Agriculture is the foundation of national development and is essential to protect and promote food security in Uganda. However, the rate of malnutrition in Uganda is still unacceptably high because many households in Uganda are food insecure and lack access to food.
Food insecurity is a significant underlying cause of malnutrition in Uganda. The causes of food insecurity in Uganda are multifaceted, often a result of poverty, landlessness, high fertility, natural disasters, high food prices, lack of education, and the fact that a majority of Ugandans depend on agriculture as a main source of income. Gender inequality only worsens food insecurity and poverty.
Ssamba Foundation strives to improve the livelihoods of rural communities in Uganda through improved sustainable agriculture practices and technologies that are environmentally sustainable. The program’s special focus is on increasing household food security and the nutrition needs of children and women. The program strengthens rural farmer’s capacities increasing crop and livestock production.
Some Strategies to Improve Nutrition and Sustain Food Security:
- Promote the use of labor-saving technologies.
- Promote the adoption of high-yield nutritious crops.
- Provide opportunities for diversification of household income.
- Promote small livestock production, including small ruminants.
- Increase wages for agricultural workers and ensure their security.
- Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources and capital.
- Promote opportunities to train women in agro-processing at the household level.
- Ensure safe working conditions for agricultural workers, including proper sanitation.
CURRENT PROJECTS
The Goats for Family Improvement Project:
The project intends to facilitate economic sustainability for vulnerable women (especially widows) and vulnerable children (especially in child headed families) in the most vulnerable communities of Mukono District. Through the project, we donate improved breeds of goats to these beneficiaries. The expected income from the project will go toward their household needs such as the education of their children and siblings.
Community Livestock Demonstration Project:
Ssamba Foundation has set up the Ssuubi Livestock Farm to serve as a demonstration farm, educational and supplying point for the school, students and local community. To empower needy families toward economic independence, Ssamba Foundation gives out goats, pigs and chicken to empower them.
Training of Farmers & Provision of Farm Inputs:
Ssamba Foundation provides training services for those interested in starting sustainable agriculture projects. We train them in making their farm enterprises sustainable and profitable. Farmers in rural areas also have difficulty in accessing agricultural inputs. The organization’ rural agents offer farmers discount coupons for specific products on the market.
Backyard Gardening Project:
Ssamba Foundation is running a number of projects under our Sustainable Agriculture Development Program and some of them include the: Backyard Gardening Project. Through our Backyard Gardening Project, we build raised beds, sacks, pots and provide free training, materials and supplies for community members to help them grow their own food.
Volunteering at our Agriculture & Farming Project
Ssamba Foundation teaches farmers in rural Uganda about improving sustainable agriculture methods. We welcome and accept volunteers interested in Agriculture to join our farming projects to give a helping hand and also get an opportunity of learning more about farming, horticulture, greening and sustainability.
Volunteers with a background in agriculture and natural resources play a vital part in this program. The program can also accommodate volunteers with little or even no experience in agriculture, but are willing to take-on physically demanding jobs at the farm. Apart from working on the farm, a volunteer can join our outreach teams that aim to increase awareness about sustainable agricultural practices in rural communities.