Re:BUiLD, KOWED partnership kicks off in earnest

25 September 2023-Kampala, Uganda. Members of USLAs formed by KOWED touring Capsicum Valley Products farm during a training of hydroponic farm setup and vertical farming management. 61 individuals representing 6 USLAs in Kampala were trained to be Trainers of Trainees, TOTs. (PHOTO: KOWED)

The Re:BUiLD Program’s new partner, Kandaakiat for Women Empowerment & Development, KOWED, in September 2023 kicked off activities aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Kampala. KOWED conducted a comprehensive training program focusing on hydroponics and vertical farming, benefiting 61 individuals who were trained as Trainers of Trainees (TOTs).

These 61 individuals are representatives from 6 Urban Savings and Loan Associations (USLAs) whose membership comprised of urban refugees and hosts in Kampala. The training equipped participants with environmentally friendly farming methods for economic empowerment, development, and food security—especially critical for both refugees and host communities in Kampala. The TOTs would later train members of their different savings groups on setting up hydroponic farms and the best practices in managing them.  

In the case of hydroponics – a modern technique of growing food using a water-based nutrient solution rather than soil, Colleter Abith hopes trained community members will grow their own food within small portions of land, a shift from the conventional farming.  Land and space have been a major setback for urban refugees like Abith.

“One of our group members has land, we will use the land to establish our farm. We’re looking at planting lettuce, spring onions, spinach since this only requires a small space,” Abith told Re:BUiLD in Action.

Participants visited the Capsicum Valley Products' urban farming demonstration farm where they were exposed to hands-on experience to equip them with practical knowledge of hydroponics and vertical farming, farm waste management, different techniques of acquiring one’s own seedlings, and the making of organic manure.

Putting the learning into practice, KOWED has started constructing its hydroponics farms and planting fodder, fruits, and vegetables. The farms will serve as demonstration farms for the community-based trainers and help them to facilitate knowledge sharing to members of USLAs.

Apalang Yak, the KOWED Project Officer says promoting sustainable urban farming practices will ensure food security and generate income for urban refugee who are expected to fend for themselves without food assistance that their counterparts in settlements receive.

At least 150 interested members from the 6 USLAs formed with support from KOWED in the Re:BUiLD Program third year will be trained to establish their urban farms.

KOWED refugee women-led foundation in Uganda dedicated to empowering refugee women to access basic needs, and advocate for their rights