Background
Since 1995, MISEREOR has supported Hoima Caritas Development Organisation (hitherto known as Social Services and Economic Development Department) of Hoima Diocese in funding the programme activities.
Todate, the programme has directly worked with 3691 households in 74 villages of Bukuumi, Murro, Bulindi, Kitana, Bujumbura, Butema and Munteme ecclesiastical parishes in Hoima District. Comparatively this is less than 20% of the total number of villages in these parishes.
Objectives
Over the years, the programme has consistently employed a participatory approach in pursuing her main objectives of:
- Improving food security in beneficiary households by introducing low cost but appropriate farming technology through adoption of Sustainable or organic farming practices to farmers. This has the potential to increase productivity and production as well as better quality food.
- Improving household income among the beneficiaries through enhanced efforts to diversify and commercialise agriculture.
- Improving household health practices (home hygiene, personal hygiene, nutrition etc) in the beneficiary households.
- Mainstreaming gender and human rights awareness and practice in the beneficiary communities and enhancing their capacity for self-help.
Main Activities
The Programme comprehensively trains farmers in sustainable organic farming, organic agro processing, agro marketing, agro business, home hygiene, nutrition and prevention of common diseases, group formation and management and human rights awareness. The programme also supports beneficiaries with key farm inputs of improved livestock breeds and crop varieties to boost their production.
Target Group
Hoima SAP works with rural smallholder farmers who mostly depend on land for their livelihood. As a rule, they must be in underserved locations, low income earners and facing food shortages but actively enthusiastic to participate in processes for their individual and community development.
Progress todate:
At least 18455 people in 3691 households have been supported by the programme since its inception.
Between 2003 and April 2008, the number of farmers earning up to 100,000 per month rose from 56% to 72%. Most farmers have tried to diversify their income base. 100% of the farmers have crops and livestock as their main source of income while 60% managed to start other income generating activities.
By April 2008, 100% of the beneficiary households reported to be food secure throughout the year compared to 20% at baseline. Improved nutrition practices were also registered due to promotion of vegetable growing and the nutrition education seminars.
70% of the beneficiary households have well constructed latrines with hand washing facilities, bath shelters and utensil drying racks, which are a sign of improved hygiene practices. This is compared to 35% at baseline time.
The gender justice emphasis in the programme activities has increased women’s participation in domestic decision making at home from 50% of the households in 2003, to 85% in 2008.
