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The meeting brought together political leaders, technical officers, parish chiefs, agricultural extension workers, head teachers, cultural and religious leaders, and representatives from the implementing partner organisations.

The engagement aimed to introduce the SEHRO Project, strengthen stakeholder collaboration, clarify implementation roles and responsibilities, and promote community ownership to ensure effective and sustainable project interventions.

FAPAD and Viva con Agua Engage Alango Sub-County Stakeholders in SEHRO Project Inception Meeting

During the meeting, FAPAD Project Coordinator, Mr. Samuel Ogwang, presented the project's objectives and four key result pathways:

1. Integrated Farm Planning (IFP): Enhancing household food security and income generation.
2. Community-Based Adaptive Social Protection: Strengthening community resilience and support systems for vulnerable populations.
3. Universal Languages for Behaviour Change (UL4BC): Promoting improved sanitation and hygiene practices through community-led approaches.
4. Evidence-Based Advocacy and Multi-Stakeholder Governance: Strengthening community participation, accountability and inclusive decision-making.

Stakeholders Commit to Community Ownership

In her opening remarks, Mrs. Agnes Akullu emphasised the importance of community ownership, encouraging stakeholders to recognise development interventions as community assets rather than projects belonging solely to implementing organisations.

Stakeholders actively participated in discussions concerning beneficiary selection, inclusion of vulnerable groups, and the identification of priority communities and schools.

Through a participatory selection process, two parishes, six villages and three primary schools were identified for project interventions.

The selected parishes are Alango and Amintenyo, while the selected schools include Adwari Primary School, Amintenyo Primary School and Abilinyero Primary School.

Additional villages were also identified for Open Defecation Free (ODF) interventions under Viva con Agua's sanitation activities.

Moving Towards Sustainable Community Development

In his closing remarks, Alango Sub-County LCIII Chairperson, Mr. Morrish Okello, welcomed the project and encouraged local leaders to mobilise communities, promote positive behavioural change and actively participate in project implementation.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration between FAPAD, Viva con Agua, local government structures and communities.

Through the SEHRO Project, FAPAD and its partners continue to advance community-driven approaches that promote food security, improved sanitation, social inclusion, stronger livelihoods and sustainable resilience among vulnerable communities in Otuke District.

The meeting brought together local government officials, political leaders, technical staff, parish chiefs, head teachers, cultural and religious leaders, and representatives from FAPAD and Viva con Agua to introduce the project, strengthen collaboration and promote community ownership of its interventions.

Strengthening Community Resilience and Sustainable Livelihoods

During the meeting, FAPAD Project Coordinator, Mr. Samuel Ogwang, presented the SEHRO Project's objectives and four key result pathways:

1. Food and Income Security: Promoting Integrated Farm Planning (IFP) to strengthen household livelihoods.
2. Community-Based Adaptive Social Protection: Supporting vulnerable communities to strengthen their resilience.
3. Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH): Promoting positive behavioural change through community-led sanitation approaches.
4. Evidence-Based Advocacy and Multi-Stakeholder Governance: Strengthening inclusive participation, accountability and community engagement.

Viva con Agua Project Coordinator, Mr. Steward Akera, highlighted the organisation's role in promoting access to clean drinking water, sanitation and hygiene, particularly through interventions in selected schools and communities.

Promoting Inclusive Participation and Community Ownership

FAPAD Programmes Manager, Mrs. Grace Achot Akullu, encouraged stakeholders to embrace transparency, inclusiveness and collective responsibility throughout project implementation. She emphasised the importance of avoiding political interference in beneficiary selection and strengthening community ownership through local leadership structures, joint monitoring and active participation.

Stakeholders also engaged in discussions on beneficiary selection, school interventions and the inclusion of vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities and older persons.

Through a participatory process, two parishes and six villages were selected for project interventions. The selected parishes were Got Ojwang and Anepkide, while the villages included Aluga, Obelowee, Obworo, Te-gweng, Loro and Ocemoimeja.

Four primary schools—Aluga, Aleri, Te-gweng and Barrkeo—were selected, with Alutkot Primary School additionally identified.

Building Partnerships for Lasting Impact

In his closing remarks, Olilim Sub-County LCIII Chairperson, Mr. Richard Odwee, welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed the local leadership's commitment to supporting project implementation and community mobilisation.

The meeting concluded with stakeholders agreeing to coordinate beneficiary mobilisation and selection activities in the identified project communities.

Through the SEHRO Project, FAPAD and Viva con Agua, with support from AWO International, are working towards strengthening sustainable livelihoods, improving sanitation and hygiene, promoting social inclusion and building resilient communities in Otuke District.

The initiative, supported by AWO International, seeks to strengthen community resilience, improve food and income security, promote access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and enhance inclusive governance in the sub-counties of Olilim and Alango.

The district-level inception meeting brought together district political and technical leaders, representatives from the two target sub-counties, FAPAD and Viva con Agua staff, and other key stakeholders to establish a shared understanding of the project's objectives, implementation strategies and expected results.

Building on Previous Achievements

During the launch, FAPAD Programmes Manager, Mrs. Grace Achot Akullu, reflected on the organisation's previous interventions under the SVH Project, implemented between 2023 and 2026 in Adwari and Okwang Sub-Counties.

She highlighted the importance of building on previous achievements while ensuring transparency, accountability and non-political beneficiary selection throughout the implementation of SEHRO.

FAPAD Executive Director, Mrs. Joyce Eunice Akello, reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to sustainable, community-driven development.

She emphasised the importance of working closely with local government structures, strengthening community skills and building systems that will continue delivering benefits beyond the project's implementation period.

Four Pathways Towards Sustainable Community Resilience

Presenting the project, SEHRO Project Coordinator, Mr. Samuel Ogwang, outlined four interconnected result pathways:

1. Integrated Farm Planning (IFP): Strengthening food and income security through improved agricultural planning and sustainable livelihoods.
2. Community-Based Adaptive Social Protection: Supporting vulnerable households and strengthening their capacity to respond to social and economic challenges.
3. Universal Languages for Behaviour Change (UL4BC) and Community-Led Total Sanitation: Promoting improved sanitation, hygiene practices and positive behavioural change.
4. Evidence-Based Advocacy and Multi-Stakeholder Governance: Strengthening community participation, inclusive decision-making, accountability and collaboration.

Viva con Agua CEO, Mr. George Arido, introduced the organisation's mission of improving access to clean drinking water and basic sanitation.

VcA Project Lead, Mrs. Wendy Amuge, further highlighted planned interventions in selected schools across Olilim and Alango Sub-Counties, particularly under the project's sanitation and hygiene pathway.

Promoting Inclusion, Climate Resilience and Local Ownership

The launch provided an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss critical issues affecting communities in Otuke District, including climate change, agricultural productivity, social inclusion and sustainable development.

Participants raised concerns about unpredictable rainfall patterns, the vulnerability of agricultural livelihoods and the need for practical climate-resilience strategies.

Stakeholders also emphasised the importance of ensuring meaningful participation of persons with disabilities, women, young people and other vulnerable community members in project interventions.

The discussions reinforced the importance of collaboration between implementing partners, local government institutions and communities to ensure that project interventions respond to local priorities.

District Leadership Welcomes the Initiative

Otuke District leaders welcomed FAPAD's continued commitment to improving community livelihoods and acknowledged the organisation's contributions through previous development interventions.

The District Chairperson LC V, Mr. Francis Abolla, highlighted the challenges posed by climate change and encouraged stakeholders to promote awareness and resilience-building initiatives across the district.

The Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Isaac Opio, commended FAPAD's previous work in strengthening community resilience through climate-smart agricultural practices.

He officially declared the SEHRO Project launched in Otuke District, paving the way for subsequent inception meetings and community mobilisation activities in Olilim and Alango Sub-Counties.

Advancing Sustainable Development Through Partnership

The official launch marked an important step towards strengthening collaboration among FAPAD, Viva con Agua, AWO International, Otuke District Local Government and participating communities.

Through an integrated approach combining sustainable agriculture, adaptive social protection, sanitation, hygiene and inclusive governance, the SEHRO Project aims to support vulnerable communities in building stronger, healthier and more resilient livelihoods.

FAPAD remains committed to working alongside communities and development partners to promote inclusive, locally owned and sustainable development in Otuke District.

The training targeted farmers who had previously received training in agroecology and nutrition gardening and had been supported with solar dryers to improve the preservation of agricultural produce. Building on these interventions, the training sought to strengthen farmers’ entrepreneurial capacity, enabling them to move beyond agricultural production towards value addition, enterprise development and commercialisation of their produce.

Participants developed their knowledge and skills in business planning, financial management, record keeping and entrepreneurship. The sessions emphasised the importance of developing business plans, maintaining accurate financial records, monitoring income and expenditure, and controlling unnecessary costs. These practices are essential for effective business management, financial accountability and enterprise profitability.

Practical demonstrations focused on processing and preserving fruits and vegetables to create value-added products. Participants learned techniques for preparing hibiscus and fruit juices, producing dry and sweet wine from fruits and hibiscus flowers, drying eggplants and pumpkins, and making tomato jam. The demonstrations illustrated how farmers can transform locally available agricultural produce into marketable products, reduce post-harvest losses, extend shelf life and explore additional income-generating opportunities.

The training also covered food hygiene, safe processing, appropriate packaging and proper storage to maintain product quality and protect consumers. Through presentations, group discussions, experience sharing and hands-on demonstrations, participants gained practical knowledge to complement their existing skills in agroecology, nutrition gardening and produce preservation.

By integrating agroecology, nutrition gardening, solar drying, value addition and business development, FAPAD is promoting a pathway from sustainable agricultural production to viable agribusiness enterprises. This approach seeks to enable farmers to maximise the value of their harvests, diversify their products, strengthen market participation and improve household incomes.

The initiative reflects FAPAD’s commitment to strengthening sustainable livelihoods and economic resilience by equipping farming households with the knowledge and skills needed to turn agricultural production into viable business opportunities.

Held under the theme “Celebrating Women, Indigenous Food and Seeds,” the fair brought together more than 1,000 people from across the Lango sub-region for a colourful celebration of the foods, seeds, knowledge and traditions that have sustained communities for generations.

The atmosphere was vibrant. Colourful displays of indigenous seeds and traditional foods filled the exhibition spaces, while the sounds of traditional dances, songs, drama and storytelling brought the cultural heritage of Lango to life. Farmers proudly shared their seeds and knowledge, while visitors explored indigenous foods, herbs, value-added products, biofertilizers and biopesticides.

For many participants, the fair was more than an exhibition. It was an opportunity to reconnect with foods and seeds that are part of their everyday lives and cultural identity. Cooking demonstrations and food tasting created a particularly engaging experience, allowing participants to rediscover the richness, diversity and nutritional value of indigenous foods.

A special highlight was the participation of a delegation from the Agong Foundation, whose presence added warmth and significance to the celebration. Their engagement with farmers, exhibitors and other participants made the event even more memorable and reinforced the importance of cultural leadership in protecting the food, seed and knowledge heritage of the Lango people.

The fair also celebrated the women who have quietly carried this heritage from one generation to the next. From selecting and storing seeds to preparing traditional foods and passing knowledge to their children, women remain at the heart of indigenous food systems. The event provided an opportunity to recognize their contribution and to call for greater support for their leadership in shaping sustainable food systems.

Beyond the celebration, the fair created space for important conversations about food security, biodiversity, food sovereignty and farmer-managed seed systems. Farmers, researchers, government representatives, agroecology practitioners, cultural leaders and development partners shared experiences and explored ways of working together to protect indigenous seeds and strengthen local food systems.

The day ended with an award ceremony recognizing outstanding exhibitors, bringing an exciting conclusion to a day filled with learning, celebration, culture and community.

The 3rd Regional Indigenous Food and Seed Fair was a powerful reminder that seeds are more than what we plant in the soil, and food is more than what we put on our plates. They carry our history, culture, knowledge and hopes for the future. By celebrating and protecting them today, communities in Lango are helping to ensure that this rich heritage remains alive for generations to come.

1. Strengthen District Farmers Associations

Participants called on the Uganda National Farmers Federation (UNFFE) and Lango District Local Governments to work together to revitalise and strengthen District Farmers Associations (DFAs) within the UNFFE farmer-organisation structure.
Stronger DFAs can provide effective platforms for farmer representation, advocacy, extension services, production, market access and access to agricultural information.

2. Improve Information on Agricultural Chemicals

Participants called on Lango districts to widely disseminate MAAIF information on prohibited, restricted and unregistered agricultural chemicals.
Farmers should also receive clear and accessible information on the safe and responsible use of approved agricultural inputs to protect human health, soil health, biodiversity and the wider environment.

3. Integrate Agroecology into Uganda’s Climate Commitments

The symposium called on government to strengthen the integration of agroecology into Uganda’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and related implementation frameworks.
Participants recognised agroecology as an important approach for strengthening climate resilience, supporting sustainable food production and improving the capacity of farming communities to respond to climate-related risks.

4. Strengthen NARO–Lango Cultural Institution Collaboration

Participants called for the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) to extend its existing partnership approach with cultural institutions to the Lango cultural institution, working through Ngetta Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Ngetta ZARDI).
Such collaboration could provide an important platform for promoting agroecology, indigenous and local knowledge, sustainable agricultural practices and appropriate agricultural technologies across the Lango sub-region.

5. Create an Enabling Policy Environment for Agroecology

Participants called for policies that actively promote and incentivise agroecology, including support for agroecological inputs, appropriate tax incentives and community seed banks.
An enabling policy environment is essential to ensure that farmers can adopt sustainable agricultural practices and access the knowledge, inputs, markets and services required to make these practices economically viable.

6. Bring Soil Testing Services Closer to Farmers

The symposium highlighted the need for districts to invest in accessible soil-testing facilities and services.
Improved access to soil information can enable farmers and extension workers to make more informed decisions on soil–crop suitability, soil fertility management and appropriate input application. This can contribute to improved productivity while promoting the long-term health and sustainability of agricultural land.

From Dialogue to Action

The symposium also featured an exhibition of value-added products and agroecological innovations, showcasing the creativity, knowledge and entrepreneurial potential within the region. The exhibition demonstrated how agroecology can contribute not only to food and nutrition security, but also to household incomes, enterprise development and local economic growth.
Beyond the technical discussions, the symposium strengthened connections among stakeholders working across different sectors. Participants identified areas of common interest, exchanged experiences and explored opportunities for continued collaboration.
This reflected the central message of the symposium: Connect. Collaborate. Co-create.
The discussions reinforced that advancing agroecology cannot be the responsibility of farmers alone. It requires coordinated action among farmers, researchers, government institutions, cultural institutions, civil society organisations, private sector actors and development partners.
The 1st Lango-Regional Agroecology Symposium therefore marked an important milestone in strengthening the regional agroecology movement. It provided a platform for evidence- based dialogue, knowledge exchange and collective reflection, while generating practical recommendations for action.

The visit aimed to follow up on commitments made during the previous engagement, with a focus on key areas including governance, finance, program operations, field activities, and overall project implementation progress.

The visit included a desk review meeting to share updates on progress, identify challenges, and discuss lessons learned. This was complemented by a field visit to project sites, followed by a debriefing session to consolidate observations and outline the way forward.

This monitoring exercise was instrumental in highlighting achievements and success factors, pinpointing areas for improvement and developing a clear action plan to address identified challenges.

As an organization committed to continuous learning, FAPAD values this opportunity to reflect, learn, unlearn, and relearn – steps essential to advancing organizational growth and the mission to improve the quality of life for marginalized communities in Lango sub-region and beyond.

Highlights of the Showcase

• Integrated Farm Planning (IFP): Households presented their IFP plans, showing how visual farm maps and action plans guide them in achieving food security, income generation, and resilience.
• Biopesticides: Farmers demonstrated natural pest control methods that reduce reliance on harmful chemicals.
• Biofertilizers: Including Bokashi, liquid manure, and plant tea, all of which enrich soils and boost productivity sustainably.
• Kitchen Gardening: Small household gardens were presented as a way to improve nutrition and diversify diets.
• Lorena EnergySaving Cook Stoves: Farmers shared how these stoves reduce fuel use, save time, and protect local forests.
• Agroforestry: Integrating trees into farming systems to improve soil health, provide shade, and diversify income sources.
• Indigenous Seeds: Showcasing the preservation and use of traditional seed varieties that are resilient and culturally significant.
• SmallScale Bucket Irrigation: Practical demonstrations of lowcost irrigation systems that help farmers manage water efficiently and ensure crop survival during dry spells.
• Maize Shelling Machine: Farmers exhibited how this technology reduces drudgery, saves time, and improves postharvest handling efficiency.
• Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA): Farmers shared how VSLA groups strengthen financial inclusion, build savings, and provide access to small loans for household and farm investments
• Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH): School pupils and teachers showcased improved WASH facilities and behavioral practices that reduce disease, promote safe water use, and enhance household health
• Paralegal Clinics: Highlighting communitybased legal support that strengthens land rights, protect human rights, reduce domestic violence (gender based violence), and other conflicts and empowers farmers to protect their resources.

Impact

• This event was not only a celebration but also a knowledgesharing platform, reinforcing the importance of communitydriven, sustainable practices. Farmers expressed pride and interest in adopting innovations that improve livelihoods while safeguarding the environment.
• Together, we have demonstrated that local solutions can drive lasting change. The project’s legacy will continue through the farmers and communities who are now champions of sustainable agriculture and resilience

• Highlights on SVH Project phase out
• Success Stories from SVH Project

Besides showcasing different foods, seeds and agroecology products, the event provided a platform for experience sharing and dialogue on creating an enabling policy environment for scaling up agroecology as a driver for enhancing ecosystem health and transforming food systems towards resilience, equity and sustainability.

Activities during the event included display of indigenous foods, seeds and agroecology products, food testing, seed sharing, cultural dances and speeches by invited guests. The event was organized under the theme "Harvesting and Consuming Healthy and Nutritious Indigenous Food," recognizing the contributions of indigenous seeds and sustainable land management practices in achieving food security. The event was attended by more than 1,000 persons.

The graduation event served to certify farmers trained by FAPAD as change agents in the community, charged with the responsibility of training other members in the community on integrated farm planning and agroecology practices.

The events occurred between 17th–26th of November 2025 across 8 locations in Muntu and Awelo sub-counties. The events graduated 208 innovative farmers trained by FAPAD on IFP and agroecology practices, and also gave 800 farmers trained by the innovative farmers the chance to showcase the different sets of practices they were trained on.