Agroecology and economic development in Karamoja

The Karamoja region in eastern Uganda is populated by semi-nomadic tribes who suffer from food insecurity. This is due to recurrent droughts, low agricultural productivity and livestock epidemics.

Since the summer of 2018, FH Switzerland has been supporting 1,500 families to enable them to increase their agricultural and livestock production and diversify their sources of income through the development of economic activities.
The initial results of the activities implemented are encouraging:

Agricultural production and market gardening
1500 farmers were trained in agro-ecological practices (crop rotation, mulching, composting, etc.).
60 demonstration fields were set up for the cultivation of beans, maize, peanuts and vegetables.
100 farmers were trained in market gardening, some of them were even able to produce vegetables all year round thanks to their vegetable garden set up along the perennial river.

Animal health: major vaccination campaign
12'800 cows were vaccinated against contagious lumpy skin disease. It is a viral disease of cattle, transmitted by insects. 21 animal health workers were also trained.

Reducing post-harvest losses
300 tarpaulins have been donated to enable farmers to dry their crops while reducing losses. The traditional cereal storage granaries have been equipped with "grids" to prevent rodents from eating the reserves.

Improved stoves to protect the environment
To help protect the forests, the project promoted the construction and use of improved stoves. These stoves consume about 60% less firewood than traditional stoves. They cause less smoke and are therefore less harmful to health. Women waste less time fetching wood and the forests are protected. This activity started in September 2019 and more than 800 improved fireplaces have already been made.

Savings and credit groups
60 groups have been formed and equipped with the necessary equipment to get started (cash register, notebooks, etc.). The money allowed several groups to invest in the collective purchase of livestock (cows, sheep, goats).

Claudias, project coordinator in Uganda
"The implementation of such a project in such a remote region and in such a patriarchal society is an opportunity. Through the dialogues and activities, men and women understand that their roles are interdependent and that only together can they develop their region. »

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