The success story of the Konya Women's Group in Payila Village, Pawor Sub County, Uganda, located alongside the River Nile, is a fantastic example of the transformative power of the integrated health and sustainability project initiated by RICE West Nile, with support and funding from CHASE Africa.
This area of Uganda can often suffer from dry, poor soil quality, unreliable rains and land degradation. Through several training sessions, the group gained important skills and knowledge around practical farming methods, composting, rainwater harvesting and crop preferences. These sessions highlighted the benefits of sustainable farming practices over immediate financial assistance and encouraged environmental sustainability, alongside farming methodology.
The project has refreshed the land around the community
The women quickly saw that the land around them offered an opportunity to grow their own food and sell the surplus at market, providing much needed income. As well as the health and financial benefits, the project has given the community a diversification from fishing, leading to better management around the river and overreliance on it for food and livelihoods.
With our support RICE West Nile also run a community healthcare programme, giving these remote fishing communities access to healthcare, family planning and information around health and rights. With this coordinated and integrated support the Konya Women’s group continue to thrive, grow and manage the land around them and are an important part of a happier, healthier community.
