Boosting nutrition and food security in various parts of northern and eastern Uganda

APPCO advanced its mission to strengthen community resilience and promote gender equity across northern and eastern Uganda through a partnership with welthungerhilfe. Through integrated livelihood education initiatives in Usuk and Omodoi sub-counties of Katakwi District, the organization introduced Gender Action Learning System (GALS) training, established nursery beds, distributed fruit trees, and raised awareness on Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS). Care Group Volunteers (CGVs) and Village Health Teams (VHTs) embraced participatory tools such as the Vision Road Journey and Gender Balance Tree, deepening their understanding of how gender dynamics shape health, nutrition, and development outcomes.

At Aojabule Primary School, one of the targeted institutions, nursery beds flourished with a high germination rate across all seed varieties. The school’s strong sense of ownership and effective management ensured success. Across six strategic institutional sites, 19 nursery beds were established, cultivating diverse vegetables. These sites now serve as practical learning hubs where CGVs, VHTs, and neighborhood groups gain hands-on skills and access seeds for community-level vegetable production.

Partnering for Food Security

APPCO in Gulu District, has partnered with Latek Stay Alliance Uganda to implement an organic cereal project, supporting vulnerable farmers across the district. By boosting productivity, enabling income through cereal sales, and encouraging household savings, the project improved food security while reducing reliance on limited government support for organic farming. Farmers are expected to repay inputs provided, ensuring sustainability and expanding support to additional households.

During the project implementation, some of the key findings include: Strong community interest in organic farming has emerged, Climate-smart training increased farmers’ awareness of environmental conservation and Farmers now embrace agroforestry practices, recognizing their importance in addressing global climate challenges.

One farmer from Kapeta Bia A Village, a father of several school-going children, faced challenges in paying school fees due to limited income. Determined to change his family’s situation, he expanded his maize production to 10 acres, adopted improved practices, and overcame obstacles such as fluctuating weather and high input costs. His successful harvest allowed him to sell maize at the local market, store food for household consumption, and clear outstanding school fees.

As a result, all his children returned to school with renewed hope. His success not only strengthened his confidence in agriculture as a reliable livelihood but also inspired neighbors to expand their own farming activities. Through practical training, strategic partnerships, and inspiring community stories, APPCO continues to boost nutrition, strengthen food security, and empower families across northern and eastern Uganda. These efforts highlight agriculture’s transformative power in building resilience, promoting education, and fostering sustainable livelihoods.