NORWAY 'S AMBASSADOR TO UGANDA H.E ANNE KRISTIN HERMANSEN VISITS BIDIBIDI REFUGEE SETTLEMENT IN YUMBE DISTRICT- FEBRUARY 2024.
It was a great honour to host the Norwegian Ambassador H.E Anne Kristin Hermansen in Bidibidi Refugee Settlement in Yumbe district to interact with a few farmers who shared their experiences on block farming systems of cassava growing adopted by Caritas Uganda in partnership with Caritas Norway to respond to World Food Programme (WFP) policy on prioritization to general food assistance to refugees introduced in July 2023.
H.E Anne Kristin Hermansen visited one of the Community Farmer Field Schools in Tapayi 1 Bidibidi Refugee Settlement to witness the land availability for the refugees and early land preparation as a way of improving production and productivity for food security and nutrition under the Humanitarian Food Income and Improved Livelihood Program.
To enhance the purpose and vision among farmers in Bidibidi Refugee Settlement, Caritas Uganda set up a Community Agriculture Demonstration Centre at Ochogandi to experiment with the different food security and initiatives; post-harvest and storage, water harvesting, irrigation system, seedling production unit, vegetable garden, banana plantation, learning center, hatchery and compost making plant site.
H.E Anne Kristin Hermansen Norway’s Ambassador to Uganda commissioned the irrigation system, chicken hatchery, and compost-making at the demonstration center.
To enhance economic empowerment Caritas Uganda supports young adolescent girls and young women in Bidibidi Refugee Settlement with skills training in sweater knitting, soap making, shoe making, and value addition of selected agricultural enterprises such as tomatoes, mangoes, and bananas. This has fostered increased household income and self-sustenance among young women and girls.
Norway’s Ambassador to Uganda H.E Anne Kristin Hermansen witnessed the production of goods such as sweaters, shoes, bar and liquid soap, mango juice, tomato ketchup, bakery, and confectioneries made by the women.
Aquaculture plays a significant role in global food security by supplementing seafood and alleviating pressure on natural aquatic ecosystems. Caritas Uganda with support from Caritas Norway has equipped farmers in Bidibidi Refugee Settlement with skills and knowledge in fish farming and management
E Anne Kristin Hermansen Norway’s Ambassador to Uganda interacted with fish farmers who shared their stories on how aquaculture has contributed to their nutrition, dietary needs, and income improvement at household levels.
Courtesy visits to the Bidibidi Settlement Commandant, Office of the Prime Minister Uganda, and the Yumbe District Local Government Office play a crucial role in establishing collaborative partnerships, gaining local insights, securing support, and ensuring compliance, ultimately contributing to the successful implementation of the Humanitarian Food and Improved Income Project in diverse socio-cultural and administrative contexts.
