Heifer Uganda

Below the poverty line

Children under 5 are malnourished

Rely on agriculture for livelihood

Download Fact Sheet
Uganda

Since 1990, Uganda has made great strides in reducing extreme hunger and poverty. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Uganda reduced hunger by 15 percent, but under nutrition increased by 30 percent (UNDP). Uganda ranks 164 out of 187 countries according to the United Nation’s Human Development Index (2014). Almost 38 percent of its 85 million people live below the poverty line, or $1.25 a day, and 14 percent of its children under 5 are malnourished. 

Eighty-five percent of Uganda’s population live in rural areas. Seventy-one percent of its land area is used for agricultural purposes and 66 percent of its total population relies on agriculture for its livelihood, indicating the importance of livestock and crops for small-scale farmers.

6176 Families
Were Assisted in FY2014

Livestock Placed In FY2014

  • Oxen
  • Cattle
  • Goats
  • Fish

Our Work In Uganda

In Uganda, we work closely with communities and invest in local capacity and appropriate technologies, as well as provide livestock and other agricultural resources. We have created a unique approach to sustainable livelihood development that builds on social capital and creates social justice. Our strategy is anchored in the 12 Cornerstones for Just and Sustainable Development, including the practice of Passing on the Gift® (POG). Families that receive resources from our programs—such as livestock, seeds or training—share the first offspring, training, seeds, farm equipment and support to other families in need in their community. The practice of POG allows the receiver to become the giver and creates social capital.

Peya village, Uganda.
Rosemary Akello (23) and her son Ojok Ronney (2) feed one of the family’s cows in Peya village, Uganda.

  • Women’s Empowerment

    Leadership training, Business acquisition Animal ownership, Participation

  • Increased Income

    Value chain access

  • Social Capital

    HIV/AIDS trainings, 12 Cornerstones for Just and Sustainable Development, Passing on the Gift®

  • Nutrition

    Farm diversity, Food security, Nutrition training

  • Environment

    Appropriate technology, Agroecology Biogas, Improved cookstoves, Climate change adaptation

Programs and Projects

  • Care and Livelihoods Integrated Project
  • East Africa Dairy Development Project (EADD)
  • Integrated Dairy Livelihood Project
  • Climate Change Smart Options Project
  • Dairy Goat Project for HIV/AIDs Project

Project Partners

Funders

  • Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
  • Volunteers in Irish Veterinary Assistance (VIVA)
  • World Vision
  • Hima Cement
  • Tororo Cement
  • Action on Poverty (APT) - UK
  • Department for International Development - UK
  • Bóthar
  • Embassy of Ireland
  • Jane Goodall Institute
  • Just Like My Child

Local implementing partners

  • Volunteers Effort for Development Concern (VEDCO)
  • International Institute for Rural Reconstruction (IIRR)
  • Government of Uganda
  • Uganda Cares
  • Farmers’ Producer Organizations
  • Techno Serve
  • World Agro-forestry
  • Africa, Breeders Services Total Cattle Management (ABS)

Contact

Heifer International Uganda

Heifer International Uganda

Plot 6 Clement Road, Nakasero P.O. Box 28491, Kampala, Uganda

T: 265-41-231828

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