With a special thanks from Olivia Jones CRESS’ Agricultural Advisor here in the UK, we would like to let you know the impact of the newly donated tools and equipment is having with the refugee farmers in Uganda.
Agriculture tools and equipment out for distribution to the groups
The impact of equipment donations is fundamental to the African farmer, especially when those farmers have fled war, leaving all their belongings, including their farming equipment, back at their homes. They carry nothing with them fleeing, to then become refugees. They re-start their lives with nothing.
Equipment donated is the initial start they need for all their agricultural activities, not just for the vegetable growing through the CRESS projects. Each individual item is relatively inexpensive so any equipment donations can purchase many items and have a big impact.
Any equipment donated is in constant use and can be shared amongst family members for different agriculture activities. They can also be shared within their community which means that our projects have a direct knock-on effect across the whole refugee community.
Although this means that wear and tear on these items is severe, especially given the harsh conditions as well as extensive use, equipment donations offer an essential service which is as a main goodwill gesture. CRESS focuses on training and education for sustainable communities but at the same time, it can be important to offer direct support for short term help.
These equipment donations received during our lockdown have filled a real gap in the funding from other sources such as grant bodies and trusts. There have been 16 new savings groups set up this year which have been trained in organic vegetable production as an initial income-generating activity. There were insufficient funds to supply all groups with some of the essential tools they need for this. We have now been able to distribute a sufficient number of these to help all the groups.
Watering cans being distributed to the new groups during Covid lockdown
Hoes and gumboots gratefully received by the new excited groups in Mijale
If you would like to donate towards our agriculture projects or get involved please contact us.