28 Innovators Graduate Under SNV– INCLUDE–LADA Livestock Project in Rukungiri

Rukungiri: 28 Farmer innovators (PIs) have graduated under the Inclusive Livestock Development for Smallholder Farmers (INCLUDE) project, funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands through SNV in Uganda. The project is implemented in Rukungiri district by the Literacy Action and Development Agency (LADA).

The graduation ceremony was held December 9, at Kajunju Primary School in Kanjunju Cell, Ndere Parish, Ruhinda Sub-county, Rukungiri District.

LADA Executive Director Arthur Mbabazi said the project is being implemented in four sub-counties of Rukungiri District: Nyakishenyi, Ruhinda, Bwambara, and Bugangari. He explained that the project aims to increase livestock productivity, improve household nutrition and strengthen farmers’ access to markets.

Mbabazi added that the project uses the Participatory Integrated Planning (PIP) approach, where selected smallholder farmers are trained as “innovators” for over eight months. Each (PIs) is expected to train at least 10 other community members, known as Generation One (G1) farmers.

Rukungiri District Principal Community Development Officer Charline Twesiime thanked LADA and SNV for empowering communities, noting that if residents apply the skills they have been taught, they can reduce poverty and domestic violence.

She said the project equips households with financial literacy and encourages productive use of funds from government programs such as WEP and PDM. She also urged men to participate actively, saying such initiatives should not be left to women alone.

SNV Livestock Adviser Isaac Kambugu encouraged farmers to plan for their household projects, especially livestock, just as the government plans for national development. He reminded beneficiaries that SNV will not give them handouts but will continue equipping them with knowledge to make the best use of what they already have.

Guest of honour, Assistant CAO Tracy Asiimwe, urged communities to always consult government officials for information about various government programs. She commended SNV INCLUDE, and LADA for using a unique approach that focuses on imparting knowledge rather than distributing physical items. She also encouraged the public to register for national IDs to benefit from government programs.

Some of the graduates including Beteth Twikyirize, Simprisio Arineitwe, William Tumuranze, Edridah Niwamanya, Rosebero Kabandebe, and Charles Katyaza said they have gained valuable skills in farming and livestock management. They vowed to dedicate more time to their production activities to transition into commercial livestock farming. They added that they have also learned teamwork within families, setting goals, and planning for the future.