yields and adapt to climate change.
Through further training, Rugwira began participating in a larger farming initiative, collaborating with Action Against Hunger and the Office of the Prime Minister on 300 acres of block farming. He joined a farmer group named “Maisha ya Kimbizi,” which translates to “Refugee Life.” They cultivated various crops, including chili, which was a vital crop for Rugwira, given his prior experience in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Chili farming dramatically improved Rugwira’s life, allowing him to pay off debts and support his children’s education. He has earned nearly $360 from harvesting and selling chili, expressing excitement about his financial independence. “Chili is the enterprise that has earned me more money than any other,” he stated, noting the strong market demand for the crop in Uganda.
Action Against Hunger also collaborates with Shares Uganda, a local organization focused on processing and exporting agricultural products. Christine Zion from Shares Uganda highlighted the significant increase in chili quality. She noted, “I procured over 830 pounds from my first visit with the farmers.”
The impact of chili farming extends beyond refugees, benefiting host communities as well. Vumillia Jane, a local widowed mother, found that transitioning to high-value crops like chili led to improved earnings. She stated, “Even with just a quarter of an acre, I earn enough to put my children through school comfortably.”
Rugwira’s experience exemplifies how innovative farming techniques can combat malnutrition and improve the livelihoods of refugees in Uganda. The collaboration between Action Against Hunger and local communities not only aids those displaced by crises but also strengthens the agricultural sector through sustainable practices. The success stories of Rugwira and Vumillia Jane highlight the potential of high-value crops to provide economic stability and food security for both refugees and their host communities.
Original Source: www.actioncontrelafaim.org
