Approximately 1.7 million refugees in Uganda face challenges with food security. Rugwira John Baptist, a refugee who arrived in 2009, has benefitted from Action Against Hunger’s programs, learning innovative farming techniques. His transition to chili farming has transformed his life, allowing him to support his family and provide education for his children. Action Against Hunger also partners with local initiatives to bolster agricultural outputs, benefiting both refugees and host communities.
In Uganda, the largest refugee population in Africa, approximately 1.7 million individuals have sought refuge, fleeing from various crises. Among them is Rugwira John Baptist, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo who settled in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement. After overcoming numerous challenges, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his family’s food security, Rugwira encountered Action Against Hunger, which provided him with vital support and nutrients through its nutrition program.
Rugwira learned about innovative agricultural practices through the Optimized Land Use Model (OLUM). This approach empowers families to adapt to climate change while cultivating nutrient-rich crops on limited land. Subsequently, Rugwira participated in collaborative farming with Action Against Hunger and the Office of the Prime Minister, which provided 300 acres for block farming. He enthusiastically joined a farming group named “Maisha ya Kimbizi” or “Refugee Life.”
The transition to chili farming marked a significant improvement in Rugwira’s fortunes. He successfully grew beans, cassava, and notably, chili. With expert guidance from agronomists, Rugwira cultivated the crops on a previously unfamiliar scale, ultimately generating substantial income. He reported earnings of nearly $360 from over 220 pounds of harvested chili, alleviating his debts and ensuring all his children could now attend school.
Rugwira expressed satisfaction with this newfound financial stability, declaring, “Chili is the enterprise that has earned me more money than any other.” This success extended beyond Rugwira; local farmers, including widowed mother Vumillia Jane, also benefitted. By switching from larger staple crops to high-value chili, she can support her children’s education even on reduced land access.
Action Against Hunger continues its crucial role in assisting farmers, providing training on cultivating resilient crops. Partnering with Shares Uganda, an organization focused on agricultural processing and export, the initiative showcases tangible progress, confirmed by positive feedback from business agents regarding the enhanced quality of chili harvested by refugee farmers.
In summary, Action Against Hunger has played a pivotal role in assisting refugees in Uganda, particularly through training in innovative farming practices like the OLUM. Rugwira John Baptist’s success in chili farming exemplifies the positive impact on both refugee and host communities. This initiative not only improves individual livelihoods but also contributes to alleviating food insecurity in the region.
Original Source: www.actioncontrelafaim.org
