May – Aug., 2013 Volume 4 Issue 14

Building resilience in Karamoja Contents

Chinese foxtail millet shows promising results 31

Cereal Banks – a weapon in the fight against food scarcity in Karamoja 07 Planting trees offers multiple benefits to agro pastoralists 18 FAO and districts agree on Climate change project 28 Hunger costs Ugs 1.8 trillion per year 29

14 15 16 Nutritional blocks improve Energy efficient stoves Junior farmer field schools livestock production and ease stress on the counter vulnerability of health environment children in Karamoja

2 FAO UGANDA Information Bulletin Editorial

Dear Reader, welcome to the savings, invest and expand their second issue of the FAO Uganda enterprises. Information Bulletin in 2013. Relatedly, efforts to harmo- Karamoja, the home of a big nize animal health programmes pastoral community in Uganda, among the pastoral communities is better known for the nomadic living along the Kenya - Uganda lifestyle of its people and pasto- border resulted in the signing of ralism, which is extensively prac- a Memorandum of Understand- tised in the region. However, a ing between the two govern- multiplicity of challenges includ- ments in April 2013. Details of ing vulnerability to natural haz- this initiative have been featured ards such as drought, diseases, in this bulletin. floods and conflict, have for a In 2012, a contingent of 22 Chi- long time undermined efforts to nese agricultural experts and achieve food security in the re- technicians came to Uganda to gion. share knowledge and skills with But the situation is changing. This their Ugandan counterparts un- bulletin presents some of the key der the South to South Coopera- programmes that FAO is imple- tion (SSC). This bulletin carries menting in Karamoja, with the some examples of early success objective of building resilience in apple and millet production of the pastoral and agro pasto- resulting from this collaboration. ral communities against their The Bulletin also captures details vulnerabilities, improving food of a discussion that was held in security and diversifying their May 2013 among stakeholders livelihoods. These include live- of the Intergovernmental Au- stock feed conservation, vegeta- thority on Development (IGAD) ble production, cereal banking, on regional priorities for agri- strengthening community based cultural development. This was animal health programmes and in response to a record drought promoting the multiplication that hit the horn of Africa be- of cassava, a key food security tween 2010 and 2011, affecting crop. Through junior farmer field Editorial 13 million people. and life schools, FAO is impart- Alhaji M. Jallow During the quarter, it came to James Okoth ing life and agricultural skills in Joseph Oneka children that have been affected light that Uganda loses USD 899 Rachel Nandelenga and/or orphaned by conflict, million (USh 1.8 trillion) annually gender based violence and HIV – as much as 5.6 percent of its Complied Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Rachel Nandelenga and AIDS. FAO is also promot- ing tree planting and the use of – due to effects of malnutrition. Photographers energy efficient technologies to Find details of this alarming find- Rachel Nandelenga improve environmental conser- ing in this bulletin. Winnie Nalyongo vation. Village savings and loan The Bulletin also captures other Design and Layout schemes are providing a means news and events for the period Abbey Ssemwanga - Footprint Creations Ltd for communities to accumulate Rachel Nandelenga - FAO Uganda May – August 2013.

Your comments and contributions are always welcome at [email protected] Happy reading! Alhaji Jallow FAO Country Representative in Uganda

FAO UGANDA 3 Information Bulletin Uganda and Kenya agree on cross- border animal health

Officials from FAO, ECHO, and Governments of Uganda and Kenya witness the signing of the MOU on cross border animal health. Seated (front – centre) is IGAD’s Executive Secretary)

Uganda and Kenya agreed to coordinate efforts to Initiative in Support of Vulnerable (agro-)Pastoralist improve animal health in their border areas. Repre- in the Horn of Africa (RISPA) project, an IGAD-FAO sentatives from both countries signed a Memoran- partnership programme funded by the European dum of Understanding (MoU) in the border town Union, the cross-border animal health coordina- of Moroto, Uganda on 24 April 2013. Uganda was tion was moved up the political agenda, resulting represented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal in signing of the agreement. Industry and Fisheries and Kenya the Directorate The collaboration is a consequence of meas- of Veterinary Services. ures taken by governments after the devastating The communities living along the Kenya-Uganda drought that hit the Horn of Africa in 2011 and border in the Pokot and Turkana Counties of Kenya which affected over 10 million people in Somalia, and the Karamoja Sub-region of Uganda are among Kenya and Ethiopia. After the drought, govern- the first to benefit from the agreement. Thousands ments spearheaded initiatives to increase resil- of families in these areas depend on livestock as ience of vulnerable communities in arid and semi- the primary source of livelihood. In search of pas- arid areas. tures and water sources and in pursuit of trading “This agreement will boost cross-border trade in opportunities, pastoralists frequently cross the livestock and livestock commodities between the Uganda-Kenyan border with their livestock. two countries and harmonize livestock disease “The new partnership will improve animal health management among the pastoral communities service delivery as coordination and information across the borders,” Alhaji Jallow, FAO Country sharing between both countries will be strength- Representative in Uganda, adds. ened,” says IGAD’s Executive Secretary, H.E Am- “IGAD foresees this agreement as the beginning bassador (Eng.) Mahboub M. Maalim. “As a result, of enhanced cross border collaboration, and we local trade will be stimulated while resilience of lo- hope Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan cal communities is further strengthened.” and Sudan will soon follow suit,” IGAD’s Execu- Generally, there has been limited coordination in tive Secretary, H.E Ambassador (Eng.) Mahboub animal health across countries and other service M. Maalim, concludes. “We cannot stop droughts providers in Eastern Africa. The agreement, which from happening, but with the implementation of bridges this gap, was initiated by technical offic- agreements like these, droughts should no longer ers on the ground, led by the NGO ACTED with have to lead to disasters. • funding from ECHO. With help from the Regional

4 FAO UGANDA Information Bulletin IGAD countries agree on regional priorities to further agriculture development

Stakeholders of the IGAD approved the regional CAADP compact in May 2013

Major stakeholders of the Intergovernmental Au- and management; thority on Development (IGAD) validated the ag- (ii) Improving rural infrastructure and trade-relat- ricultural priorities for the region during a meeting ed capacities for market access; that was held in in May. Under the leader- ship of IGAD and with technical support from FAO, (iii) Increasing agriculture production and food the member states, NGOs and representatives of and nutrition security; and the private sector also approved the regional Com- (iv) Supporting institutional development and prehensive Africa Agriculture Development Pro- policy harmonization. gramme (CAADP) Compact. These categories are based on, and are in conform- Developed by NEPAD (New Partnership for Africa’s ity with, the priorities identified in the agricultural Development) to eliminate hunger and reduce development strategies in all IGAD countries. Dji- poverty, the CAADP harmonizes efforts of African bouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda have already governments to accelerate agriculture-led eco- signed a CAADP compact and completed the prep- nomic growth. IGAD initiated the elaboration of a aration of national agricultural investment plans to regional CAADP compact to increase the produc- operationalize their national CAADP agenda. The tivity of high potential agricultural areas in the Horn process has been initiated in the other three mem- of Africa and to more effectively address cross-bor- ber states: Somalia; South Sudan; and Sudan. der issues. “The need to crank up the CAADP process in the “The regional CAADP Compact will be instrumen- IGAD region was prompted by the record drought tal in coordinating joint regional effort in improving disaster of 2010-2011, which affected over 13 mil- food security, nutrition and incomes for sustainable lion people, particularly in Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia agricultural development in the IGAD Region,’ says and Djibouti,’ Moahmed Moussa, IGAD’s Director Modibo Traore, FAO’s Sub-Regional Coordinator of Agriculture and Environment, added. “Despite for Eastern Africa. “FAO is committed to partner- the abundant natural resources, most IGAD coun- ing with member states of IGAD and development tries are categorized as low income countries. This partners in realization of CAADP goals,” he added. agreement will be instrumental to guide investment During the May meeting, priority areas for the re- in our region, stimulating agriculture growth”. gional CAADP were identified and grouped under The regional CAADP compact will be signed be- four categories: fore the Platform Steering Committee meeting in (i) Supporting sustainable natural resource use September 2013. •

FAO UGANDA 5 Information Bulletin Building Resilience in Karamoja

6 FAO UGANDA Information Bulletin Cereal banks – a weapon in the fight against food scarcity in Karamoja

Cereal banks – Loyit Paul has been chosen by store or purchase enough food. members of Natapaali Agro Pastoral Field School A cereal bank purchases grain at its lowest price. It (APFS) in Lolachat Sub County, is then stocked and sold throughout the year with in Karamoja region, to negotiate with the buyer of a small profit cushion to provide funds to restock their sorghum grain for a good price. He wants the following year. At the same time, families that to buy 50kg. When Loyit signaled to the group borrow food from the cereal bank can pay back in that the buyer has agreed to pay Ush 3,000 per kind. Once the initial investment is made the banks kilogram, members were excited and they all burst become self sustaining. into singing and dancing. That will earn them a profit of Ush 2,000 per kg. As a tradition, the Karimojong households have food storage banks, but they are smaller in size, each storing, on average, between 50kg to 500kg of grain. These granaries are also vulnerable to ravages of rodents and pests. That is why members of Natapaali APFS ensured Farmers sell that their cereal is secured by installing rodent sorghum that has been guards and applying organic pesticides (a mixture stored in cereal of wood ash, ground red pepper and Neem tree banks. They en- able farmers to leaves). The cereal banks are also raised off the purchase grain ground, supported with strong poles and fitted at its lowest price. It is then with a strong water proof cover at the top. stocked and sold throughout The groups were provided with a resilience fund by the year with a small profit FAO as initial capital to buy up supplies from their margin. colleagues and start cereal bank operations. The granaries are built by the farmer groups using lo- cally available materials such as reeds and wood. They are placed in the centre of their respective Lokir James is the first buyer of their sorghum, was Manyattas (settlements) to guarantee their safety. stored in their cereal bank for over six months. Whereas a kilogram of sorghum in Karamoja goes Members who operate the cereal banks are trained for as low as Ush 1,000 during harvest time, it can in agronomy, post harvest handling and manage- more than double during the dry season due to ment, record keeping and marketing. Each group scarcity. appoints a management team that is responsible for control of all cereal bank operations; sales, With funding support from the Swiss Agency for stock replenishment, logistics, security, finance and Development and Cooperation (SDC), FAO sup- administration. ported the group to construct four big granaries in which they stocked over 6,000 kg (6MT ) of sor- James Okoth, FAO’s National Programme Manag- ghum (over 1,500 kg in each). er, says “the cereal banking system was identified as one of the most appropriate strategies to break The idea of introducing cereal banking emerged as the cycle of food scarcity, soaring market prices part of the community disaster risk reduction ac- and dependency on food aid in the region”. tion plans developed by the community with fund- ing from the European Commission – Humanitarian With funding support from the European Union, Aid & Civil Protection (ECHO). The plans propose through the Government of Uganda’s Karamoja community based projects that are aimed at in- Livelihoods Programme (KALIP) component im- creasing resilience of the pastoral and agro pasto- plemented by FAO, 440 farmer groups regroup- ral communities. ing 13,500 households in the region were provided with 15,000MT of improved and quick maturing For members of Natapaali APFS, cereal banks were seed varieties for the cropping season of 2013. De- identified as a solution to hunger, volatile food spite the drawbacks of the dry spell experienced prices and scarcity during the dry season. between May and July, there are good prospects Although it is common for stocks of harvested ce- that the anticipated harvest will boost the seed reals to run low between March and June, unpre- stocks which will in turn boost the operation of the dictable weather and livestock diseases are making cereal banks as FAO plans to support more farmer it harder for communities in Karamoja to produce, groups to adopt the system. • FAO UGANDA 7 Information Bulletin CASSAVA A new promise for Karamoja

From being referred to as a wild plant, cassava has gained un- matched prominence among new settlers in Apeitolim Sub County, formerly favored battleground for cattle raiders in district. The area has been pacified and its fer- tile soils are fostering diverse live- lihoods for a multi ethnic commu- nity, including the Karimojong and neighboring Iteso and the Lango. Majority left their original homes due to insecurity, cattle rustling and natural disasters such as floods and diseases. Following a request from the Gov- ernment of Uganda to introduce cassava growing in the settlement in 2007, FAO, with funding support from the Governments of Belgium and Spain, started a multiplication programme that provided a steady supply of clean planting materials to the new settlers. “Cassava, a crop with diverse ad- vantages would offer longer-term solutions to the problem of food in- security and dependence on food aid”, said James Okoth, FAO’s Na- tional Programme Manager. The crop can be left in the ground without serious deterioration, even during dry seasons. The tuber is a valuable source of calories and its leaves can be eaten as vegetables. Besides the stems, cassava can be processed into a variety of low cost, convenient food products for sale, thus providing a regular source of income to subsistence farmers. Al- though higher yields are achieved on fertile soils, cassava will pro- duce something on even the poor- est soils, where more demanding crops would fail. Lastly the cassava peels can be used as animal feed and processed into manure. Cassava tubers. The crop has been well received in Karamoja due to its diverse advantages. FAO distribute varieties that were

8 FAO UGANDA Information Bulletin provided by the National Agricultural Research no longer requires an external source of cassava or Organization (NARO). They are resistant to Cas- its planting materials. sava Mosaic and have relative tolerance to Cassava Loukae started multiplying cassava in 2008. From Brown Streak viruses. two acres, he has expanded to 10 acres. He earns Organized in groups of 30, farmers were guided Ush 15,000 per bag of stems and about Ush 20,000 by Christian International Peace Service (CHIPS), for a basin of dry cassava tubers. a local implementing partner contracted by FAO Like many people in the settlement, Loukae arrived to establish cassava multiplication blocks in order in the settlement without any capital or skills to en- to generate enough cuttings for individual house- gage in crop farming. Neither did he know how he holds between 2008 and 2010. This was supple- would sustain his family of ten children and a wife. mented with training in agronomic practices using the Agro Pastoral Field School (APFS) curriculum. But today, Loukae is a proud man who is pleased with his progress. In 2012, he earned over Ush 2 This initiative was successful; enabling the commu- million from selling cassava stems and dry tubers. nity to access good quality planting materials. He bought four oxen that he is using to increase James Loukae, 62, successful cassava farmer, says the acreage of land under cultivation.He has also the community of over 20,000 people in Apeitolim bought 12 cows and 10 goats over the last four years. Whereas he cultivates other crops as well, Loukae’s niche remains cassava growing because the market for the tubers and stems is overwhelming as more settlers come to Apeitolim. This is compounded by the increasing popularity and appreciation of cas- sava among the Karimojong. Beyond Apeitolim, similar success has been re- corded in Kaboong district where over 220 acres of multiplication blocks have been established over the last two years. Atokenyutu APFS was among the pioneers multiplying cassava in Kapedo Sub Coun- ty. They presently have 10 acres of the MH96/4271 Nase variety from which individual members get cuttings to establish their own plots. Meri Michael, a farmer, says people are increas- ingly getting interested in cassava growing and the demand for the cuttings is overwhelming the group members. They sell a bag of cuttings to non mem- bers at Ush 15,000 while a single tuber goes for Ush 500. Once all the cuttings are harvested, the com- munity will establish at least 75 acres of cassava. Peter Abach, the Sub County Chairperson for Ka- renga Sub County in , says the Sub County has embraced cassava growing. Members of Lokuwama APFS also pioneered the multiplica- tion of cassava in the Sub County. Cuttings from their 15 acre garden are supplied to the rest of the Sub County. Mr Abach says local leaders in the Sub County are now promoting massive multiplication of cassava because, unlike other crops, it is not destroyed by wild animals that roam the villages from the neigh- boring Kidepo National Park because the tubers are hidden under the ground. “The community’s perception that the cassava is a wild plant has changed. It is now a crop of choice.”,

Loukae is earning a living from he says. • growing cassava

FAO UGANDA 9 Information Bulletin Former warrior discovers a decent livelihood in vegetable production

Lukunoi points at a scar on his right hand. He has abandoned cattle raiding and is earning from vegetable production.

As a young warrior (Karacuna), Lukunoi participated in many cattle The group was mobilized by raids to acquire cows. However, one event changed his perception COMWO, a local NGO that has about the practice. When he went to raid across the border in Tur- been contracted by FAO to in- kana land in Kenya in 1998, he was shot in the left arm, leaving him troduce new farming practices in in pain for years. order to increase agricultural pro- duction, and diversify livelihood “Although I lost all my cattle to raids, I decided to abandon the prac- options among 72 groups in Na- tice”, he said. pak district in Karamoja. But this decision presented a question - How would he look after After selling onions in 2012, Luku- his ten children and a wife with all his livestock, the only livelihood noi earned what he considers a gone? large sum of money. “I owned livestock in hundreds but I lost all of it. We resorted to “When I held Ush 300,000 (USD selling our labour and felling trees to make charcoal for a livelihood. 120) in my hands, I realized that Unfortunately, it is difficult to find trees near our home these days,” vegetable farming pays”, he said. he said He used some of the money to But this narration is only part of his past. Lukunoi has taken on vege- buy household essential items table farming and has wonderful plans, including supplying the local and the bigger proportion to buy market with non-traditional vegetables such as onions, egg plants five turkeys. He is now raising the and tomatoes throughout the year. turkeys until they are old enough He does not need a lot of land or water to grow the vegetables be- to fetch a good price on the mar- cause he has discovered a new technology called sack gardening. ket. Sack gardens are sacks filled with soil from which plants such as veg- With the proceeds, he hopes to etables grow. Due to their vertical nature, they are fairly efficient in buy goats and later cows. terms of using water, can be easily relocated and are a solution to After leading what he refers to as vegetable production in areas with poor soil because the soil in the a “hopeless” life for a long time, bag is contained. Lukunoi is excited that he has Lukunoi has established 15 sack gardens with a variety of vegetables discovered a decent avenue to and is preparing more. provide food and income for his He is a member of the Lajor-Kidule Agro Pastoral Field School family. (APFS); a group that is being supported under one component of an But most importantly he would EU funded Government of Uganda Karamoja Livelihood Programme like to use the proceeds from (KALIP) implemented by FAO. farming to restock with dignity rather than steal or raid.

10 FAO UGANDA Information Bulletin Like in any other semi arid areas, people in Karamoja are often Sack gardens. Due to their vertical nature, faced with the problem of grow- they are fairly efficient ing or obtaining fresh vegetables in terms of using water, can be easily from the market due to scarcity relocated and are a of water, weather changes, pests solution to vegetable production in areas and diseases and lack of skills with poor soil because and knowledge in vegetable pro- the soil in the bag is contained. duction. Most of the supplies are from neighboring towns such as Mbale and Soroti. But with farmers such as Lukunoi embracing vegetable production, the region has the potential to be self-sustaining. All 850 APFS groups supported by FAO in the region have been trained to produce vegetables in their plots or in sack gardens and the initiative has been well adopt- ed. Where possible, the groups have been supported with simple irrigation infrastructure and water harvesting technologies to ensure a constant supply of water to their gardens. •

Karamoja farmers get 15,000 MT of foundation seed

With funding support es Research In- from the European Union, stitute (NaSARRI) through the Government of and Nabuin Agri- Uganda, FAO distributed cultural Research 15,000 MT of an assortment and Development of first generation crop Institute (Nabuin- seeds ahead of the 2013 ZARDI). planting season in Karamoja. The initiative is At least 1,200 acres of seed part of the imple- Planting multiplication blocks have mentation of a maize. FAO distributed been established through component of the 15,00MT of Agro Pastoral Field School Government of Founda- tion seed to (APFS) groups benefiting Uganda’s Kara- farmers in over 13,000 households. moja Livelihood Karamoja. Programme (KA- “The seed varieties are open LIP) implemented pollinated meaning that the by FAO. farmers can use the seeds for a few cropping cycles ”, FAO received Euro 2.5 sentative in Uganda, Alhaji Jallow, said James Okoth, FAO’s million in 2011 to improve said revitalizing the local seed system National Programme Man- food security and diversify through safeguarding of biodiversity ager. livelihoods in the Karamoja “is part of FAO’s ongoing efforts to region for three years. They were sourced from the build resilience of the agro pastoral National Semi Arid Resourc- The FAO Country Repre- communities in the region”. •

FAO UGANDA 11 Information Bulletin Strengthening community based animal health services

ecause of Aleu Christine’s compassion Coast fever), Ekitbwon (abdominal bloating), Lowal for animals, elders and leaders in her (foot and mouth disease, worms, brucellosis and community recommended her to un- edit (trypanosomiasis)”, she says. dergo training as a Community Animal The CAHWs charge a minimal fee for their services Health Worker (CAHW) in 2011. and use the proceeds to expand their enterprises Although she dropped out of school, and pay for other household expenses. BChristine’s life has been transformed and she is earn- For women like Christine, having her own income is ing a living from serving her community. empowering. She charges between Ush 1,000 and Ush 2,000 to de-worm a cow or goat and about Ush 500 to spray each animal against ticks. Christine and 600 other CAHWs in Karamoja have over the years been trained by FAO in basic live- stock health care and production techniques. The objective is to supplement and support the existing overstretched and centralized professional system in delivering such services to their respective commu- nities. With funding support from the Government of Spain, FAO re-trained and equipped over 450 CAHWs, in- cluding Christine in 2012. Each CAHW was given a starter kit that comprised of drugs, needles, syring- es, protective gears, a bag and a bicycle. Christine is Community Animal Health Workers conduct a practical training session in Kotido. They are also among the 420 sentinels supporting regular ani- supplementing the overstretched government mal disease surveillance under the Karamoja Liveli- veterinary services in the region. hoods Programme (KALIP) funder by the European Union. “People in the community appreciate my services and call me “doctor” because I treat livestock and Where possible, the CAHWs have confederated into they get well”, she says, proudly. associations, through which they pool funds to pur- chase drugs and equipment and share experiences. Every day, Lucia wakes up early and ensures that They are also using such fora to seek collaboration she is done with household chores by 10:00am. She from development partners, build synergies and rides a bicycle to work, up to 8km away. advocate for assimilation of the CAHW system into She goes to Manyattas (settlements) where she the government’s professional system, among other trains and advises pastoralists in general livestock things. health care, carries out disease surveillance, treats, Besides their direct engagement with the pastoral- de-worms, sprays, and also vaccinates livestock un- ist communities, CAHWs are contracted by FAO’s der the supervision and guidance of district veteri- implementing partners to carry out livestock health nary officials. training in Agro Pastoral Field Schools (APFS). Being a female, Christine was assigned to serve pas- In Matany Sub County, COMWO, a local NGO con- toralists nearby. Male CAHWs serve communities tracted by FAO to implement APFS engages the that are farther away or on the move in search of wa- services of six CAHWs, including Christine to train ter and/or pasture. farmers at a fee. In the process of dispensing her duties, she main- Edward Okori, FAO’s Programme Officer, Livestock tains a line of communication with the professional Production says “animal disease surveillance through veterinarians based at the district headquarters. the CAHW system has enhanced timely reporting “The major livestock diseases that we encounter and response to disease outbreaks. As a result out- are Loukoi (CBPP), Lopid (Anaplasmosis), Lokit (East breaks have been localized and contained”. •

12 FAO UGANDA Information Bulletin Making hay to beat feed shortages during drought

Farmers in Kaabong district cut grass to make hay. The initia- tive is helping com- munities to both re- duce disaster risk and absorb the impacts of shocks without suffering permanent negative impacts on their longer-term livelihood security.

argaret Nakiru, a single mother, is no This initiative helps communities to both reduce longer worried about finding pasture disaster risk and absorb the impacts of shocks for her goats and sheep during the without suffering permanent, negative impacts Mdry season. on their longer-term livelihood security. “I have stocked enough hay to last the difficult Every morning, the pastoralists go out in search time”, she says. of grass, bearing in mind the recommended prac- tices that they have been taught. Traditionally, livestock keepers in Karamoja mi- grate during the dry season, travelling with their The green forage must be cut and dried to stop animals in search of grazing areas. . But in Kaabong all life processes as quickly as possible. Drying district, Margaret and other members of Atokeny- is done naturally under a shade for two to three utu Agro Pastoral Field School (APFS) in Kapedo days. It is aerated regularly by turning it over. Sub County adopted a different approach. They While cutting the forage, they avoid grass that harvest grass to make hay, which they store and has matured already and the dried standing one. feed to their animals in the dry season. The dried grass is baled and stored in raised struc- So far, the hay is principally for goats, sheep, tures that are fenced off to prevent rot and stray milking cows, and calves that are left home when animals and rodents from destroying the hay. pastoralists migrate. Other animals are fed during Although there are many types of grass in Kape- the driest months, if enough hay is made. do, members of Atokenyutu Agro Pastoral Field Feeding livestock from home also eliminates the School only cut Cynodon spp, Glycine, Panicum, risks associated with migration ,such as raids, dis- Chloris Gayana and Brachiaria species. They eases and separation from family members. avoid poisonous pasture weeds such as Black jack and Solanum species, which all members can eas- “During the dry season, it is difficult to divide ily identify. time between looking for food for the family and pasture for animals”, says Margaret. Besides feeding their livestock, they have enough hay to sell when the dry season sets in. Members of Atokenyutu APFS have been trained to identify palatable grass and legumes, to make In just two weeks, the group made over 100 bales and store hay and how to feed it to the animals. of hay, each weighing an average of 25kg. A local breed cow can feed on one bale for two to three With funding from European Commission, Hu- days. To complement this initiative, the pastoral- manitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO), com- ists have been trained in animal husbandry, focus- munity managed disaster risk reduction has been ing on disease prevention and control, and mak- mainstreamed into the APFS as a planning tool. ing nutritious mineral blocks in order to improve The APFS members are trained in simple ways to livestock health. assess potential hazards and risks, and prepare for disaster response. Members of Atokenyutu Ben Ogang, FAO’s Programme Officer – Live- APFS identified the depletion of fodder and live- stock Production, says “these initiatives have built stock diseases as the main underlying risks to a strong foundation for resilience because the their livelihood and the preservation of fodder as community has gained skills to prepare for future one solution. drought”. •

FAO UGANDA 13 Information Bulletin Nutritional blocks improve livestock production and health

and water into a thick paste. While holding each ingredient, he explains its importance and ratio of mixing to the group that has gathered around him. After shaping the paste, it is left to dry and harden; forming a mineral lick block that is consumed by goats and cows. The members are mesmerized by how simple it is to make the block that is not readily available and yet expensive in the region. As a result, many had never purchased it or stopped completely as the price increased to Ush 7,000 (USD 3) per block. The blocks are very important to the health and performance of livestock, supplying essential vita- mins and minerals such as selenium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous and salt. Minerals are re- quired for livestock in small quantities, but all the time for the maintenance of general health and for proper growth and reproductive functions, as well as to replace the quantities secreted in the milk. Although some animals may not show any sign of deficiency if they did not consume the mineral lick blocks, they may be susceptible to diseases, may not breed in time and will have a slower growth and lower production than can be obtained, had they A pastoralist holds nutri- received an adequate supply of the required min- tional blocks. They are very important to the health and erals. performance of livestock. Members of Akitare have resolved to ensure that their 30 goats, supplied by FAO under the restock- ing programme, are properly managed. In addi- tion to making mineral lick blocks, they have been trained to identify the most nutritious fodder and leaves for the goats, prevent and manage disease outbreaks and build and maintain clean shelters. For a pastoral community, losing almost all live- stock to disease and raids had left the community in Lolachat disillusioned. Pastoralists learn With funding support from the European Commis- how to make nutri- tional blocks sion – Humanitarian Aid & Civil Protection (ECHO), members of the APFS carried out hazard profiling and generated community action plans through a Community Managed Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) process. The community identified livestock s the dark clouds disappear and make diseases as the biggest hazard leading to food in- way for the warm mid morning sun, mem- security. Their solution would be re-stocking goats bers of Akitare Agro Pastoral Field School and improving livestock management practices to (APFS), in Lolachat Sub County, Nakapirip- prevent and manage disease outbreaks. iritA district assemble for a demonstration. Leading CMDRR helps a community identify the hazards the session is Angella Apamerinyang, 32, a member they are exposed to, and design effective meas- of the community who has already been trained. ures to promote resilience to them. • He mixes anthill sand, ashes from burnt bones, salt

14 FAO UGANDA Information Bulletin Energy efficient stoves ease stress on the environment

Clementine’s improved stove uses less firewood.

Every seven days, Olupot Clementine Nakor These types of trekked a minimum of 7km in search of firewood stoves can save on Mount Moroto. It did not matter if she was un- 50-70 percent well or pregnant because, if she did not get fire- fuel compared wood, there was no way she could prepare food for to traditional the family, especially her five children, all below 10 ones, thereby years. increasing their energy efficien- But today, Clementine is a happy woman because cy. the firewood that she brings takes three weeks; sig- nificantly reducing her dreaded trips to the moun- The materials tain. used are all in- expensive and After undergoing training, she constructed and is readily available now using an improved energy saving stove. The in the communi- three stone stove that she used previously con- ty. They include: sumed a lot of firewood due to uncontrolled expo- oiled pipes or banana stems, fine sand, clay, cow sure to wind. It was also dangerous because the fire dung, top soil, anthill soil, stones and water. was out in the open. In addition, it emitted a lot of smoke that causes respiratory problems. The initiative is part of a component of EU funded GOU’s Karamoja Livelihood Programme (KALIP) But now, she does not worry about her children implemented by FAO in Karamoja region. The Euro getting burnt because the fire is hidden away in the 2.5 million project aims at improving food security stove. In addition, smoke from the stove is directed and diversifying agricultural livelihoods of the agro away from the cooking area through a chimney. pastoral communities in the region Cooking time is also much shorter, freeing her to carry out other household tasks. The improved energy saving stoves were intro- duced to mitigate the effects of deforestation, an Clementine and other members of Tokotido and activity that is significantly affecting environmental Eyok Agro Pastoral Field Schools (APFS) in Kanako- conservation as trees are felled for firewood, fenc- mol village in Nadunget Sub County, Moroto dis- ing and charcoal burning, leaving a sizeable pro- trict, are always happy to share the new technology portion of the area bare. with non members and visitors. •

FAO UGANDA 15 Information Bulletin Junior farmer field schools counter vulnerability of children in Karamoja

Increase school enrolment and improve performance and discipline

Members of a Junior Farmer Field and Life School (JFFLS) irrigate their vegetables. The initiative has improved school attendance in beneficiary schools.

The implementation of Junior Farmer Field and back by their school going colleagues, who they Life Schools (JFFLS) in Karamoja has increased regularly interact with, while others return after enrolment, performance and attendance in ben- undergoing counselling and training by the facili- eficiary primary schools. tators. “But others just love and enjoy what takes place in the JFFLS”, he said. Mr. Kalyanto Benson, the headteacher of Panyan- gara Primary School in , says a total The JFFLS is a simple methodology for teaching of 40 pupils were attracted back to his school in vulnerable children and young people, aged be- 2012 and 2013, thanks to the implementation of tween 12 and 18 years about farming, entrepre- JFFLS. neurial skills and how to take care of themselves. It uses a “living classroom” approach in which “In addition, attendance, especially by vulner- the students observe the crops throughout the able children, has significantly improved, lead- growing season with the help of a facilitator, who ing to better performance. Last year, some of the is normally a teacher. They attend one to two ses- topics covered in the JFFLS appeared in the Pri- sions per week in the field and are encouraged to mary Leaving Examinations (PLE). It was exciting embrace the taught practices in their own fields to the children”, he said. at home. Kalyanto says some of the children are attracted Agricultural topics are linked to life that might increase their vulnerability skills so that when children talk about and food insecurity”. how to protect their plants from dis- With funding support from the Govern- eases they also learn how to protect ment of Norway, FAO is implementing themselves from diseases and other JFFLS with the objective of empower- adverse conditions. ing these vulnerable children to direct Panyangara Primary School is running their own future, improve their liveli- three JFFLS with 150 out of the total hood and long-term food security. To 700 pupils in the school. date there are 49 JFFLS in the districts of Kaabong and Kotido with a total “...children Members of the JFFLS are vulnerable enrolment of 1,470 members. are growing children who have been orphaned due up without to HIV/AIDS or other chronic diseases, Members of the JFFLS in Panyangara conflict or Gender Based Violence Primary School planted tomatoes, learning (GBV). Others come from households cabbages, onions, egg plants in the farming and that are headed by severely disabled nursery bed. parents. Majority stay with elderly other sur- When they assemble in the field, they grandparents or guardians while some say a prayer before they “scout” or vival skills are from child headed households. from their look for pests and signs of diseases on In Karamoja, the biggest contributor their crops. Together with their facilita- parents; to children’s vulnerability is conflict. tor, they name the pests, water their skills that “Most of the children lost parents in crops and weed the fields. cattle raids and conflict”, says Kalyan- could en- If they are not in the field, the pupils at- to. Given such a hostile environment, a tend to their pigs and goats that have able them development intervention that blends been provided under the project. earn a liv- it’s activities with the social realities ing or avoid that nurture bitterness and hostility, in The JFFLS in Lopuyo Primary School, risky behav- many ways, helps mitigate such vices. also in Kotido district, is famous in the This is the uniqueness of the GBV live- Sub County. Thanks to a simple irriga- iours that lihood integrated approach that JF- tion system using a treadle pump and might in- FLS employs. drip system, they grow a variety of vegetables throughout the year. crease their Joseph Egabu, FAO’s Programme Of- vulnerability ficer in Kotido says “such children are Last year, they had a bountiful harvest and food growing up without learning farm- that they shared with the rest of the ing and other survival skills from their school and family members and sold insecurity”. parents; skills that could enable them the surplus. earn a living or avoid risky behaviours

Aketch Dorothy, the JFFLS facilitator in Lopuyo “Before the project, girls used to fear sitting near Primary School, says they used the money to erect or working with boys and boys did the same. But a fence around the garden while the rest is being now, they interact freely, albeit with recommended used to purchase supplies and inputs to run the limits”. JFFLS. The children have also learnt how to channel prob- The knowledge and skills acquired by the young lems that they encounter such as sexual harass- girls and boys are also helping them develop posi- ment and defilement. tive values regarding gender equality and human “They report cases to me or other teachers or even rights. local leaders. This has significantly reduced cases Aketch says the programme has taught members of sexual harassment and defilement in the com- of the JFFLS how to interact with the opposite sex. munity”, she says.

Okongo John Bosco, also a school facilitator, says the implementation of JFFLS has improved discipline and confidence among the pupils. “Children go through a self re-examination and start focusing on fulfilling their dreams. In the process, they become disciplined and confident”, he says.•

FAO UGANDA 17 Information Bulletin Planting trees offers multiple benefits to agro pastoralists

On a chilly morning, Arukol Anthony, 33, is sort- local capacities that would enable them to re- ing tree seedlings in a community nursery as spond and mitigate the impact at household other members of Emeleku Agro Pastoral Field and community level. School (APFS) in Kakamongole Sub County in Nakapiripirit district pick them to transplant in their orchard, located a few metres away. With additional funding from the European Union through a Government of Uganda Kara- With initial funding support from the European moja Livelihood Programme (KALIP) compo- Commission – Humanitarian Aid & Civil Protec- nent implemented by FAO, the group is now tion (ECHO), the group, using a Participatory implementing their DRR community action plan Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) as part of the of promoting agro forestry to mitigate environ- broader Community Managed Disaster Risk mental degradation. Reduction (CMDRR) had identified traditional fencing system of the Manyattas, fuel wood and Under the leadership of Arukol, who also has a charcoal burning to be a major cause of envi- passion for tree planting, the 30 members are ronmental degradation, their top hazard. determined to green Kakamongole Sub County and beyond. The PDRA methodology enabled the members of the APFS to make a thorough assessment of They have over 20,000 seedlings for fruits, the impact of deforestation on their livelihoods wood, medicine, fodder and fencing trees. and helped them to identify opportunities and Several factors determined the choice of spe-

18 FAO UGANDA Information Bulletin cies: first, their quality and use, in order to meet the Traditionally, the Karimojong use a lot of wood for primary needs of the people; second, their growth building, fencing and cooking. The heavy fences rate, given the urgency to restore the region’s tree around their Manyattas (settlements) are made out cover; and third, their adaptability to the soil and of only wood and occasionally re-enforced with moisture conditions found in the region. thorns. Of late, a sizeable number of people have taken up charcoal burning as a means of livelihood. In addition to members planting around their homesteads and farms, the group sells tree seed- These activities have significantly contributed to lings to interested members in the community and the destruction of tree cover, especially around the organizations at between Ush 500 and 3,000 each, Manyattas, leading to environmental degradation depending on the type and species. and reduced rainfall in the area. In their first year of operation, the group sold seed- Alice Aleper, a member of Ameleku APFS, says lings worth Ush 3,000,000 (USD 1 200). They have planting trees has multiple benefits for her. “In ad- invested the money in their savings and credit dition to getting fruits for the family and fodder for scheme and will share the dividends at the end of livestock, I am happy that my efforts are contribut- the year. ing to conserving the environment”, she said. Aleper has planted a va- riety of 30 trees around her homestead. But she is particularly excited about the “kie apple” (Dovyalis caffra or Aberia caffra) va- riety, a fruit-bearing shrub more often applied as a natural fence due to the spiny nature of its branch- es. Planting the Kie apple around the homestead re- lieves Aleper from walking long distances in search of fencing wood. The kie apple species is also adaptable to the harsh environmental con- ditions of Karamoja and the communities deem it an appropriate replace- ment for the wood fence. FAO is using the APFS groups as entry points in promoting agro forestry in order to increase the tree cover in Karamoja. Thomas Ameny, FAO’s Programme Officer - Land and Water, said “because of the high rate of defor- estation, a farmer-man- aged tree regeneration approach that has been ...Aleper has planted a variety of 30 trees adopted by FAO is an ur- around her homestead. But she is particularly gent necessity for sustain- excited about the “kie apple” (Dovyalis caffra ing reforestation in the re- or Aberia caffra) variety gion”. •

FAO UGANDA 19 Information Bulletin Karamoja unbanked embrace village savings and loan schemes

The Karamoja region is one of the most un- ings to a common fund from which they derserved areas in terms of financial servic- borrow at a minimal interest rate. All must es, leaving a big proportion of the popula- also contribute a small sum to a social fund, tion unbanked. which acts as micro-insurance. If a member suffers a sudden misfortune, she will receive In response to this need, FAO has integrat- a payout. ed the community managed Village Savings and Loan (VSL) methodology into Agro Pas- The borrowed money is put into small scale toral Field School (APFS), not only to over- investments such as food vending , school come this challenge among members of the fees or to open land and purchase inputs for APFS, but to enhance investment through cultivation. proper management of income generated Each group receives a kit (a metal cash box) at household and group levels. containing a ledger book where transac- “With the increasing agricultural produc- tions are recorded, savings book for each tion being realized in the region through member, calculator, blue and red pens, ink our programmes, it is important to support pad, stamp. The box has 3 locks and the the farmers to manage their livelihood be- keys are kept by three different group mem- yond production and marketing because bers while the fourth keeps the box. This our ultimate goal is to see them invest their ensures no one can get into the box easily. proceeds and widen their economic oppor- In order to ensure proper management of tunities”, said Thomas Ameny, FAO’s Pro- the VSL, FAO trains the groups in savings gramme Officer based in Moroto. and lending methodology and business Based on the respective group bye laws, start up and management. members buy shares and make regular sav- By saving in a group, members can get

20 FAO UGANDA Information Bulletin quicker access to a larger cess to the VSL is therefore amount of pooled resourc- helping to stabilize their es than they would if they incomes, which in turn saved on their own. makes them less vulner- able to diseases, natural Aleu Christine, 28, a mem- disasters and exploitative ber of St. Mary’s APFS in money lenders. Lobulio village in Naka- piripirit town council in Na- From nothing, St. Mary’s kapiripirit District says, be- APFS now has a portfo- cause she was compelled lio of Ush 4 million (USD to drop out of school and 1500), accumulated over get married due to lack two years. The group is of school fees, she is de- being supported under an termined to see her three EU funded Government of children finish school by Uganda’s Karamoja Liveli- ensuring that she raises hood Programme com- the fees on time. ponent implemented by FAO. “In 2012, I saved Ush 200,000 (USD 75). When I The Euro 2.5 million pro- withdrew my savings in De- ject is supporting 450 cember, I bought school APFS groups to increase uniforms and cleared agricultural production school fees for all my three and diversify livelihood children. As a parent, my opportunities. greatest joy was seeing my James Okoth, FAO’s Na- children report to school tional Programme Man- on time and in uniform ager, says “By providing a at the beginning of the means to safely pool their term”. savings, the VSL is help- In February 2013 Aleu bor- ing the group members rowed Ush 200,000 (USD to accumulate productive 77) from the group. She resources more efficiently. paid for labour to open It is also building solidarity three more acres of land among members and pro- than she opened the pre- viding a safety net against vious year. exploitative money lend- ers”. The savings also “I have planted maize and help in safeguarding pro- beans that I will sell during ductive assets from being the hunger period”, she stripped. says. The fact that the VSL is Sagal Primina, 40, a moth- self managed, gives the er of eight borrowed Ush opportunity to generate 300,000 (USD 115) and in- group self-confidence, the vested in her retail shop. first step towards sustain- “I have bought more mer- able poverty elimination. chandise for my shop and ”By helping farmers to im- my profit has increased”, prove their health, main- ”By helping farmers to she says. tain food stability and improve their health, main- Both Aleu and Sagal pro- increase food availability tain food stability and in- fess to the importance and access, the VSL is con- crease food availability and of VSL saying before the tributing to attainment of intervention, they knew food security in Karamo- access, the VSL is contrib- nothing about savings. ja”, said Ameny. • uting to attainment of food Many people like Aleu and security in Karamoja” Sagal survive on meager and erratic earnings. Ac-

FAO UGANDA 21 Information Bulletin Piloted in Karamoja - New project routes for collaboration between veterinarians and other scientific health disciplines

health emergencies. “In epidemiology, disease occurs due to inter- actions between the host (animal), the agent (bacteria, viruses, protozoa) and the environ- ment in which they live. Part of the environment is determined by the behaviour of people”, said Dr. Patrick Otto, the Project Manager. Funded by the Government of Ireland, the project aims at developing and implement- ing model interventions to address health and livelihoods priorities at the human, animal and environment interfaces in selected rural com- munities of Sierra Leone and Uganda; and sub- sequently to determine if the approach can be applied elsewhere. In Uganda, the project is being implemented in Kawalakol and Karenga Sub Counties in Kaabong district. The communities border the Kidepo valley conservation park and therefore share the ecosystem with the wildlife. The project will raise awareness on health and livelihoods issues in rural communities, and to- wards strengthening of multi-sectoral and mul- ti-disciplinary coordination and collaboration among relevant service providers, and on the rationalization of access to available services. The overall result of the implemented activi- ties will be the availability of a more compre- hensive set of data for analysis, expansion of collaborative efforts and reducing compart- mentalization between sectors while also mak- ing progress towards countries realizing fully functional “One Health” related joint disease Uganda is benefiting from a USD 700,000 pi- surveillance, prevention and control systems. lot project to develop and evaluate a “One The principal beneficiaries of the initiative Health” model. are rural communities who will benefit from The “One Health” initiative is a movement improved knowledge of risk factors and pre- to forge collaboration between veterinarians, vention/control measures, improved access physicians, biostatisticians, environmentalists to human, animal and environmental health and other scientific health disciplines seeking services, and new knowledge, skills and de- to attain optimal health for people and ani- cision-making tools. Other beneficiaries are mals. local and national government and non-gov- ernmental service providers who will benefit The move is to help track disease outbreaks from better coordination and collaboration at to the source, prevent chronic disease caused all levels, from community to policy makers. • by environmental exposure and prevent public

22 FAO UGANDA Information Bulletin Farmers’ Corner

Thanks to FAO’s support, we are transforming Rubuguri into a healthy and wealthy community

in Kisoro town. has prompted us to construct our own premises. However, we The above interventions by FAO are constrained by insufficient indeed made our co-operative funds to complete the structure. society the best farmers’ group We appreciate FAO’s pledge to in , which led H. E. come to our aid and support the the President of the Republic of final stages of the construction. Uganda to visit us on 13 July 2010 and donated 16 heifers to us. Milk yields from RUDAFCOS farmers are still low because of Furthermore, the linkage to Bi- insufficient numbers of improved runga Dairy Industries led to an cows. We need more improved Wilberforce Mucunguzi. Chairperson - RUDFA increase in the price of milk from cow breeds. USh 200/= to USh 800 per litre. We have a problem in animal Rubuguri Dairy Farmers’ Co- FAO has trained our 20 members breeding – we lack good quality operative Society (RUDAFCOS) in dairy farming and they are in bulls. However, bulls have their started as an association called turn training other farmers. Rubuguri Dairy Farmers’ Asso- disadvantages. We are working We have so far given out 88 heif- ciation (RUDFA) with members towards incorporating artificial ers, 20 of which were donated drawn from three sub-counties insemination in our project. by FAO, to our farmers. This has bordering Bwindi Impenetrable Future plans tremendously increased current National Park, namely: Kirundo, milk sales from USh 7,000,000 We are planning to start our own Nyabwishenya and Bukimbiri. in April 2012 to USh 12,000,000 savings and credit co-operative Prior to the formation of the as- monthly currently (by May 2013). to maximize benefits for our sociation, and even before FAO members by accessing credit fa- FAO has created global relation- came in to support us, our farm- cilities. We also plan to complete ships between RUDAFCOS and ers were getting miserable prices the construction of our premises other farmers in Rwanda, Bu- for their milk and over 60 percent and re-install our cooler, open an rundi, DRC, and Zambia, among of it was getting spoilt due to artificial insemination centre, and others. lack of market and transport. solicit for more exotic heifers for RUDAFCOS is now a model Achievements our members. Furthermore, we farmers’ group. We have started plan to add value to our milk for Since the association started in nurturing other farmers in the better prices, access premium 2007, and mainly as a result of neighbouring communities to markets and increase member- FAO intervention, we have so far form dairy farmers’ groups, for ship of the co-operative. registered the following achieve- example, - Rutaka Dairy Farmers’ I thank the Government of Ugan- ments: Development Association. da for programmes intended to FAO helped to link us to Birunga We have managed to put up a improve incomes of farmers, for Dairy Industries, that buys all our drug shop, though inadequately example NAADS. I thank Kisoro milk. equipped, to enable our farm- District Local Government and We appreciate the donation of ers to access animal drugs, which Kirundo Sub County local gov- the 3,000- liters milk cooler and has reduced animal death rates. ernment for their support. Most tank, in which farmers transport We bought a plot of land where of all, we thank FAO for contrib- milk to a reliable market. The we are constructing our opera- uting to what we are as RUDAF- farmers are happy because they tional premises. COS. With the continued sup- get their money in a lumpsum at port and zealous spirit, there is Challenges the end of every month. no doubt that we shall excel in In spite of all the above achieve- the dairy farming. We are ready FAO also co-funded the purchase ments, our co-operative has to transform this community into of our vehicle that transports our some challenges. One is the a healthy and wealthy commu- milk to Birunga Dairy Industries high costs of house rent, which nity. •

FAO UGANDA 23 Information Bulletin FAO’s sub regional coordinator for Eastern Africa visits Uganda

FAO’s sub regional Coordinator for Eastern Africa, Mr Modibo Tiémoko Traoré, was in Uganda in May 2013

Mr. Modibo Tiémoko Traoré is FAO”s Sub regional Congo, Rwanda and Burundi” project. In Uganda, Coordinator for Eastern Africa (SFE) and FAO Rep- the project is being implemented in Kabale, Kisoro resentative to the African Union (AU), UN Economic and Kasese districts addressing the dairy, honey, Commission for Africa (ECA) and Ethiopia. seed and ware potato and mango and pineapple value chains. He was in Uganda between 20 and 23 May 2013 to attend a regional Comprehensive Africa Agri- While meeting dairy farmers in Kisoro district, Mr. cultural Development Programme (CAADP) work- Traore congratulated them on their success and for shop. The workshop had been called to share and being a model to other farmers in the community. validate the regional priorities identified with rep- The farmers had mentored another group, set up a resentatives from Inter Governmental Authority livestock drug shop and commenced the construc- on Development (IGAD) member states and key tion of an office block using their own resources. stakeholders. “With the little resources, we cannot have projects Mr. Traore also held discussions with the Ministers in every village. But if we can have a model for oth- of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries and er farmers to learn from, that is success for us”, he Water and Environment respectively on FAO’s role said. in transforming the agricultural sector in Uganda. Mr. Traore pledged FAO’s support in completing While meeting FAO staff members in Kampala, Mr. the office block that will also house the milk cooler Traore informed them of FAO’s ongoing reform plant that was donated by FAO and training one process that included the formulation of new stra- farmer to carry out artificial insemination as an en- tegic objectives that would guide the work of the terprise. organization from 2014 onwards. He also called upon the farmers to not only focus He said FAO’s work approach was shifting from on earning from milk sales, but to ensure that the aiming to increase production of food to ensuring family members, especially children, consume milk that programmes impact people by reducing the in order to improve their nutrition. number of hungry people in the world. “Consuming a glass of milk three times a week pre- Mr Traoré travelled to Kabale and Kisoro district vents malnutrition in children. So, you need to take where he met farmers that are being supported this into account and divide the milk produced on under the “Improvement of food security in cross the farm for consumption and income”, he said. border districts of Burundi, Democratic Republic of

24 FAO UGANDA Information Bulletin While meeting seed potato pro- FAO mobilized and trained beekeepers in business management, ducers that have been supported built a honey collection centre and provided a carpentry machine to by FAO, Mr. Traore encouraged make improved langstroth bee hives. The farmers now process and them to try smaller solutions in pack their honey before it is sold in major supermarkets in Uganda the intermediate, as they seek to and in neighbouring countries of Rwanda and Democratic Republic improve their enterprises before of Congo. they think of bigger initiatives. The Vice Chairperson of Local Government thanked After undergoing training, the FAO for supporting farmers in the district. She called for more sup- farmers have realized increased port to the district and the region. • seed potato production and have found a lucrative market in and outside the country, espe- cially in Rwanda and the Demo- cratic Republic of Congo. They had produced 13.4MT of potato seed in the first season of 2013. Of this, 8MT had been sold to the government of Uganda’s Na- tional Agricultural Advisory Ser- vices (NAADS). Mr. Traore told beekeepers that have been supported by FAO to ensure that the project results are sustainable. “It is not enough to achieve. It is most important to sustain these excellent initiatives”, he said.

Mr. Traoré talks to a farmer in Kisoro district

In front of the truck that transports the farmers’ milk to the market

FAO UGANDA 25 Information Bulletin Pictorial

FAO participates at the Annual agricultural show in Jinja

The show offers a platform for technology transfer and information sharing between the farmers, researchers, traders, manufactures, development partners and the general public. Among the dignitaries that visited the FAO stall was the speaker of the parliament of Uganda, Honorable Rebecca Kadaga.

26 FAO UGANDA Information Bulletin FAO supports school gardening in Gayaza High School

Above: Officials from FAO and Gayaza High school inspect vegetables that are growing inside a greenhouse. FAO funded the project through a Tele- food initiative. The Tele-food programme finances grassroots-level micro- projects not exceeding $10,000 in developing countries and countries in transition. They are for duration of one year and intended to improve food production and income of the beneficiaries. Inset (R): The FAO Country Representative, Mr. Alhaji M. Jallow hands over books to the Headmistress of Gayaza High School.

Officials from the EU delegation admire cassava tubers while on a monitoring visit to a project in . Over the past four years a project funded by the EU and coordinated by FAO, has restored cassava yields in northern Uganda. The project was rolled out to support the beneficiaries – both farmers and value chain ac- tors – in their efforts to mitigate, manage and prevent the effects of cassava diseases. Seven countries (Burundi, Central African Repub- lic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda) were involved in the four-year project, which is coming to an end in October 2013.

FAO UGANDA 27 Information Bulletin FAO and districts agree on Climate change project

A Memorandum of Understanding between FAO European Union is expected to build capacities and beneficiary ’s “cattle corri- of communities, commercial farmers and Govern- dor” to pave the way for the implementation of the ment of Uganda to cope with climate change. Global Climate Change Project was signed on 17 The project is being implemented in six districts May 2013. of the central part of the ‘cattle corridor’-Nakason- The Euro 10.8 million four-year project titled “Glob- gola, Nakaseke, Luwero, Kiboga, Mubende and al Climate Change Alliance – Uganda: Agriculture Ssembabule. • Adaptation to Climate Change” funded by the

On World Veterinary Day, 27 entire population of Uganda to World April 2013, the FAO Country embrace the veterinary servic- Representative in Uganda, Mr. es, especially, vaccination of all Alhaji Jallow called for conver- domestic animals for prosper- veterinary gence of human and veterinary ous and healthy people. medicine to better address vital This year’s theme was - “Vacci- issues of emerging diseases. Day, 2013 nation: Vaccination to protect “The importance of human and and prevent”. In Uganda, the animal interactions is under- theme was adapted to “Vacci- FAO calls for lined by the fact that 60 per- nation for improved food secu- cent of human pathogens are of rity and community health”. animal origin, and 75 percent of convergence National celebrations were held emerging animal diseases can in Nakapiripirit district. They be transmitted to humans”, he of human and were preceded by the “vet- said. erinary week,” that brought to veterinary The Minister of State for ani- light the contribution of veteri- mal industry, Honourable Bright nary professionals to animal and medicine Rwamirama called upon the human health. •

28 FAO UGANDA Information Bulletin Hunger costs Uganda Ug Shs 1.8 trillion per year

Uganda loses some Ush 1.8 trillion (USD 899 mil- poorly at school or drop out of classes, to be less lion) annually - as much as 5.6 per cent of its Gross productive at work and to die early. Domestic Product (GDP) - due to the effects of mal- The study found that treating diarrhoea, anaemia, nutrition. This is the alarming finding of a new study respiratory infections and other clinical conditions entitled - “The Cost of Hunger in Africa”. related to malnutrition cost Uganda USh 526 billion The study was conducted by the Government (USD 254 million). Losses in productivity reached of Uganda with the support of the African Union Ush 417 billion (USD 201 million) in manual sec- Commission including New Partnership for Africa’s tors, such as agriculture, and USh 241 billion (USD Development (NEPAD), the UN Economic Commis- 116 million) in non-manual activities, due to lower sion for Africa and the UN World Food Programme educational levels. In the educational sector, the (WFP). It underlines that undernutrition is not just a study estimated that 7 per cent of all repetitions in health issue, but an economic one as well. school are associated with stunting. This represent- ed 134,000 repetitions for an estimated cost of USh Using data from 2009, the study measured the 20 billion (USD 9.5 million), for the government and losses to the Ugandan economy caused by child the families. The study also estimated that child undernutrition, particularly the effects of stunting mortality associated with under nutrition reduced or chronic malnutrition. Stunting, or being short for Uganda’s labour force by 3.8 per cent. This repre- your age (low-height-for-age), results when children sents over 943 million working hours lost due to an miss out on critical nutrients including proteins, vi- absent workforce brought about by early deaths. tamins and minerals, while in the womb or in the This cost Uganda nearly USh 657 billion (USD 317 first five years of life. People affected by stunting million). are more likely in later life to be sickly, to perform •

FAO Members find consensus on Programme of Work and Budget

FAO Members approved FAO’s Programme of FAO’s new Strategic Objectives are Work and Budget for 1. Contribute to the eradication of FAO welcomes 2014-2015 at the end hunger, food insecurity and malnu- of the Organization’s trition new members week-long 38th govern- 2. Increase and improve provision The 38th governing Confer- ing Conference at FAO of goods and services from ag- ence voted to accept Brunei Headquarters in June. riculture, forestry and fisheries Darussalam, Singapore and in a sustainable manner The budget agreed by South Sudan as new FAO Members of $1,028.1 3. Reduce rural poverty Member Countries, bring- million, representing a 4. Enable more inclusive and ing total membership of 2.2 percent increase over efficient agricultural and food the Organization to 197, the current biennium, will systems at local, national and comprising 194 Member enable the Organization international levels Nations, 1 Member Organi- to deliver its proposed 5. Increase the resilience of liveli- zation (the European Union) programme of work hoods to threats and crises and 2 Associate Members focusing on five strategic (Faroe Islands and Tokelau). objectives and a sixth A sixth technical objective covers objective related to the the provision of technical knowl- technical and normative edge, quality and services for the work of the Organization work of the Organization

FAO UGANDA 29 Information Bulletin A Chinese techni- cian explains how to cover apples with papers. The technique keeps the apples safe from birds resulting into increased produc- tion.

Chinese experts boost apple production in Kabale District

Although Keith Rwamahe is an acclaimed farmer to be more useful than he had anticipated. who has even published a book on apple manage- “At first, I thought they were going to train us in a ment practices, a technique that would keep birds classroom. But they come to our individual farms, away from his apples had eluded him. we discuss our challenges and find simple practical “ I used to hire people to chase the birds. If I didn’t solutions ”, he says. do this, the birds would eat all the apples”, he said. Another simple technique that has been intro- But he does not worry about birds now. Rwamahe duced by the technicians is defoliation. has learnt a simple technique that keeps his apples Instead of letting the apple trees to defoliate (nat- hidden from birds until harvest time. urally shed off leaves) like it happens in autumn He wraps each apple fruit in a paper to disguise in temperate climate, the Chinese experts have their appearance. The papers are stapled or glued taught apple farmers how to defoliate by hand so around the apple so that they are not torn or de- that the trees can flower and fruit two or three times stroyed by rain or wind. a year. They have also introduced new pruning and grafting methods that the apple farmers in Kabale “Birds cannot see the apples and so they cannot find intriguing. eat them”, he says. Whereas it is widely known in Kabale that an apple The technique was introduced by Chinese techni- tree stops fruiting at 40 years, with good manage- cians and experts who are in Uganda on a two-year ment practices such as the ones they have intro- assignment under the South to South Cooperation duced, the Chinese have assured the farmers that (SSC) tripartite agreement signed between FAO the trees can survive for 100 years. and the Governments of Uganda and China. So far 30 farmers have been trained by the Chinese The SSC is based on solidarity among developing experts through Kachwekano Zonal Agricultural countries and mutual benefits, connecting coun- Research and Development Institute (KAZARDI), tries that have development solutions to share with the Government’s epicentre for research in apple countries in need of such solutions and allowing production in south western Uganda. the “provider” country to also learn from this ex- change. The premise is that these “Southern” so- Mr. Denis Ashaba, the Director at KAZARDI appre- lutions will have a greater potential impact having ciates the techniques that have been introduced by been developed under similar biophysical, social, the Chinese. cultural and economic realities as the “recipient” “The institute is benefiting a lot from them. They countries. have even introduced pre-germinated apple For small scale farmers like Rwamahe, regular inter- seeds, which shortens the process of generating action with the technicians and experts is proving seedlings”, he says. •

30 FAO UGANDA Information Bulletin Chinese foxtail millet shows promising results

It can yield twice as much and matures faster Speaking at MZARDI during a monitoring vis- than our local millet varieties when produced it on 17 June 2013, the Chinese ambassador under the same conditions. These are the re- to Uganda, His Excellency, Zhao Yali said the sults of field trials for a Chinese hybrid foxtail South to South Cooperation (SSC) under which variety that were carried out at Mukono Zonal Chinese experts and technicians were working Agricultural and Research Development Insti- was an excellent opportunity for Uganda to tute (MZARDI) with the help of Chinese experts learn how China’s agriculture sector developed. and technicians. “The Chinese are ready to work with Uganda Foxtail millet is widely grown in Asia with China, because this country has a great potential to the leading producer. However, its biggest at- develop”, he said. traction to Uganda is the potential to yield up FAO Uganda’s Deputy Representative, Mr. to 5MT per hectare and yet in a short maturity Adam Yao, who represented the FAO Country period of about 80 days. The local Ugandan va- Representative in Uganda said it was important rieties averagely yield 1.5MT per hectare and to build bridges among countries and between mature in 120 days. research and the farmers. The Director of Crop Resources in the Ministry “We need to involve the farmers at a very early of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, stage”, he said. Mr. Okassai Opolot said foxtail millet can be consumed as porridge or used in the making of More field trials of the foxtail millet will be car- brew, starch and animal feed. ried out in more districts across the country be- fore the variety is released. •

Page 31 (L-R) The Chinese ambassador to Uganda, the Director of MZARDI and FAO Uganda’s Deputy Representative admire Chinese foxtail millet in Mukono. The variety yields higher than the local varieties.

FAO UGANDA 31 Information Bulletin FAO’s programmes have been funded by the following A publication of the Food and agencies and Governments: Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) European Union, European Commission (EC), Directorate-General Representation in Uganda for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO), DFID, USAID- Office for Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA), RockeFeller Plot 88 Buganda road, Wandegeya, Foundation, Belgian Survival Fund, United Nations Peace Building P.O.Box 521 Kampala - Uganda Fund, CERF, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Gorta and the Tel: +256 414 340324/349916/7, Governments of Italy, Sweden, Ireland, Belgium, Japan, Norway, Fax: +256 414 250579 Spain, Australia, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland and United E-mail: [email protected], Internet: www.fao.org Kingdom.