ICARE Project Success Story: Empowering Vulnerable Households through Nutrition and Economic Growth

This success story showcases the transformative journey of Yowana and Rozolina, residents of Nabitalo village in Kiige parish, Kagumba sub-county, Kamuli district. Through the support and interventions provided by the ICARE project, this household overcame economic challenges and improved the nutrition and livelihood of their family. By introducing innovative agricultural practices and fostering economic growth, ICARE empowered Yowana and Rozolina to create sustainable income streams and ensure the well-being of their children. This success story exemplifies the positive impact of the ICARE project in building resilient communities and enhancing livelihoods.

Yowana and Rozolina’s household, situated along the shores of the River Nile, relied on fishing as their primary source of income. However, when strict fishing regulations were enforced by the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), their economic stability was severely impacted. Recognizing the vulnerability of this household, ICARE initiated interventions to address their nutritional needs, create economic opportunities, and improve their overall well-being.

Key Interventions and Milestones:
The ICARE project implemented several interventions to support Yowana and Rozolina’s household:

1. Care Plan Development: After conducting a vulnerability assessment, ICARE identified malnourished children and a lack of stable income as key challenges within the household. A comprehensive case care plan was developed to address these gaps. ICARE’s community health worker and the caregiver collaborated to review the care plan and explore economic opportunities that could serve as a response to emergencies.
2. Agricultural Empowerment: ICARE’s community health worker introduced the concept of growing Tamarinds and improved Amaranthus (Doodo) to boost nutrition and generate income for the household. Recognizing the potential of this venture, the caregiver embraced the idea and received seeds from the community health worker. They planted the seeds, leading to positive changes in their livelihood trajectory.

Measurable Progress and Achievements:
Yowana and Rozolina’s household experienced tangible improvements in their lives through the ICARE project:

1. Nutritional Enhancement: The cultivation of Tamarinds and improved Amaranthus (Doodo) significantly improved the household’s nutrition. Rozolina shared that the inclusion of these nutritious plants in their meals had positively impacted the health and well-being of their children.
2. Economic Growth: The sale of seeds from Tamarinds and Amaranthus became a sustainable source of income for the household. Rozolina expressed gratitude for the support and skills received from ICARE, highlighting that they anticipated harvesting over 50 kilograms of seeds, which could be sold at Uganda Shillings 2,500 per kilogram. This income allowed them to save, support their grandchild living with HIV, cover transportation costs to reach the health facility, and purchase essential household items.

The success story of Yowana and Rozolina’s household exemplifies the transformative impact of the ICARE project in Nabitalo village. Through the introduction of innovative agricultural practices and economic empowerment, ICARE enabled this vulnerable household to overcome economic challenges, improve nutrition, and enhance their overall livelihoods. The ICARE project continues to uplift communities by fostering resilience, empowering individuals, and creating sustainable opportunities for growth. Yowana and Rozolina’s journey serves as a testament to the positive change that can be achieved when communities are provided with the necessary support and resources.