A prosperous farmer in Buwunga Masaka Uganda

For many years Josephine Nalule, from Buwunga village in Masaka Uganda, relied on securing casual work from neighbors to provide for her family and the two young children. Life was a struggle and the families were often left hungry and surviving on one meal a day.

In early 2011, Josephine joined women self help and farmers’ group that NIRP Uganda mobilized and formed. Here she learnt how he could start growing vegetables using water from a nearby river.

Working hard for better yields.

Farming tips: She learnt which vegetables would provide the best profits, how to prepare her land for planting using manure pits, and practical tips including how much space to leave between plants and the benefits of pruning his tomatoes.

Children help their mothers to make both ends meet

Her farm is now thriving and is filled with cabbages, beet root, beans, tomatoes, carrots, peppers and watermelons. It is now even being used as a training school.

Vegetables are in high demand in the nearby trading centre, where Joseph’s produce earns her around Euro 4.2 each day. Even after investing in her garden she still has more than €30 a month – enough to cover food and other household essentials.

Three meals a day

Life has improved dramatically for the family, Josephine said: “Since I joined this self help and farming group, my family can now have three meals a day compared to before when we could go hungry at times.”

Josephine is keen to expand her vegetable garden and invest in a motorized pump to help her water her crops during the dry season. She lives now a happy life and her family. She has high hopes for the future and said: “By the beginning of 2014 I plan to be a major vegetable supplier in Masaka district.” Thanks for the generosity people like you that enable us make a difference in the lives the most vulnerable members in our targeted communities.