By DAVID LUKWAGO | Managing Director
Covid19 has brought with it uncertain and unpredictable situations in Uganda and the world over. Lockdown measures that were instituted by the government meant that our teams were suddenly cut off from the farmer community that we support. And this was at planting time. Key to our program is the training of all participating farmers in mindset change shifts and farm technics. While the farmers had received almost 90% of the farm inputs they needed for the planting season, they had only received about 60% of the training that was planned. Because there a community that we are transitioning from a subsistence lifestyle to that of farming with a purpose, this was a missed opportunity for the farmers.
When the lockdown was partially lifted, we changed tactics of how we deploy our technical teams. Instead of using trainers from the city, which is about 300km to Hoima where our farmers live, we have now recruited trainers close to the farms, and training resumed. Thanks to the support from GlobalGiving, we were able to experiment with this approach. We also used some of the funds to purchase masks for the whole community members (women, men, children, and youth). The standard masks fully branded with Prosper mama Africa logo were very appreciated by community members. They see us as partners to their progress and prosperity. The lessons learned due to covid19 lockdowns and social distancing orders are forcing us to re-organize our business model. Part of the services to the community are now going to be offered via online platforms.
As we conclude phase one of our project, we are encouraged by the results. Women have more food and a variety to feed their families, men and women are collaborating more on the development of their household and a community is working together to get themselves out of poverty. Their self-made community committee is spearheading this as champions of change. We have just formed a landmark partnership with the church of Uganda to organize these communities for sustainable and resilient development.
Attached are some recent photos were taken at the community in Hoima.
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