Around 1.5 million refugees live in Uganda – mainly from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Many face poverty, food insecurity and the effects of the climate crisis, particularly in the West Nile region, including in settlements such as Palorinya and Lobule.
Together with our partner organisation RICE West Nile, we support refugees and local communities to secure their livelihoods and build their resilience to crises in a sustainable way.
Sustainable agriculture and healthy nutrition
RICE trains local groups in climate-resilient farming, healthy nutrition, and the cultivation of vegetable gardens. Through practical cooking demonstrations, families learn how to grow and prepare nutritious food themselves to prevent malnutrition.
I am from Congo and have been living here as a refugee since 2016. I learned to grow vegetables in the ‘Happy Mama and Baba’ group. I use some of them myself and sell the rest. That way I can improve my family's diet. Malnutrition used to be widespread - now it is much less, thanks to the training and the kitchen gardens.
Adesa Ndiriya, participant in the project
Income generation and renewable energy
Energy-saving stoves and home-made briquettes reduce fuel consumption while creating new income opportunities. This helps both the environment and household budgets. Radio broadcasts and information campaigns raise awareness about the impacts of the climate crisis and present paths toward sustainable energy use. Communities learn how to access and use renewable energy sources effectively.
Promoting equal opportunities and empowering communities
Women and girls in the West Nile region often lack equal access to land, income and resources. Our project strengthens their economic independence, encourages their active participation, and advocates for gender equality. Young people who are not attending school also receive targeted support: they are trained in vocational skills. In addition, participants receive essential information on their rights and on sexual and reproductive health – paving the way for more self-determination and better future prospects.
To foster social cohesion, agricultural cooperatives and savings groups are established. Members work together, support each other and market their products - an important contribution to peaceful coexistence and local development.
Together with other members of the 'Happy Mama and Baba' group, Adesa Ndiriya has planted a kitchen garden.
The practical work in the community garden is complemented by theoretical training in sustainable and climate-resilient farming methods.
Improved cultivation techniques ensure higher yields and help to reduce malnutrition.
Women empower women through exchange, knowledge and joint training on rights and health.
Projectinfo
| Place/Region | Lobule and Palorinya refugee camps, Koboko and Obongi districts |
|---|---|
| Partner | Rural Initiative for Community Empowerment West Nile (RICE West Nile) |
| Activities |
|
| Duration | January 2023 – December 2025 |
| Budget | 227,662€ |
| Sponsor | Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) |
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