Rhino Camp: Jica transforming livelihoods of West Nile Farmers

photo by Justine Nalubega. Vice President Jica Naoki Ando after cutting tapeof the storage facility JICA's Senior Vice President, Mr. Naoki Ando, responsible for Africa, governance, and peacebuilding issues, including refugee programs, handed over a rice storage facility to members of the Rhino refugee settlement in West Nile, Arua. This initiative is part of a broader partnership between JICA, the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), UNHCR, and Eco Pride under the Promotion of Rice Development Project. The project celebrated the launch of Nerica 4 rice cultivation at Rhino Camp, which began in 2022 with 32 farmers. The storage facility, handed over by Mr. Ando, marks a significant milestone in the project’s progress. The Promotion of Rice Development Project was initiated in 2022 to improve agricultural practices in refugee communities. Under the "Musomesa Project," JICA trained local farmers, including refugees, in rice cultivation. As a result, the group of farmers is now planning to rent additional land to expand their rice plantations. This project has been instrumental in providing jobs, particularly for women from Sudan, the DRC, and other neighboring countries. Senior Officer of NARO Emmanuel Odama, stressed that their mandate is to improve agriculture in communities, especially for refugees, by providing practical support. Instead of giving fish, we are teaching farmers how to fish. We conduct field training to equip farmers with the skills needed to put food on their tables. In West Nile, the promotion of Nerica 4 rice has significantly increased productivity, starting with 1,500 kg per hectare and now reaching 5,000 kg per hectare. This rise in productivity is vital for ensuring food security in the region." Prime Minister Hinowe Stated that they're promoting rice as a cash crop in West Nile to combat hunger. By encouraging rice cultivation, we hope to ensure food security and improve livelihoods in the region."

JICA Senior Vice President Mr. Naoki Ando, Said that African countries are currently facing many challenges, but Uganda is making significant progress. JICA has introduced a policy to promote rice production in the West Nile region, which includes opening this new storage facility. We urge the government to provide more land to help further expand rice cultivation and drive hunger out of the region." Maria Chepkemoi, Eco Pride Representative informed that Eco Pride, through the Promotion of Rice Development (Nerica 4) project, is committed to helping rice farmers in Rhino Camp develop sustainable seed businesses and create market opportunities in the region. We began in 2022 with 32 farmers working on less than an acre of land. With the support of NARO, we have been able to train farmers to improve their yields and build a more sustainable future for rice farming in the area." This joint effort between JICA, NARO, UNHCR, and Eco Pride is expected to improve food security and economic stability for refugee communities in West Nile by fostering sustainable agricultural practices.