Prevent starvation among 70 families in Uganda

"I am very hopeful that this project is going to be very beneficial to us. Right now, Community Concerns is renting for us land that we shall use to grow our own food. We are very blessed that the project started with our group, the burden of food insecurity is going to be now more"Rose-28 years said"

 On 7^th February 2018, we initiated the Food Security and Nutrition project with discussions with a group of OVC caregivers from one of the communities selected for the project. This group has the highest number of households with severe food insecurity among the OVC caregivers we are working with.

Using the donated funds, CCUg is providing hoes/slashers or pangas, Orange Fleshed Sweet potatoes (OFSP) vines, soya bean seeds to the first group of 17 beneficiaries selected.

 A week ago, a hired agronomist trained 16 caregivers in the production of soya bean and OFSP. He also trained them about production of organic pesticides and fertilizers which will be used in the project. The agronomist will be monitoring the caregivers to ensure that they effectively apply what was taught and provide support where needed.

"I have learnt a lot about soya bean and sweet potato growing. Imagine, I even did not know how to make organic fertilizers, which are sustainable, not like those inorganic ones. I have also learnt how to make organic pesticides. I am a better farmer now ( Ismaili, OVC caregiver).

Nearly all caregivers learnt something new from the training. It was an eye-opening to caregivers to improve on their produce using simple agronomic practices.

Since the discussions held in early February,  caregivers have been looking for land in and around their Village (half an acre each) which CCUg rents for them for 2 seasons (1 year) that they will use to grow soya and OFSP.  The organization signs memorandums of agreement with the land owners and allocates selected land to the caregivers. 

Most of the beneficiaries are excited about the project and very hopeful that it will be able to improve on household food security.

"I am so happy about this project....actually, right now, I am scared of my blood pressure rising. You cannot imagine the burden that has been lifted from me. I have one meal a day, but with this project, I will be able to grow adequate food for my family" (Hadija-60 old widow).

 "This project is going to help me grow food for my family. I did not have where to grow food from. I am so happy I have been given this chance to have adequate food. I know, my adherence to ART will improve because I will have enough food to eat before taking ARVs" (Sarah, OVC caregiver).

 Other caregivers were very optimistic that through hard work, they will be able to increase on their household earnings through this project.

"I hope to improve on many things which I had lost hope about. When I am able to grow my own food, my children will not go through the pain of sleeping hungry again or not attending school because of no food. I also think I will be able to get some surplus food which I can sell so that I can increase on my household income. I am thankful to Community concerns and all the people who have donated towards this project" (Prossy- 27 year old widow)