- SECTOR: Livelihood Programs
- LOCATION: Western
- START DATE: March 2022
- END DATE: March 2025
In a significant partnership, Living Earth Uganda (LEU) was contracted by Total Energies EP Uganda B.V., the pioneering force behind the Tilenga project area, to drive the Agriculture Support Service Project (AgriSSP) RAP2-5 across Buliisa, Kikuube, and Hoima Districts in the Albertine region. 36-month initiative, launched in March 2022, is empowering project-affected households (PAHs) through the implementation of advanced agronomic practices. By offering agricultural extension, crop improvement, tree nursery establishment, and livestock enhancement services, AgriSSP sought to elevate household incomes and foster sustainable development among PAHs in the region.
Spanning 56 villages and 8 sub-counties within the Albertine region, AgriSSP has left an indelible mark on 4,901 Project Affected Persons (PAPs). As the project approaches its final year of implementation, LEU’s steadfast commitment to sustainable growth and community prosperity shines through, exemplifying the transformative potential of collaborative endeavors.
Crop Management Services:
In the realm of Crop Management Services, AgriSSP has achieved commendable success. With a targeted approach, over 3431 households, representing 95% of the project-affected households (PAHs) received comprehensive training in Good Agronomical Practices [GAPs]. This extensive training equipped farmers with the knowledge and skills necessary to optimize crop yields and ensure sustainable agricultural practices.
Moreover, the distribution of agro-inputs has been executed with remarkable efficiency, reaching a success rate of 95%. Essential resources such as maize, beans, groundnuts, and cassava have been provided to PAHs, enhancing their capacity to cultivate diverse crops and strengthen food security within their communities.
Furthermore, AgriSSP has prioritized the provision of post-harvest handling [PHH] equipment, a critical component in ensuring the preservation and value addition of harvested crops. Out of 105 farmer groups targeted, 85 have received these essential tools that include cassava chipping machines, silos for storage and cassava drying racks among other items, enabling them to mitigate post-harvest losses and access lucrative markets through value-added products.
Tree Management Practices
Under Tree Management Practices, AgriSSP has made significant strides towards fostering environmental sustainability and diversified income sources for project-affected households (PAHs). Through a structured approach, 84% of PAHs have received comprehensive training in good tree management practices, equipping them with the necessary knowledge to nurture and maintain trees effectively.
Furthermore, AgriSSP has facilitated the distribution of tree seedlings to 454 households, enabling them to establish tree nurseries and contribute to reforestation efforts within their communities. These efforts not only promote biodiversity and environmental conservation but also offer PAHs additional sources of income through the sale of timber, fruits, and other tree products.
In addition to training and seedling distribution, AgriSSP has implemented on-farm technical visits and exchange visits as part of its knowledge transfer strategy. These initiatives have provided PAHs with practical guidance and insights from agricultural experts, facilitating skill enhancement and ensuring the successful implementation of tree management practices.
Through these concerted efforts in Tree Management Practices, AgriSSP is not only empowering PAHs to contribute to environmental conservation but also fostering economic resilience and sustainable livelihoods in the community.
Livestock Management Services
AgriSSP has achieved notable success in enhancing the capabilities of project-affected households (PAHs) and bolstering their livestock enterprises.
Through targeted training initiatives, 94% of PAHs have received comprehensive instruction in good animal husbandry practices and pasture agronomy. These trainings equipped farmers with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure the health, productivity, and welfare of their livestock, thereby enhancing overall livestock management practices within the communities of Buliisa, Kikuube, and Hoima Districts.
Moreover, the introduction of improved breeding animals has yielded significant returns for PAHs. As of 30 September 2024, we had 76 calves and 720 kids from these high-quality breeding animals, which represents not only a boost in livestock productivity but also a substantial economic return.
Furthermore, AgriSSP has addressed the challenges posed by dry spells through the distribution of improved pasture and animals. A total of 751 PAHs have received support with pasture, while 1195 PAHs have been provided with does/female goats. This initiative not only mitigates the risks associated with drought and limited forage availability but also strengthens the resilience of livestock enterprises, ensuring the sustainability and viability of agricultural livelihoods within the project areas.
Through these concerted efforts in Livestock Management Practices, AgriSSP is not only empowering project-affected households with the knowledge, resources, and support necessary to thrive but also contributing to the overall economic development and resilience of rural communities in Buliisa, Kikuube, and Hoima Districts.
The Agricultural Support Services Project (AgriSSP) in Buliisa, Kikuube, and Hoima districts has demonstrated significant progress towards sustainable agricultural practices and enhanced livelihoods. Through initiatives such as the establishment of improved pasture and communal pasture land, distribution of tree seedlings for agroforestry, and capacity building in livestock management, AgriSSP has effectively promoted environmental sustainability and economic resilience within project-affected communities. By empowering households with the knowledge and resources necessary to thrive in agricultural pursuits, AgriSSP has laid the groundwork for long-term prosperity and environmental stewardship in the region.
Figure 1 Living Earth Uganda’s technical experts conducting comprehensive training sessions for farmer groups on the operation of cassava chipping machines, empowering them with essential skills for efficient cassava processing.