OBADIAH T
Farmers have been encouraged to form farming groups to easily access and integrate into government programs aimed at improving their living standards.
This call was made on Thursday by Arthur Mbabazi, the Executive Director of Action and Development Agency (LADA), during the graduation ceremony of trainees in modern and inclusive farming at Kicwamba COU in Kajwamushana Cell, Kicwamba Parish, Ruhinda Sub-county, Rujumbura County, Rukungiri District.
According to Mbabazi, LADA has partnered with the INCLUDE Project, funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands through SNV, to alleviate poverty among local farmers through enhanced trainings aimed at boosting food production and reducing domestic conflicts in families. He stated that their goal is to create economically transformed communities, noting that only four sub-counties—Nyakishenyi, Bugangari, Buhunga, and Ruhinda—were selected for the project.
Beneficiaries of the INCLUDE Project, who have undergone training for nearly a year, are encouraged to share skills with fellow farmers in livestock management, manure-making, vegetable growing, and crop rotation to improve productivity.
Speaking at the same function, beneficiaries including John Muhumuza, Wilson Mandela, Anna Niwabeine, and Godwithus Tusingwire from Bushogye Cell in Kicwamba Parish testified that the trainings have equipped them with valuable skills, with some noting significant improvement in their production. They commended LADA management for introducing developmental initiatives aimed at lifting communities out of poverty.
Meanwhile, Kenneth Tumusime, the Vice Chairperson LC3 Ruhinda Sub-county, who represented the government at the event, applauded NGOs like LADA for collaborating with government in implementing impactful projects within communities. He encouraged them to continue lobbying for more opportunities and challenged government to extend full support to such initiatives.
At the end of the one-year project, over 500 pioneer beneficiaries are expected to graduate and receive certificates in recognition of their participation and skill development within their communities.
