The project region faces challenges of malnutrition, due to a diet poor in proteins. The economic situation of many households deteriorated during the COVID-19 pandemic. More pronounced climate variability due to climate change oftentimes results in loss of harvest. Many people cannot afford protein-rich food.
The solution was to introduce a novel practice of integrated fish and poultry (or rabbit) farming. This farming system allows supply of animal proteins while demanding little space and few external inputs. It has a potential to enhance food security of smallholder farmers.
The organic farmer Robert Partis, a beneficiary of DECESE, developed the method of integrated fish and poultry farming. In this innovative practice, poultry litter is used for growth of plankton which is eventually used to feed fish. The sale or use of by-products (rabbit urine, poultry litter) as fertilizer for agriculture closes the nutrient cycle and provides additional income.
Mr. Partis constructed a poultry pen and a fish pond with support from his family and community members. Once the farming system was established, members of the local community and farmer groups were invited to learn from his experience.
DESECE started as a CBO in 1993 with DELTA, WINDOW, Civic Education (Human Rights, Peace and Reconciliation), Mainstreaming Gender, and HIV and Aids, and organic Agriculture as its main activities. Due to expanding needs DESECE now also implements Policy Dialogue, Reproductive Health, Community Library, Hospitality and Agro-ecology.