In a remarkable stride towards fostering agricultural growth and empowering local communities, Living Earth Uganda (LEU) has achieved an inspiring milestone by successfully distributing crucial agricultural inputs in the Hoima district. This initiative marks a pivotal chapter in the journey towards sustainable development and enhanced livelihoods.
Under the visionary leadership of LEU, the distribution effort unfolded over the past few days, setting the stage for an eagerly awaited planting season. The heart of this endeavor lies in providing agricultural inputs to project-affected individuals, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive.
The distribution encompassed an array of vital resources, including longi IV variety maize seedlings and NARO Bean II variety beans. These essential components were disseminated across key areas, specifically Nyabihukuru, Buhirigi, and Wayayo villages within the Hoima district in southwestern Uganda.
This achievement is the second phase of an ongoing initiative driven by LEU to support individuals and households adversely impacted by the oil and gas exploration developments in the Bunyoro region, specifically the Tilenga project. This noble undertaking falls under the umbrella of the Agriculture Support Services Project (AgricSSP), which receives generous funding from Total Energies, a leading player in the energy sector and a lead contractor on the Tilega project.
Embodying a commitment rooted in compassion and progress, Emmanuel Arinaitwe, the Assistant Crop Agronomist at Living Earth Uganda, affirms the organization’s dedication to these endeavors. He shares, “Our actions mirror the promise made by our contractor – Total Energies to assist affected households with essential agro-inputs and extension services. We strive to help them recover from the challenges posed by oil and gas development, enhancing their agricultural yields, family well-being, and overall household income.”
A testament to quality and adherence to standards, the distributed seeds have been meticulously selected and approved by the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), a governmental entity entrusted with maintaining the excellence of agricultural inputs in Uganda.
Mita Manuela, a proactive member in the community and one of the project-affected population in Wayayo village, recounts her transformative experience. Following the first yield of the same variety, she eagerly awaited the subsequent distribution. After receiving the inputs from LEU, she successfully cultivated a bountiful harvest of over 100 kgs of beans from the initial 10 kgs planted.
Her enthusiasm is infectious as she shares, “The first yield was an inspiration for me. I couldn’t wait to participate in the next distribution. My garden is prepared, awaiting the rains to begin planting.”
Amerimo Ayorwot, another beneficiary, echoes this sentiment of gratitude towards Living Earth Uganda. She acknowledges the significance of the training and inputs in elevating her agronomic practices. She reflects, “The training was enlightening and transformative. It has truly enhanced my understanding, even though I may have missed a few sessions.”
The origins of this success story trace back to Living Earth Uganda’s partnership with Total Energies EP Uganda B.V., the principal developer of the Tilenga project area. With a profound commitment to uplift farmers and enhance their livelihoods, LEU undertook the Provision of Agricultural Support Services project. This initiative spans a strategic period of thirty-six months, commencing in March 2022, and aims to bolster farmers’ access to optimal agronomic practices, leading to remarkable improvements in household income levels.
As a testament to its scope and impact, the project extends across Tilenga Project RAPs 2 – 5, encompassing a total of 56 villages, 8 sub-counties, and 12 sub-counties. In a display of unwavering dedication, a grand total of 4,901 project-affected persons (3,990 households) stand to benefit from the project’s noble objectives.
In commemorating this resounding achievement, Living Earth Uganda rejoices in the transformative power of collaboration, agricultural empowerment, and the resilience of communities. The success story in Hoima district serves as an enduring beacon of hope, illustrating the potential of collective efforts to drive positive change and create a brighter future for all.
