Food Rights Alliance

Category: News Release

  • Indigenous Seed Varieties: A sure way to food Security in Africa

    seedAs we celebrate the world food day 2017 under the theme “Change the future of migration. Invest in food security and rural development.” We note with concern that hunger, poverty, and an increase in extreme weather events linked to climate change are some of the important factors contributing to the migration challenge.

    In Africa and Uganda in particular most of the migrants are received by rural communities, this puts pressure to the little food resources in the rural areas due to increased numbers consuming. Therefore, improving rural agriculture, ensuring that farmers benefit from it, making it attractive for the energetic youth is beneficial for both rural communities and migrating communities should it arise due to reasons other than food.

    Recently rural communities that feed majority of the migrants have been suffering a lot in the face of technology, not because technology is bad, but rather they are not suited/prepared to reap from the technology, the increased usage of hybrids, GMO seeds that are often expensive to acquire, grow and not readily available has seen rural farmers missing planting seasons, suffering poor harvests or exposed to poor quality or fake seeds that have made them worse off.  Due to poor irrigation infrastructure, limited access to fertilizers and pesticides, rural farmers are quite far from meaningfully growing GMOs that may require the same conditions to grow and give off meaningful yields. Planting and growing them using rudimentary means that mainly base on natural provision will leave rural farmers worse off than they are now.

    Farmer-managed seeds is the only sure way to guarantee seed sovereignty to most of these rural farmers, their capacity to manage and exchange these seeds needs assistance rather than elimination,  in the face that governments have failed to assist rural farmers get minimum conditions to grow and benefit from the improved seeds as a result of technology, they should be helped increase their capacity to manage and exchange their traditional varieties hence prepare food for themselves and the migrants they may receive due to food shortages at the source or other push factors.

    Jude Ssebuliba

  • World Food Day 2017: Invest in Food Security and Rural Development

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    Throughout the year, the Food Rights Alliance commemorates a number of days and events national and international that identify with her work of fighting hunger and malnutrition. But, none of these speak as closely to FRA’s heart as the World Food Day.

    Celebrated every year on 16th October, this day honors the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1945. Since 1981, World Food Day has adopted a different theme each year in order to highlight areas needed for action and provide a common focus. This year, the theme is “Change the future of migration. Invest in food security and rural development”. According to the World Food Program, in 2015 the number of international immigrants across the world had risen by 40% to 244 million from the year 2000. Within national borders, the number of migrants was estimated at 765 million in 2013. In Uganda, the rates of migration are currently staggering. Having one of the world’s most compassionate refugee policies, the country has seen the number of refugees entering its borders grow at the proverbial speed of light. For instance, the UN expected roughly 300,000 South Sudanese refugees to come to Uganda in 2017. However, just three months into the year, the estimate had risen to 400,000.

    wfddIn addition to this, the rate of migration within the country’s borders has also continued to grow. This has been fostered by a number of factors including large scale land evictions to avail land for land based investments, and also, the search for better opportunities and living conditions.  This is especially seen in the instances of rural-urban migration where populations particularly the youth move from villages where there is minimal opportunity for improving their livelihoods. They thus move to towns in search of employment opportunities and access to better social services.

    As three-quarters of the extreme poor base their livelihoods on agriculture or other rural activities; creating conditions that allow rural people, especially youth, to stay at home when they feel it is safe to do so, and to have more resilient livelihoods, is a crucial component of any plan to tackle the migration challenge. This can only be done through developing the rural economies. Uganda being an agrarian economy, rural development can only be fostered by increased investment in rural infrastructure, agricultural research, extension services and technology development in order to enhance its agricultural productive capacity.

    Visit our Facebook and Twitter pages for more updates on the day’s events.

  • Rural Women: The Key to Sustainable Development

    On Sunday 15th October, the world came together to commemorate the International Day for Rural Women. This year, the celebrations were focused on the theme, “Challenges and opportunities in climate-resilient agriculture for gender equality and the empowerment of rural women and girls”.

    In her statement for the International Day of Rural Women, UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka highlighted the importance of the social and physical infrastructure that enables rural women’s participation in sustainable, climate-resilient agricultural production, processing, transport and marketing.

    Noting this year’s theme for the Day, which focuses on opportunities and challenges in climate-resistant agriculture, the head of UN Women called for more training and skills development for rural women and girls so that they can play a greater role in the development of green food and agricultural value chains.In addition, she highlighted the role that women farmers can play in protecting biodiversity through the use of indigenous crops and agro-ecological farming methods that are environmentally friendly and free of toxic chemicals.

    451616-RuralWomen-1350240649-561-640x480Rural women, the majority of whom depend on natural resources and agriculture for their livelihoods, make up over a quarter of the total world population. In developing countries, rural women represent approximately 43% of the agricultural labour force, and produce, process and prepare much of the food available, thereby giving them primary responsibility for food security.Bearing in mind that 76% of the extreme poor live in rural areas, ensuring rural women’s access to productive agricultural resources contributes to decreasing world hunger and poverty, and make rural women critical for the success of the new Sustainable Development agenda for 2030.

    In Uganda, the picture is no different with four out of every five women in the country employed in agriculture. These facts go to show that women hold an important role in the production that fuels our economic growth and well-being. Although there have been efforts in enhancing gender equality in recent years, there are still many existing barricades that impede rural  women’s economic and social empowerment that enhance their resilience to poverty, hunger and malnutrition.

    Interestingly, the International Day for Rural Women is followed by World Food Day (16 October, themed, “Change the future of Migration: Invest in Food Security and Rural Development”) and International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (17 October) all of which are this year highlighting issues that are inextricably linked with rural women’s empowerment.

  • Understanding and Tracking Uganda’s Performance on the CAADP Commitments

    Non-State Actors Orientation Session to be held on the theme: “In recognition of the key accountability role that CSOs play in bringing credibility to the Malabo Declaration, CAADP and Mutual Accountability Processes in Uganda”

    Date: 25 – 26 September 2017

    Venue: Kampala

    See concept for details

    TA NSA Orientation poster

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Organised by Food Rights Alliance in partnership with Trust Africa Foundation

  • FRA HOLDS ELECTIVE ANNUAL GENERAL Meeting 2017

    The 4th Annual General Meeting of the Food Rights Alliance was held on Friday 25th August 2017. This was the 2nd elective assembly since the establishment of FRA as an independent secretariat in 2014. This colourful event saw the alliance constitutionally transition its leadership following 3 years of service.

    Opening the ceremony, Mr. John Segujja the outgoing BOD Chairperson commended the Alliance on the numerous achievements it had realised in the last 3 years under his leadership. He gave members a synopsis view of what transpired during the year since July 2016 and highlights from in and around the Alliance since the appointment of the Board of Directors (BOD) on 28th August 2014.

    During the event, two new members of the Alliance were presented to the assembly. These were: Welthungerhilfe and Katakwi Conserve Uganda.

    In an animated handover ceremony, the members of the outgoing Board of Directors were appreciated for their committed service to the Alliance with certificates of recognition from the FRA Secretariat.

    Through an open and transparent election that was overseen by Mr. Magelah Peter a consultant with Chapter Four Uganda, FRA saw into office its new
    Board of Directors that committed to provide the Secretariat and the Alliance as a whole good governorship through the next three years.

    The newly elected governing body is comprised of: Mr. James Kaija (FOTU) the BOD Chairperson, Ms. Jane Nalunga (SEATINI) the BOD Vice Chairperson, Mr. Henry Richard Kimera the Treasurer, Mr. Stephen Akonyu (WoWNI), Mr. Crespo Mubalya (VEDCO), Ms. Evelyn Chelangat (CAFHUR), Mr. Kabanda David (CEHURD), Mr. Maumbe Fred Mike (FORINET -EU) and Mr. Aggrey Nshekanabo (Send a Cow Uganda).

    We would like to offer the elected our most sincere congratulations upon their assumption of their new responsibilities as the Board of Directors. We at the Secretariat pledge our continued support and look forward to a strong, dynamic comradeship in promoting the Right to Food in Uganda.

    Would you like to see more pictures from this event? Visit our Flickr gallery here: FRA 2017 AGM

  • Uganda Hosts 11th International Conference on Community-Based Adaptation

    reFrom 26-29 June, Uganda hosted the 11th International Conference on Community-Based Adaptation (CBA11) to climate change that took place in Kampala. The event that brought together policymakers, development partners and practitioners working on community-based adaptation at the various levels focused on harnessing natural resources and ecosystems for adaptation.

    Parallel to the main CBA11 conference, a Youth Conference was held on 28th – 28th June at Hotel Africana. The conference which focused on enhancing the ability of youth to build ecosystem resilience, examined ways ideas and innovations of youth can be incorporated in the policy recommendation on community-based adaptation to climate change

    This event brought together perspectives from youth representatives working at the grassroots across the region to answer some of the critical questions relating to the future of young people’s engagement in agriculture in an era of climate change and out-migration.  It provided a valuable opportunity for youth representatives from Eastern Africa and South Asia including staff of FRA to raise their voice in the increasingly important policy dialogue relating to migration and climate change, breaking down mainstream assumptions about the role of youth in agriculture and natural resource management, the drivers of migration and responses to climate stress.

    Discussions and recommendations from the conference formed the ‘Youth Position Statement’ which was presented to the main CBA event. Additionally, the conference played a vital role in building a stronger network among youth participants and sharing their knowledge and ideas.

  • Holds FRA Holds Strategic Thinking Session on Integrated Water and Land Resource Management

    On 26th June, FRA in partnership with her Financial Partner Trocaire held a strategic thinking session to kick start a debate on attaining an integrated water and land resource management system in Uganda.

    The session brought together representatives from the line Ministries (MWE, MLHUD, MAAIF); Kampala City Council Authority, private sector; water and land rights champions; media; academia and staff from project partners to deliberate on integrated water and land resource management in Uganda with a goal of achieving the national development and transformation goals.

    Making his key note address, Mr. Stephen Muwaya the National Coordinator – Sustainable Land Management MAAIF noted that although land degradation is recognised as a major impediment to development, it has not received the desired attention in the development agenda of Uganda. However, he noted that MAAIF working with other four Ministry sectors has development the strategic investment framework for sustainable land management. He urged CSOs to undertake a review of the framework and employ it in their awareness creation and advocacy for more resources to support land based investments.

    Land is a critical foundation for many livelihoods due to its contribution to agriculture and the national economy. People’s livelihoods in Uganda are inextricably linked to sound natural resource management. On the other hand, water is a key strategic resource and access to clean water is a fundamental human right. As such maintaining good water quality and adequately managed aquatic resources is essential for advancing development and promoting a healthy population. Controlling industrial pollution and soil erosion to ensure good water quality should be a key interest of the Legislature. Water resource use planning needs to be improved, particularly as water resources are increasingly being used for commercial agriculture and hydropower.

    Water and land  are  basic  resources  for  virtually  all  socio-economic activities  and  these resources  should  be  sustainably  utilized  to cater for the future generation.

  • Validation of Uganda's SDG 2 Review Report

    The National Planning Authority (NPA) in collaboration with World Food Programme (WFP) and other Stakeholders carried out an SDG2 Strategic Review. This review focused on how SDG2 targets on “ending hunger, food security, improved nutrition and promotion of sustainable agriculture will be localized within the Ugandan context. Led by the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), this Review examines Uganda’s preparedness to achieve the goal and its five (5) targets. It offers an in-depth analysis of the Food and Nutrition Security (FNS) situation in Uganda and examines the extent to which existing policies, legal and institutional frameworks as well as programmes have addressed the food and nutrition issues in the country. This Review further identifies the gaps and recommends the strategic interventions that the country needs to implement to facilitate the achievement of SDG2 and its targets in an inclusive manner. Although this review focuses on SDG2, it takes cognizance of the inter-linkages between the 17 goals.

    With the conclusion of this, a validation meeting was held on 12th May, 2017 as part of the efforts to ensure the validity of the review report findings and recommendation. This meeting brought on board representatives from civil society, private sector, development partners, and agribusiness among other players.

    Findings from this review indicate a number of alarming areas of concern for the country. To start with, the review highlighted the depth of hunger in the country as still high. It further showed that the “diets of most Ugandans remain inadequate both in terms of quantity (adequacy and availability) and quality (diversity and safety)”. While the SDGs are hinged on the premise that no one is left behind, the findings reveal uneven progress in improving the food security situation across the country.

    Progress based on Uganda’s geographical regions, shows that eastern Uganda is regressing—registering an increase in the prevalence of food insecurity from 33 to 46 percent during the 2009/10 and 2015/16 reporting periods, as compared to their counterparts in the western region. Among other finding this review took stock of the reduction in the levels of under nutrition in the country, with indicators like stunting reducing from 33 percent in 2009/10 to 27 percent by 2015/16. The review also noted the increasing trend of obesity among women in the country over the past 20 years that is from 8 percent in 1995 to 19 percent in 2011. This Review generated a number of other findings like; low access to school meals, low agricultural productivity, limited use of sustainable land management practices, increasing natural shocks which aggravate food insecurity, unrestricted trade in food products and erosion of Genetic Diversity among others.

    This Review emphasized the urgent need to renew the political commitment to FNS through translating the various plans and policies into concrete actions—supported with the required budgets. Specifically, “the government must earmark funding for different proposed FNS interventions”. The Review furthermore noted the importance of mainstreaming development partner support for FNS within the public budget and to strengthen the multi-sectoral approach to the delivery of interventions by engaging the private sector and NGOs.

    Clearly this Review was timely as the country prepares for the High Level Political Forum on SGDs in New York, 2017, which will review a number of goals, SDG2 being one of them. It is also a stepping stone for government, civil society, development partners, private sector and citizens to reflect on areas that need our input for a sustainable and equal change.

    Regina Kayoyo

    Food Rights Alliance

  • CSOs Hold Preparatory Meeting for High Level Political Forum on SDGs

    On 25th April, over 50 CSO representatives under the hospice of NGO-Forum participated in a preparatory meeting for the upcoming High Level Political Forum on SGDs in New York, 2017. This Forum will be convened under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council from 10th to 19th July. The theme for this year’s Forum will be “Eradicating poverty and promoting prosperity in a changing world”.

    The set of goals to be reviewed in depth will be the following; Goal 1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere. Goal 2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture. Goal 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Goal 5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Goal 9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation. Goal 14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. And Goal 17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development – that will be reviewed each year.

    The National Reference Group on SDGs committed itself to develop an Annual SDG Review report. This report is envisaged to be a standalone report and also an input into the National Development Review Report to be produced annually. In order for civil society to ensure that there is ongoing attention to the SDGs, this report will be released as part of the country level focus at the High Level Political Forum. The Report will therefore feed into discussions at the national level as well as the global level that focus on the High Level Political Forum. While Uganda was voluntarily reviewed in 2016 as one of the first countries to offer itself, civil society believes that to continue to produce annual analytical reviews on the goals under review each year is important.

    This meeting thus enabled participants to collectively share, learn and reflect on how they can meaningfully engage and influence this process at the national. Six Technical Working Groups were constituted, each with a group leader to drive the development of a 3 paged analysis of their specific goals. This report will also show the key actions that need to be urgently taken by the government and stakeholders to ensure that we achieve the relevant targets under review. Food Rights Alliance with The Hunger Project Uganda were chosen as heads of the TWG on SDG2. We call upon other organizations to join this process.

     

    Regina Kayoyo

    Food Rights Alliance

     

  • Farm planning: The Neglected Miracle Approach towards Household Food Security

    The Farm Planning model is FRA’s original conceptualized approach which was further developed following “under the tree shed” discussions held with project beneficiaries in Soroti and Katakwi districts in response to the severe food insecurity situation they were facing coupled with social conflicts at household and community level which were increasing vulnerability to a spectrum of social conflicts like child trafficking, domestic violence among others.

    FRA noticed that amidst all the limitations to the realisation of the human Right to Food, the collapse of the rural economy and absence of cash crops has raised the burden to food crops that doubles as food and income options at household and community level.

    Unanimously consensus was built to come up with a model that recognises the two critical aspects of food and income at household level and devise a balanced solution to both challenges.

    This model presupposes that food and the process of its production are prioritized in resource allocation including inputs, labour and time. The model further encourages separation of food and means of its production from production for other purposes to avoid conflict in its utilization, valuing food and processes of its production in order to realise maximum utilization.

    Take a look at this model through first-hand experiences from our model farmers of its implementation, progress and therein its successes. Meet farmers FRA is working with in Soroti and Katakwi Districts, learn about their lives, challenges and ways they have been able to overcome them using this model.

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