Farmers and women entrepreneurs in the Karamoja sub-region are taking charge of their nutrition and health through initiatives that are transforming their communities. Their progress is driven by the Catalyzing Strengthened Policy Action for Healthy Diets and Resilience, or CASCADE, project launched in 2022.
The five-year initiative is implemented by a consortium led by CARE International Uganda, in partnership with GAIN, the Africa Innovation Institute and Kyambogo University’s Department of Food Science and Dietetics, with support from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The project aims to reduce malnutrition and promote healthier, more diverse diets.
Farmers have been trained to grow nutrient-rich, drought-resistant crops such as iron-rich beans, pumpkins and orange-fleshed sweet potatoes—foods well-suited to Karamoja’s harsh climate. Alfred Oyori, a production farmer in Abim district, said he was trained in producing high-quality seeds that yield better harvests. He said the project has strengthened his agricultural investments, particularly in beans and green vegetables, which have helped reduce hunger in his household.
Oyori added that his farmers’ group learned seed preservation and packaging techniques and has since been certified by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries as local seed producers.
In Moroto district, Eriminia Narika from Nadiket village said CASCADE improved their farming methods. She said farmers previously planted seeds haphazardly, but training in smart agriculture and gender has empowered them to form groups, grow diverse vegetables and earn income by selling produce in Moroto town.
Women are also gaining economic independence through value addition. Jackline Lomilo, chairperson of the Sun Business Network in Karamoja and owner of Atama Enterprise, said she now deep-fries and packages silver fish (Mukene) and groundnut paste (Odi) for sale. She said CASCADE trained her to strengthen her enterprise, helping her stabilize the business and mentor other women.
Jenifer Anena, chairperson of the Sun Business Network in Gulu district, said she focuses on adding value to foods that address micronutrient deficiencies, especially among children under 5 and pregnant women.
Nick Obot, CASCADE project manager at GAIN, said the project works with food businesses producing safe, nutritious products. Farmers and entrepreneurs receive training in food safety, product development and good manufacturing practices. They are also taught how to blend ingredients such as silver fish, soybeans, rice and millet into nutritious foods.
Grace Kemirembe, programs manager for livelihood programs at CARE International Uganda, emphasized the need to address malnutrition at the household level. She said cultural norms often restrict consumption of certain foods, and while women produce nutritious foods, they still face challenges with storage, value addition, standardization and access to markets.
Kemirembe said malnutrition affects 10 million Ugandans, including children under 5 and women of reproductive age. Stunting stands at 23.5%. Refugee households face even greater challenges, with 63% affected. She added that climate change is reducing food production, making innovative strategies and increased government and donor support essential for improving nutrition outcomes.
