Increasing Incomes

Food security, climate protection measures, the management of natural resources and gender equality in eastern Uganda.

Directly involved: 1.100 smallhold farmers (558 women and 542 men). Indirectly involved: 5.500 people (3.300 women and 2.200 men).

According to the Uganda National Household Survey (UNHS) 2016/17, agriculture is the main source of income for around 70 % of the rural population; subsistence farming being the most common form of agriculture. Nationwide, 70 % of all working women and 90 % of all rural women work in agriculture. Only 58% of rural men work in agriculture. The men mostly cultivate cash crops, while the women work in the cultivation of food crops because they have less or no access to resources such as large plots of land. Households remain poor and food insecure with limited access to profitable markets. While most women are burdened by labour-intensive activities, youth and male participation is low. Investments to promote market-orientated sustainable agriculture are needed to achieve gender-equitable income and food security. The Enabling Rural Innovation (ERI) approach addresses these challenges with an approach that promotes entrepreneurial culture and is learning-intensive and participatory.

• Organisations analyse market opportunities and develop profitable marketing strategies on this basis- To this end, the participants are trained in the ERI modules, market research and business development, among other things. - Sensitise those involved to gender equality, training courses are held, and lobbying is carried out- Men in decision-making positions and selected husbands are trained as 'gender agents' to strengthen the role of women.- Training courses on sustainable agriculture and the establishment of a tree nursery contribute to the conservation of natural resources.- An ERI model village is also to be developed by 2026, with selected working groups addressing topics such as increasing production, collective marketing, financial inclusion, climate change adaptation and gender equality- Caritas Tororo will also be further strengthened through training on gender equality and the ERI approach.