Life line: Restored boreholes have brought relief to communities in Uganda
In 2022, images on social media of elderly people starving in Karamoja led to a swift humanitarian response
By Connie Akware
Restored boreholes in Karamoja has brought hope to the “forgotten corner” of north-east of Uganda. The semi-arid region is characterised by drought, poor service delivery and, most recently, malnutrition.
Limited surface water, an increasingly hot climate and shorter rainy seasons have brought about soil erosion and land degradation for pastoralists. Cattle rustling has become a problem.
As a result, farmers are struggling.
In 2022, images of starving, elderly people sent shock waves across social media.
Immediate assessment
ForAfrika immediately investigated with a rapid needs assessment. The team witnessed women and children struggling to eat raw sorghum, while mothers tried hopelessly to breastfeed their babies. Some of the elderly were too weak to walk. They had to crawl.
ForAfrika’s findings led to a phased approach to the looming food crisis: emergency food rations, followed by support for the community to grow their own food once more.
Restoring boreholes is first step
An integral part of this was restoring boreholes. Ten boreholes have been rehabilitated to date, serving 2,250 households – and their livestock.
“We have been moving long distances in search of water for our animals and crops, so it’s a blessing for us to have ForAfrika fix our community’s borehole,” says Harriet Ayen of the Atedeoi’Lopei farmers group. The cattle have even been able to produce more milk.
Additionally, vegetable gardens have been created. An emphasis has been placed on school and clinic gardening.
“Schoolchildren are taught to plant their own lunches! Eggplants, tomatoes, cabbages, onion and okra seedlings have germinated well and are growing vigorously,” says Abala Kenneth, ForAfrika’s Food Security and Livelihoods Officer.
Additionally, gardens have also been established at clinics to give new mothers and pregnant women access to highly nutritious vegetables that also boost breastmilk production. These women are trained to replicate the gardens at home.
Gardening sprouts hope
“A few months ago, no one would have believed that anything green could sprout from the forgotten Karamoja region,” says Abala, pointing to flourishing circular gardens.
Thankfully, Swiss donors and Life Outreach International have sponsored the fixes in Karamoja and other areas of Uganda.
“ForAfrika has brought us hope, God bless you as you continue to support us,” says Harriet.
Connie Akware is Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant in Uganda
