LICO Success Story
Successful Project Implementation
1) Vulnerable women and youth are empowered on legal and human rights. As such some of them are now capable of engaging their leaders over the issues of Land Rights and Justice with confidence and courage. For instance, Achen Javuru and Judith Owacha of Ragem whose photographs appear below revealed that after the empowerment through USAID SAFE funded project, they were able to reclaim pieces of their family land left by their deceased husbands which were grabbed and fraudulently sold off by traditional chiefs and their in-laws on the basis that they were widows.
Culturally, they are not entitled to inherit any family land and other property. The two women are now utilizing their lands for livelihoods and development undisturbed.
2. The SAFE project in 2016 2,631 (female 1042, male 1,589)
As a matter of fact, by the end of the SAFE project in 2016 2,631 (female 1042, male 1,589) including widows, single mothers, orphans and children born out of wed log were fully aware of their Land rights; and were capable of demanding and hold their leaders accountable in case of land rights abuse and violation.
4) Duty bearers/District leaders in Nebbi and Zombo pledged to increase budget allocation
Duty bearers/District leaders in Nebbi and Zombo pledged to increase budget allocation to women small farmers group to increase production and add value to their products in order to get better price for their products. Besides, the two districts also pledged to recruit extension workers who can provide consistent extension services on modern farming practices after the groups of farmers raised complaints on irregular agriculture extension Services.
6) Groups collectively received 450 improved orange seedlings and 1000 improved coffee seedlings.
60 women smallholder farmers in Nebbi and Zombo benefited from improved seedlings distribution under government of Uganda funded operation wealth creation after engaging the duty bearers to include them in the program after initial omission. Precisely, the groups collectively received 450 improved orange seedlings and 1000 improved coffee seedlings. In the next 3 years, the women will begin to ripe big from the citrus trees and coffee which will eventually improve on their household income, nutrition and livelihood as such.
3. Capacity of S70 traditional/cultural leaders.
Likewise, the capacity of S70 traditional/cultural leaders, District Land Board and Area land committee members in Nebbi District was strengthened in area of mediation, negotiation and referrals to administer quick and cheaper Justice especially to the vulnerable women and the youth.
5) Committed to train Smallholder farmers on post-harvest handling skills
In addition they committed to provide regular information on improved seeds as well as link the women small holders’ farmers (WSHFs) to better produce markets through district commercial offices. The 2 districts further committed to train Smallholder farmers on post-harvest handling skills to enable their produce maintain market value.
7) LICO partners undertook to rehabilitate a 10 Km road
Nebbi District one of LICO partners undertook to rehabilitate a 10 Km road after our farmers groups engaged the duty bearers to work on the road which links them to the main market. This has greatly boosted the morale of farmers in the area as they are assured of their produce reaching the market on time unlike before where they faced a lot of difficulties when the road became impassable particularly during the rainy seasons.
8) 52 conflict affected adolescent girls accessed secondary school education
With support from Global Fund for Children (GFC) Washington DC, 52 conflict affected adolescent girls accessed secondary school education in the Districts of Nebbi, Zombo and Nwoya in Northern Uganda. The Girls didn’t only access learning, but were also able to remain in school until completion level of senior four. Some of these girls later went and acquired vocational skills which they are currently utilizing to earn incomes and improve on their livelihood status. Sarah Munguriek, Brenda and Secret Pacuryema are the living example to this achievement. 2 of the ladies trained in Art and design; while one trained in catering and Hospitality. The 2 who did Art and design can paint buildings, design quality sign posts and T/shirts; and other has good customer care which are attractive to customers.