FOOD INSECURITY IN UGANDA

The most rural areas in Uganda, agriculture, are the backbone of a home. Many women are the major providers of food for the family, including children. Small scale farmers practice long ago traditional and poor farming methods.  Women remain landlocked in their home with no opportunity to learn new methods.

With ignorance they continue to grow food for family consumption.They lack nutritional value foods that could maintain their healthy and have no surplus for sale, to meet the other basic necessities in a home. In the long run many families would be food insecure leading to famine.

Scarcity of Labour force

To increase food production there is need for labour force, and yet the productive youth, have the tendency of making quick money, therefore do not  participate in farming activities. In a home of many people one would find the women as the main source, that provides food for entire family, in addition to caring for other daily cores of collecting firewood and fetching water which is normally distance away.

Because women practice poor farming methods, this greatly impedes their food yield outputs. Opportunity to access tools that can empower them i.e. knowledge and information is rare. They grow food crops which cannot survive under bad weather conditions and more prone to pests and diseases.  Irrigating techniques is a myth in many areas, and with lack of knowledge on irrigation technology, famine is a threat.

Women farmers hands on skills development

Innovative Intervention to Ensuring Food Security by NVIWODA.

In 1987 a group of women in Ntulume Village established a women Non-Government organization. The organization this year will celebrate twenty five years of its existence and has achieved a positive track record.

Working with women at lower levels could be a positive intervention to enable women in rural areas, participate in development arena and bridge the gap of gender in-equality among others. NVIWODA works with thirty, Community Based Women Groups found in ten districts in Uganda.

Food Security Initiative at hand creates awareness to women and engages them to practice modern farming including husbanding animals in an integrated and sustainable manner, to reduce the risks associated with climate change.

Ensuring Food Security through Practicing Integrated and Sustainable Farming

Global Fund for Women a U.S.A based NGO,http://www.globalfundforwomen.org, in July 2011, Grant, to NVIWODA enabling them  to intervene in ensuring food security at household status. The project is being implemented; in South Mawokota in Mpigi District in South Mawokota Development Activist partner a CBO of the organization.

For a positive attitudinal change and to achieve the initiative objectives, NVIWODA yet partners with   specialized and established agriculture training Institutions, in particular St. Jude Integrated and Sustainable Agriculture Training Centre and Institute of Development Strategies (IDS). Both practice modern farming.

Twenty seven women farmers, so far are directly benefitting from the current activities of the project. Theory and practical training, in Integrated and Sustainable Agriculture plus Indigenous Poultry Management for commercial are offered.

Women from the eight Parishes of South Mawokota – Mpigi, grow crops like Matooke, cassava, potatoes, maize, tubers (yam), in addition beans, ground nuts, and some vegetables like bitter egg plants, are grown for home consumption. Cash crop like Coffee is also grown in this area.

After October 2011, the beneficiaries understood how the Climate Change is affecting their farming activities and are in agreement of the essence of finding a solution to reduce the risks of famine at household level.

Despite the challenge of the changing weather patterns the beneficiaries are considering to modernize their farming methods. Technologies to harvest water, when the rains begin could be an alternative solution to support farming, however, women lack the opportunity to access financial resources to acquire water harvesting resource materials

Women trained in modern farming – Practice makes perfect

Taking stock of the knowledge offered women are able to make compost manure, natural pest diseases control, animal husbandry, piggery and poultry management of indigenous chicken in a more careful manner. Those practicing animal husbandry have many chances to make composite manure to enhance farming. Areas like nutrition and hygiene is an additional outcome for this intervention.

women farmers learning on how to make contours using "A frame" method.

“Development begins in the stomach”

In Uganda at this time of the season there is scarcity of enough food and prices have hiked due to a number of reasons. i.e. exporting food to other neighboring areas  and other factors like pests and diseases, climate change conditions have too aggravated the situation. The long dry season spell is a threat, we hope rains come soon.

Women nutrition is a very important component and NVIWODA emphasizes to increase feeding well to remain healthy too. Bearing that in mind, the beneficiaries have been introduced to growing new vegetable that had not grown before, e.g. Egg plants, green

Women and Nutrition

pepper, cucumber, beetroot, carrots, amaranthus, kale, coriander, celery, beetroot, French beans, leek, water melon.  Seed were distributed by NVIWODA

What is it in it for women?

Nyonyi poultry Farm Enterprise – Masaka, engaged in animal husbandry, vegetable, banana, maize and fruit growing, she also keeps poultry at a medium scale, Theresa a retired secretary is the Director.  Green Valley Investments- Gayaza- Kampala, Grace Twinomugisha, manages three fishponds, and piggery at Gayaza, Blind but Able Association keeps free range indigenous chicken and at St. Jude sustainable Agriculture Centre, all these hosted the women to enable them by seeing, practicing and sharing information.

Grace and Theresa are both NVIWODA members, practicing sustainable agriculture so sharing with the women was vital and women had the opportunity to see much knowledge in a reality.

Sustainable Agriculture

At end of the training the feelings were indeed high, and they said “In ignorance we have tilled the land and lost energy for a long time, we are now ready to work”.

Women said that “This was their first important training they ever received, because they were able to learn from fellow women and share important information.

DON’T PAPA – CONNECTING GIRLS TO INSPIRE THE FUTURES NANSANA CHURCH OF UGANDA PRIMARY SCHOOL IN WAKISO DISTRICTS – BENEFITS FROM THE THEME

 

In Wakiso District in Uganda, Nansana Church of Uganda Primary School benefits from the strategic direction of NVIWODA which promotes gender equality.

As the month of March 2012 ends, NVIWODA continues to connect girls and boys to inspire their future.

On 29^th March 2012, NVIWODA Team comprising of senior mothers, namely Nyarwa Cissy, Rose Ssozi, Merab Bibangamba, Sarah Kisauzi  and Nsubuga Judith, visited Nansana Church of Uganda Primary School, the team included the  youth who comprised of Jackie Katusiime and Regina Bagaala supported the team.

The main focus of the programme is to create awareness among the pupils at school aged 12-15 attending classes of P.6.-P.7, guide, counsel, build their self confidence, self esteem and give them direction to enable them positively achieve their future. They are also guided to be spiritually formed.

Two hundred and seventeen pupils attended the session discussion and sharing of challenges of youth age real like experience. Over two hundred pupils were on 9^th March 2012, met at Kiteebi Primary School in Lubaga Division, Kampala District, making a total of over four hundred pupils. As NVIWODA celebrates twenty five years, the programme has been planned to continue till end of June, one thousand pupils are anticipated to benefit.

The Deputy Headmaster, Mrs. Esther Olaka Olwoch appreciated NVIWODA for this timely initiative towards the young ones.  She said that this will assist them to achieve their vision in future. At the same time the Head teacher Mrs. Sendagire Rebecca, was very grateful to NVIWODA, she urged the pupils that this was a great opportunity for them and they should take the words said very important if they have to succeed in life.

It has been noted that, the teachers need support from the other parents to talk to the children of Uganda to prepare them for being good citizens of this Nation.

Both teachers in the two different schools, so far visited commented that “We have been telling these pupils the same and we are very grateful for your initiative, this will make a change”.

Don’t Papa is the motto, the senior mothers left behind with the pupils.

NVIWODA CONNECTS SCHOOL GIRLS TO INSPIRE THEIR FUTURES

A memorable moment for all women in Uganda and the Globe, 8^th March 2012, International Women’s Day Celebration in Uganda was celebrated in the Northern Uganda, in Nebi District.

NVIWODA part of its strategic direction 2011-2015, is to bridge the gap of gender imbalance, through reaching out to the children in schools, and discuss the issues of gender inequality, in order to bridge the gap and tap their potential that could make a difference in future.

In the continued struggle for the women empowerment in Uganda, on the 9^th March 2012, a Team of Six senior women mothers, the members of NVIWODA, (Jessica, Cissy, Sarah, Rose, Wilbrode and Judith), opening with a Women National Anthem took the lead to reach out to Primary schools and Kitebi Primary School, found in Lubaga Division, Kampala District, was the first school to benefit from the programme. The aim is to move the theme “Connecting Girls Inspiring futures”, further through face to face discussions and over two hundred girls of classes Six and Seven of the age eleven to fifteen was addressed.  We hope to strengthen and save the girls futures.

The issues based on discussion included history of Women’s International Day, Gender Equality, Self Confidence, Hygiene, Guidance and Counseling of girls to complete their education and spiritual formation for success. As prevention is better than cure, awareness on HIV/AIDs was also discussed. 

Girls were advised to be wise and abstain from sex and never use condoms and wait for proper marriage.

Some indicators of women empowerment and model successes and achievements, women in Uganda, was shared among the young community.

Mrs. Kinyera Anne, the Science teacher of Kitebi Primary School, said that the girls shy aware from science subjects. During the preparations of our talk, the boys exhibited their skill in connecting of the louder speaker system equipment, and “Why not the girls Cissy inquired from the science teacher”.

Girls were advised to participate in science subjects that they assume that are hard, this would open to them greater opportunities. Through Physical fitness exercise of walking, girls were advised to memorize, through what they have learnt in a day, this opens up their brain more.

At the closing the teachers present appreciated NVIWODA’s initiative of reaching out to the schools to share with the children life experience, especially with the girls. “We also talk to them but at least today, they can hear it, from other horse’s mouth” a teacher commented.

The Team concluded” By talking to you in a big group is a great opportunity for us, because we know we will achieve great impact on children. We were once young like you, we also went through that life experience and we were guided through.”  At least four schools, with an output of eight hundred (800) children will be reached this year 2012.

 

Forget yourself by becomi…

Forget yourself by becoming interested in others, everyday do a good deed that will put a smile of joy on someone’s life

A memorable moment for all women in Uganda and the Globe, 8^th March 2012, International Women’s Day Celebration in Uganda was celebrated in the Northern Uganda, in Nebi District.

NVIWODA part of its strategic direction 2011-2015, is to bridge the gap of gender imbalance, through reaching out to the children in schools, and discuss the issues of gender inequality, in order to bridge the gap and tap their potential that could make a difference in future.

In the continued struggle for the women empowerment in Uganda, on the 9^th March 2012, a Team of Six senior women mothers, the members of NVIWODA, (Jessica, Cissy, Sarah, Rose, Wilbrode and Judith), opening with a Women National Anthem took the lead to reach out to Primary schools and Kitebi Primary School, found in Lubaga Division, Kampala District, was the first school to benefit from the programme. The aim is to move the theme “Connecting Girls Inspiring futures”, further through face to face discussions and over two hundred girls of classes Six and Seven of the age eleven to fifteen was addressed.  We hope to strengthen and save the girls futures.

The issues based on discussion included history of Women’s International Day, Gender Equality, Self Confidence, Hygiene, Guidance and Counseling of girls to complete their education and spiritual formation for success. As prevention is better than cure, awareness on HIV/AIDs was also discussed. 

Girls were advised to be wise and abstain from sex and never use condoms and wait for proper marriage.

Some indicators of women empowerment and model successes and achievements, women in Uganda, was shared among the young community.

Mrs. Kinyera Anne, the Science teacher of Kitebi Primary School, said that the girls shy aware from science subjects. During the preparations of our talk, the boys exhibited their skill in connecting of the louder speaker system equipment, and “Why not the girls Cissy inquired from the science teacher”.

Girls were advised to participate in science subjects that they assume that are hard, this would open to them greater opportunities. Through Physical fitness exercise of walking, girls were advised to memorize, through what they have learnt in a day, this opens up their brain more.

At the closing the teachers present appreciated NVIWODA’s initiative of reaching out to the schools to share with the children life experience, especially with the girls. “We also talk to them but at least today, they can hear it, from other horse’s mouth” a teacher commented.

The Team concluded” By talking to you in a big group is a great opportunity for us, because we know we will achieve great impact on children. We were once young like you, we also went through that life experience and we were guided through.”  At least four schools, with an output of eight hundred (800) children will be reached this year 2012.

 

COMPLETE VEGETABLE AND FUIRT JUICE THERAPY

COMPLETE VEGETABLE AND FUIRT JUICE THERAPY

HEALTH IS WEALTH

In the suburbs of Kampala District, in 1987 group of women living inNtulumeVillageestablished Ntulume Village Women Development a non-governmental organization.

 Mission:-Families equipped, through entrepreneurship skills and capacity building for sustainable livelihoods.

 Through its programmes, the organization has socially and economically empowered its members.

 On 24th June 2011, NVIWODA introduced a Healthy is Wealthy prgoramme to its members with aim of maintaining, good health for productivity.

 BecauseUgandais endowed with good weather, vegetables and fruits grow very well. Many farmers however, mostly grow food crops like maize, bananas, potatoes, cassava Ground nuts and beans for household consumption. Vegetables are occasionally grown and at many homesteads fruits like mangoes, avocado and papaw, in rural areas grow freely. Other vegetables like spinach, lettuce, carrots, cucumber and others need to be planed and cultivated.

Many families have dependants and the household budget, most times is not sufficient for the family to afford combining balanced diet necesseties like a variety of vegetables and fruits. It is feared that it is not enough to feed and satisfy the family and probably because of lack of the essence of nutritional values.To ensure good health among women and children it is important to educate mothers on the Nutrition and diet.

NVIWODA started this education to create awareness among its member entrepreneurs during the weekly thursday meetings. Before the 2 hours meeting ends members are served a variety of vegetables and fruit juices.

On 24th June women prepared vegetable salads that comprised of, white onions, garlic, beetroot, cucumber, celery, raisins, milk, sweet paper, lettuce, carrots, dressed with olive oil, mayonnaise, and lemon juice.

The fresh vegetables are obtained from  Nakasero Market in the City centre of Kampala, because some vegetable like lettuce, spinach, beetroot, celery and others are normally available is this farmers market.

After washing with salt solution, the vegetable are grated and dressed with mayonaise and olive oil and served fresh.

Members said ” we are glad to share together this knowledge, while others said they did not know how to prepare it.

Christine commented “Usually my daughter buys beetroot but I had not known its health and nutiriall benefits. It decays in the fridge and I throw it away. Now I know its benefits to us I will encourage her to buy more.

The months of June and July our markets are flooded with mangoes oranges, pineapple water melon and plenty of tomatoes, carrots to mention but a few.

As we budget for food stuffs, please put into consideration blancing the nutrients you serve to your family.

This is additional knowledge that NVIWODA offers to its members.

On the 30th June a blend of mixed fruit juice was served i.e mangoes, water memlon, oranges, carrots, pineapple, passion fruits, beetroot, banans, and lemon.

This was very rich and nutritious fresh concentrate with no additives. “This is a Healthy life enhancing drink”.  Margaret who is a nurse by profession commented.

 Natural food therapy is an aid to prevent a number of ailments and conditions as well as to maintain health and vitality. A regular raw vegetable and fruit  juice is a great strengthener of bodily function, assisting in the prevention of the premature degeneration of the skin, flesh, glands and organs that causes so many who should be enjoying a long and active prime of life to lapse into early senility.

Within a quarter of an hour of consumption, on an empty stomach, raw juices begin to enter the blood stream through the digestive processes. Therefore glands, organs and every cell of the body are able to extract quickly their individual food requirements, enabling them to perform in a strong and normal way.

 NVIWODA entrepreneurs need to be health in order to be productive entrepreneurs Ms. Nyarwa advised the members.

Health Benefits

Most of the vegetables and fruits have amazing health benefits for almost every part of the body and act as a catalyst in healing many ailments.

 

 

 

Malnutrition Prevention

1970s and 1980’sUgandawent through dictatorial turmoil that resulted into wars, and HIV/AIDS epidemic, left many families suffering, while the productive youth flocked into the city for seeking green pastures. The elderly single-handedly remained in the villages, being challenged by lack of productive labour force.

Global climate change has devastated most of Africa, includingUganda. Families are experiencing food shortages. Households are worst hit, in rural areas, as they sell off most of their harvest leaving no reserve for the family; this is because they have to meet other basic necessities of life.

 68% of the rural communities depend on agriculture, growing the same food crops for family consumption, regardless of nutritional needs. As the weather pattern changes, the lesson for us is that it is becomes extremely difficult to predict the pattern for each season.  Agriculture becomes very complex activity, as farmers are unable to predict the rains. To ensure that the family meets the required nutrition throughout the year, there is need to educate households in new farming techniques.

 Food price hikes might result into families rationing food to one meal a day. Families have to understand food value and nutrition; because the basic reason for eating is to provide the cells in our bodies with nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, proteins, dietary fiber water and minerals. It takes a mixture of food to have some or all these nutrients.

In preparation of a day’s meal, it is important to understand and balance food nutrients and value for a family’s meal and how these could be obtained should put into consideration. For example maize, millet, cassava all contains carbohydrates and yet some families serve all of them on the same menu. Mothers need to be educated on how to balance nutrition.

During this period of scarcity, one could plant vegetables like egg plants, cabbages, spinach, onions, carrots and others. These could be managed on small plots in the backyard, to supplement the levels of nutrition.

During the dry season, watering could be an alternative to obtain vegetables for the family throughout the year. Gunny bags filled with soil is a good method of gardening and family vegetable can be grown around the edges of the home.

Harvesting rain water is possible with minimal investment, by digging a sizeable pit, laid with a polythene sheet or acquiring a water tank incase of those living in the city. The Pit should be well covered and protected to avoid accidents, water harvesting cuts down watering costs.

Because of lacking productive initiatives to sustain families, rapid urbanization trends continue to result into rapid growth of urban poverty. Due to increasing food shortage life is very costly. Rationing food would most likely affect women, and children, leading to malnourishment and poor health.  Expectant mothers would doubly be affected.

Indigenous food storage facilities that could be an alternative for food storage are disappearing from communities,  i.e. local granaries and processing of food into powder form for later use is non existent as families not longer grow surplus food.

With the population ofUgandaexploding, urban migration will be on

the increase, therefore, the  Government and NGO’s inUganda needs to lay

strategies that can improve on Food Security for wealth citizens.

“NGOs and Uganda’s quest for socioeconomic transformation”.

Dear Friends,
6th-7th June 2011, NGOs, CSOs, Corporate Companies and Public Institutions participate in this year’s, National Civil Society at Hotel Africana.
Under the theme, “NGOs and Uganda’s quest for socioeconomic transformation”.
The fair is opportunities for many NGO’s in Uganda to show case their work and make their contribution to the Nation, visible. Sharing, networking and learning from each other is an opportune moment.
Ntulume Village Women Development Association a member of Development Network of Indigenous Voluntary Association (DENIVA), will participate, and show case the impact of its work. Member entrepreneurs will exhibit their products, and also share the impact of informal skills development programmes that NVIWODA offers to women in Uganda.
NVIWODA’s Mission Statement
Families equipped, through entrepreneurship skills and capacity building for sustainable livelihoods.
Your minute visit to our stall will be an added value to our work.
Thanks